Martha Mason, Movie Star

Pity poor husband Henry. He's middle-age, over-weight, and not very attractive, but what did he do to deserve wife Mabel. She's so deluded about her plain, average looks, she thinks she resembles movie glamour girl Martha Mason. And when not in one of her dramatic poses or fishing for compliments, she treats poor Henry with arrogant disdain even though he works hard at his office job. No wonder he looks forward every week to Wednesday night at his lodge meetings or to his afternoons gardening in the flower bed. Together, they're really just an average middle-age couple if only she would give up her extravagant illusion.

In my book, it's a really delicious twist ending, fully deserving of the Hitchcock brand name. Also, the episode provides the great Robert Emhardt one of his few sympathetic roles showing the considerable range of his talent-- no wonder he was a Hitchcock favorite. Judith Evelyn also excels as the vain, silly wife, all meaningful pauses and dramatic poses. I wouldn't be surprised writer Mason based her on a real life character who sat through too many Joan Crawford matinées. Anyway, I didn't see that ending coming and I bet others won't either. It's really a fitting lesson in manic self-absorption.

It was so funny when She out in Public looking at poster of Martha Mason while She is eating popcorn. The 2 ladies walked up with their judgemental smirks. She jus laughs them away. The reason I wanted to do this review is, watching the layout within their house. It is like I am standing in the 1st Cleaver House. From "Leave It To Beaver" I recall the 1st house then they moved once more. It jus seems to look like inside of the Beavers house.

I won't spoil the ending, other than to say that until I got there I was pretty tired of this episode. Hitchcock's portrayal of shrew-like women is pretty consistent and this is no exception. History has shown us that he was a bit of a misogynist, especially in his movies (Marnie, The Birds, etc.). The long suffering husband has been portrayed ad- infinitum. As I've tried to catch up on these episodes, I've run across so many abused men. Most recently it was the man who murdered his wife and locked her in the trunk of his car, only to be foiled by a highway patrolman. Anyway, this one is so self centered that she can't see what a nice life she has. She is enamored with some film star and truly believes that they are alike in appearance and talent. When she strikes, we know the wrong person has paid the price. Enjoy this one. It has a payoff.

Another excellent episode which proposes a tribute to the movie business. It is light hearted black humor tale, in the pure AH PRESENTS tradition. All the ingredients you crave for in this anthology show are here, nothing exceptional, but it is so tasty, to delightful. You can't despise such a show. Just a tasty little candy to enjoy.

Hitch had a loving relationship with bad marriages, and this is a gem. He cast Judith Evelyn, who previously played Miss Lonely Hearts in REAR WINDOW, now as a bitter wife who WANTS to be alone.

Mabel is a big movie fan, and in fact believes she looks like a star! Her boring husband (or is he bored with her?), appropriately played by Robert Emhardt, is cramping her style -- if not her Hollywood career -- leaving her no choice but to kill him. Yes, there's a little poetic license at work since her husband happens to be digging a hole in a garden? You know what's next, and don't forget the fake note all about him running away with another woman. How convenient, and worth a chuckle.

Supreme dark comedy, and I agree with the last reviewer, you really love to hate this woman. The fun part is guessing what's in store for cold as ice Mabel. Another treat written by Robert C. Dennis, coupled with some fine direction by Justis Addiss, who headed no less than 10 episodes.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 34 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvd. Hitch's brooding cover photo is now a classic.