Whodunit

The premise was quite interesting and it is always nice once in a while to have an episode not directed by a series regular director, one of not many episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' for that to be the case. John Williams, in his third appearance of the series, was always worth watching, providing some memorable turns in for example 'Dial M for Murder'. Same goes for Alan Napier, best known to me as Alfred Pennyworth in the 60s 'Batman' show.

Season 1 had some very good and more episodes. The very difficult to rate and review "Whodunnit" to me is not one of them though. It is not a terrible episode by all means and has its moments, but it didn't really click with me to be honest. 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' was no stranger to changes of pace and mostly did them well, but "Whodunnit" doesn't really do its premise justice and doesn't live up to its initial promise. As far as Season 1 goes, this is one of the weaker entries.

"Whodunnit" does have good things. Napier brings a lot of class and intrigue to his role. Also enjoyed the ironic and droll humour, along with the sophisticated and witty kinds when done well ironic and droll humour is great (less keen on the cruder type, which comedy today is full of). Hitchcock's bookending is typically fun.

It does start very well, intriguingly and humorously. It looks pretty decent. Did like the chemistry between Williams and Napier.

However, Williams is not at his best and this is one of his weaker guest appearances in a role that does not suit him. He does try definitely, but his character's pomposity is very overdone in the writing which made him impossible to connect with. Actually ended up not caring enough about the identity of the murderer. Have seen mixed views on the ending, to me it is more conclusive than has been said but it did feel rushed and took a while for me to get the head round.

Despite starting off promisingly, this promise is not kept all the way through. The rest of the story felt too over-stretched and it also came over as silly and muddled. The sets are on the sparse side and the direction is pretty run of the mill, getting the job done in an alright way but it doesn't ever feel distinguished or inspired.

Concluding, an odd one. 5/10.

I really didn't care so much who the killer was. The last few minutes of dialogue between Mr. Williams and Mr. Napier was so classy, so British, that any shortcomings others have described fade away. Seeing Amanda Blake, took a minute or two to realized it was her, shows there was more to her than Gunsmoke. This is a nice little story that won't give you nightmares.

The entry doesn't come off despite some promising ingredients. The clever premise would make an engaging Twilight Zone, minus Hitch's whimsy, of course. Mystery writer Arlington (Williams) is murdered in bed, but heaven's admitting angel (Napier) gives him a few minutes reprieve to return to earth and find out who the culprit is. Trouble is there's no shortage of suspects, including the writer's wife (Blake). Seems our sleuth was not a very nice guy in real life. So which suspect is it.

Some Hitch favorites are in the cast, including Williams, Napier, and the sour-looking Coolidge. But I did expect Marshal Dillon to stride in and rescue Miss Kitty, oops, right era, wrong series. But it was unusual seeing Blake in a role outside of Dodge City. Frankly, I didn't think the rather listless payoff measured up to the opening. Plus, the suspects' portrayals are colorless, probably so that the culprit will be hard to detect. Anyhow, if heaven is anything like Hitch's version, I'm ready, especially if Ruta Lee is my angel escort.

This entertaining mini-mystery is characterized by its dry British sense of humor, and by the occasional friendly witticisms about the murder mystery genre. John Williams, with his quintessentially British screen persona, was a good choice for the leading role. The script (by two of the show's regular screenwriters) efficiently adapts the original story into the program's format.

Williams plays a recently-deceased mystery writer who bargains with the recording angel, wanting to return to earth to find out who murdered him. The main story is patterned after the classic style of so many popular British-style detective novels, with some lighter touches that fit in with the premise. Williams does a good job of playing the amateur detective, gently parodying the way that such a character might appear in a book.

The main plot is framed by the two scenes in heaven, with Williams and Alan Napier (as the angel). In these scenes, as in the rest of the episode, the humor is understated and ironic, rather than openly funny. The tone is consistent throughout the story, and it works well if you enjoy the style.

One of Hitch's top writers, Francis Cockrell, got a chance to direct this episode, and did a commendable job. Francis and his wife, Marian, cranked out many A-Plus stories for the show. This is one.

Hitch's pal, John Williams, makes a return appearance as a dead man? They must have had a chuckle over this peculiar role. He plays a mystery writer who is now in Heaven, believing he died of natural causes. WRONG. The poor guy was murdered.

Accordingly, the chief angel (played by Alan Napier) gives him a chance to return to earth and expose the killer. Fantasy material, yes, even for Hitchcock, however there's something more to this as you will see.

Amanda Blake (GUNSMOKE), makes a fitting poker-face suspect, and his wife, quite naturally. Supporting cast includes series favorite Philip Coolidge as Talbot and Ruta Lee, playing an angel, in an early role. Comedian and tv director Jerry Paris plays Wally. Fun to see future BATMAN butler Alan Napier playing an angel. That's a gas.

Don't miss this. John Williams a must see.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 20 remastered Universal dvd box set. Collectors first season box. Released 2005. 3 dvds. The purple box edition.