The Baby Sitter

Women in their 50's have never been a popular commodity on TV, especially during the glamour-obsessed 1950's. But then this series was not typical of its time, which is why it's still being re-run 50 years later.

This is a slender, character-driven episode with some deftly humorous touches. The murder mystery is secondary to Lottie Slocum's little fantasy world where she imagines herself a size 10 again and the object of handsome Mr. Nash's affections. In reality, she's an aging, plain- faced babysitter with little to look forward to except old age. No wonder she dreams. Her gawky friend Blanche enjoys puncturing these harmless exaggerations and we wonder why Lottie puts up with her.

Together actresses Ritter and Wickes play off one another beautifully, with needling little exchanges that are often subtly amusing. In fact, it's quite a clever script with thoughtful touches from director Stevens (Lottie embarrassingly on the floor when the cop walks in). Still and all, it's hard to feel too sympathetic toward Lottie. Maybe it's Ritter's voice tone which can be grating or maybe it's Lottie's insistent little dream world which prevents her from seeing what we do. Nonetheless, in my book, it's a rather memorable little episode entertainingly told Hitchcock style.

(In passing—note that Newton's Mr. Nash never speaks a word even though he takes up significant screen time. Was that to keep costs down {non-speaking parts cost less} or maybe to keep his character dreamlike which is how Lottie sees him. Anyway, it seems odd.)

Hitch brought in his old friend, Thelma Ritter, from REAR WINDOW for this special treat. This episode also shows why Thelma was nominated for SIX Academy Awards in her career. And just as amazing she never won.

More character study than macabre, though it keeps your guessing... Ritter plays a middle-aged, gossipy babysitter called Lottie who has the Hitch luck of taking care of an infant whose "cheating" mother is murdered. That leaves her husband, Mr. Nash (Theodore Newton) an eligible widower? Hmmm?

Also cast is Mary Wickes, famous scene stealer, complimenting Ritter 100 percent. You can see Hitch did his homework. Wickes plays Ritter's old pal who toss theories back and forth, the sounding board for Lottie to fill her in on her importance and the fact poor Mr. Nash may need a new lady around the house?

You may figure this one out right away, if not, worth the wait to watch the star power. I agree, if Thelma Ritter read the phone book it would be a delight in itself. Film buffs may recognize Theodore Newton, featured in many B films for decades.

Wonderfully written by one of the few female tv writers at the time, Sarrett Tobias, who wrote eight other episodes for the master of suspense.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 32 remastered Universal dvd box set. All seven seasons are now on dvd in a single box set. Released 2022.

Thelma Ritter was an amazing supporting actress...so much so that she was nominated six times for the Oscar! Although she never won, she always made every film better with her wonderful acting. While not as famous, Mary Wickes was also marvelous. When I saw either in a film, I was guaranteed to enjoy it. However, this is not true in "The Baby Sitter", an episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" that really disappointed.

The episode begins after Mrs. Nash was murdered. Lottie (Ritter) definitely did not like the woman and now that the police are investigating her murder, Lottie is enjoying all the attention she's receiving...because apparently she is the last known person to have seen her as she was babysitting Nash's son. Unlike Mrs. Nash, Lottie really likes Mr. Nash....her ex-husband. She feels sorry for him and she entertains ideas, crazy ideas, that now he might be interested in her! Well, it turns out that he is...just not the way she hoped.

The episode gives Ritter a great chance to act...her acting was NOT a problem here. The problem was the script. The surprise twist you expected at the end came as no surprise and it just seemed like a very lazy episode...lazy as well as disappointing.

Two of the most distinctive and adored character actors of all time and both of them scene-stealers yet together they are in 'perfect sync'. If you are a Ritter fan she has more speaking lines in this little playlet than she does in some of her most famous movies and does a range from wise-ass classic street smart to a kind of Bronx Blanche Dubois.

Robert Stevens directed a lot of Hitchcock Presents and Hitch was very happy with him. He knew how to get a lot of mileage out of little touches - notice the emphasis on sweets, ice cream sodas, chocolate cake, food etc. in The Babysitter. Thelma Ritter finishes a romantic novel and next to her is a plate of chicken bones when the final scene is enacted. Stevens reached his highpoint in 50's and 60's anthology series such as Suspense and Hitchcock. Never made it big after. He had an 'economical' flare for the '26 minute' playlet format. He also would add little Hitchcock touches at times.

What? Thelma Ritter as a "thoroughly classless mess?" As far as I'm concerned, Ritter lifts every film or TV show she's in, including this one which I just watched. Her comic timing, delivery, and poignancy can't be beat. I find her believable in every scene here. I think the previous commenter is objecting more to the script than the performance. As far as Ritter goes, I think she is one of the most underrated actresses of our time. Her performance in the opening of "All About Eve" is amazing. As is her performances in the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies. She was also great in "Rear Window" and "The Misfits." She was nominated for six Academy Awards.