Bull in a China Shop

Clever spin on the classic comedy, "Arsenic and Old Lace," "Bull" features four little old ladies who call in their neighbor, a handsome homicide detective, to check out a corpse on their couch. Turns out the corpse was yet another little old lady, and the coroner discovers she was poisoned with arsenic. The detective questions the four spinsters, and decides the poor woman's death was accidental, since the ladies keep the arsenic (rat poison) next to their sugar supply in the cupboard. Shortly after, they call him in again, and this time, one of the four is dead, also from arsenic poisoning. This time, the detective figures one of the three survivors is a murderer, but which one? The immortal Estelle ("The Magic Sword") Winwood, with her goggly eyes and crooked smile, is delightful as the landlady of the house and Dennis Morgan handles his Cary Grant-ish role with the proper finesse. A must-see for fans of the 1944 movie that starred Grant.

James Neilson directed twelve episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', some good ("Mail Order Prophet" and "Reward to Finder" in fact excellent), some not so good ("The Percentage" getting my vote as his weakest). Though none terrible certainly. Of which "Bull in a China Shop" is his penultimate. Did like the premise quite a lot, as one can tell this reviewer has a thing for good concepts and it has been a common reason for wanting to see anything really.

"Bull in a China Shop" is a very good penultimate outing for Neilson, one of his better ones for me) and a very good episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. Some may prefer the more darkly suspenseful and creepier tales, but 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' did do a fair share of light hearted and tongue in cheek and quite well mostly. "Bull in a China Shop" is one of the better examples of the series to take the tongue in cheek approach, while not completely escaping the traps.

So much is good. The acting is very good, with Estelle Winwood being absolutely delightful. Loved the chemistry between the ladies and Dennis Morgan plays it straight very effectively while not taking it too seriously. Neilson directs in a controlled and taut manner, as well as fully allowing the cast to have fun. Hitchcock's bookending is as droll as ever and fits perfectly with the humour present throughout "Bull in a China Ship".

It's a nicely filmed episode and despite the location being simple it is not too basic. The series' main theme is wholly deserving of its iconic immediately recognisable status.

Absolutely loved how wonderfully tongue in cheek the writing and humour was and also the darkly offbeat tone of the story. Which is lively in pace and never dull, as not as not too simple or confused. One of the biggest interest points and pleasures is the priceless and wonderfully wild ending that was not expected.

Did find though that "Bull in a China Shop" went a little overboard on the silliness on occasions, especially in some of the last act. It also does lack suspense and surprises, which for me is always preferred for this series.

Overall, very good. So much better than the disappointing previous episode "Flight to the East". 8/10.

When the character of Miss. Hildy-Lou first appeared I thought - oh, isn't that... oh, what is her name? Well, it's Estelle Winwood - she appeared in everything from Bewitched to Batman! Elizabeth Patterson and Ida Moore were also prolific character actresses in their day, and then, far beyond Grandma Walton, Ellen Corby was in hundreds of movies and TV shows!

Regardless of the plot, the four of these great actresses performing together is a joy unto itself, but to be directed by Alfred Hitchcock makes this episode a real exhibit of excellence in their craft.

Furthermore, the plot is actually very good and has an ending which is both funny and satisfying. A perfect Hitchcock episode!

A Handsome police detective is called next door to investigate mysterious death among four pixilated elderly ladies.

In my book, it's a delightful entry, with delicious tongue-in-cheek. Catch big-eyed Miss Hildy (Winwood) roll those coquettish orbs as she lets handsome O'Finn (Morgan) in the front door. So, their little ruse has worked, but what about the dead lady all laid out in the parlor in her best finery. The four giggle and carry on like school girls. So what's the gentlemanly O'Finn to do with a dead body and a set of highly unusual suspects. This is the series at its dark humor and offbeat best, with no less than a wild ending.

The old ladies are so lovable, it impossible to not smile when they are on screen flirting with the detective. This isn't an episode where you will wonder "who dunnit?" It's extremely obvious. But where it lacks in suspense, it makes up for, in humor. The ending punchline was somewhat predictable - yet it didn't steal anything from the entertainment value. Sit back, enjoy, and get a kick out of these old ladies desperate to just be close to the handsome detective by any means necessary. And I mean ANY MEANS NECESSARY. Very cute. If you need a smile, watch this one.