Two brothers visit there rich old aunt, there both broke scoundrels who can't hold jobs. The problem is however she's in perfect health. One manages to work his way into living with her to help his money woes, while the other continues to struggle. However they both soon grow impatient and team up to plan to hurry her death on a little faster. Sadly, for them it doesn't quite go as planned. Another really good story that builds up to a really good ironic twist of fate, it seems this show has really hit its stride of late. They have one of the main characters narrate the story which I didn't find was needed, but, other then that it's another solid entry.
9 Reviews
Apart from the fact that this method will NOT kill you and isn't at all perfect, an interesting episode.
planktonrules18 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
When the story begins, an uncle has died and his two worthless nephews are hoping that as the will is being read that they'll get lots of money. But the fortune, not surprisingly, goes to his wife (Mildred Natwick) and the men will only get the money after her death. Not surprisingly, since the two are scum-bags, they both want the fortune and go about trying to get part of it their own particular way. Henri (Philip Coolidge) is direct...asking his aunt for some of the money now. She naturally rebuffs him. Paul is more clever. He instead ingratiates himself towards his aunt and soon becomes very friendly with her and she invites him to live with her. But after a while, Paul is tired of waiting for the old lady to die and Paul suggests they kill her!
In this episode, the writing and acting are fine. But the method for killing her is clearly NOT a reliable one. All my research has actually said that finely ground glass not only won't kill you but is relatively harmless (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME). The film showing this as the murder method shows a lack of research and even if it did work, it isn't like it would be undetected or quick! Overall, mildly interesting but flawed.
In this episode, the writing and acting are fine. But the method for killing her is clearly NOT a reliable one. All my research has actually said that finely ground glass not only won't kill you but is relatively harmless (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME). The film showing this as the murder method shows a lack of research and even if it did work, it isn't like it would be undetected or quick! Overall, mildly interesting but flawed.
Imperfect murder
TheLittleSongbird9 March 2022
There were quite a few reasons for seeing "The Perfect Murder". One is the title, which really drew me in and already made me expect a lot. Two is that it is an episode from the very fascinating and worthwhile 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' (while not a consistent series it succeeded more than it failed). Three is the cast, have seen all three leads do strong work elsewhere. Lastly is that it was directed by series regular Robert Stevens, the most frequent director in fact.
While not one of my favourite episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' or of Season 1, "The Perfect Murder" does live up to its promising title on the whole. Not a perfect episode, but a very good one and a good representation of Stevens and why his reputation as the most frequent director of the series was generally deserved (although his output was inconsistent). It's not one of his strongest faring episodes, but "The Perfect Murder" has a lot of good things and doesn't really do anything massively wrong.
Did feel though that the narration was not necessary and too over-explanatory.
Also that the murder method didn't strike me as particularly realistic.
Stevens directs very assuredly however, and the production values are simple but atmospheric though. The cast also do a great job all round, Mildred Natwick and Phillip Coolidge particularly excel in roles perfect for their talents. The characters are written very intriguingly and the psychology of them is done very well.
Hitchcock's bookending is typically dry humoured if slightly rambling and the main theme is one of the most distinctive and haunting ones in television history, have said more than once about it being one of the finest and easily recognisable uses of pre-existing classical music in the visual medium and still stick by it. It is actually because of this series as to why it is as well known as it is. The script is generally taut and thought-provoking and there is some nice suspense in the storytelling. While not exceptional, the ending is well executed.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
While not one of my favourite episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' or of Season 1, "The Perfect Murder" does live up to its promising title on the whole. Not a perfect episode, but a very good one and a good representation of Stevens and why his reputation as the most frequent director of the series was generally deserved (although his output was inconsistent). It's not one of his strongest faring episodes, but "The Perfect Murder" has a lot of good things and doesn't really do anything massively wrong.
Did feel though that the narration was not necessary and too over-explanatory.
Also that the murder method didn't strike me as particularly realistic.
Stevens directs very assuredly however, and the production values are simple but atmospheric though. The cast also do a great job all round, Mildred Natwick and Phillip Coolidge particularly excel in roles perfect for their talents. The characters are written very intriguingly and the psychology of them is done very well.
Hitchcock's bookending is typically dry humoured if slightly rambling and the main theme is one of the most distinctive and haunting ones in television history, have said more than once about it being one of the finest and easily recognisable uses of pre-existing classical music in the visual medium and still stick by it. It is actually because of this series as to why it is as well known as it is. The script is generally taut and thought-provoking and there is some nice suspense in the storytelling. While not exceptional, the ending is well executed.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
Solid Hitch
dougdoepke19 February 2016
When someone rich dies on Hitchcock Presents, you just know the heirs will start scheming. Here it's brothers Paul (Hatfield) and Henri (Coolidge). So when old Aunt Rosalie inherits the dead uncle's fortune, nephew Paul charms his way into her home where the old lady lives alone with her cook. Trouble is she blossoms now that she's got convivial company. As a result, she may live another twenty years. So what will the clever brothers do now.
Hatfield's perfect as the elegantly grasping brother, while hawk-nose Coolidge, a Hitch favorite, sort of hangs unattractively around. There's pretty good suspense as we wonder how Paul will handle the situation. Then too, Natwick's Aunt Rosalie is no push-over, so Paul better figure out something good. Still, it's classic Hitch done with a lightly humorous touch (the talking parrot). So be prepared for a delicious slice of irony (no pun intended with the ending).
Hatfield's perfect as the elegantly grasping brother, while hawk-nose Coolidge, a Hitch favorite, sort of hangs unattractively around. There's pretty good suspense as we wonder how Paul will handle the situation. Then too, Natwick's Aunt Rosalie is no push-over, so Paul better figure out something good. Still, it's classic Hitch done with a lightly humorous touch (the talking parrot). So be prepared for a delicious slice of irony (no pun intended with the ending).
Glass Half Empty
Hitchcoc3 June 2021
Very typical backfire episode, The rich aunt has the pursestrings and is willing to give her fortune to two knot headed nephews. But they can't wait and set up a plot to kill her. The problem for them is that each has a weakness, and their plans are bound to go awry. Like every Hitchcock TV show you've ever seen.
Money Not A Problem Anymore
DKosty12330 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Hitchcock's production crew was always excellent in picking out good stories and this one is no exception. The guest cast features Mildred Natwick who would later become better known briefly as one of televisions "Snoop Sisters" -a short lived series on NBC I believe.
Two brothers have a rich dotty old aunt who is leaving them money, money, money when she dies. She is in such good health that one of the brothers loses patience waiting for his money and devises a plan to kill her. Her talks his brother into helping do the deed.
They prepare carefully, making sure they have everything right knowing the Aunt's routine and planning it all to the last detail. Everything is perfect until the Aunts Senility kicks in and throws the entire plot off schedule. Let's just say that in the end the Aunt is still a picture of health and someone else is well, dead. The dead don't need any money and sometimes scare the wits out of the living.
Two brothers have a rich dotty old aunt who is leaving them money, money, money when she dies. She is in such good health that one of the brothers loses patience waiting for his money and devises a plan to kill her. Her talks his brother into helping do the deed.
They prepare carefully, making sure they have everything right knowing the Aunt's routine and planning it all to the last detail. Everything is perfect until the Aunts Senility kicks in and throws the entire plot off schedule. Let's just say that in the end the Aunt is still a picture of health and someone else is well, dead. The dead don't need any money and sometimes scare the wits out of the living.
"Am I to be plagued to my grave by the both of you?"
classicsoncall24 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm finding that with many of Alfred Hitchcock's television offerings, the resolution often comes with a sense of irony for one of the principals, but if one applies a bit of common sense or research, the basis for the story begins to unravel. My ears perked up in this one when the reading of the will stated that the conniving nephews would inherit the bulk of the uncle's estate upon the death of his surviving wife. Not wanting to assume anything, I looked up what the law called for during the era of the 1950's and discovered that according to the Married Women's Protection Act of 1870, women were allowed to control real and personal property, and among other things, execute wills on their own behalf. Why couldn't Aunt Rosalie (Mildred Natwick) have her own will drawn up if she wanted to exclude the wastrel nephews? It seems a major incorrect assumption was made in regard to this story which was allowed to stand in the final product. Be that as it may, the story has a fitting ending in accordance with the series thrust into the ironic and bizarre. Although again, I would question why Paul (Hurd Hatfield) would partake of an egg soufflé so chronologically close to the one that was intended to kill his aunt. Talk about not keeping one's eye on the ball.
HOW MUCH LONGER DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE?
tcchelsey17 February 2024
A delicious tale of greed, Hitchcock style, written by series writer Victor Wolfson, who had lots of experince, also a contributor to SUSPENSE.
You could not ask for a better bad brother team than Hurd Hatfield (as Paul) and Philip Coolidge (as Henry). In fact, Coolidge was a familiar performer on the series, a natural at playing ominous types.
He often reminded me of the popular character actor Milton Parsons, a staple in many prime murder mysteries of the 30s and 40s.
The story revolves around their aging Aunt Rosalie, best played by Mildred Natwick, who has some fun with this role, and it shows. Rosalie smells a rat, because she darn well knows Paul and Henri are after her cash flow. They give themselves away very quickly, which makes it all the more fun to watch their frustrations grow.
Of course, as Hitch would have it, dear, old sweet anty is playing a wry game herself. And watch how it all comes tumbling down.
Mildred Natwick, a distinguished stage actress, had just appeared in Hitchcock's dark comedy, THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY. She was nominated for an Oscar (best supporting actress) for BAREFOOT IN THE PARK in 1967. Not born in England, rather Baltimore! Good trivia question.
Dedicated to fans of Hurd Hatfield, and I am sure Hitch was one, at his sinister, yet handsome best.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 24 remastered Universal box set. 2005 release.
You could not ask for a better bad brother team than Hurd Hatfield (as Paul) and Philip Coolidge (as Henry). In fact, Coolidge was a familiar performer on the series, a natural at playing ominous types.
He often reminded me of the popular character actor Milton Parsons, a staple in many prime murder mysteries of the 30s and 40s.
The story revolves around their aging Aunt Rosalie, best played by Mildred Natwick, who has some fun with this role, and it shows. Rosalie smells a rat, because she darn well knows Paul and Henri are after her cash flow. They give themselves away very quickly, which makes it all the more fun to watch their frustrations grow.
Of course, as Hitch would have it, dear, old sweet anty is playing a wry game herself. And watch how it all comes tumbling down.
Mildred Natwick, a distinguished stage actress, had just appeared in Hitchcock's dark comedy, THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY. She was nominated for an Oscar (best supporting actress) for BAREFOOT IN THE PARK in 1967. Not born in England, rather Baltimore! Good trivia question.
Dedicated to fans of Hurd Hatfield, and I am sure Hitch was one, at his sinister, yet handsome best.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 24 remastered Universal box set. 2005 release.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
