"Conversation Over a Corpse" is the second 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode directed by Jules Bricken. Bricken only directed three episodes, but all three are well worth the look and one in particular is a lot better than some of the episodes directed by the most frequent directors. Bricken may not have been one of the best directors for the series, but deserved more of a chance and didn't get enough of one in my personal view.
Of the three episodes of Bricken's, my vote for the best is "Conversation Over a Corpse". One of the best episodes of an uneven Season 2 and the first great episode of the season. Is it a high point of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents?' No it isn't. But when it comes to entertainment value and atmosphere, "Conversation Over a Corpse" is one of the most entertaining in a dark way and most atmospheric, again in a way that chills in its own way.
It is at its weakest with Hitchcock's contribution in one of the few times of the series where his epilogue wasn't necessary and felt tacked on.
That's the only fault that could be found by me. It's well made, shot and lit with a good deal of atmosphere. It's not opulent as such but again it's not that kind of episode, neither is it cheap or simplistic. The music is some of the best of the series up to this point, the episode has a darkly comic tone and so does the style of the music (so one of the few to be scored perfectly). Bricken directs with a good deal more confidence and distinction, it was not bad at all in the previous episode but there was never anything exceptional whereas while not ground breaking there was nothing to find fault with.
Writing is very clever and darkly funny, as well as deliciously ironic, some of the funniest and most intelligent of the season and one of the main reasons as to why "Conversation Over a Corpse" is one of the standouts of Season 2. While not suspenseful as such perhaps, the story is still incredibly compelling, very atmospheric (especially the darker moments) and never stops entertaining. Cissie is a fascinating character.
Loved the interplay for the characters and other than the writing and the ending, that wasn't expected, the episode is worth seeing for the performance of Dorothy Stickney. Have not seen dottiness this entertaining or unsettling in goodness knows how long.
Summing up, great. 9/10.