Mail Order Prophet

...in every school in America.

This is one of my favorite episodes. We get to see a couple of disgruntled office workers, one of whom (E.G. Marshall) begins receiving "psychic" letters encouraging him to bet on events (election, title bout). Jack Klugman is a rationalist co-worker who tries to convince him it's a racket.

Could the mail order prophet be legit? It's hard not to wonder where this is going to lead. They even throw in office theft to up the ante. Not to give anything away, but I found the ending very satisfying. Plus, Klugman and Marshall are great to watch.

A departure for the series. It's basically a gimmick plot that manages a good dose of suspense, but without the usual hint of Hitchcock mayhem or dark deeds.

Marshall and Klugman are two self-described "cogs' in a faceless corporate machine. They dream of riches, independence, and telling-off their cranky boss. But the way they meekly submit, you figure they'll remain just pipe dreams. Then Marshall starts getting anonymous letters making predictions that prove uncannily accurate. Soon, he's making bets based on the predictions that pay off, and his dreams begin to look real. So what's the deal here. Who's the anonymous "prophet", and does he have the kind of psychic powers he appears to have. He better because Marshall is now "borrowing" from company funds

These two fine actors help carry the story, but it's also a clever script. Note the bar scene with its humorous overtones, the regimented desks on the office floor, or the final scene so hugely ironical and satisfying. There's also a subtle subtext contrasting the wisdom of belief with that of skepticism working its way through. No, it may not be typical Hitchcock, but the gimmick does keep you guessing.

This episode of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS is a great example of how to make absorbing, compelling drama with minimal means. E. G. Marshall and Jack Klugman are two fine character actors who, earlier in the year this episode was broadcast (1957), appeared together in the classic jury room film 12 ANGRY MEN. In fact, in that film they sat side by side at the jury room table. I'd wager a bet that they were cast together in this episode based on their performace together in the movie. Marshall and Klugman couldn't be more different, yet they share a wonderful chemistry here as two cogs in a corporate machine who long to break out and find freedom. Klugman is wordly-wise, hard-nosed, cynical, yet has an almost tender regard for the welfare of his friend. Marshall is a mild-mannered milquetoast, just the type who would be taken in by the machinations of a con artist. The episode consists almost entirely of the interactions of these two friends as they discuss Marshall's increasing obsession with the money he can win from betting on he clairvoyant predictions of one "J. Christiani," a mysterious "mail-order prophet."

The names strike me as symbolic. Klugman plays "George Benedict" - Benedict meaning blessed, because he is the one who is wise enought to see through "Christiani's" ruse. Marshall is "Ronald Grimes" - he gets his hands dirty in the process of looking for an easy fortune. As for "J. Christiani," he is obviously a false Christ, a phoney prophet who will lead one astray.

If you are not familiar with the stock market and financial parlance (I'm not), then some of the dialog and plot twists toward the end might be confusing. But this is a small matter, since the upshot of the story still comes across. The twist ending is not what I expected, but still satisfying.

A classic of 1950s TV, typical of the thought-provoking entertainment that filled that era.

Ronald and George (E.G. Marshall and Jack Klugman) are clerks in some investment firm. The job apparently is thankless and dull and both men would love something else out of life. Then one day, a weird opportunity presents itself to Ronald when he receives a letter from a Mr. Christiani. Christiani claimes to be able to predict the future and in the letter he predicts the outcome of the mayoral race next week. When the letter turns out correct, Ronald is naturally NOT convinced. But when more letters arrive from Christiani and their predictions also come true, Ronald begins to gamble on the outcome listed in the letters....and he makes some money. But he wants a big payoff and Ronald is sure the next prediction in the letter will come true...so he decides to embezzle some bonds...assuming he'll be able to pay it off in a few days. But there is a catch...and George finds out the surprising solution to this Mr. Christiani.

This is a very good episode but I don't want to say much because it might spoil the suspense. It is an interesting story and although odd, it could work out just like it did in the story...but would it really in real life? Who knows...all I know is that the acting and writing are quite good.

This is one of my favourite episodes and very, very underrated.

This episode is unlike the other ones in the series where we often see some murder or some attempt on killing someone or the other but rather it has its share of suspense and plot twist at the end.

The twist at the end is too good and makes you think for a while. And then when you add 2 and 2 together then everything makes sense.

The actors are great and they surely help carry the flow.

A must see episode.