There Was an Old Woman

Frank and Lorna Bramwell (Charles Bronson and Norma Crane) are crooks. So when they hear that Monica Laughton (Estelle Winwood) is rich, they decide to visit her and rob her blind. But Monica is not a typical old lady...he's beyond just a little bit 'touched'! When they arrive, she's having a funeral for a friend....an invisible friend along with invisible guests! And, when it comes to meals, they are quite invisible as well! And the more they try to humor the old woman, the more frustrated they become.

I really enjoyed this episode. The Bramwells were nasty jerks and it was enjoyable watching Miss Laughton torment them and get the last laugh. Very cute and enjoyable.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents a macabre black story. Monica Laughton (Estelle Winwood) is an eccentric old woman who lives on her own. She is also regarded as wealthy.

The milkman is her only regular contact. Frank Bramwell (Charles Bronson) overhears a story that Miss Laughton has hidden wealth somewhere in her mansion.

A ne'er do well like Bramwell views Miss Laughton as easy pickings. He goes to see her along with his wife Lorna with a plan to rob her. Only to find just how strange her household set up is.

Miss Laughton is quite mad with a house full of imaginary relatives and always carrying a handbag. She refuses to tell Frank where her money is but plays games with the two would be thieves.

It is not long before the gruesome twosome get their just desserts.

Bronson is a hissable villain. His wife seems a bit dim. Maybe that is why Miss Laughton has them stringing along so quickly.

The story is left rather open ended. Is Miss Laughton in the habit of bumping off people? Her conversation with the milkman seems to point that way.

Dishonest Frank (Charles Bronson) and Lorna Bramwell (Norma Crane) visit the home of wealthy, eccentric Monica Laughton, with the intention of robbing her.

Tough guy Bronson gets deservedly annoyed by an eccentric lady, wonderfully played by Miss Winwood. This is an amusing foray into macabre humour with the imaginary guests and funeral.

Estelle Winwood is Monica Laughton a rich old woman living out by herself. One day while over hearing the milkman talk of her, Frank played by Charles Bronson schemes with his girlfriend Lorna to get in the old woman's good graces enough at least to rob her blind at the right moment. The problem is however she's got a couple of screws loss, as she's built her house full of imaginary family members living with her, even the food is imaginary. Eventually, the two begin to starve and Bronson losses patients, prompting the old woman to change her mind on letting the couple stay in her house, but, they won't be leaving so easy either. A classic among the series and rather disturbing once you think about it, I'm starting to like these episodes where rich old women hold there ground against greedy siblings or invaders, usually doing themselves in by there own stupidity as is the case here. The episode keeps you guessing weather there's any money at all or if its imaginary to. We learn however there is, and in the shows usual ironic affair its in the most obvious of locations.

Marian Cockrell, who went on to write for BATMAN, was behind this mini classic, the title likely from the nursery rhyme.

Short and sweet, and totally Hitchcock.

Estelle Winwood plays Mrs. Laughton -- worth a fortune -- and scheming Charles Bronson (Frank) and his wife Lorna (Norma Crane) who want it all.

Mrs. Laughton is a Hitch treasure, eccentric if there ever was, planning a funeral for an invisible friend, among other strange things. Just the beginning as the hungry couple are treated to the deluxe menu, and in no uncertain terms. Wait and see.

To be seen for Charles Bronson, just beginning his long career and Estelle Winwood, having the time of her life. Born in England, her career went back to the stage in the 1920s, featured in some magnificent movie roles, even in bits. A standout.

Note Hitch's gag intro. He says he looks worse in Technicolor? Actually, a star in his own right, having walk-ons in most of his films, especially in COLOR. We all miss him.

Worth the price of admission. From SEASON 1 EPISODE 25 remastered Universal box set. 2005 release. 4 dvd set.