Crack of Doom

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.

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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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.

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

I guess STRANGERS ON A TRAIN inspired, at least the first scenes of this episode which the plot has nothing to do with the famous Alfred Hitchcock's film. This is a gambler tale, poker game actually. I know nothing bout poker, so, I was more than confused by this plot. However, I got that it also was a story about gambling addiction. That's all I got; now, for the rest, I could not enjoy as much as if I was a poker player myself. Bob Middleton is the only actor I knew here. Not bad, but, again, I am not the best reviewer to give a helpful comment. Not the best I have ever seen so far in the show.