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Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Mrs. Herman and Mrs. Fenimore (1958)
LET'S KILL UNCLE!
Two exceptional actresses make this story a hoot, one of the seasons very best episodes. This was also Oscar winner Mary Astor's second appearance on the show, and she rolls with it. Truly, a role that was made for her.
Astor plays Mrs. Fenimore, an actress who has seen better times and is looking for a new home. Popular character actress Doro Merande plays the frustrated lady of the house who is saddled with a nasty uncle (well played by Russell Collins), making her life miserable -- except the fact that he's loaded. She's had enough of this guy and, perhaps, maybe.... Mrs. Fenimore can help her dispose of the old man so she can live happily ever after?
Astor steals the show here and plays a real smooth game, without giving too much away. A dynamic two woman show to be sure, spiced with some very interesting dialogue between both leads. Once again, a classic script from Robert C. Dennis.
Mary Astor, still looking beautiful, had given up her movie contract at MGM, tired of always playing somebody's mother and switched to television, and with enormous success. No question Hitch was a fan of hers and wanted to get Mary on his tv show. Doro Merande, a popular stage actress, later entered films and tv, likewise with great success. She was best known as Aunt Ethel on the HONEYMOONERS.
This one will give you a hearty laugh, again thanks to Hitch and the great Mary Astor. SEASON 4 EPISODE 12 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvds. 15 hrs 30 min length. Released 2008.
The Twilight Zone: Queen of the Nile (1964)
BEWARE OF THE QUEEN!
Really weird story that was outlined by Charles Beaumont, though finished by Jerry Sohl, due to the fact that Beaumont was quite ill. Sohl also wrote for Alfred Hitchcock's tv show, without too much surprise. This one has that feel, and will definitely keep your attention.
Beautiful Anne Blyth plays one of the greatest movie stars of all time -- who has literally found the fountain of youth. You have to see this one all the way through it's that bizarre, and so well acted.
Blyth, best known for her Oscar nominated performance as Joan Crawford's daughter in MILDRED PIERCE, shines in this role. A one of a kind performance.
Good support from popular actor Lee Philips as Jordy and veteran Celia Lovsky (as Viola) in one of those mystery lady roles she plays so well. Lovsky was married to actor Peter Lorre, who passed around the time this episode was filmed. Good trivia question.
10 Stars for originality. SEASON 5 EPISODE 23 remastered.
Dead Ringer (1963)
THE GOOD AND THE BAD BETTE DAVIS.
Actually, BOTH roles Bette Davis plays here --as twins--are a work of art. But there is some degree of sympathy for the poorer of the two, at least for a short while.
Quite similar to Davis' hit film, A STOLEN LIFE, about 20 years earlier. A soap opera on steroids to be sure, and don't ya love it. One sister fools the other sister, stealing away the handsome and wealthy man of her dreams -- claiming to be having his baby -- although many years later, it's revealed to be a lie. Now poor sister Betty has her revenge, killing her sibling and assuming her identity, HOWEVER, is this the kind of life she was prepared for?
Spot on acting from Bette Davis, as always, who is the whole show and fun to watch, especially for her one-liners. The dialogue here is TOPS, exceptionally written and directed by her former co-star Paul Henreid, who directed many tv episodes for Alfred Hitchcock. And when you come down to it, this film has some Hitch similarities to its credit, albeit shades of a dark comedy at times. Filmed in glorious black and white, and catch the neat jazz score.
Solid support from Karl Malden, in a very good role, and Pater Lawford at his nasty best as the unprincipled playboy. Great bit from veteran actress Estelle Winwood as rich Betty's eccentric aunt, who steals a few scenes without too much surprise.
A one of a kind film to be sure, and with some camp elements to make it all click. Davis would follow this with HUSH, HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE. Amazing.
Always on dvd and remastered blu ray. Thanks to MOVIES Net for running this classic quite a bit.
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis: A Taste for Lobster (1960)
DOBIE AND THE REAL, REAL RICH KID.
Series writer Arnold Horwitt, who later wrote for PATTY DUKE, put together a rather clever episode. This time around, Dobie is competing against a 13 year old self made business-kid called Chrissie Tyler, played by Michael Burns. Amazing.
It all starts with Dobie meeting up with pretty Gwyneth (Christian Kay) who prefers the simple life, especially when it comes to money. Since Dobie is flat broke, this is his kind of girl! -- until Chrissie starts dating Gwyneth's younger sisiter and showing off his wealth. Chrissie, it turns out, runs a successful babysitting business (with a lot of neighborhood kids as his employees!) in an ice cream parlor?
Unable to resist a call to duty, especially to make some FAST cash, Dobie starts up his own competing babysitting business and is an overnight success. He also can't help but show off all his new found money to Gwyneth. Why not? Dobie is dressed to impress and struttin' his stuff in fine style. A sight to see.
Popular child actor Michael Burns (in his tv debut) is fun to watch as the fast-talking, tough as nails business kid. In a few years, he gained fame as young Barnaby on WAGON TRAIN, later giving it all up to become a distinguished college professor.
Look for Billy Booth, in a small role as one of the kids working for Chrissie, best known as Tommy on DENNIS THE MENACE. Also Christian Kay would soon gain popularity by appearing in BLUE HAWAII, starring Elvis.
Dedicated to all us armchair business tycoons! SEASON 1 EPISODE 38 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvds. Released 2020. The color cover with Dobie and Maynard is the best.
Hawaiian Eye: A Touch of Velvet (1961)
TRACY AND THE BLIND GIRL.
Veteran Erna Lazarus wrote this adventurous and very poignant episode, certainly one of the best of the season.
Beautiful Sharon Hugueny guest stars as Ellie who is essential in the case of a well known artist who is murdered. Tracy teams with Ellie to find the elusive killer, although it gets a bit complicated because she's totally blind! Hugueny, who was a protege of producer Jack Warner at the time, is quite convincing in this rare role, and should have gotten an Emmy nod.
A combination of both top writing and directing by Edward Dein, who handled some excellent scenes with Sharon Hugueny. And wait for the ending.
Good support from Robert Hutton and Richard Davalos as Mickey. Special guest star is entertainer
Sterling Mossman and his band. Mossman was the real-life brother of series co-star Douglas, though strangely they have no scenes together.
Writer Erna Lazarus was also writing scripts for SURFSIDE 6 at the time. She was one of only a few acclaimed female writers in the 1940s who worked steadily in Hollywood for decades, passing at 102 in 2006.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 18 remastered. Thanks to ME TV for showing this classic series on Sunday nights along with 77 SUNSET STRIP. Terrific combo.
77 Sunset Strip: Stranger from the Sea (1963)
THE 50,000 DOLAR CAPER!
Great story for Kookie as he helps an old pal from Japan, memorably played by Mako. Mako comes to visit his uncle in Hollywood, who represents Japanese farmers. There's only one problem, the old man skipped town with fifty thousand dollars belonging to all the farmers. Or did he?
This is also a violent episode for Kookie (Jeff is more on the phone!) dodging fists and bullets. One of the best bad guy performances from Steve Brodie, as Anson, a homicidal maniac. Also Robert Wilke as Vern and keep an eye on popular character actor Joseph Mell as Nevill, another creepy guy. Mell usually played some fun characters, but not in this episode. These guys are lethal.
Extremely well directed by series regular George Waggner who really works this cast. The last scene shootout is classic, and what made the show such a hit. Super writing from two pros; John Butler, who wrote a ton of B westerns and adventure films and Louis Huston, who began his career writing for HIGHWAY PATROL. Do the math.
Always great to see Mako, who is missed. Mako in a few years would earn an Oscar nomination for his memorable role in THE SAND PEBBLES.
This one clicks. From SEASON 5 EPISODE 23 remastered. Thanks so much to ME TV for running these golden oldies on Sunday nights.
Leave It to Beaver: Water Anyone? (1957)
BEAVE, THE BUSINESS MAN, INCORPORATED.
You gotta' love this episode, and one that inspired all us kids way back when. GOING INTO BUSINESS!
Actually, Beaver is "temporarily" in business. It all starts when Ward helps Wally raise money for new baseball uniforms, naturally leaving Beave out because he's too young. But Beaver is smart!
He moseys around the neighborhood and finds out the water main will be temporarily shut down --no cold water on a HOT day. So he starts filling up every bottle he can get his hands on, selling glasses of water for five cents -- about 55 cents today!
Best part finds June being one of his first customers! However, Ward ain't too happy about the project, saying Beave should "share" the water with everybody, to which Beaver innocently asks, "Does the grocery man share his food for free?"
Good point!
What a story, well written by veteran Clifford Goldsmith, who also wrote for the DONNA REED SHOW. Look for popular dramatic actor Francis De Sales, who made many appearances on PERRY MASON, later a regular on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
Norman Alden, in an early role, has a bit part as one of the water department workers.
Best of SEASON 1 EPISODE 7 remastered.
Barnaby Jones: Child of Love Child of Vengeance: Part 1 (1979)
BARNABY AND THE STRANGE CULT.
PART I
Excellent two part episode that had a lot of PR back in the day, because it was so topical. I agree with the last reviewer, writer Robert Lenski probably based the story on Synanon, which originally opened as a drug reb center in southern California in the 60s. A decade later there were explosive stories of men and women forced to live in a dangerous cult-like atmosphere, women even forced to shave their heads. In 1978, about a year before this episode, two members were arrested for putting a rattlesnake in the mail box of a lawyer who was investigating Synanon -- which blew the case wide open.
Here, Barnaby investigates a cult, a missing girl and murder, all leading to his detective license being yanked! Subsequently, JR has to jump in and actually joins the cult -- and is marked for death himself. Pat Hingle, one of the best character actors, plays Garrison, the crafty leader of the organization.
A force to be reckoned with.
This was the second tv credit for young Ilene Graff, playing Stephanie, and she's very good. Graff would later co-star in MR. BELVEDERE. Two super actresses guest star; Joanna Linville as Mimi and Marlyn Mason as Eve.
Not to be missed with this special cast. SEASON 7 EPISODE 22 and 23 remastered color CBS dvd box set. Released 2018.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Tea Time (1958)
COFFEE, TEA AND HOMICIDE?
Classis Hitchcock female duel of duels, and well cast with British actress Margaret Leighton, who I am sure Hitch recommended, and popular Marsha Hunt.
It all starts out at a fancy restaurant where Blanche (Hunt) asks Iris (Leighton) to simply give up her husband, played by Murray Matheson. She has been having an affair with the rich gentleman and wishes to live happily ever after! Of course, that would leave poor Iris in the dark, cutting off her money lifeline, right?
Oh yes, there's some tricks up everybody's sleeve in this one, the kind of Hitchcock story you will love. Wait for the ending --and all the NOISE -- without giving too much away. Surprisingly, this was written by Katherine Hite, who at the time was writing western material for GUNSMOKE. In the 70s she wrote for the WALTONS.
The dialogue between the ladies is the main attraction... and all smiles? At times, comes off as a witty stage play.
Look for comedic actor Fritz Feld as the maitre d. Best in these type of roles.
A tribute to Marsha Hunt, who was appearing in films well into her 80s. She passed in 2022 at age 104, one of the oldest living actresses from Hollywood's golden age.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 10 remastered Universal dvd box set. 15 hrs 30 mins. 6 dvds. Released 2008.
The Twilight Zone: From Agnes - with Love (1964)
AGNES AND WALLY COX.
Originally telecast on Valentines Day, 1964, there's no question this dark comedy episode was written for Wally Cox, best playing the shy little guy who we all loved --BUT doesn't have much of a love life here.
Wally portrays James Elwood, the tech guru who is called in to repair the greatest of great computers ever constructed, known as Agnes. Naturally, James is one of a chosen few who can speak the computers language, and in typical TZ fashion, Agnes strikes up sort of a relationship with the guy. Don't y'all love it?
James has also been trying to get a date with beautiful Millie, played by popular actress Sue Randall. Is there tech jealousy in the air, or what? Yes, a common theme, all about computers manipulating human beings, but it's still fun to watch because of Wally Cox, a natural.
We lost him too soon. He is missed.
Sue Randall may have snagged the role due her popularity on LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, however she also was an accomplished dramatic actress who was regularly featured on cop shows produced by Warner Brothers/ABC tv for many years.
Beautifully written, and the only episode done by Bernard Schoenfeld, who not surprisingly, wrote episodes for ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S tv show. And again as I have written in the past, there truly are many TZ episodes that could have doubled for Hitchcock's show.
Also a tribute to the fine direction of Richard Donner (LETHAL WEAPON), who passed in 2021.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 20 remastered. Thank you METV for running this little gem for all us romantics.
Gilligan's Island: How to Be a Hero (1965)
GILLIGAN VERSUS THE HEADHUNTER.
The biggest debate for all us true Gilligan fans is which episodes are the funniest -- the ones with gorillas or headhunters? A close, close tie...
The Skipper becomes a hero, all because he saves Mary Ann from drowning. This is a blow to Gilligan's ego, so the castaways have to do something -- and fast -- to boost him up. The most goofy scene of all has to be the Skipper dressing up as beaded, painted up headhunter, and having fun with the role. It's so obvious. Of course, a very REAL headhunter washes up on the island -- out of nowhere -- and declares war on the castaways. Calling Gilligan to the rescue?
Character actor Russ Grieve is tops as the crazy man, grunts and all, and yes, the makeup is excellent. If you watch his mannerisms, Grieve reminds you of a loony character from the THREE STOOGES films. This is the kind of stuff all us kids loved back in the day. Very well written by Herbert Finn, who wrote the original HONEYMOONERS episodes for Jackie Gleason, also many episodes for the FLINTSTONES.
I agree with the last reviwer, Dawn Wells may have popularized short shorts. At the time, it certainly was a big switch for conservative tv of the 60s. The series was also known for some fancy wardrobe as well, especially gowns and dresses worn by Mrs. Howell and Ginger. As to where they all came from season after season, we'll never know.
From SEASON 1, EPISODE 23 remastered color. DVD release 2004.
Gilligan's Island: Diamonds Are an Ape's Best Friend (1965)
THE GORILLA DIAMOND CAPER!
Hard to believe prolific sci fi director Jack Arnold also directed sitcoms, but he did and was one of the best. This is a classic example as the castaways meet a clever gorilla! You knew a story like this had to be coming.
A gorilla (played by master stuntman Janos Prohaska) sneaks into the huts one night and happens to steal Mrs. Howell's diamonds. Next, he kidnaps Mrs. Howell, holding her in his cave. The biggest question of all... how many hidden caves did the island have during the series run?
Best dialogue award goes to the scene where Gilligan believes he can figure it all out by THINKING like a gorilla. To which the Skipper agrees, adding Gilligan does think like one! Goofy dialogue and one liners by series writer Elroy Schwartz.
The professor naturally has the answer to it all; it's NOT the diamond, nor Mrs. Howell -- but her perfume? Yes, I agree with the last reviewer, if that was the case, Mrs. Howell should have been kidnapped right off the bat! You can tell the cast is having lots of fun, especially Bob Denver versus the gorilla.
Applause for Janos Prohaska, originally a stuntman who found gainful employment in many sitcoms, generally playing gorillas and other wild and kooky animals. He also made many apearances, without too much surprise, on BEWITCHED.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 22 remastered color dvd box set. 6 dvds. Released 2004.
The Beverly Hillbillies: The Folk Singers (1966)
JETHRO AS SONNY AND MISS JANE AS CHER!
Yet another outrageous episode written by Mark Tuttle, the writer who truly made this series. I will say it again and again, when the show started filming in color the episodes became positively Insane. Prime example to follow...
Here, Jethro becomes an inventor! He wants to join the Air Force and is tinkering with some sort of flying rocket (with feathers???) that you can strap onto your body and jet into the air! Just plain nuts. Shifting gears, comes the opportunity where Jethro ALSO has the chance of becoming a rock star! He invents yet another device called the Bodine o' Phone, an amplified microphone tied to a long stick and attached to a box with lots of old radio tubes? Translation: a pile of LOUD junk.
Best of the best --and absolutely unforgettable -- is Miss Jane donning a long black wig and joining Jethro as the NEW Sonny and Cher. You have to see this to believe it, and Nancy Kulp's stone-face Cher is a sight to see.
Look for popular character actor Tom D'Andrea as Kingsley and veteran actor Thomas B. Henry as Mr. Matthews. Also another appearance for Judy the Chimp, as cousin Bessie, who appeared frequently on DAKTARI.
What a show. Must See TV. From SEASON 4 EPISODE 26. Remastered color dvd set. 4 dvds. Released 2014. Checkout the classic cover with Jed holding a pitchfork!
Mission: Impossible: Recovery (1968)
PHELPS AND FAIL SAFE.
The team of William Read Woodfield and Alan Balter wrote this excellent final episode of the season. Together they wrote 24 stories for the show, and without a doubt, some of the best.
A US fighter jet crashes in another anti-American country (probably with Russian ties), however the top secret Fail Safe device is not destroyed. The neat catch is the mild mannered, yet diabolical scientist who wants it all for himself is actually an American (well played by Bradford Dillman). What a traitor!
I agree with the last reviewer, Dillman looks like he was enjoying this offbeat role, which may have opened the door to many other similar parts he was so good at. Of course Rollin gets into the act, portraying one of the inventors of the device, but with serious health problems. He nearly drops dead from a heart attack, all while Cinnamon, as his wife, watches him carefully unlock the mechanism -- set to EXPLODE and kill her if he tries to pull a trick. Very clever writing on the part of Woodfield and Balter.
This episode also features two old timers. Peter Coe plays Laso, best remembered for the horror classic HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN as Hussman. Coe turned up at many classic horror film conventions, also appearing in THE MUMMYS CURSE. Reportedly, he was close friends with producer Ed Wood, subject of a bio film in which Martin Landau won an Oscar for playing Bela Lugosi. Coe put Wood, who had fallen on hard times, up at his home in Hollywood before he died. Also look for Gregory Gaye (playing the minister), who appeared in NINOTCHKA and DODSWORTH. Lots of movie history here.
Robert Totten did a commendable job directing, known for such westerns as GUNSMOKE and TEMPLE HOUSTON at Warner Brothers/ABC tv.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 25 remastered dvd box set. 7 dvds. 2007 release.
Leave It to Beaver: Wally's Play (1960)
WALLY'S GREAT DRESS SCANDAL!
One of those half comedy and lessons to be learned episodes, but not with the Beave. It's all dumped in Wally's lap. He has the good fortune of being tapped to join an elite high school club, called the Crusaders. It turns out the Crusaders also put on plays, and the latest production is a comedy-western.
Will Wally get to play the sheriff or bad guy? NO. He lands the part of a dance hall girl??? Well, they said it was a comedy, right? The costume box is delivered home, replete with a dress and matching shoes! As much as Wally wants to keep it all a BIG secret, Beave opens the box, a fight breaks out and everything is not too dandy.
Enter Eddie... who plays a role in this mess, but not quite what you'd think. The turn around here is rather clever, and, yes, I agree with the last reviewer, Wally gets a bad case of sour, sour grapes.
Pretty good writing on the part of George Tibbles, senior writer for MY THREE SONS. This episode has that feel. Also there's some fun dialogue for everybody, including Ward and June.
A gotsta' see, especially for all of us who got a "challenging" role in a school play, or something close to it.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 37 remastered dvd box set. 6 dvds. Released 2010. Check out the terrific color cover with Beave and Wally. A classic.
Teenagers from Outer Space (1959)
BEWARE OF THE GIANT LOBSTER!
Producer/writer/director Tom Graeff's mini sci fi masterpiece that really ain't that bad. Graeff, yet another 50s producer who followed in the steps of Ed Wood, put together a fairly intriguing storyline.
In fact, had this had a higher budget and some established actors, it would have been a serious sci fi contender.
Still good stuff, all about teen aliens from another world who land on Earth and decide to ZAP everyone and take over the planet. There's also a giant lobster on the loose! What makes this all click is the actors play it very seriously, in a monotone, remote manner, which is kind of creepy at times. It has a distinctness about it, a bit different than other cheapies of the era.
Interestingly, Harvey B. Dunn (as Gramps) also appeared in Ed Wood productions. A very good actor at that, who guested in many films in a lengthy career.
To note, especially if you're a TWILIGHT ZONE fan, this may have inspired the famous episode (that starred Shelley Fabares) all about an alien who falls for an Earth girl. Sound familiar?
Also one of the longest running sci fis, clocked at 86 minutes. Beware of tv cuts. Always on dvd, generally a very good print. Thanks much to RETRO TV for showing this oldie but goodie on their weekend sci fi shows.
Teenage Zombies (1959)
JERRY WARREN AND HIS ZOMBIES!
Producer Jerry Warren came from the Ed Wood school of movie making -- do it your way, and on a nickle and dime budget. Actually, Warren said in later years, he was just trying to make a buck like any other producer, but you have to give him credit for putting together some campy films through the years. This is one of them.
Cult actress Katherin Victor, a former model, plays a mad scientist who intends to rule the world, turning one and all into zombies! A group of teens, who have all the luck of washing up on her mysterious island, get themselves kidnapped by Victor and her strange looking henchman. What a team!
The bizarre plot of dropping "zombie pellets" into the USA water supply may have inspired similar wacky plots on tv's BATMAN.
Pretty cheap sets, outrageous dialogue, but still fun to watch and with a title that undoubtedly attracted a large teen audience. Also one of the keys to Warren's success; get a cool title and run with it.
A tv favorite for years, and one of the first films to be on VHS, later remastered dvd. Thanks so much to RETRO TV for running this classic on their late night showcase.
It's a Great Life (1943)
HORSEFEATHERS!
10 Stars, especially for goofy Hugh Herbert.
Veteran character actor and comedian Herbert is the PERFECT match for Arthur Lake. These two make an incredible team, and what puts this wacky episode over the top. I agree with the last reviewer, this is a re-working of BLONDIE IN SOCIETY, at least the idea is there. In that film, Dagwood acquired a Great Dane. This time around, Dag gets himself a horse, although he was supposed to purchase a HOUSE for Mr. Dithers.
You have to admit, watching Dithers blow his top is
always fun. Jonathan Hale was a natural in this role, and a master of the slow burn.
Hugh Herbert enters the picture as Mr. Brewster, an eccentric millionaire who actually is interested in the old racehorse. Best of the best is a wild foxhunt you can't miss. Real goofy stuff, and well directed by series regular Frank Strayer. The horse is played by Reggie, who only appeared in this film. There are no notes on the horse, which is unusual, unless it may have belonged to someone who "loaned" the animal out to the studio.
Look for Alan Dinehart, playing Mr. Martin. Dinehart was a memorable actor who generally played businessmen, best in shifty roles. He passed suddenly about a year after this episode in 1944.
Listen for the William Tell Overture! One of the last episodes written by Karen De Wolf, who wrote some of the most classic stories for the series.
Not to be missed. Remastered on dvd, and thanks to Movies Net for running this classic series on Saturday mornings.
The Dead Files: Lost Souls (2019)
THE NURSING HOME CONNECTION.
Once again, the moral to the story... do the research on the house you buy -- especially if it's large, extremely large.
Steve and Amy head to Wisconsin to help a family who moved into a re-converted nursing home. When you see this gigantic building, YOU KNOW something's up, especially viewing it at night. As soon as Amy gets onto the property, she encouters numerous spirits, and one who specifically tells her its a local Hell.
Note, this case has to hold a record of having the largest house a family ever moved into. The structure has at least four floors!
Steve's research underlines the point. The building was a long time nursing home where at least 100 people died over the years. The dead are now walking around the building. It was later converted into apartments -- and more people died on the site. Those dead souls are also walking around the place.
Do the math.
The main concern is the family being threatened by many of the spirits, especially some bent on murder, capable of killing anybody in their way. Case in point, one of their children is particularly affected and has been marked for death.
One of the most bizarre scenes is when Steve shows the owners an actual list, documenting pages and pages of recorded deaths on the property. That's creepy.
In a rare recommendation, Amy recommends the family leave the house IMMEDIATELY -- and have an exorcist do the necessary work on the property.
Will they take her advice?
10 Star episode.
SEASON 11 EPISODE 5 Travel Network 2019 release.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Man with a Problem (1958)
LOOK OUT BELOW!!!
There have been several "man on the ledge" tv episodes and movies, for that matter, but this one hits the bullseye, and in a most bizarre way. I agree with the last reviewer, director Robert Stevens did some fantastic work with his two leads. He is to be credited.
Gary Merrill is perfect as a very desperate man called Carl, about to jump off a hotel ledge. His beautiful wife (played by Elizabeth Motgomery, in a very early role) has died and he has nothing much to live for. Enter earnest cop Barrett, exceptionally played by Peter Mark Richmon -- who tries to talk him down -- but he may have a problem himself.
An outrageous episode and hang tight for the ending. Once again, Hitch has the last laugh. Imaginative writing by Joel Murcott, also associated with so many classic episodes of BONANZA. But this ain't no western! Wait and see.
Familiar supporting cast with Bartlett Robinson as the hotel manager, comedian Sid Melton as a cabbie and look for Vic Tayback in an early role. To note, at the time Gary Merrill was married to Bette Davis.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 7 remastered Universal dvd box set. 15 hrs. 30 min. Released 2008.
My Three Sons: Charley's Cello (1970)
O'CASEY'S STRING QUARTET!
Time for an Uncle Charley story, right? And it's both sentimental and fun to be sure.
Charley is all alone on a Saturday night, brushing up on his beloved cello, and Barbara suggests he go out and perform. Why not? Steve gets into the mix and before you know it, O'Casey's String Quartet is born and the group is a success... Kinda', Sorta'?
You know everything doesn't work that smoothly. There are some minor complications, but it makes for a lot of fun. The supporting actors here put it over the top. Winnie Collins (as Effie), later to appear on the DORIS DAY SHOW, and veteran actress Virginia Lee (as Monica) are a hoot to watch.
Virginia appeared in six episodes in various roles.
Interestingly, if not historically, the episode was written and composed by famous composer Ramey Idriss, who wrote the "Woody Woodpecker Song."
He passed at the age of 59 not too long after this episode, also credited for having composed music for PATTON. Ramey contributed to four episodes.
Listen to Tramp howl! SEASON 10 EPISODE 20 remastered color.
Barnaby Jones: A Short Happy Life (1979)
BETTY AND COUSIN FOXEY?
Lots of bad reviews about this episode, but let the record show that Robert Lenski, a top tv writer, who also wrote for MANNIX and CANNON, put it together. There had to be something more to this.
Obviously it's a dark comedy, and something the series had done before, also with guest star Cassie Yates. The series featured stories in the past, all about Betty's friends and family members in a jam. I think what Lenski did was switch gears, put more comedy into it, and let it fly. Also Cassie Yates was quite popular on tv at the time, that why I gave it 9 Stars.
She plays cousin Foxey Dolan -- related to Betty, NOT Barnaby -- stopping by for a visit and attempts to hook Betty up with a blind date? However clever, the "nice guy" she happened to meet is on the run from some desperadoes. In a way, its also a take off on the ROCKFORD FILES (to a degree) and some of the same oddball conflicts between Jim and Angel.
Did you catch it?
Watch whose driving Betty's Pinto in the chase scene. Clearly, it's a man with a wig, pretending to be Betty. Looks like it was done in one take, and that had to be a gag scene, which underlines everything.
James Luisi, a Quinn Martin regular, plays Carl, and right at home with this type of material. This was also one of two episodes directed by John Carter, who plays Lt. Biddle, and he does a fairly good job with the cast, at least it moves. If you're a Cassie Yates fan, she later guest starred many times on DYNASTY as Sarah Curtis, and had a long career in tv.
Either you like it or don't, but you have to admit Cassie is a far "different" client.
SEASON 7 EPISODE 21 remastered color/CBS. 2018 release.
23 Paces to Baker Street (1956)
BLIND MAN'S BLUFF!
Definitely, and right off the bat, this prime mystery has a Hitchcock feel, and beautifully filmed in color. Henry Hathaway, known for adventures and superb westerns, handles this quite well, but... you often wonder what direction this screenplay would go had Hitch been in charge?
10 Well Earned Stars.
Van Johnson is well cast in an unusual role, playing a blind mystery writer, and quite effectively, who happens to overhear a kidnapping being planned. Adding to the Hitchcock flavor, this all takes place in London, a pictureque adventure in itself, replete with some cloak and dagger sequences. I agree with the last reviewer; this whodunt may have inpsired the Audrey Hepburn cult thriller, WAIT UNTIL DARK, about 10 years later. The ominous killer in the dark scene opposite our blind hero seems very familiar.
By the way, Hitchcock's favorite actress, Vera Miles, co-stars as Jean, Johnson's efficient companion and girl friend, also veteran Isobel Elsom (as Lady Syrett), who appeared in many episodes of Hitch's classic tv show. Great role for Estelle Winwood as a barmaid, who could play just about any role with a wink and a nod. A natural if there ever was one, and a dynamic addition to the cast.
Yes, a rainy day favorite for all us mystery buffs and Van Johnson fans. Always on remastered dvd and a special thank you to MOVIES Net for rerunning this oldie quite a bit lately. Hits the bullseye.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Design for Loving (1958)
WHAT EVERY MAN NEEDS!
Incredible writing on the part of Ray Bradbury, laugh out loud material, perfect for the likes of wry, deadpan Norman Lloyd, a favorite of Hitchcock. Lloyd's style was very similar to Henry Jones, another prize member of Hitch's ensemble.
Lloyd plays a depressed fellow called Charles, burdened with a wife he doesn't particularly like and he would love to escape. Under any other circumstances it would lead to a divorce, however this is the future where you could go out and purchase a "lookalike robot." And that's precisely what Charles does -- so he can be both home and AWAY at the same time. Simply Amazing.
As Hitch would have it, there's a slight catch...
Distinguished stage actress Marian Seldes plays Lydia, Lloyd's wife, and quite convincingly. Seldes was married for many years to writer Garson Kanin. Look for beautiful Barbara Baxley, who appeared six times in the series, and for good reason.
Norman Lloyd appeared in two of Hitchcock's films, later striking up a lucrative business partnership with him and becoming the show's associate producer.
Exceptionally directed by veteran Robert Stevens, who held the record for directing the most series episodes and winning an Emmy. Good trivia question.
A one of a kind gem you can't miss, and yes, I agree with the last reviewer, the story does take on a JETSONS-type cartoonish flavor.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 6 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvds. 15 hrs. 30 min. Released 2008.
Barnaby Jones: Fatal Overture (1979)
BETTY'S NEIGHBOR INCIDENT.
I think writer Dick Nelson "borrowed' a bit from Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW, all about watching a crime in progress. Not a bad idea at all, of course, worked around Betty.
Betty has the terrible fortune of having to live near another building where someone just happens to have their shades open... Accordingly, two women are fighting -- although she does NOT see the murder -- however one of the women turns up dead the next day!
Scott Marlowe plays the husband of the "other" woman (Virginia), well played by Christine Belford, fondly remembered from BANACEK. Belford gives an over the top performance as a deranged person, and perhaps one of the most bizarre of the entire series.
I do agree with the last reviewer, it's amazing her doctor (even in the 70s) did not commit Virginia. In real life, Betty probably would have been Victim No. 2.
But for all us mystery buffs... is this an open and shut case? Definitely, Betty earns her detective stripes in this mystery, albeit violent. Good acting on the part of veteran Scott Marlowe, who later co-starred in the tv soaper VALLEY OF THE DOLLS and DAYS OF OUR LIVES.
An early directing credit for Graeme Clifford. In fact, this was his second tv credit. Clifford was also a well known film editor who worked on THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Good trivia question.
SEASON 7 EPISODE 19 remastered color/CBS.