An elderly actor hosts a dinner that evolves into something unexpected.An elderly actor hosts a dinner that evolves into something unexpected.An elderly actor hosts a dinner that evolves into something unexpected.
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- Bill
- (as Joe Hamilton)
- Stagehand
- (uncredited)
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The storyline, written by Stirling Silliphant, may remind you of material Claude Rains also did for Hitch, the downtrodden, poor old gent who could use a break. You have to love Marshall's name, Colin Bragner(?), a fading star, and one who could really get into his role -- without giving too much away. With no job prospects, Colin takes a chance and invites young and upcoming producer Tom Helmore and his wife Julie Adams to his home to have a nice, friendly get-together... and whatever comes next. In short, Marshall delivers a memorable performance.
Bartlett Robinson, usually at home playing stuffed shirts, plays Mr. Robinson, in a role obviously written for him, also veteran actress Kitty Kelly (as Marie), who appeared in scores of movies.
Excellent three character study, again showing the wide range of material Stirling Silliphant could write, soon to create NAKED CITY and ROUTE 66. He had the coolest name in tv at the time.
FYI; Tom Helmore appeared in VERTIGO for Hitch.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 39 remastered CBS dvd box set. 16 hrs running time. All seven seasons are now on dvd in a single box set. Released 2022.
I was also genuinely caught out by the twist usually I see them coming or it's easy to guess.
Well acted, interesting, emotionally moving, uplifting and relevant today.
"Little White Frock" is a wonderful last episode to Season 3 and one of the season's best. Most of Herschel Daugherty's episodes were solid and more, and "Little White Frock" is one of the best of them and his best since "The Creeper" and perhaps surpassed only by that. It is a very different episode in that it is not about a crime strictly speaking and is more a character study with the themes of loss and betrayal, which is all done brilliantly in an episode that haunts the mind and tugs at the heart.
Playing a huge part in "Little White Frock's" success is the very powerful performance of Herbert Marshall, one that really hits skin deep emotionally and is really one of those performance of a lifetime performances. One of the best leading performances of the season along with Barbara Bel Geddes in "Lamb to the Slaughter". Tom Helmore and Julie Adams are also splendid and the dynamic between the three throughout is dynamite.
Furthermore, the episode is well made visually, especially the photography which has a lot of style and atmosphere. Simple but not simplistic. The main theme in the music, "Funeral March for a Marionette" has never been utilised better in film or television, is still haunting and has always fitted perfectly with the tone of the series. The script is incredibly thought provoking and not too rambling or wordy (despite there being a lot of talk, appropriate considering the story being told) or soapy, with some typically ironic bookending from Hitchcock.
The storytelling is pretty much spot on too, didn't mind at all that it was not the suspenseful or macabre kind and was more reflective, more personal and more emotional. The story that is told really tugged at my heart strings and is poignantly melancholic without wallowing in sentiment, rounded off beautifully by a very unexpected and clever ending.
Concluding, absolutely wonderful end to a solid enough season and a season high point. 10/10.
Did you know
- TriviaOne of the few episodes of the show without any criminal elements in it.
- Quotes
[introduction - Hitchcock, wearing a hay and mustache, is putting things in a box]
Alfred Hitchcock: Good evening. I was just putting weights in this box of trash so it will sink quickly. I'm about to throw it into the river. Perhaps I should explain why I'm here. Mr. Hitchcock is indisposed this evening. As a matter of fact, we can't find him anywhere. I'm quite worried. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him. You see, I'm his brother and sole heir. Of course, we mustn't let brother Alfred's absence interfere with the evening's entertainment. I'm sure he would want it that way.
[Hitchcock's "brother" takes papers out of his coat pocket]
Alfred Hitchcock: I have his notes. The second item on the agenda is a drama entitled "Little White Frock". As for the first item, he says...
[reads note]
Alfred Hitchcock: I know my brother thinks I'm rather dull and somewhat of a prude, but this language is much too frank for television. I don't know about you, but I'm very curious about anything that would provoke such language. Er, shall we have a go at it?
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
Details
- Runtime
- 30m
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1