Human Interest Story

In 1959, Steve McQueen signed for two episodes with the series. Each is a superior entry. This one seems better suited for the Twilight Zone since it features a guy in a bar (Arthur Hill) who thinks he's a Martian-- hey, buddy, had one too many! Reporter McQueen is sent over to check the guy out for human interest material.

Considering that the time is mostly spent standing around and talking, audience involvement is kept up with a good script and effective acting. McQueen does an excellent job being a sympathetic skeptic as he listens to Hill's fanciful tale of life on Mars before his soul migrated to human form-- and keep those drinks coming since McQueen's publisher is paying for them. Good reactions from bar patrons as they catch snatches of Hill's wild story (then too, who is that bald fat guy whose caricature so prominently adorns the wall).

Ending is rather startling, and appropriate for Hitchcock. McQueen shows why he was on the verge of bigger and better things, while Hill makes an oddly convincing Martian. All in all, this is a faintly humorous and offbeat episode, one you're likely to remember, as I have even after all these years.

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Human Interest Story" (1959)

Opening thoughts: "Human Interest Story" is the second Norman Lloyd-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode in a row after the excellent "Your Witness" and his fifth overall, his previous four being a mixed bag quality-wise. The premise sounded quite interesting, though very 'The Twilight Zone'-ish rather than 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', and Steve McQueen (always the epitome of cool) and Arthur HIll gave many great performances in other things.

While far from a bad episode by all means, "Human Interest Story" did disappoint really considering what it had going for it. Instead of following on from excellence and continuing it, it is pretty middle of the road. Comparing it to the previous Lloyd-directed episodes, it is nowhere near as good as "Your Witness", while also miles better than the very weak "Safety of the Witness". Instead it is on the same mixed feelings level of "Six People, No Music". As far as Season 4 goes, it is neither one of the best or worst and is rather middling.

Good things: Of course there are good things. McQueen and Hill are both very good in their roles and succeed in making their characters interesting and compelling. The chemistry is also very believable. Hitchcock's bookending as to be expected is amusingly ironic.

It is nicely made visually, with some good atmosphere. It does intrigue a good deal to begin with and the ending is a real surprise.

Bad things: However, the dialogue could have been a lot tauter, as it is a very talk heavy episode and in the middle rather too talky in a rambling way. The story intrigues to begin with and ends strongly, but too much of what happens in between felt rather dully paced and over-stretchedand indicative of an episode that easily could have been ten minutes shorter.

It is quite thin plot wise, with some overlong padding, and it did feel like it ran out of ideas in the second half. Suspense is lacking quite badly and Lloyd's direction is at best undistinguished.

Closing thoughts: Summing up, could have been quite a lot better.

5/10.

Of course this is a story that you can not forget, but let's admit that this scheme has nothing to do here, in AH PRESENTS tv series, despite the famous twist ending. It is riveting, amusing, puzzling, it won't deceive you, just confuse you maybe. I don't regret though to have seen it. It is worth the watch.

As a longtime Hitchcock fan, I was completely blown away by this episode. Human Interest Story deserves way more attention- it's by far one of the most compelling half-hours of TV I've seen! Steve McQueen is fantastic as newspaperman Bill Everett, effortlessly cool yet layered with just enough depth to keep you guessing. The premise-interviewing a man who claims to be a Martian-sounds quirky, but it unfolds with real tension and a brilliant twist.

The writing is sharp, the pacing tight, and the dynamic between McQueen and Arthur Hill is top-notch. It's clever, moody, and surprisingly emotional. Honestly, this one episode alone shows why McQueen became a star. If you're a fan of smart, twisty storytelling and classic TV acting at its best, don't miss it.

This is vintage television at its finest! I'm surprised it hasn't more attention? It's thought-provoking, stylish, and unforgettable. I'll be recommending it to anyone who loves a great story well told. A perfect 10/10.