"A Little Sleep" is the penultimate episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' Season 2. It is also the second episode directed by Paul Henreid, the first being the disappointing "Vicious Circle", and it was interesting seeing Broadway legend Barbara Cook in a different role. The idea for the episode was very intriguing and a good deal more appealing than that of the previous episode "The Indestructible Mr Weems" (which still actually managed to be surprisingly great).
There are better episodes in Season 2 than "A Little Sleep" but also a lot worse. As far as the season goes, it's still in the better category and is significantly better than Henreid's previous 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode "Vicious Circle" (with this actually being a good episode). "A Little Sleep" is not an 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' high point or perfect, but it is nonetheless very good with a lot of great things (those things including Cook), as well as a couple of things that aren't as good.
Would have liked Vic Morrow's role to have been larger, his role here is very underwritten and thankless and he is very underused. Meaning that he comes over as bland too much.
It can be predictable as well story wise.
However, a lot is good. A definite strength is Cook, who is very alluring and it is a performance that affects and unsettles. The ending is absolutely delicious, one of the most satisfying, most unexpected and cleverest ones of the season. The dance scene is very ahead of the time and a scene that is difficult to look away from.
Furthermore, Henreid's direction shows a lot more confidence and engagement and there are no signs of being taxed or going through the motions. Despite being predictable, the story still engrosses and isn't dull, while the episode is thoughtfully written. Production values while not lavish are still slick and atmospheric and musically it's suitably ominous. Hitchcock's bookending is suitably ironic.
Overall, very good. 8/10.