Little White Frock

This isn't your typical episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and it's all the better for it.

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.

Herbert Marshall (who appeared for Hitch in FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT) plays himself here, a retiring actor, the difference is his stage career could use a boost.

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.

Season 3 was a season that started off absolutely wonderfully and it started off a lot more settled and more consistent than the previous two seasons. It was also another solid enough season, there were disappointments sure which was true of all 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' seasons. Such as "Silent Witness", "Dip in the Pool", "The Percentage" and especially "Sylvia". But also some absolute gems, like "The Glass Eye", "Reward to Finder", "The Right Kind of House" and particularly "Lamb to the Slaughter".

"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.

Most of the episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" are about crimes...particularly murder. However, "Little White Frock" is a show that has nothing to do with crime whatsoever...and this isn't a bad thing, as the episode is pretty good.

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!

Personally, I believe the art of storytelling is one of the great arts. In this episode two things are at issue, age and talent. Even in the 1950's age discrimination had reared its ugly head. Not much has changed. Here an old actor with great credentials attempts to re-enter the acting fray, but has no means to do it because of hot shot directors and agents who wear their prejudice on their sleeves. The tale of the sad little girl in the frock tears at our hearts. This is a tale of loss and betrayal and the destruction of a man. But, it's also a tale grabbed onto by the master and presented so beautifully. Things haven't changed much in sixty years. Perhaps this episode could teach us something.