Connect with us


TV

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (CBS-NBC, 1955-1965)

Published

on


“Good evening”

There are people around today who will still fall to the ground, quaking in fear, at the mere sight of Alfred Hitchcock’s portly silhouette. Not that we blame them. When that deadpan British film director—“The Master of Suspense”—walked onto the screen, you could be sure that your fingernails would be raking the underside of the couch before the hour was through. Hitchcock had earned his heart-stopping credentials through feature films like The Lady Vanishes, Spellbound, Notorious, Strangers on a Train, Rear Window and Dial M for Murder, and in 1955, the Master brought his macabre sense of horror and humor to the small screen.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents was an anthology series, but one thing was constant: the on-screen introductions and wrap-ups by Hitchcock himself. Accompanied by the unforgettable “Funeral March of a Marionette” theme music, Hitchcock delivered—with his characteristic dry wit—the set-up to this week’s tale of terror. Many stories involved typical Hitchcock motifs—plots to kill spouses, false accusations, suspicious neighbors, murder cover-ups and other unpleasantries—but the series also made room for the occasional Twilight Zone-esque supernatural goings-on (or were they supernatural?). Lamb To The Slaughter

Alfred Hitchcock directed 20 episodes himself, including the memorable debut episode, “Revenge,” in which a traumatized woman leads her husband to take vengeance on the man who assaulted her (or did he?). Even when he didn’t direct, the Master was always there to provide the opening tidbits and a brief epilogue, explaining to the viewers at home that the bad guys didn’t really get away with it in the end, no matter how much it looked like they did. In this sneaky way, Hitchcock got to air his disturbing tales with minimal interference from moral watchdog groups.

Advertisement

As an anthology series, the show had plenty of room for celebrity guest spots, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents had recognizable faces both from years past (Peter Lorre, Claude Rains) and from up-and-comers like Robert Redford and Katharine Ross. Some made multiple appearances, like Phyllis Thaxter (eight), Robert H. Harris (eight) and Vertigo co-star Barbara Bel Geddes (four).

Alfred Hitchcock Presents ran a full ten years in its original run, and its syndicated reruns proved equally successful. Alfred Hitchcock died in 1980, but in a perverse nod to the director’s macabre sense of humor, Hitchcock was brought back from the dead to host a revival of his old show.

Starting in 1985, a new Alfred Hitchcock Presents on NBC used colorized footage of Hitchcock’s old intros to segue into new series episodes. Some were remakes from classic scripts, but others were entirely original (except for the recycled director, of course). This updated Alfred Hitchcock Presents ran for two seasons of original episodes, both on NBC and later on cable’s USA Network.

production details
USA / CBS – NBC – Shamley / 268×30 minute episodes 93×60 minutes / Broadcast 2 October 1955 – 6 September 1965

Advertisement

Creator: Alfred Hitchcock / Theme Music: Gounod’s Funeral March of a Marionette


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News5 hours ago

General Hospital, March 29, 2024, ABC,

Friday’s episode of General Hospital airing March 29, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, explores the fallout from Jason Morgan’s recent...

Good Morning America Good Morning America
News5 hours ago

Sheryl Crow, Good Morning America, March 29, 2024, ABC,

On Friday, March 29, Good Morning America presents a special celebration of the 10th year of the hit Broadway musical...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News5 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 29, 2024, Peacock

On Friday, March 29, in the world of Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) has a change of...

The Drew Barrymore Show The Drew Barrymore Show
News5 hours ago

Eugene Levy, The Drew Barrymore Show, March 29, 2024, CBS,

In the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, airing on CBS on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM,...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News5 hours ago

Diarra Kilpatrick, CBS Mornings, March 29, 2024

On Friday, March 29th, CBS Mornings will feature a special guest: Diarra Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick is not only the executive producer...

The Jennifer Hudson Show The Jennifer Hudson Show
News5 hours ago

Jenna Dewan, The Jennifer Hudson Show, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29, The Jennifer Hudson Show brings viewers a delightful Spring Celebration. One of the highlights of the...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News5 hours ago

Brittany Howard, Mayan Lopez, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 29, 2024, NBC Syndicated

On Friday, March 29, The Kelly Clarkson Show presents an episode filled with incredible segments One of the highlights is...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News5 hours ago

Andrea Riseborough, Jessica Capshaw, Live with Kelly and Mark, 29 March 2024, ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos—the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark—welcome actress Jessica Capshaw and Alice & Jack star...

James Martin's Saturday Morning James Martin's Saturday Morning
News4 hours ago

Michaela Strachan, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, 30 March 2024, ITV1

ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning is the perfect relaxed culinary companion to your weekend, airing every Saturday morning from the...

Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow
News4 hours ago

Alexandra Gardens, Cardiff 3, Antiques Roadshow, 31 March 2024, BBC One

The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow visits Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park, Cardiff, for an episode full of exciting discoveries and fascinating...

RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World
News4 hours ago

Grand Finale, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World, 29 March 2024, BBC Three

BBC Three’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World sees queens from the Drag Race franchise across the globe compete...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News4 hours ago

Natasha Raskin Sharp, Bargain Hunt, 29 March 2024, BBC One

BBC One’s Bargain Hunt sees two teams compete against each other to make the most profit from buying and selling...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News4 hours ago

Chernobyl: The Full Story, 29 March 2024, Channel 5,

Powerful documentary, Chernobyl: The Full Story, narrated by Ben Fogle, airs on Friday 29 March 2024 at 10.00pm on Channel...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News4 hours ago

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Rovaniemi, 29 March 2024, Channel 4,

Join Joe Lycett and a suited-up Desiree Burch for a new episode of Travel Man as they pack their bags...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News4 hours ago

The Sewer Map of Britain, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, Friday

Prepare for an enlightening journey into the underworld on Friday 29 March 2024 at 8.00pm on Channel 5 with The...

Bargain Loving Brits Bargain Loving Brits
News4 hours ago

Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, 29 March 2024, Channel 5, “Series 11, Episode 8”

This episode of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun airing on Friday 29 March 2024 at 4.00pm on Channel 5,...

Popular