This show really gets rolling when we first meet our friendly neighborhood killer.Macready very subdued to start,but he's chasing Ida Lupino around the house and being menacing once she figures out something is not quite right.She's house hunting with her husband due to return from the war,Macready plays an escaped killer from a mental institution.He stated this was one of his favorite roles,and he effectively terrorizes Ida throughout.She tries her best to stay one step ahead,but he usually anticipates her next move.Lucky for her another agent and potential customer show up,even if she nearly gets killed trying to get them to help.Once again,George's facial scar is highlighted,something he'd worried would prevent him from an acting career,but he was a brilliant character actor,and well-respected man.
3 Reviews
Tense and creepy
planktonrules29 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It seemed very fitting that this episode starred Ida Lupino, as she'd previously starred in a very similar film along with Robert Ryan. In both cases, Lupino spends most of the episode being terrorized by a homicidal madman—trying to find some way to escape before she becomes his next victim.
The show begins with Lupino and a realtor having just finished up looking at homes. She notices a new listing that looks promising and goes on her own to see the home. However, the man in the home is NOT the other realtor but an escaped maniac (George Macready). He's really agitated and she spends much of the episode trying to bargain with him for her life. When some other people do arrive to look at the home, the nut-case threatens her and tells her to keep her cool or she AND these two others will be the next victims! Lupino was the fourth of the four stars in the series title. However, for some reason she left the series and was replaced by Joan Fontaine. It's a shame, as Lupino was excellent here and was a very good actress.
The show begins with Lupino and a realtor having just finished up looking at homes. She notices a new listing that looks promising and goes on her own to see the home. However, the man in the home is NOT the other realtor but an escaped maniac (George Macready). He's really agitated and she spends much of the episode trying to bargain with him for her life. When some other people do arrive to look at the home, the nut-case threatens her and tells her to keep her cool or she AND these two others will be the next victims! Lupino was the fourth of the four stars in the series title. However, for some reason she left the series and was replaced by Joan Fontaine. It's a shame, as Lupino was excellent here and was a very good actress.
Potent Premise, Lame Direction
dougdoepke30 June 2020
I guess my real reason for proffering a review is to again laud the great Ida Lupino. In my view, she's Hollywood's most overlooked actress, along with being a pioneering lady director and producer. Here she has to deal with evil madman Macready as they exist alone together in an empty house for sale. Both are visually perfect, while Macready's scary just standing there. Nonetheless, director Bricken seems to have gone missing, creating a number of stand-around static scenes. After all, it is an empty house with lots of room for more drama. Still, the premise is suspenseful enough to keep eyes glued, along with the A-one cast and clever script touches.
Two noteworthy touches. First, I like Lupino getting tipped off to the house's availability by an apparently sheer accident. That way I could imagine fate having a hand in what follows. Second is the cop's sudden arrival which amounts to a nicely ironic twist that maybe produces a chuckle when revealed. Too bad the incredible, off-screen fusillade inside the house sounds like the storming of Normandy.
Still and all, it's an engaging half-hour despite the flaws, and thanks to the perfect casting of the two leads. Maybe one day Lupino will get due recognition from the Hollywood establishment. I'll keep on hoping.
Two noteworthy touches. First, I like Lupino getting tipped off to the house's availability by an apparently sheer accident. That way I could imagine fate having a hand in what follows. Second is the cop's sudden arrival which amounts to a nicely ironic twist that maybe produces a chuckle when revealed. Too bad the incredible, off-screen fusillade inside the house sounds like the storming of Normandy.
Still and all, it's an engaging half-hour despite the flaws, and thanks to the perfect casting of the two leads. Maybe one day Lupino will get due recognition from the Hollywood establishment. I'll keep on hoping.
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