Crack of Doom

A no-limit game of poker brings a real estate man to the brink of ruin. That man is played by Wagon Train's Robert Horton and he captures his character's desperation quite well. The poker playing scenes are suspenseful, however the ending lacked a twist.

One of Hitch's famous "addiction" tales of tales, keenly written by Robert C. Dennis, as always. I've often wondered if Dennis was a card player himself?

Robert Horton (known for WAGON TRAIN), a favorite of Hitch, plays Mason, your everyday guy who likes to play a game of cards every now and then. The difference is there came a game where he got in TOO deep, relating the tale of "doom" to a friend. It happened many years ago, however to him, it was just like yesterday and all coming down to the flip of a card.

Mason jumped into a game with a slick gent named Klinker (love that name), played by screen villain par excellence Robert Middleton. Even with a suit and tie, he had the look of a not too pleasant chap. The game begins in earnest (for a few minutes...), building and building to the point where Mason could lose his shirt. He apparently has an ace in the hole, some additional money in the bank? Is it still there? Are you laughing yet?

Now everythings on the table, and what a Hitch predicament. If you're thinking the CINCINNATTI KID, this story a possible inspiration to the classic film, with far less frills, though the kid versus the old timer angle hits the bullseye.

One of those scenarios that can go either way, and even if you've seen it, worth a second and third viewing for the endgame. Both stars shine, Robert Middleton a bonafide scene stealer and deservedly so. Remembered for the DESPERATE HOURS, perhaps the reason Hitch cast him here. Look for Gavin Gordon as one of the players.

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So why doesn't Mason Bridges (Horton) play poker any more, not even a friendly game in the railway club car. The suspense doesn't really kick in until the last 5 minutes, but then it's sweaty-palms time in spades. A lot depends on that excellent actor Robert Middleton making Sam Klinker (apt name) rather dislikable. That way we can believe a prudent businessman like Bridges would risk ruin just to wipe the smile off Klinker's smug face. The revealing tale is told appropriately in flashback, and reviewer Hitchcoc is right—it's a strong entry, though there is a key development that remains something of a stretch. The hunky Robert Horton was in a number of these early episodes before joining the cast of the super-popular Wagon Train series. After abruptly quitting that series, he tried to make the jump into movies, but apparently it didn't work out. Too bad, he was an excellent actor as this 30 minutes shows. Anyway, I enjoyed Crack of Doom as a boy and am glad to return the favor, even 50 years later.

Absolutely loved the title and the premise sounded intriguing, actually one of the more interesting ones of Season 2 up to this point. Adding further to the intrigue is that "Crack of Doom" is the fourth 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' epidode directed by regular James Neilson (a relative regular for good reason). All his three previous outings ("Help Wanted", "The Orderly World of Mr Appleby" and "The Legacy") are worth watching, while neither being season or show high points.

So is "Crack of Doom". As far as Season 2 goes, it's somewhere firmly in the middle. Not one of the best or one of the worst, and doesn't fare too badly compared to the relatively mixed bag of episodes before it (where only "Conversation With a Corpse" was above very good). It doesn't quite live up to its great title but as far as the premise goes, it is more or less what was expected or maybe just a little bit less. Not a waste of potential by all means.

"Crack of Doom" has a lot of good. It is a slick looking episode and Neilson directs more than competently, with a mostly assured pace and a sense that he knew what he was doing. Hitchcock's bookending is as enjoyable and drolly ironic as ever, not coming as out of place. The main theme for the series has lost none of its memorability.

The script is thought provoking while not taking itself too seriously or coming over as verbose, it's also fun. The story does grip generally, it is straightforward but it isn't too simple while with nothing that is too challenging. Ray Collins carries the episode with confidence.

It's not a perfect episode by any stretch. There are no real surprises, with the ending being very predictable this time.

Wouldn't have said no to more suspense, this was a premise that was crying out for it and there wasn't enough of it in the final quarter. Also thought that it slackened towards the end in energy when the story struggles to reach the duration limit.

Overall, not great but pretty good. 7/10.

As usually the master Hitch appears to insert the main subject in the episode "gambling "exposing some cards, due the show was shot in black & white then the color of cards disappears on this diffuse format, so misleading the audience concerning the what coming next over a nocturne train from New York toward Chicago where the travelers ought to spending their time on gambling over so extensive journey.

One of them Mr. Mason Bridges (Robert Horton) a successful business man is ostensible against the poker suggested by his friend on board, so he explains what did happen with him is pastime that which led him dropped out this menacing game, it has connecting with color of the cards, it's an interesting story exploited by the poker face Hitchcock.

Thanks for reading.

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First watch: 2025 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.