The Creeper

A number of episodes were set in working class environments, and this was one of them. Hot day, hanging out on the door stoop. No screens of the windows. A killer is on the loose.

An older woman is a moralist ("They probably asked for it. Decent women don't get themselves killed."). The new janitor looks familiar, but I can't place him. Our protagonist is frazzled younger lady. Women were apparently so emotional in the '50s.

What I like best is the episode throws legitimate suspicion on 3-4 characters. What I like next best is that the husband has a beer at the bar before going in to work the night shift.

I think I saw the ending coming, but it is very good nonetheless.

Sometimes this offering is hard to watch because of the frantic, neurotic presence of the principle character. We know that there has been a silent killer around, so we're immediately aware that this guy is going to make his presence known at some point. The director does a good job of presenting us with a host of possible killers while keeping the tension up. Even the lady across the hall is a true virago who passes judgment on any woman who gets killed. She feels that if you get yourself killed, you probably deserved it. I alway wonder why people can be so careful on the one hand and so stupid on the other. Also, the husband must a long suffering type who puts up with his wife's problems. I guess we all know what is going to happen and wait to watch it. There are so many who come and go in the apartment that the security is worthless. There's that funny little man with the whiny voice, the jilted boyfriend, the man at the hardware store, the man at the shoe repair shop. It builds suspense nicely.

James Cavanaugh wrote this classic exercise in chills, and one of Hitchcock's favorite writers. Also producer for Boris Karloff's eerie show, THRILLER. You can't go wrong.

The old fashioned maniac on the loose story, inspired by all those 1930s old dark house movies. In this case, Ellen Grant ( played by Constance Ford) is locked up tight in her small apartment due to the fact there's a killer on the loose who favors blonde women. Of course, her husband just happens to be working a late shift. Isn't that nice!

Some strange folks around the apartment building, adding to the paranoia. Good support from veteran actor Percy Helton, a staple in many classic movies. Red herring? You be the judge. Also Reta Shaw, at her best playing tough cookies, probably with a baseball bat handy. Needed protection here.

Outstanding late night entertainment, and one installment not to miss. The ending, without giving too much away, is a MUST. And doesn't Alfred Hitchcock always have the last laugh?

Season 1 episode 38 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvds total. All seven half hour seasons are on dvd in a single box.

Better than average Hitchcock fare. A maniacal killer is stalking a blue-collar neighborhood for female victims.

The plot may creak a bit, but the performances are outstanding, while the director keeps the suspense on high throughout. It's a nail-biter all the way, with a chance to watch one of the fine, unsung actresses of that era, Constance Ford as the housewife. Her emotional breakdown is so persuasive, it threatens to overpower the story itself. Also, the familiar Harry Towne delivers an amazingly nuanced turn as the eccentric lecher-- watch the subtle array of facial expressions as he goes through various moods. It's really quite extraordinary for series TV of the 1950's. Also notable for the colorful presence of Reta Shaw (landlady) and Percy Helton (handiman) in supporting roles. The ending too, is both ironic and well thought-out. Anyway, this one made a lasting impression on me as a kid, and still packs a considerable punch.

Ellen and Steve live in a New York neighborhood that is being terrorized by a strangler known only as The Creeper. When Steve goes to work on the night-shift, Ellen becomes increasingly frightened and keeps asking the hardware store to have a bolt and chain installed on her door as soon as possible. While waiting for this to happen, she starts to suspect everyone she encounters could be The Creeper.

A killer at large story is involving, quite suspenseful and well-acted. It differs slightly from its remake in that it features more talking, building up the scenes and emphasis on the main character's fear. Constance Ford is convincing as the wife fearing that the creeper can be anyone. Every person she sees she suspects might be the fiend.