Salvage
- Episode aired Nov 6, 1955
- TV-14
- 30m
Gangster Dan Varrell, just released from prison, goes looking for the woman he holds responsible for his brother's death.Gangster Dan Varrell, just released from prison, goes looking for the woman he holds responsible for his brother's death.Gangster Dan Varrell, just released from prison, goes looking for the woman he holds responsible for his brother's death.
- Party Guest
- (uncredited)
- Party Guest
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGene Barry had just appeared in the third episode.
- Quotes
[First lines]
Himself - Host: Hold on. Hold on. Wait a minute. I think you've got much too much fill light. I mean, look, this is supposed to be a night scene, yet it 's full of daylight. Quiet back there- Oh, oh, I beg your pardon. Oh. Oh, good evening. We wanted to take you behind the scenes for a moment to show you how we make our films. The friendly cooperation of many, many people is needed to bring you these stories. Propman, make-up man, electricians, cameraman. All part of a team. I'm very proud of them. And they in turn...
[a light crashes to the floor]
Himself - Host: You know, I sometimes consider getting out of this business. Now, about tonight's show. Our story is entitled...
[looks back at the light that missed him]
Himself - Host: Oh, the title's unimportant. Tonight's story concerns well, well, small matter. I'm sure you'll I'm sure you'll... I sure you will enjoy our story. But first... But first, if you've been watching this program, I'm certain you all know when we have "but first." Here it is.
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
"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.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jan 26, 2022
Details
- Runtime30 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1