"Power of Attorney" was a rare appearance on American television for veteran British Shakespearean actor Richard Johnson, cast in uncharacteristically villainous mode as professional swindler James Jarvis, who leaves his female victims penniless in 'love em and leave em' fashion. He pretends to invest a certain amount of their money, then claims bankruptcy, moving on to his next target, the wealthy Mary Crawford (Fay Bainter), who easily falls for his surface charm, but her younger companion, Agatha Tomlin (Geraldine Fitzgerald), is not so easily swayed. When Agatha decides to have the con man meet Mary's attorney, Jarvis resorts to murder to continue his misdeeds unopposed. The climax is most satisfying. Johnson was soon to play Bulldog Drummond in a pair of features inspired by the success of the James Bond series, while this turned out to be the final role for Oscar-winning (for 1938's "Jezebel") actress Fay Bainter, who died three years later at the age of 74.
10 Reviews
Brilliantly done, with nary a false move or wasted action or unnecessary filler
rms125a4 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The episode is about a sociopathic misogynist conman (and occasionally murderer), known by different names and aliases, but for most of the episode he is called James Jarvis. He ingratiates himself with or seduces women who have enough money to invest, convincing them that he should be the one to take on that responsibility. He promptly leaves them penniless but the first victim whom the audience gets to meet not only forgives him but asks him to come for dinner, even after he has broken the phony news that all her money has been lost in the bankruptcy of a company which promised almost magical dividends but suddenly goes bankrupt.
Next he is seen on a first class flight from Europe to the United States, wooing a wealthy dowager, Mary Caulfield, and her loyal, suspicious, repressed companion, Agatha Tomlin. He pretends to be registered at the hotel where the two women live, and despite NOT having made a reservation is provided, on Mrs. Caulfield's say so, with a comfortable room one floor away from the suite where the two women live. Jarvis does away with Mr. Barton, Mrs. Caulfield's elderly but competent financial adviser and takes his place. He does with Mrs. Caulfield's money what he did to his other victims. Mrs. Caulfield (and, initially, Agatha) accept his explanation, although fateful events for Jarvis himself result when the despairing old woman shoots herself. Skipping the spoiler details of what occurs after that, suffice it to say that Mrs. Caulfield was Jarvis's last victim. To quote another reviewer, the ending is most satisfactory, although equally good or even better alternatives within the judicial and penal systems can be imagined.
The performances, especially by the leads, are uniformly brilliant. Fay Bainter's generous and kind, but overly naive, bonne vivant in good times is devastatingly pathetic when she find herself "in extremis". Geraldine Fitzgerald's lovely and lustrous avenger who discovers her own considerable reserve of inner strength represents the best in humanity that can be found in Hitchcock's cruel milieu. As Fitzgerald's polar opposite, Richard Johnson creates a uniquely convincing and vivid character -- a heartless, greedy, arrogant misogynist (Jarvis slaps one woman hard after she slaps him for taking liberties, then continues on, doing the same thing) who can never cope with not getting his own way -- in the guise of a seemingly normal, relatively attractive man who quickly turns from con artist into psychotic thug.
Next he is seen on a first class flight from Europe to the United States, wooing a wealthy dowager, Mary Caulfield, and her loyal, suspicious, repressed companion, Agatha Tomlin. He pretends to be registered at the hotel where the two women live, and despite NOT having made a reservation is provided, on Mrs. Caulfield's say so, with a comfortable room one floor away from the suite where the two women live. Jarvis does away with Mr. Barton, Mrs. Caulfield's elderly but competent financial adviser and takes his place. He does with Mrs. Caulfield's money what he did to his other victims. Mrs. Caulfield (and, initially, Agatha) accept his explanation, although fateful events for Jarvis himself result when the despairing old woman shoots herself. Skipping the spoiler details of what occurs after that, suffice it to say that Mrs. Caulfield was Jarvis's last victim. To quote another reviewer, the ending is most satisfactory, although equally good or even better alternatives within the judicial and penal systems can be imagined.
The performances, especially by the leads, are uniformly brilliant. Fay Bainter's generous and kind, but overly naive, bonne vivant in good times is devastatingly pathetic when she find herself "in extremis". Geraldine Fitzgerald's lovely and lustrous avenger who discovers her own considerable reserve of inner strength represents the best in humanity that can be found in Hitchcock's cruel milieu. As Fitzgerald's polar opposite, Richard Johnson creates a uniquely convincing and vivid character -- a heartless, greedy, arrogant misogynist (Jarvis slaps one woman hard after she slaps him for taking liberties, then continues on, doing the same thing) who can never cope with not getting his own way -- in the guise of a seemingly normal, relatively attractive man who quickly turns from con artist into psychotic thug.
One of the better Hitchcock hour shows
theedcarol10 September 2020
I find many of the Alfred Hitchcock hour shows to be anti-climactic and not very well written. Hitchcock's name is associated with the show so you expect something better. This show was an exception. It was well written and the acting was very good. My only criticism is the rather disjointed way the opening five minutes of the program was connected to the rest of it. You knew the bad guy was going to get his in the end but the storyline presented a clever way of this happening. I wish all the hour long shows that Hitchcock presented were this good.
I had a WONDERFUL time
stoneyburke7 June 2012
Of COURSE there's no accounting for a wonderful cast..The story has been told in different ways many times but THIS one shone. I wasn't familiar with Richard Johnson who played Jarvis Smith our smarmy villain. What really struck me with this character was when he would tell the "victims" that their "investment" went south, resorted to tears, YES, literally crying ...He DOES add, "My money was invested too." He's really a bad one! Apparently the gals that loved him (Mary Scott and Geraldine Fitzgerald) were compassionate and caring. Mary Scott was only in the beginning...see it, you'll see..I'm just mentioning it. WELL, Fay Bainter, an elderly wealthy woman, friend of Geraldine Fitzgerald's, didn't take her loss as Fitzgerald (Agatha was her character's name) did...she ended her own life. AHHHH now the fun. Our Agatha obviously wasn't "amused" by this charming fella's scamming them and pulled a stunt that I will NOT spoil!!
Familiar Material Well Done
dougdoepke8 March 2016
Add up a handsome slickster with money-hungry eyes, a severely repressed spinster with no prospects, plus her wealthy aging mother with a dislike for business—and we've got prime grist for Hitch's TV mill. Sure, the concept is a familiar one, but it's always fun to see how things will eventually work into proper alignment.
Johnson's good as the con-man, just oily enough. Still, his ending most every line with a sly "heh, heh, heh" had me expecting Wiley Coyote to pop up. But it's really Fitzgerald's entry. Starting out as a grim middle-age wallflower, she's almost scary in her severity. Wisely, the screenplay has Johnson slowly insinuating upon her since her suspicions are naturally up when a man pays her attention. Instead Johnson aims his charm on dowager Bainter who suspects nothing. Turns out that the old lady really hates business matters, so when her attorney turns up conveniently dead, guess who she turns to. So what could go wrong for our clever fortune hunter, especially now that the spinster has let her hair down and is responding romantically. Tune in to find out how Hitch manages to balance the scales, even when the law doesn't.
Johnson's good as the con-man, just oily enough. Still, his ending most every line with a sly "heh, heh, heh" had me expecting Wiley Coyote to pop up. But it's really Fitzgerald's entry. Starting out as a grim middle-age wallflower, she's almost scary in her severity. Wisely, the screenplay has Johnson slowly insinuating upon her since her suspicions are naturally up when a man pays her attention. Instead Johnson aims his charm on dowager Bainter who suspects nothing. Turns out that the old lady really hates business matters, so when her attorney turns up conveniently dead, guess who she turns to. So what could go wrong for our clever fortune hunter, especially now that the spinster has let her hair down and is responding romantically. Tune in to find out how Hitch manages to balance the scales, even when the law doesn't.
Jarvis is a real jerk-face!
planktonrules28 June 2021
Jarvis (Richard Johnson) is a horrible man. He's a con man who ingratiates himself to women and then convinces them to invest their money with him....and he takes off with the money. But in his latest scheme he goes a step further to complete his work....he kills! Can the man be stopped or will the nice Ms. Caulfield (Fay Bainter) be his next victim? And, if she is, what will happen next?
It was a very refreshing thing to see "Power of Attorney", as the previous four episodes preceding this one were all stinkers. This one, unlike the others, was well written and had an excellent twist. And, fortunately, Hitchcock did NOT ruin the twist in the epilogue...with his usual 'they were caught and paid for their crimes' sort of tripe.
It was a very refreshing thing to see "Power of Attorney", as the previous four episodes preceding this one were all stinkers. This one, unlike the others, was well written and had an excellent twist. And, fortunately, Hitchcock did NOT ruin the twist in the epilogue...with his usual 'they were caught and paid for their crimes' sort of tripe.
Excellent Revenge Episode
Hitchcoc1 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A man with no morals, a con man, feasts on innocent women, talking them into investments and taking everything they have. Of course, they are monumentally stupid and greedy themselves, handing over money to a complete stranger based on his sob stories (like his wife died in childbirth). An elderly woman and her traveling companion meet him on a plane (his usual MO) and get to hear everything on the long flight home. He soon ropes them in. The thing that finally causes severe action is the death of the old lady. Her friend knows what she must do. If there is anything lacking it is the huge amount of money he has accumulated. Where is it? Where will it go?
STEALING FROM AN OLD LADY. FO' SHAME!
tcchelsey28 July 2023
Not too much of a surprise that James Bridges wrote this super episode, which has the look and feel of earlier show episodes and with some prime veteran actors you must see.
First and foremost is British born Richard Johnson, veteran of the Shakesperean stage, who plays your typical Hitchcock cad --who robs an wealthy old lady blind. But will he get away with his ill deeds, hmmm? Johnson is fun to watch, and a bit over the top, as a real heel and a very good actor, capable of fooling little old ladies. Johnson probably gained even more fame at this time as he had just married movie star Kim Novack. Their marriage did not last, but they remained friends for many years. At least there are some happy endings in Hollywood.
Look for the great Geraldine Fitzgerald in this one, who is onto Johnson's shady game. Fitzgerald at the time had co-starred in the classic movie THE PAWNBROKER. Rounding out the cast is veteran Fay Bainter. Her last film was THE CHILDRENS HOUR in 1962. Wait for the just desserts ENDING!
I do agree with the last reviewer that the ONLY debit here is that Bainter, who shoots herself, looks in pretty good condition for someone who just took a bullet!
Fitzgerald has a good closing line.... SEASON 3 EPISODE 24 CBS dvd box set.
First and foremost is British born Richard Johnson, veteran of the Shakesperean stage, who plays your typical Hitchcock cad --who robs an wealthy old lady blind. But will he get away with his ill deeds, hmmm? Johnson is fun to watch, and a bit over the top, as a real heel and a very good actor, capable of fooling little old ladies. Johnson probably gained even more fame at this time as he had just married movie star Kim Novack. Their marriage did not last, but they remained friends for many years. At least there are some happy endings in Hollywood.
Look for the great Geraldine Fitzgerald in this one, who is onto Johnson's shady game. Fitzgerald at the time had co-starred in the classic movie THE PAWNBROKER. Rounding out the cast is veteran Fay Bainter. Her last film was THE CHILDRENS HOUR in 1962. Wait for the just desserts ENDING!
I do agree with the last reviewer that the ONLY debit here is that Bainter, who shoots herself, looks in pretty good condition for someone who just took a bullet!
Fitzgerald has a good closing line.... SEASON 3 EPISODE 24 CBS dvd box set.
It isn't your fault..It's rotten luck that's all.
sol12188 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
****SPOILERS**** Smooth talking con artist Jarvis Smith played by Richard Johnson,the guy as Dmitri who made deal with the Devil in the horror movie "Beyond the Door", has been stealing women's life savings with his wheeling and dealing with their money in the stock market on what he calls sure things. As Jarvis suckers his victims out of their last dollar all of a sudden his sure thing stock goes down and out as well as bankrupt!
It's when Jarvis tries to swindle both widow and spinster Mary Caulfield & Agatha Tomlin, Mary Fay Bainter & Geraldine Fitzgareld, out of their life savings is when things goes south for him as well as them. But in the end it's Jarvis who ends up getting the real short end of the deal or stick in all this. It's Agatha who at first seems to know what a double dealing swine that Jarvis is but in charming and romancing her Jarvis makes her overlook all that. It's when Mary found out that her stock investment that Jarvis handled for her went broke going from $75.00 to $0.00 a share overnight that she ended up shooting herself! It's Jarvis who became Mary's lawyer, with power of attorney, after he murdered, and made it look like a heart attack, her financial consultant and family lawyer Thomas Barron, Arthon Jochim, in order for him to get the job as well as his hands on her savings!
***SPOILERS*** It's when Agatha shows up with the groceries at the hotel-room where she and Mary were living at that she finds Mary dead from a self inflicting gunshot wound. It's there and then that Agatha plans to put that slimy creep and double dealing Jarvis Smith in his place once in for all! The fact that Jarvis didn't know that Mary killed herself made Agatha's plan or trap for Jarvis all that easier for her to execute. And in the end it was the unsuspecting Jarvis who in him putting on a sob story act in how sorry he felt, in having both her and Mary lose their life savings in the stock market, who walked right into it!
It's when Jarvis tries to swindle both widow and spinster Mary Caulfield & Agatha Tomlin, Mary Fay Bainter & Geraldine Fitzgareld, out of their life savings is when things goes south for him as well as them. But in the end it's Jarvis who ends up getting the real short end of the deal or stick in all this. It's Agatha who at first seems to know what a double dealing swine that Jarvis is but in charming and romancing her Jarvis makes her overlook all that. It's when Mary found out that her stock investment that Jarvis handled for her went broke going from $75.00 to $0.00 a share overnight that she ended up shooting herself! It's Jarvis who became Mary's lawyer, with power of attorney, after he murdered, and made it look like a heart attack, her financial consultant and family lawyer Thomas Barron, Arthon Jochim, in order for him to get the job as well as his hands on her savings!
***SPOILERS*** It's when Agatha shows up with the groceries at the hotel-room where she and Mary were living at that she finds Mary dead from a self inflicting gunshot wound. It's there and then that Agatha plans to put that slimy creep and double dealing Jarvis Smith in his place once in for all! The fact that Jarvis didn't know that Mary killed herself made Agatha's plan or trap for Jarvis all that easier for her to execute. And in the end it was the unsuspecting Jarvis who in him putting on a sob story act in how sorry he felt, in having both her and Mary lose their life savings in the stock market, who walked right into it!
"Something called the Arlo Trust Company."
classicsoncall19 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Come on now, how many of you thought Agatha Tomlin (Geraldine Fitzgerald) was going to take care of Jarvis Smith (Richard Johnson) herself for swindling trusting friend, Mary Caulfield (Fay Bainter)? I certainly did, but the scriptwriters here had a much cleverer idea, which I thought was superb. Now I guess people were more trusting back in the Sixties, but I had to wonder why Agatha didn't perform a bit of due diligence about the Arlo Trust Company. She would have found it went bankrupt a few years prior, as would have Mrs. Caulfield's attorney, Thomas Barton (Anthony Jochim), who's only role in the story was to get knocked off by Johnson, and that happened off screen. I thought a little more could have gone into Smith winning over Ms. Tomlin, fortunately her affection for the scheming con man went out the window as soon as she saw her friend lying dead on the couch with a 'Forgive me' suicide note. Did you notice how Agatha maneuvered Smith's hand to pick up the gun that would become the alleged murder weapon? That was well done with Smith never suspecting the ruse. This had to go down as one of the better Hitchcock twists, because even if you knew that Smith would get what was coming to him, the actual method was brilliant. Bravo, Agatha!
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