Mail Order Prophet

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.

The best part of this episode is before the episode starts. Alfred Hitchcock stands at a desk behind a pile of ticker tape, looking out an open window. He announces that he had just teased his business partner that they had just lost most of the money they had invested. He also points out that the elevator man would be upset because he became confused when the people he brought up didn't ride the elevator down.

The story now focuses on two men, played by Jack Klugman and E. G. Marshall. They have worked for years in the same investment firm, sitting among a line of desks and bemoaning the fact that they may be trapped there for life. Marshall's character talks about finding a way out. Klugman is the classic naysayer who throws a wet blanket on everything. The "evil" boss brings a personal letter to Marshall and with a harumph drops it on his desk. It is from a mysterious man who says he can predict the future, but who cannot benefit from his predictions. While Klugman is warning his friend of the dangers of getting involved in this "scheme," Marshall begins to try out the tips, much to his great satisfaction. Finally, however, he reaches a fork in the road and that's what we are waiting for. I won't ruin the fun. It's a fun story and does a good job of carrying us on.

Other things I've reviewed such as Twilight Zone and Hammer House of Horror I was already familiar with. Only recently did I discover AHP, and with 268 episodes I'll be occupied for quite some time. I'm watching them in rating descending order, which risks boredom with later below par episodes, although my favourites are seldom the most popular.

At the time of writing I've chalked up thirty, and enjoyed this one the most, for two reasons. I'm hopeless as guessing whodunit or anticipating a Hitchcockian twist, but with a financial services background I did twig why the prophet's predictions turned a (ahem) profit. It was clever to cast against type. Lugubrious looking Jack Klugman is good at playing desperate losers so you expect him to be the one suckered into a scam. But it's E G Marshall, usually a hard-headed sobersides, who is taken in.

Also very memorable: HOOKED - man plots to get rid of older wife and marry young girlfriend, with a trademark twist. THE GLASS EYE - aging spinster falls for handsome ventriloquist, maybe a bit slow but a startling denouement. ARTHUR - some way down the ratings but I couldn't delay seeing the lovely Hazel Court playing a flighty foil to a superbly sardonic Laurence Harvey.

That's 30 episodes down, 238 to go, so watch this space...

...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.