Alcoa Theatre (TV Series) Medals for Harry (1959) User Reviews

It could have been written better!

[planktonrules · 3/10 · 17 February 2024]

"Medals for Harry" is a confusing installment of "Alcoa Theatre". The other reviewer seemed to interpret the episode one way, I saw it another. However, because of the writing itself, I can see both interpretations by viewers.

A man in on trial for breaking and entering. This court scene is really hard to believe, as the accused's own attorney argues with him....treating his own client as a hostile witness! Huh?? And, because his client inexplicably won't explain his actions, the lawyer does as he's been the defendant's friend for some time.

The lawyer tells a story about the defendant, going back to their meeting during the Korean War. It seems the defendant got some medals (whether he did so by deceit or he earned them isn't 100% clear...and I totally blame the writer for this). And, when he falls for a woman, he asks her to hold them for him. What's next? See it...or don't!

Overall, I have no idea WHAT the writer was trying to say and the story left me baffled. Not angry like the other reviewer...just confused! By the way, another way the writer really blew it is a scene showing the defendant in wartime pulling the pin out of a grenade with his teeth...something anyone who had seen action would NEVER have done, as he would have lost all his teeth doing this!!

Fake hero

[searchanddestroy-1 · 5/10 · 10 March 2020]

A former war fighter in Korea claims to be a war hero though he is not at all. Actually he confesses not to be at his place under fire. So, after the war, he goes to a shop and buys medals to parade with them on his chest, exhibit himself for what he is definitely not. Like the episode commented just before this one, it could have been told thru a drama atmosphere and story line; I found it disgusting, if you think about all the true heroes who risked and gave their lives. Instead of this, you deal here with a comedy or at best - or worst - a very light drama. Despite the fact that this character is not evil at all, I repeat, I fin him very nasty, appropriate Purple Heart medal to make people think he was a hero. I would say the producers should be ashamed to present such a story as a comedy. If my bro, dad or son died during a conflict, that would not make me laugh. I don't even wish to comment the second part of this episode. Watch it is painful enough.