The Big Switch

Gangster Sam Dunleavy sets up an elaborate alibi so that he can kill his ex-girlfriend Goldie, who left him for another man. A mildly amusing story set in the backdrop of Tommy guns, gangsters and molls. Nothing too standout, but that twist really lifts this one a couple of notches. Plus there's a great performance by George Matthews, whose elaborate scheme ricochets greatly.

Gangster Sam Dunleavy wants to murder his ex-girlfriend, Goldie, so he has his friend Barney arrange for him the perfect alibi. Barney has it staged as though he and Sam are playing a game of poker in Barney's back room. Sam sneaks out successfully but is unable to kill Goldie when she claims she's pregnant, However when Sam returns to Barney's backroom, he is met with a big surprise.

The best thing about this episode has to be the presence of veteran actor George Mathews, he eats up the screen with his witty dialogue and rugged looks which make him come off perfectly as the 1930's gangster type. As for that there's really nothing here and all you really whined up getting is episode six "Salvage" with some different results, an added in alibi plot, and an OK ironic twist. It's not a bad episode at all and much like reviewer hitchcoc stated if your going into it not thinking to much then you'll probably enjoy it for what it is an OK episode with a strong lead actor.

I never realized there were guys whose job it was to provide alibis for crooks. This should be entitled "The Bulldog and the Wolf." These two shifty characters have a checkered past. It makes you wonder if a guy who spent so much time backing up bad guys at the police station, wouldn't arouse suspicion. Nevertheless, a plot is hatched to protect the bulldog after he goes and kills his ex-girlfriend. At least that's how they set it up. There are secret passages and a stupid game of five card stud with continuous yelling of threats. Of course, only one guy is yelling. The other one has left through a false telephone booth and is on his way to mayhem. Well there is a little baby that is really a gun and a double cross and little bit of what goes around comes around. This is a fun episode if you don't think too much and the ending is pretty satisfying. The characters are really over the top, but it's pretty much tongue in cheek to the bitter end.

The story is set in Chicago in 1920. Sam (George Mathews) is a thug with a long record. And, he wants to murder his old girlfriend, Goldie (Beverly Michaels). But an old parole officer is closely watching Sam and killing her and getting away with it won't be easy. So, he comes up with a plan. With the help of Barney (George E. Stone), he creates what seems like the perfect alibi. He goes to Barney's club to play cards, and Barney's office has a secret door so that Sam can sneak out the back, kill Goldie, and then return....all the while, folks outside the office think Sam and Barney are inside playing cards. Not surprisingly, there is a twist at the end!

This is a funny episode and it's very well written...better written than nearly all the episodes of season one of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". Well worth seeing.

George Mathews is a lot of fun here, a Hitch Runyenesque character, playing a revengeful bad guy called Sam, saddled with an unfaithful gal friend called Goldie. The name alone should get you thinking... Sam wants to kill her, though he also has a suspicious cop on his back. Problems, problems.

Sam just happens to have an equally devious pal (George E. Stone, perfect for this role) who agrees to be his alibi for a few grand. You have to admit, the plan Sam cooks up is pretty clever. He pretends to be (loudly) playing poker with Stone -- and sneaks out the room to pull the job. Beware: complications.

Beverly Michaels plays Goldie and not to forget George E. Stone (also called Georgey). Later a regular on PERRY MASON.

One of the most perfectly cast episodes, thanks to director Don Weis. Don headed a ton of tv shows, director for IRONSIDE for years. A hero to all us cop show fans.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 5 remastered. AAA first season dvd box set. 16 hrs running time. 3 dvds. All seven seasons are now on dvd in a single box set. Released 2022. 35 dvds.