Mink

Mink wraps of any kind were a big status symbol in the upwardly mobile 1950's. No wonder Paula (Hussey) wants one, in this case, a mink stole. So, she buys one, and now she and hubby can show off to their peers. Trouble is her stole turns out to be stolen, at least that what the cops say. But Paula certainly looks the respectable suburban housewife. Nonetheless, the people she claims put her on to the good deal now claim never to have seen her. Oh my, so who's telling the truth. Certainly a trip to the slammer won't do her respectable standing any good.

The first half really holds interest as we wonder what the real story is. But once we're tipped off, the narrative fades into a kind of tepid resolution. Too bad the second half doesn't really keep up the interest of the first. Hussey's fine in the lead role, and I can't help thinking she resembles Lucille Ball's Lucy Ricardo in some of the shots. Maybe it's also the similar period fashions, especially the hair-do. Anyway, the entry's an okay time passer, but nothing special.

We recently inherited a mink coat. It is absolutely gorgeous. But who wears these things these days. I remember quiz shows in the fifties and sixties where this was the ultimate prize one could win. Models paraded around with them (Dicker and Dicker of Beverly Hills). This is about a woman who buys a mink stole on the cheap from some shady woman and then gets arrested because the thing is identified by the furrier who bought it. She has come for an appraisal and they recognize it. The police get involved and there is a whole secrecy thing. She is gaslighted, if you will. Nobody will take responsibility for selling it to her. Obviously, if you're a cop, you should realize right away that should you talk, you are admitting trafficking in stolen goods. Well, things get pretty intense with the woman ready to do jail time. There are further complications where things get resolved. There are some unanswered questions which people seemed happy to ignore back then.

At the end when Hitchcock describes how rather than diet he is going to exercise instead, he states:

"I'm quite an athlete, you know. I particularly excel in chess, falconry, wife-beating, that sort of thing."

WHOA........WIFE BEATING!!

Nowadays that would have been the end of his career.

Excellent. Excellent to the highest degree!! This is what I would call a quintessential Alfred Hitchcock episode. Great, suspenseful story that keeps you guessing, from beginning to end. I must admit that I'm not too familiar with Ruth Hussey. I wouldn't mind becoming acquainted with her other work. Very nice looking lady, and a fine actress. Ruth plays Paula, who buys a "bargain" mink, not realizing that it was stolen goods. Everyone involved seems to be out to get Paula. I won't elaborate any further, as it might ruin the experience for anyone who has never seen this great episode. Great cast, including Vinton Hayworth (General Schaefer from I Dream of Jeannie!) and Vivi Janiss as a female detective. Great, great episode. I loved every minute of it!

Times have certainly changed. In the 1950s and 60s, the ultimate fashion accessory, if you could afford it, was a fur coat. Nowadays, such a coat is rather passe...something few women would want any more.

The show begins with a lady (Ruth Hussey) going to a furrier to get an appraisal on her new mink stole. However, the people recognize the stole...it's one they made themselves and it is one that was reported stolen! Well, she leaves before the police arrive and as she's at lunch, a female police officer approaches her and informs her that a complaint has been lodged against her....and the coat appears to have been stolen. But when she takes the coat to the lady who sold it to her second-hand, you wonder who is telling the truth...as she said she never sold anyone any mink ever.

The acting in this one is very good. But the twist? I couldn't even tell if there was one. No real suspense and a really disappointing ending. But, had it been an episode of "Dragnet" or some other police show, it would have been quite good....but clearly NOT what you would expect for "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".