If you're a long time fan of the series, you'll notice Hitch favored single and two character studies, the more desperate the better. This definitely is as desperate as it gets, ironically set during Christmas Eve, all about a feuding sister and brother.
Versatile Carmen Mathews returns to the series, in a role made just for her, playing Celia, the old maid sister to an extremely bitter gentleman called Charlie (played by Richard Waring), and with one big chip on his shoulder. It's long been his belief Celia delibertly killed his wife and he may be next -- unless he does something about it. Hoping to mend fences is family attorney Edmon Ryan, and good luck with that chore!
The surprise here is the ending is not quite what you would expect -- without giving too much way, but is fairly strange, and this is one bizarre story, Hitchcock style to be sure. Exceptionally directed by Arthur Hiller, known for LOVE STORY. It's a tossup as to who outdoes the other, Mathews or Waring.
I agree with the last reviewer; the episode was NOT originally aired at Christmas time, and perhaps that was Hitch's intention with a little chuckle. Although, if you ever have the chance to watch this story during the holidays, you may come away a tad depressed, but with a great deal of respect for the actors, they are that covincing. You be the judge.
From SEASON 3 EPISODE 31 remastered box set.
5 dvd set. Released by Universal, 2007.
Versatile Carmen Mathews returns to the series, in a role made just for her, playing Celia, the old maid sister to an extremely bitter gentleman called Charlie (played by Richard Waring), and with one big chip on his shoulder. It's long been his belief Celia delibertly killed his wife and he may be next -- unless he does something about it. Hoping to mend fences is family attorney Edmon Ryan, and good luck with that chore!
The surprise here is the ending is not quite what you would expect -- without giving too much way, but is fairly strange, and this is one bizarre story, Hitchcock style to be sure. Exceptionally directed by Arthur Hiller, known for LOVE STORY. It's a tossup as to who outdoes the other, Mathews or Waring.
I agree with the last reviewer; the episode was NOT originally aired at Christmas time, and perhaps that was Hitch's intention with a little chuckle. Although, if you ever have the chance to watch this story during the holidays, you may come away a tad depressed, but with a great deal of respect for the actors, they are that covincing. You be the judge.
From SEASON 3 EPISODE 31 remastered box set.
5 dvd set. Released by Universal, 2007.