'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "The Impossible Dream" (1959)
Opening thoughts: There were a number of reasons for wanting to see "The Impossible Dream". One was that it was part of the uneven but utterly fascinating 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' series, that did have its fair share of misses but also a bigger number of major hits. It was also directed by the series' most prolific director Robert Stevens, while his output was not consistent he was responsible for many very good and more episodes. And starred Franchot Tone, showing his darker side, and Mary Astor.
Was very impressed overall by "The Impossible Dream" and thought it among the better episodes of the second half of Season 4. The premise showed so much potential and it is a type of story that has been done very well, and "The Impossible Dream" does nothing to waste it. Personally didn't find it dull whatsoever and while it is indeed depressing it just about avoided wallowing too much in it, which is so easy to do with this type of story with characters that don't sound particularly sympathetic.
Bad things: Not very much wrong here actually, but to me the ending was unsatisfying, due to being for my tastes being too rushed and over-explained. What happens to Matthews in my view didn't feel deserved.
Good things: Otherwise, "The Impossible Dream" was very good. Tone excels in an intensely brooding performance that doesn't get overwrought, he also effectively conveys Matthews' bitterness while not overdoing it. Astor is a strong sympathetic contrast and their chemistry burns off the screen more than convincingly. Stevens' direction is assured and successfully gives the story slow burning energy and suspense.
Furthermore, the photography is suitably moody and has some elegance. Hitchcock's bookending is suitably ironic and the theme music has lost none of its devillish quality. The episode is quite talky in spots, especially early on, but it didn't feel overly so and it all intrigued. The story never stops being compelling and has some nice suspense, never coming over as draggy.
Closing thoughts: Concluding, liked it a lot.
8/10.