Bull in a China Shop

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.

I did not like this too much light hearted story, a real comedy in the line of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Well, from this point, you deal with a specific kind of story which you are not necessarily prepared to. I was not. Just a waste of time, but it remains funny and it will probably enjoy some audiences.

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!

While this is totally over the top, I got the biggest kick out of watching these older character actors, hamming it up as the young detective comes and goes from their house. They seem intent on getting arrested, down to the killing of their own. The entire plot rests on the handsome detective being drawn into their little plot. The idea must be to just get some excitement into their lives. There even seems to be a rivalry among them, but they apparently have a tacit agreement to respect the fate of the "winner." The detective is flummoxed and realizes that while he must do his duty, he cannot understand the motive. By the way, the ending is priceless.

This episode is truly a gem. I know the series tended to lean more on the serious side but an episode like this is enjoyable and a nice change of pace although I wouldn't blame people if they watched the episode and felt like it sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn't really fit the theme for the rest of the series.

I enjoy 'Bonanza' but I must admit I roll my eyes when the Cartwrights go into heat. I wasn't rolling my eyes at the ladies in this episode for them all going into heat over Detective O'Finn. I also don't think these ladies were bored or basically just waiting to die. These ladies were having fun admiring this man. I don't think I get a kick out of them due to their ages. I think I get the most kick out of it for the measures taken so Detective O'Finn keeps calling on them! Nah, it's not a case of knocking on his door and asking for a cup of sugar or something ordinary like that. Just keep murdering your friends in the house and that'll keep him coming by! Detective O'Finn catches on and requests to be transferred to the arson department and you know what the remaining ladies do? They set fire to their home so he can come by anyway since he's in the arson department now!

So yeah, this is a wonderful episode I'd recommend. The performances from the ladies are a delight to watch. It's another in the 'best of Hitchcock'. Although tbh, both series had so many entertaining episodes it might be easier to come up with a list for the few episodes I didn't like from both series!