The Alfred Hithcock Presents entry "Beta Delta Gamma" is basically one of the host's "public service" messages to his audience on the dangers of binge drinking and mindless practical jokes that can turn deadly. A young Burt Brinckerhoff plays a college senior who's had more than a few too many drinks at his beach fraternity house. He's egged on by one of his frat brothers (played by Duke Howard) to swill another pitcher of beer, which he does before completely passing out. The other fraternity members at this alcoholic bash/party decide to play a mean-spirited trick on unconscious Burt. They convince Howard to take a shot of a heavy sedative and "play dead" to fool his pal. Then they put a fireplace poker in Burt's hand to make it look like he killed him. After the ladies (including Barbara Steele and Barbara Harris) smear Howard's forehead with some red mascara to make it look like he bled to death, everyone leaves the house with the exception of the two knocked out fraternity brothers. When Burt awakens some time later, he's unable to revive Duke (the sedative gives him virtually no pulse) and panics. He really believes that in a drunken stupor he killed one of his best friends. Since this is an Alfred Hitchcock episode, the worst possible scenario happens next: Burt tries to dispose of "the body." "Beta Delta Gamma" is in reality a cautionary tale of what happens if practical jokes take the wrong turn, especially when massive amounts of alcohol consumption are involved. This warning is just as timely for today's audiences as it was when this was filmed (1961). The episode was directed by the very capable Hitchcock veteran Alan Crosland, Jr. Burt Brinckerhoff left acting early and became a prolific television director himself. Barbara Harris, almost unrecognizable here, became a major Broadway star and was also active in some notable films and TV shows. Barbara Steele is best remembered for her work in horror films during the 1960s. She plays a sexy flirt in this episode and looks better than ever. As for the host's final comments, they lack his usual levity and it's obvious that Hitchcock wanted his audience to take the "message" he presented seriously.
Review of Beta Delta Gamma
