Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)

The Gentleman from America (1956)

Alfred Hitchcock: Self - Host

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  Himself - Host : [Hitchcock is sitting in a high chair with a lit candle, a small box, and a couple of books all on a narrow desk in front of a closed door with a hung sign marked "QUIET"]  Good evening. Do you believe in ghosts?

  [the lit candle disappears] 

  Himself - Host : Of course not. I knew you didn't.

  [the entire desk with the box and books disappears] 

  Himself - Host : Noise is the mortal enemy of good motion picture making and television broadcasting. That is why I hired this particular house. It is deathly quiet-

  [people start screaming off screen; Hitchcock turns to look with mild annoyance] 

  Himself - Host : Most of the time. And its reputation for being haunted keeps away the curious.

  [Hitchcock's high chair disappears] 

  Himself - Host : The shifting of scenery also seems to be better here. The human element has been removed. So, if you would just lean back and relax, I'll tell you a little ghost story. Please don't hesitate to turn out your lights. I'm sure the warm glow from the picture tube will be sufficient to melt all your fears of the dark. But, before we view with alarm, allow us to point with pride.

• [last lines] 

  Himself - Host : And just because a silly girl Iost her head over some imaginary noises years before.

  [Hitchcock is startled by a rattling] 

  Himself - Host : Apparently some people can't read.

  [Hitchcock gets up from the chair and peeks through the door] 

  Himself - Host : It's all right. Just a young lady who needs help to put the chains on her car. I'll be back shortly. Meanwhile, considering the gravity of our next announcement, I think this is more appropriate.

  [Hitchcock goes through the door and changes the sign from "QUIET" to "THINK", then comes out of the door after the commercial break] 

  Himself - Host : A very interesting experience. It's been years since I saw a Stutz Bearcat. Now for a few posthumous announcements. The bullets used on tonight's program were made with new enriched gunpowder. Furs by Feline. Tonight's guests were flown to Hollywood by the world's oldest airlines.

  [a witch's broom suddenly appears, hanging in the air before Hitchcock] 

  Himself - Host : Next week, we shall fly some more in, if space is available. Until then, good night.