Number Twenty-Two

The thing I find interesting in this story, is that it doesn't focus only on Rip Torn; look for instance the questioning of the old man in the line up. What the use for the rest of this short story? Unusual. Besides, I don't think that using a toy gun is enough to make a man dying of a skull fracture.

Rip Torn, whose real first name was Elmore, shows off some great early acting skills, albeit cocky as heck. He plays a young crook named Steve Morgan who gets himself arrested and thrown in jail -- and loving it!

Of course, Hitch isn't going to make him too comfortable, right?

He's equally paired with Russell Collins, playing an old timer inmate called Skinner, who offers some words of wisdom to the arrogant kid. Keep your mouth shut, and quit while you're ahead. Collins, who reminded me of actor Robert Keith, plays his grizzled role to perfection, and it would seem his character was once in Morgan's shoes a long, long time ago. But is he listening? Is anyone listening to the old man?

A superior character study written by Joel Murcott, who wrote nine episodes for the show, several others for Hitch's one hour series. Also a regular writer for the 50s cop show M SQUAD, and this story may have had some ties to it.

James Nolan, who played his fair share of cops, is cast as officer Bourne and Michael Ross plays the jailer, who ironically played numerous villains much in the style of Rip Torn's character. During the time this episode was filmed, Torn had an early role in the acclaimed film, A FACE IN THE CROWD.

Very good direction by Robert Stevens, Hitch's most distinguished director.

No mystery, no chills, but a darn good story with two fine actors chewing up the scenery. Especially Rip Torn. SEASON 2 EPISODE 21 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvds. Released 2006. Love the brooding green box cover pix. A classic.

Rip Torn plays Steve Morgan, a very cocky young punk who is caught by the police after a strong-arm robbery. Normally, you'd expect that he'd be scared or sad...but inexplicably he thinks going to jail is a kick....and he laughs and smiles because he is incredibly cocky.

In all or nearly all of the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" there is some strange twist and a witty epilogue by the famed director. Here, oddly, there is no real surprising twist and in the end, Hitchcock essentially says that the problem of juvenile isn't a laughing matter...and it ends. What this leaves you with is a feeling as if this really isn't "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" but a PSA about the evils of delinquency. And, while I respected Torn's acting, the overall story really missed the mark.

Although I've long been a fan of Rip Torn's and Russell Collins' acting, this isn't one of my favorite Hitchcock episodes. Torn makes you want to smack him almost right off the bat. It does stretch credulity to think Collins (looking much older than his character's 49) could physically best Torn in their shared cell. The reason for my review, however, is the character in the corner of the holding cell as they wait for the second line-up. Cocky Torn has asked one of his fellow cell mates what he is in for, and gets rebuffed with a "mind your own business." When he then goes to the aforementioned character in the corner and asks the same, Collins chides him with something to the effect, "Look at him! What do you think he's in for?" It struck me from the corner guy's demeanor, haircut and clothes, and from Collins' remark, that corner guy must be gay and arrested on some type of morals charge or public lewdness. After all, it was the 50s. Anybody else get that vibe?

Of all the regularly used directors for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', Robert Stevens was the most prolific. Do think also he was rather inconsistent, his best episodes are truly excellent and actually most of his work for the series is well worth watching but a small group of his worst episodes are among the worst of the series. Another reason for seeing "Number Twenty Two" was for Rip Torn in an atypical role, an actor who has always been held in high admiration by me.

"Number Twenty Two" is a pretty good episode. Not one of the best of Season 2 or of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but also not one of the worst of Season 2 or of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'. As far as the Stevens directed episodes go, it's neither one of his overall best or worst but towards the better end of his Season 2 outings. It is a good representation generally of Stevens, and is even more of a good representation of Torn even if one dislikes his character (for reasons that are understandable).

By all means, "Number Twenty Two" is not a perfect episode. It is far fetched at times and lacking in surprises or suspense.

Plus it ends on a very abrupt and anti climatic note that is also not surprising at all.

Having said all of that, there is a good deal to like about "Number Twenty Two". It is oddly gripping thanks to its interesting lead character. Yes the character is not likeable at all and is very cocky, which is for me not an endearing trait at all, but the character is also full of charisma and mystery. All of them are things Torn captures extremely well, it is a very different role for him and so far removed from his usual (not just at this point but of his whole career), but he plays the character to the hilt without overdoing. The rest of the cast also excel, especially the chameleon like work of Ray Teal. Russell Collins fares very well too and the character dynamics throughout are strong.

Really appreciated the change of pace to the episode and that it was executed mostly quite well, with the line up scene very memorable in a good way. It looks good, with some slick and atmospheric shots. Stevens does direct more than competently and as ever Hitchcock's bookending is deliciously dry in a way that only he could do. The audio is ominous when necessary and the theme tune for the overall series has lost none of its eeriness.

Concluding, pretty good change of pace story wise and for Torn but not great. 7/10.