In 'Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents,' Al Sjoerdsma is dedicated to examining each episode of the original 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' television series, show by show in chronological order, in depth and with an eye to the popular culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
The Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents podcast is a wonderfully narrated and researched show that takes listeners on a journey into the world of Alfred Hitchcock's TV series. The host does a fantastic job of providing in-depth information about each episode, including details about the actors, writers, and other individuals involved. It's like going from watching an episode to immediately searching Google to learn more about it, but in audio form. As someone who is behind on episodes, I am excited to discover more from this talented team once I catch up.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the level of investigation and research that goes into each episode. The host provides a wealth of information about the programs and actors, impressively diving deep into their backgrounds and careers. The thoroughness of the analysis is truly impressive and adds immensely to the listener's understanding and appreciation of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Additionally, the host's voice and demeanor make for an enjoyable listening experience, making it a pleasure to binge-listen to multiple episodes.
On the other hand, one potential drawback of this podcast is its length. Episodes typically run around 90 minutes or so, which may be longer than what some listeners are looking for. However, despite the length, the podcast remains engaging throughout thanks to its informative content and entertaining narration style. Breaking up listening sessions into shorter intervals can help alleviate any potential fatigue.
In conclusion, The Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents podcast is a terrifically informative and entertaining show that delves deep into every aspect of Alfred Hitchcock's TV series. The host's love for the material shines through in every episode as they provide detailed backstories, behind-the-scenes information, and insightful connections between different elements of the show. Whether you're already a Hitchcock buff or just starting your journey into his work, this podcast is well worth your time as it offers a unique perspective on his iconic series.
In this installment, two men meet at a train station as a siren announces an escaped asylum inmate. Is either one of the men the escaped maniac? Then Al answers when Elstree comes Calling.
In this installment, wealthy Barbie Hallem looks for a little more excitement than she finds amongst her "boring" contemporaries. Unfortunately, along with "a little excitement," she finds "a little sleep." Then, Al doesn't look at some Baird Television.
Happy Alfred Hitchcock Day! March 12th is Alfred Hitchcock Day so we've got to have a podcast! This time, the Knights of the Golden Lodge agree to subsidize the ailing Clarence Weems until his anticipated death. But Clarence finds other things to occupy his time than dying. Then, Al stretches out "An Elastic Affair."
In this installment, Joe Saunders tells his ne'er-do-well son Sam to fend for himself. Sam does, but not in a way that Joe expects. Then, Al gets a little Skin in the Game.
In this installment, taxidermist George Tiffany has a pleasant life with his wife Louise until Louise's sponging brother Waldren shows up. What can a fine upstanding taxidermist do to get rid of him? Then Al takes a look at "Harmony Heaven," a 1930 film with which Hitchcock had nothing to do.
In this installment, Mabel thinks she looks like movie star Martha Mason and despises her undramatic life with her husband, so she spices it up with a little murder. Then Al sounds out some Blackmail.
In this installment, young Hildegarde Fell tells the story of her friendship with Mr. Anderson, who may or may not be a famous retired judge. Then, Al uncoils a bit of Rope.
In this installment, as the title suggests, Mr. Ottermole is a murderer who uses his hands to strangle his victims but which of our characters IS Mr. Ottermole? We won't hear his name until we hear the solution.
In this installment, Johnny Gin believes the world will end in three hours, so how should he spend the rest of his life? Plus, Al picks the actor that he thinks is the best known in the episode. It is not a character you'd expect.
In this installment, Ernest Findlater has three dreams. One involves Lalage, a South Sea Island woman. The other two involve the death of his wife.
In this installment, Manny Cole kills a man to rise in Mr. Williams' criminal organization. But they don't call it "Vicious Circle" for nothing.
In this installment, Sam Jacoby murders his wife and tries to dispose of her body but is hampered by the most helpful and least helpful cop in the world. Then, Amy and Al discuss the library archives, Hitch rehearsing for his later films, and how the cop seems to have nothing else to do but follow Sam around. Al throws out some possible interpretations and Amy wonders, up to this point, how many episodes feature a husband murdering his wife.
In this installment, Count Mattoni is STILL dead and the list of confessed killers has expanded to four. But which one them actually did it? Then, Al engages in a little silent "Blackmail."
In this installment, Count Mattoni is still dead and Inspector Davidson is still investigating but the list of confessed killers only grows longer. Then, Al pays a visit to "The Manxman."
It's March 12th, National Alfred Hitchcock Day! To quote the Hitchcock Festival website: "It is not the birthday or the death of Hitchcock, and it is unclear why it is celebrated on this date." But what a perfect time to present the first episode of the only multi-part story in the series. Who killed Count Mattoni? You won't find out in THIS episode! Then, Al takes a sip of "Champagne."
In this installment, Charles Hannover Gresham resorts to blackmail to play a blackmailer in Wayne Campbell's new play. But that's just a taste of the cream of the jest. Then, Al flirts with "The Farmer's Wife."
In this installment, as Hitch tells us, we have a story of the eternal triangle...where two of the three are willing to commit murder. Then, Al puts on the gloves and enters "The Ring."
In this installment, insurance man Joe Rogers investigates a woman whose previous two husbands died under mysterious circumstances. And it looks like she's preparing to marry again. Then, Al indulges in a little Easy Virtue.
In this installment, Steve Morgan becomes a number...number 22...when he is arrested and enters a police line-up. Steve thinks it's a game but it is more serious than Steve thinks. Then, Al counts down from Number Twenty-Two to Number Seventeen.
In this installment, there's some arsenic poisoning going on in the home of Carl and Annette Borden. But who is the poisoner and who is the victim? Then, it's Downhill from there.
In this installment, the Judge invites young Wallace, who is running off with the Judge's wife, to share a bottle of wine, which he just may have poisoned. In stories pitting young and old rivals, one or the other invariably comes to a tragic end. But which one in this story?
In this installment, Stephen Fontaine is a prisoner, saddled with an "Oregon Boot," a manacle around his ankle. He is sure that he can convince police Sgt. Rockwell to free him for $50,000 but things do not go as planned.
In this special installment, Al takes a look at the Hitchcock film that came out in the middle of the show's second season; a film very much like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" in tone, look, and feeling.
In this installment, Richard Ross murders his brother's political rival, then can't believe that his district attorney brother doesn't appreciate it. There's nothing else to do but threaten the life of his brother's wife to make him cooperate.
In this installment, Harry has a nightmare in 4D, then helps to clean up a murder in 3D. So where does the nightmare end and reality begin?
In this installment, newlyweds Meg and Ray encounter Mr. Moon who may be a dangerous crackpot. On the other hand, he may be something else.
In this installment, how do Harold and Vera get her husband John Brown out of the way? Easy. They commit him to a rest home. But maybe that isn't the best idea.
In this installment, Babs Fenton hasn't ever seen her new neighbor, Mrs. Blanchard, and wonders whether Mr. Blanchard has done away with her. Al and Amy completely disagree on the merits of "Mr. Blanchard's Secret" and even on whether Mr. Blanchard HAS a secret. Alfred Hitchcock directs.
In this installment, Miss Julia has written a murder mystery that appears to take place in her house. Did a murder actually take place in her house, too? And, Al looks at "Dial M For Murder," which, as does this episode, features John Williams.
In this installment, mobster Louis "King" Koster wants to find out who his wife's lover is so he can have him bumped off. The answer is likely more of a surprise to King than it is to us.
In this installment, Gil wants to know how his stepmother, Rosine, managed to murder his father, Jonathan. Little does he know that he had something to do with it himself.
In this installment, Mason Bridges has always been an honest man...except once when, thanks to poker, for a few hours, he was a thief. But when is a thief a thief?
In this installment, Cissy's sister wants to murder Mr. Brenner. She poisons him but things are not what they seem. For one thing, Mr. Brenner isn't dead. For another, Cissy's sister isn't her sister.
In this installment, Georgie has bumped off his old rival Lucky and is sure to be the prime suspect unless he can come up with an alibi. But from who, Who, WHO???
In this installment, Albert has prepared an apartment for his long-lost love Edwina whom he hasn't seen for twenty years, but she shows up with a baby named Toby. Or maybe not.
Alfred Hitchcock appeared on the cover of TV Guide magazine four different times. The first was the October 27-November 2, 1956 issue with a listing for episode 44 "None Are So Blind" and an article about Hitch. Here's a short look at that magazine.
In our last installment, Hitch promoted a new magazine that would soon be the source of many episodes. Here is a look at that first issue, along with the first story to find its way from the magazine to the series.
In this installment, Seymour plans to disguise himself to murder his Aunt Muriel. But there's one crucial blip in his plan that he just refuses to see.
In this surprise installment, Al and Tom Elliott, the host of the Award-Winning "The Twilight Zone Podcast," discuss Richard Matheson's sentimental Amazing Stories tale. The surprise is that it has nothing to do with Alfred Hitchcock except that the 80s AHP was on at the same time.
In this installment, Fitz and Katherine invite the homeless Mr. Jorgy into their home. They plan to kill him but they may as well kill him with kindness.
In this installment, short story writer John Collier and teleplay writer Francis Cockrell put a different spin on Collier's "Back for Christmas"in which a man digs a hole in his cellar to bury his murdered wife. Here, the Prof fills a cellar hole with concrete, but has he murdered his wife? His friends think he did.
In this installment, Mary is always frightened but it is not until Ted, an escaped psychiatric patient, breaks into her home that she finds out what she actually is afraid of.
In this installment, Millicent has committed murder but her father is not going to let that stand in the way of the family's reputation. Enter Captain Smollett, the perfect fall guy.