I caught this episode one summer evening in the late-1980's while home alone! Odd, that a summer storm was approaching at the same time and those swaying trees mimicked those in external shots of the home featured in this episode. I must admit this episode was THE MOST haunting of all Hitchcock's offerings and the most unforgettable at the same time. One wonders how Nell's (Margaret Leighton) life will proceed after the shocking end presented in this episode! I can foresee years of psychiatric therapy in Nell's future post-demise of her young niece. Curiously though, while Suse, the housekeeper and cook as well, embraces a position of humility and subordination to her employer, one wonders why there was no relationship between the two adult women established over the years. Obvious concern is implied by Suse while talking with little Eva about her playtime games with a doll, Numa, Suse apparently never approaches her employer Nell with any concern about words spoken by Eva, "Sometimes she puts YOU in the box?" I found it curious that even a diminished employee didn't approach her employer about odder than usual comments made by a little girl of 6. Perhaps a tragedy could have been avoided, just my thought. The creepiness factor was certainly added with the wayward player piano and the fact that young Eva was placed in her late father's bedroom as an accommodation. The father's room looked as if it had just recently been vacated by Eva's father, with the college pendant still present on the wall. Excellent fare for a Hitchcock offering, but absolutely jolting for me while viewing this while home alone. These days I view this episode with at least one family member present! And does anyone else think the smokehouse scene was CREEPY? <Eva's voice when responding to Suse's question of, "Who's in here?!">
Review of Where the Woodbine Twineth
