Death of a Cop

Again, shades of 77 SUNSET STRIP, which Hitch obviously admired -- though not just another cop story.

Outstanding writing on the part of Leigh Brackett, known for THE BIG SLEEP and THE LONG GOODBYE.

Leigh could spin a tale, an inspiration to many female writers. She did two episodes for Hitch.

Sadly, this grim story may have been based on the real life shooting death of 31 year old LAPD cop Ian Campbell, which happened a few months before this episode. Campbell is remembered to this day; in fact there's a tribute to him as of July 2024. His killer, although spared the death penalty, spent his life in prison.

Veteran actor Victor Jory is excellent, playing the lead role of Detective Reardon, who is joined on the force by his son, Philip (played by Peter Brown).

Duty calls and tragically Philip is shot and killed, leaving Reardon to relentlessly track down the cold-blooded murderer. Sobering material, and with Leigh Brackett and Hitch behind the story, it's one you'll want to see all the way to the end.

Series director Joseph M. Newman is to be congratulated, and I agree with the last reviewer; the characters feel very real here. Newman directed 10 episodes in all. Top cast with two rough and ready actors; Lawrence Tierney as Herbie and John Marley as fellow detective Singer. Richard Jaekel is a stand-out as Boxer. Young Jean Welles is especially good in a supporting role as Eva. Also look for Paul Hartman.

Recommended, and a story not too soon forgotten. SEASON 1 EPISODE 32 remastered. According to Amazon, the dvd box set (8 dvds) was produced in Europe and may not play on American made players. Best to check with the seller. Region 2 playback.

Pretty good crime drama, helped along by two 40's tough guys, Jory & Tierney, plus sneering punk, Richard Jaeckel. Cop Jory's out to avenge murder of his cop son, Brown, by gang of punks employed by racketeer Tierney. Being a good cop, Jory tries to get the goods legally, but witnesses are too scared. So, having a personal stake, he goes about it outside the law.

The hour's a good character study, dramatizing Jory's conflict between professional duty and fatherhood. Part Eskimo, Jory was always an exotic looking actor, good at grabbing audiences, which he does here. But what's with the sharply dressed band of punks. Didn't Wardrobe have any dirty T-shirts and torn jeans. But I guess Tierney's gang is supposed to be higher class, even if they don't act like it. Catch that fine utility actress Jean Willes as Jory's woman friend. All in all, it's a good gritty episode, with a surprisingly unflinching camera. And catch that favorite series theme-- the conflict between poetic justice and the law.

(In passing—Sorry to see that TV's forever youthful Peter Brown passed away in March, 2016, at age 80.)

Death Of A Cop was the final episode of the first season of Alfred Hitchcock's newly expanded hour long anthology series. Its first season wasn't as good as it might of been but it went out with a winner, a no-nonsense crime story, well written by frequent Howard Hawks collaborator Leigh Brackett, expertly directed by Hollywood veteran Joseph Newman, whose work on the series was consistently good, often outstanding.

The title tells us pretty much where the simple story is going; and while the story may be simple the characters feel real, and the father-son relationship is touching. Victor Jory and Peter Brown are fine in the roles. Once things get rolling and we see the consequences of being an honest a cop the episode builds a head of steam, and while it plays almost as if it could be an entry in any number of other anthology shows of its era, this does not detract from it quality.

The production values make the episode feel a bit cramped, as if the producers were trying to save money, but this doesn't detract from the story, which moves along at a good pace, and the ending, while sad, feels just about right.

This show takes it time in a set up that does build up a sense of dread and real drama to the Death of a Cop that gives the show its title. Jory is very good and just road worn enough to be perfect in his role. The show moves well and as directed by feature director Joseph Newman knows how to maintain pace and interest and all the roles--and there is quite a large cast here--are well acted and cast. You always know who is who and the bad guys all have interesting faces. Tierney works well as the boss of the gang.

There is one almost silly montage/dream scene but that's a small problem. The episode only falls down a bit in the budget department. For example the neighborhood shots and scenes just look like an empty back lot street with few extras and no real attention to make it look like a slum. This does hurt as the slums and streets are key to the story.

Also a shootout scene is sort of thrown away, though oddly this works in the show's favor as it seems more realistic that way. There is only one really bad moment a poorly written and indifferently performed final speech by a supporting character, too bad. But Jory centers the story well and this episode works as drama and flies by.

Very funny unrelated Hitchcock bits involving pillars of salt?!?

"Death Of A Cop" plays like a Mini-Movie. Not for one second would I take my eyes off the screen. What a cast:Victor Jory,Peter Brown,Lawrence Tierney,Richard Jaeckel,Read Morgan,John Marley,Jean Willes,Rex Holman,Paul Hartman etc.That Hitchcock "Twist Ending" merged into such an interesting Crime Drama is something to see. Terrific show here.