You Got to Have Luck

I like this episode as it is one of the few so far that actually nails the 25 minute cutoff. Most episodes struggle with that format. "You got to have luck" keeps it very simple. Doesn't try to tell a convoluted story but a straightforward simple one. It kinda stands or falls with how you feel about the ending. In my opinion it at least has an ending, instead of the completely open endings we've seen from other episodes that seemed to be deprived of time. This one wraps everything up neatly with it's final reveal. Though I liked it well enough I can certainly see some people who find in implausible and possibly flat. To me this one is kind of the blueprint of what I'm looking for in Alfred Hitchcock presents. Simple, easy to follow, with a simple ending that more or less gives all the closure I need.

Marisa Pavan, twin sister of Pier Angeli, had previously appeared as Anna Magnani's daughter (receiving an Oscar nomination) in THE ROSE TATTOO. She is equally convincing here, playing a young housewife who is left alone --until escaped killer John Cassavettes enters the picture.

Exceptionally written, and classic early Hitchcock tv. Unless you have seen this before, you could never guess the ending.

Both leads are terrific young actors who shine in their roles. Cassavettes seeks refuge at Pavan's countryside house while her husband is away. Basicially a two character study on steroids. Vivi Janiss plays the atypical chatty and easily insulted neighbor.

One strange thing, if you notice. The camera focuses a lot on the pie Marisa is baking. That's one scene I always wondered about, and it seemed like Hitch (perhaps) wanted to have Marisa toss the RED HOT pie in pretty boy's face? That may have been the original intention, perhaps too gruesome. Rest assured, he gets his due.

Pavan would next appear in THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT. This role may have lead to Cassavettes landing parts in EDGE OF THE CITY and CRIME IN THE STREETS.

Best of SEASON 1. Universal remastered dvd box 3 dvds. Released 2008. 16 hrs 45 min running time.

"You Got to Have Luck" signals the first of four Robert Stevens-directed episodes in a row. Stevens was the most frequent director on 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' for very good reason and directed some truly fine episodes, a few from the first season. The series is a very interesting one and a must if a fan of Hitchcock, count me as one and have been since my late teens. Even the lesser entries are better than a lot of shows/series at their worst, speaking as someone that didn't like every episode.

This is one of the episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' to be in the "like it" category. No, make that love. Although it is not perfect and its main criticism of its lack of realism is valid, "You Got to Have Luck" to me is a great episode and can totally see why it is one of the highest rated episodes of Season 1. It is one of the best of that season and one of the best of those that Stevens directed. Not sure about it being one of my favourites of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but as far as the first half of Season 1 goes and the season overall it compares favourably.

Will agree that some of Cobett's decision making is rather rash and confused.

And although the twist is extremely clever and completely unexpected, it will be unrealistic to those that have prior knowledge of what it revolves around.

However, there is so much great here. John Cassavetes is the main reason as to why "You Got to Have Luck" works so well, it is an intensely sinister performance that does leave one unsettled. Marisa Pavan is alluring but not passive. Stevens' direction is tight and accomplished, his experience in regard to the series and the genre are evident. The script is thought provoking and lean, and Hitchcock certainly delivers on his dry drollness in the bookending.

Despite not always being easy to swallow, the story is still very suspenseful and full of atmosphere, as well as moving at a lively pace. While the twist doesn't completely come off, its cleverness and "didn't see it coming" factor stop it from being a failure and make it interesting instead. The episode is slickly and atmospherically filmed and the main theme for the series is wonderfully devillish.

Overall, great. 8.5/10.

Opening whatever the episode Hitch ussually makes a little introduction about to come, in this episode the master has an empty hourglass and how it meddle in our life, the subject of the episode concern over that, when a convict Sam Corbett (John Cassavetes) which fits perfect on the cold character, escapes from the Prison through the desert reaching a small town, the Warden delayed the information in hope to catch him before, too late the press already were warned, the news spreading likes fire by radio broadcasting and live TV, Sam circumspectly chosen a house with just one person inside, the mild housewife Mary Schaffner (Marisa Pavan) is shocked for a sudden invasion, the menacing guy wants food, money, bath, clean clothes for a scared woman, however the phone rings twice, the first time no one pick up the phone, in second time Sam afraid to raise suspicions demands that Mary answers the phone at his brief instructions, speaking to her the exact answers, but... how said Hitch the time comes for everyone, quickly for bad luck guys!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5

Sam Cobbett has just broken out of prison and enters the house of Mary Schaffner while her husband is away. Cobbett makes Mary cook for him, dismiss her neighbors when they come by, and pretends that everything is okay over the phone when her mother calls. Cobbett believes he can take his time, but he soon learns a shocking discovery that will ultimately be his undoing.

I gotta say its always a pleasure when you get to see really good performers in these episodes and here we get John Cassevetes who I always loved from "The Dirty Dozen". While he plays the role pretty good, I have to say I'm a little confused by the ambition of the character he's playing (much like fellow reviewer hitchcoc stated). Cassevettes sorta bumbles his was threw the episode making stupid decisions, taking to long, and ultimately coming off a little to nice. Of course this isn't Cassevettes fault, but, more of that of the writers. The best thing that saves it and helps me bump up its rating is the clever twist which I'll admit I actually forgot all about since my last viewing. Marisa Pavan does a good job as our lead actress as does the the supporting cast led by veteran actor Ray Teal who makes his second appearance in the series as a law authority figure.