Although hardly novel, the idea for "Salvage" was great. Despite not caring for Gene Barry in his first 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode "Triggers in Leash" (one of the episodes that did little for me overall as well), he is an actor who has been good in other things with his 'Columbo' guest star turn being my introduction to him. While this series is a very interesting and well worth watching most of the time, it is uneven with the unevenness already apparent in the previous episodes.
"Salvage" to me is a very good entry in the series and definitely recommended. Yes there is little new here and not many surprises, but it is so much better than the previous three episodes that ranged between just slightly above average to lacklustre ("Triggers in Leash" being the weakest of the three). In my view, it is the best 'Alfred Htchcock Presents' episode since "Premonition", if not quite as good as that episode or quite a return to form for the series.
It could have done with more surprises and more consistent suspense and is a little too on the short side.
However, so much is done very well. Nancy Gates is unsettling and movingly vulnerable, her emotional wreckage not being melodramatic. Barry is also much better here than he was in his previous appearance in the series. Elisha Cook Jr is suitably ratty and one of the standouts of a strong supporting cast. Hitchcock's intro is a lot of fun and one of the best of the early episodes.
Furthermore, "Salvage" is a very well made episode visually with a lot of atmosphere in the photography. The music doesn't come over as over-emphasised or intrusive and matches the atmosphere well, the theme tune still is great. The script is intriguing and flows naturally, the psychological element handled in a way that doesn't feel confused.
Even if the story is not a perfect one, it goes at a good pace (personally was involved), doesn't feel over-stretched or cluttered and has a lot less credibility straining than particularly "Don't Come Back Alive". The ending is nicely executed, rings true at least and doesn't come over as abrupt. It's directed solidly.
Overall, very good on the whole though not a high point of the series. 8/10.
"Salvage" to me is a very good entry in the series and definitely recommended. Yes there is little new here and not many surprises, but it is so much better than the previous three episodes that ranged between just slightly above average to lacklustre ("Triggers in Leash" being the weakest of the three). In my view, it is the best 'Alfred Htchcock Presents' episode since "Premonition", if not quite as good as that episode or quite a return to form for the series.
It could have done with more surprises and more consistent suspense and is a little too on the short side.
However, so much is done very well. Nancy Gates is unsettling and movingly vulnerable, her emotional wreckage not being melodramatic. Barry is also much better here than he was in his previous appearance in the series. Elisha Cook Jr is suitably ratty and one of the standouts of a strong supporting cast. Hitchcock's intro is a lot of fun and one of the best of the early episodes.
Furthermore, "Salvage" is a very well made episode visually with a lot of atmosphere in the photography. The music doesn't come over as over-emphasised or intrusive and matches the atmosphere well, the theme tune still is great. The script is intriguing and flows naturally, the psychological element handled in a way that doesn't feel confused.
Even if the story is not a perfect one, it goes at a good pace (personally was involved), doesn't feel over-stretched or cluttered and has a lot less credibility straining than particularly "Don't Come Back Alive". The ending is nicely executed, rings true at least and doesn't come over as abrupt. It's directed solidly.
Overall, very good on the whole though not a high point of the series. 8/10.