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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- Writers
- Stars
- Bill
- (as Joe Hamilton)
- Stagehand
- (uncredited)
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Featured reviews
The show begins during a rehearsal for some play. The producer isn't thrilled with the reading and he wants to replace this older actor with another more talented older actor. Soon after, the producer meets up with an old has-been actor, Colin Bragner (Herbert Marshall) and he invites the producer and his wife over for dinner. The producer is loathe to accept as he figures Colin heard about the reading and wanted to audition for it. In fact, he does accept but makes it clear he isn't interested in Colin for the play....and Colin doesn't make a play for the part...at least, not directly. What's next? See the show.
This episode is very good for two reasons. The script is unique and interesting AND Marshall was a heck of a good actor. Overall, a lovely episode where no one dies, loses an eye or get robbed. Imagine that!
I'm not at all familiar with any of Herbert Marshall's other work, but this episode makes me want to find and watch it all. He's truly a captivating actor, carrying this episode entirely with his performance. I could watch this man do a dramatic reading of a phonebook!
It's appropriate that the episode ends up being a love letter to actors (which I'm sure Hitchcock just loved /s). Usually, an AHP episode with a lot of monologuing and flashbacks is a dull, dragging affair. In this case, it didn't last long enough.
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.
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