Vicious Circle

Reviewer rd finch puts the subtext quite nicely, and that subtext remains about the only reason to catch up with this otherwise flaccid episode. The storyline has potential, but except for the riveting opening scene, the remainder flattens out before reaching an all-too predictable climax. Even Dick York's showdown with his girl is awkwardly staged. Light comedy was York's specialty, so fans of Bewitched (1964-69) may enjoy watching the zany comic as an almost cold-blooded killer, which he manages to bring off in suitably boyish fashion.

Younger viewers may not be aware of how forbidden the whole topic of homosexuality was in both movies and TV of the 1950's. In short, the topic was treated as though it simply didn't exist. A more obvious censorship example is the A-budget Cat on a Hoot Tin Roof (1958) in which the theme from the Tennessee Williams play is airbrushed from the screenplay, rendering the movie itself darn near incomprehensible. Now, I'm sure I saw this Hitchcock entry the first time around, but it was only on recent viewing that the subtext jumped out at me. Then too, I don't see how the innuendo could have been unintentional on the part of writer and producer, which makes me wonder why such a risk with time and money was taken. I expect there is an inside story here. But what would it be, except as another instance of this cutting-edge series pushing the envelope.

I am amazed by this short and taut, gritty story, which let me speechless by this editing work, story telling, acting. I don't even dare mentioning the ending. I let you find out by yourself. This is a very surprising story at every minute, that's the most incredible, you won't be able to foresee what will happen in the next minute. Dick York excellent, unusual.

This is pretty lightweight. Dick York plays the new favorite hit man for a sociopathic boss. He does well on a couple jobs and replaces his predecessor who carries a grudge. His girlfriend knows what he does for a living and does all she can to talk him into a new job. Of course, the big boss knows she has been blabbing and wants her gone. Guess who gets the job. Fate steps in and business is taken care of but it seems to put an end to the effectiveness of the young murderer. He becomes less than desirable to the boss. What strength this episode has is in some halfway decent acting and a fairly clever, though predictable, plot development. Dick York looks pretty buff as the murderer. The non- comedic role suited him pretty well. Otherwise, it's pretty forgettable.

Alfred Hitchcock hired Dick York to do some memorable roles on his show because he had "the look"... He'd either play the biggest fall guy in the world or the guy who'd put a knife in your back with a smile. Clever casting, long before starring in BEWITCHED.

York, not a particularly good guy here, is employed by dapper villain George Macready. He was made for this role, portraying the ringleader for a league of assassins. York is the star quarterback, who may be resting on his laurels. To get him off and running again, Maccready makes an offer he can't refuse -- kill your gal friend, because she's cramping your style -- or we'll kill YOU.

Potent stuff, written by Bernard Schoenfeld, who wrote the classic women's prison film CAGED in 1950. He also wrote a slick film noir, starring Lucille Ball, THE DARK CORNER (1946).

I agree with another reviewer, there's a faint gay theme here, strictly tabu in the 50s. Macready's character, as much as he is domineering and arrogant, may also have been snubbed by York's character and the fact he has a female companion? Why not get her out of the picture.

The acting nails it, particularly George Macready, directed by actor Paul Henreid (CASABLANCA) who gets the best performances from his two leads.

SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006. All seven seasons are now on dvd in a single box set. Released 2022.

"Vicious Circle" is an episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" that is missing something...an interesting twist at the end. Instead, its sole aim seems to be to tell us that crime is bad!

The show stars one of the more improbable actors for this role, Dick York. Manny (York) is a young punk who wants to move up in organized crime so he does everything his boss (George Macready) tells him...and that sometimes involves killing people. But Manny's girlfriend is a liability...and Mr. Williams, the boss, wants her dead.

No twist at all in this one....just Dick York being vicious and ultimately getting his just reward at the end. So disappointing.