Bad Actor

Episode aired Jan 9, 1962
TV-14
30m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

485

YOUR RATING

Carole Eastman and David Lewis in Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955)

Crime Drama Mystery Thriller

An alcoholic actor strangles his friend who won his part in a play, and then tries an unusual way to try to dispose of his body.An alcoholic actor strangles his friend who won his part in a play, and then tries an unusual way to try to dispose of his body.An alcoholic actor strangles his friend who won his part in a play, and then tries an unusual way to try to dispose of his body.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

485

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos16

+ 11

User reviews7

6.9485

Featured reviews

5kevinolzak

Robert Bloch scripts, Robert Duvall stars

"Bad Actor" stars Robert Duvall as washed up actor Bart Collins, whose drinking has ruined any chance to succeed in movies and television. When he gets a shot at playing a strangler in a new play, he becomes dismayed at having to compete with his friend Jerry Lane (Charles Knox Robinson), his disdain showing itself with Collins accidentally strangling his rival, left with the problem of how to dispose of the corpse. David Lewis plays Collins' agent, and William Schallert shows up as a police lieutenant. Actress Carole Eastman would soon give up performing in front of the camera for a career as a writer. Meanwhile, "Psycho" author Robert Bloch would do one more script for the half hour Hitchcocks, continuing for the hour long version.

10tcchelsey

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...

This OUTRAGEOUS episode, written by master of the macabre Robert Bloch, is relatable to many actors -- but you don't go to the extreme this guy does!

Robert Duvall, in an early role and quite effective, plays a down an out actor named Bart who FINALLY has the chance at landing a part in a good stage production. Only problem; an old frenemy is auditioning for the same gig, and has a chance at getting it. What to do? ... Just kill him.

This campy story owes much to Robert Bloch, particularly the way Bart decides to dispose of the body, which is fairly gruesome. In fact, this may be the most dark episode of the entire series. Well directed by John Newland (and with experience), long associated with ONE STEP BEYOND, similar in concept to TWILIGHT ZONE.

Hitch made the right choice in hiring Newland for this episode, both an actor and enormously popular tv director for years. He does a marvelous job with the cast, particularly Robert Duvall. Carole Eastman guest stars, close friend of Jack Nicholson, who also contributed to co-writing many of his classic films. David Lewis guest stars, known for playing the warden on BATMAN. William Schallert is the probing cop.

I agree with the last reviewer, you know how it's going to turn out, however clever it's the desperation, the walls closing in on Duvall, especially the last few tense minutes. What an ending.

Hitch does it again. SEASON 7 EPISODE 14 remastered Universal dvd box set. Also on blu ray.

Trivia
Early in the episode, Bart refers to the Johnstown flood. As this episode aired in 1962, this is likely the Johnstown (Pennsylvania) flood of 1936. The flood was preceded by heavy rains beginning March 9, 1936, which did not stop until March 22. By the time nightfall on March 17, one-third of the city was under 17 feet of water. Twenty-five people lost their lives in the disaster, and damages were estimated at $43 million. Johnstown is somewhat known for its disastrous floods. This flood was preceded by the Johnstown flood of 1889, which included the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam, killing 2,209 people; it was succeeded by the Johnstown flood of 1977, which included six dams in the area overtopping and failing, killing 64 people.

Goofs
All entries contain spoilers

Quotes
[introduction]
Self - Host: Good evening. Before we begin our play, I would like to demonstrate the training method we use here at the Hitchcock Actor's Studio. You see, we give the students symbols or certain images to assist them in portraying character. Because of the type of character our Miss Schmells was to portray, we suggested that she think of herself as a tree.
[walks up to Miss Schmells portraying a tree]
Self - Host: I think she projected very well. Thank you, Miss Schmells. Our next student, Mr. Blackwood, was asked to portray a large, jolly captain of industry and, to help him, we suggested that he think of himself as an elephant.
[walks up to Mr. Blackwood, actually an elephant]
Self - Host: Excellent. In all honesty, I must admit that Mr. Blackwood has been with us longer than Miss Schmells. And now, after this brief acting demonstration, we bring you tonight's story preceded by tonight's commercial. Thank you, Mr. Blackwood
[Mr. Blackwood doesn't move]
Self - Host: That will be all, Mr. Blackwood.
[still no movement]
Self - Host: I said that will be all, Mr. Blackwood!
[the elephant remains]
Self - Host: Mr. Blackwood!