The Big Switch

It was great to have Don Weis back in the director's chair, after doing so well with "Santa Claus and The Tenth Avenue Kid" ( a fine example of a change of pace episode done very well). The previous 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes were mostly solid to brilliant (with "Breakdown" coming out on top), with only two barely average ones "Don't Come Back Alive" and especially "Triggers in Leash". The premise didn't sound all that exciting, but having seen many things that have ordinary premises but made into something more on screen there was hope.

And "The Big Switch" did turn out better than expected. It is slightly disappointing in terms of being top 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' standard, plot-wise it is nothing wholly remarkable. It is though a lot of fun as an episode and benefits greatly from its lead performance. "The Big Switch" is another one of the entries that is noither one of the best of the season or show or the worst on both counts, but more just scrapes the high middle category.

The story is nothing exceptional, it is short on suspense and surprises, so slightly bland atmosphere-wise, and can be rather contrived. A feeling that gets on the over the top side in the final act, which did feel like more time was needed to flesh it out more.

However, "The Big Switch" benefits hugely from the twinkling larger than life lead performance of George Matthews. The rest of the cast do very well too, if not on Matthews' level and their roles are not as interesting. Weis' direction is far from routine and there is an ease. What is also good is the script writing, which is very tongue in cheek and genuinely humorous. It is not the lean, tough sort of script, but it does show again that 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' could do tongue in cheek and humour well.

Which was always evident anyway in Hitchcock's droll bookend scenes. It's a well made episode visually, with some lovely atmospheric shots, and the theme music is as usual wonderfully devillish. And despite not being wowed by the story, it is not a dull one and it has its charm. The character chemistry is done well.

Concluding, liked it but not loved it. 7/10.

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.

In this story Hitch expounds with a bit of sarcasm a mousetrap and how it is so dangerous , thus begin the story of a crook Sam Dunleavy (George Mathews) who has been absent for a while at Miame on his mousetrap business, Back to Chicago he perceives that his beauty and unfaithful girlfriend Goldie (Beverly Michaels) replaces him for another sponsor, Sam eaten for the hate sets up a perfect alibi to killing her and escapes unscathed due since he arrived in town has a cop in his neck, then he goes into a night club which he had close ties with the owner, the corrupt Barney (George E. Stone) whose Sam will buy for 2.500 bucks his alibi, they planned pretend playing poker at his private room, meanwhile Sam leaves the place through a secret passage, then reaching at Goldie's room he waiting for her who quickly comes, Sam be sure why he is there, displayng a gun, Goldie when she realizes that will be killed, the smart girl fools him, that already had a baby called Dunleavy in his homage, Sam has been thrilled by such regard, then he changes your mind and return to Barney's night club, however backing in the poker room the unexpected comes, Hitch was right about the time!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7

I saw the twist coming but it was a bit different than I expected. Well acted.

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.