I got the biggest kick out of the Knights of the Golden Lodge. It reminded me of Jackie Gleason and Art Carney being members in the Loyal Order of the Raccoon Lodge in "The Honeymooners" which aired about the same time as this series did. The plot almost sounds like it could have been a Honeymooners episode too, what with the goofy premise of promising a sick man fifty dollars per week!! If he would agree to be the first one buried in a newly designated cemetery purchased by four enterprising businessmen. They need an initial customer to kick off their project by, well..., kicking off. The whole thing backfires though, because the fifty bucks per week rejuvenates Clarence Weems (Russell Collins) to the point of getting out of bed, walking in the park, and courting one of his caretakers (Gladys Hurlbut). Ring leader of the lodge bunch is Cato Stone (Robert Middleton), who if you paid particular attention to his huffing and puffing up four flights of stairs weekly to visit the ailing Weems, would have noticed that he might become his own very first client for Elysian Fields. If only they had some additional foresight, the gang of four would have realized they were making a grave mistake.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)
The Indestructible Mr. Weems (1957)
User Reviews
Review this title9 Reviews
He Had the Gall Not to Die!
Hitchcoc18 June 2013
While the entire premise of this episode is ludicrous, it still has its moments. If one were to analyze the business venture engaged in by this little group of lodge brothers (Raccoons perhaps, like Ed and Ralph), the plan is tenuous at best. To think that because a poor dying man eventually would be buried in the new cemetery, a herd of others would line up to buy plots is quite speculative. The joy in the episode is the group of four climbing four flights of stairs to see if the old guy is still alive or at least, hopefully, in dire straits. Of course, after the fifty dollar a week deal is struck, he begins to feel pretty good about life; he even strikes up a relationship with one of his caretakers. Of course, when they see him dancing and walking in the part, it gets pretty desperate. I won't use spoilers here, but sometimes the unexpected shows its hand and takes care of the problem. Watch this just to see the interaction of the real estate developer and his lodge-brother cohorts.
Wait! Whose idea was this?
pmicocci-1890828 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Did Harry Brown sells his lodge brothers a pig in a poke, on behalf of his future bride and father-in-law?
I love the look Cato (Robert Middleton) flashes one of the brother when he takes leave of Weems by telling him, "Take care of yourself!"
I love the look Cato (Robert Middleton) flashes one of the brother when he takes leave of Weems by telling him, "Take care of yourself!"
Clarence Weems....the healthiest man on death's door!
planktonrules5 March 2021
After a couple VERY disappointing episodes, the show was back on track with "The Indestructible Mr. Weems". This is because unlike the previous two misses, this one had a great twist and a lot of dark humor.
When the story begins, a lodge is having trouble selling any plots in their new cemetery. This is particularly tough for the leader, whose company stands to make a lot of money if the cemetery begins to sell plots. But no one is buying...and in a meeting the board discusses this problem. One of them has a possible solution. It seems Mr. Weems is expected to die soon and they can actually pay him to take a burial plot. Then, supposedly, others might be encouraged to buy into the scheme. Unfortunately, then comes the Hitchcock twist...and the man suddenly seems indestructible! I could say more, but it would ruin this charmingly dark episode.
When "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was funny and ironic, it was terrific. Too often, though, like many anthology shows there were a lot of misses. This one, however, is written well and is well worth seeing...and proof that the show can be terrific if the scripts were up to snuff.
When the story begins, a lodge is having trouble selling any plots in their new cemetery. This is particularly tough for the leader, whose company stands to make a lot of money if the cemetery begins to sell plots. But no one is buying...and in a meeting the board discusses this problem. One of them has a possible solution. It seems Mr. Weems is expected to die soon and they can actually pay him to take a burial plot. Then, supposedly, others might be encouraged to buy into the scheme. Unfortunately, then comes the Hitchcock twist...and the man suddenly seems indestructible! I could say more, but it would ruin this charmingly dark episode.
When "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was funny and ironic, it was terrific. Too often, though, like many anthology shows there were a lot of misses. This one, however, is written well and is well worth seeing...and proof that the show can be terrific if the scripts were up to snuff.
A-Grade Hitch
dougdoepke6 May 2016
Delicious entry. The dedicated board members of a businessman's lodge are stuck with an expensive cemetery that's going unpopulated. They figure the cemetery needs a first customer to get it off the ground. And who better to first sign up than ailing brother Weems (Collins) in return for a monthly $50. From his bed-ridden looks, he can't last long anyway. No wonder the greedy lodge brothers are rubbing their hands. Now if only Weems didn't live 4 flights up.
Acting, directing, and writing all come together. The four guys are a hoot as they try to finesse how they personally benefit from the arrangement. Middleton, especially, shines as the bull-like chairman of the board. Then there's Collins who excelled at slippery characters. The ending is deliciously ironic in the best Hitch fashion. Kudos to director Addiss, writer Slavin, and the fine ensemble cast for this first-rate entry.
Acting, directing, and writing all come together. The four guys are a hoot as they try to finesse how they personally benefit from the arrangement. Middleton, especially, shines as the bull-like chairman of the board. Then there's Collins who excelled at slippery characters. The ending is deliciously ironic in the best Hitch fashion. Kudos to director Addiss, writer Slavin, and the fine ensemble cast for this first-rate entry.
One of the Best
thefreelancingsamurai3 August 2021
Indestructibly good
TheLittleSongbird17 August 2022
"The Indestructible Mr Weems" was actually one of the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes that this reviewer was in all honesty not expecting to enjoy or much from. Or at least to this extent. The premise on paper is not a great one and sounds ridiculous (and that's being generous). Sometimes though there have been premises in film and television that do not sound great conceptually but actually manage to be a big surprise in a good way. So expectations were mixed for this.
Fortunately, "The Indestructible Mr Weems" was one of the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes that was infinitely better than expected, and it was amazing that something near special was done with a premise that didn't have that much promise. What could easily have been one of the most ludicrous Season 2 episodes turned out to be one of the most interesting and entertaining. It is also much better than the disappointing previous episode "Father and Son" and one of director Justus Addiss' best episodes.
Maybe it is a little on the ordinary side to begin with, but this is one of the few Season 2 episodes where it was very hard to find fault.
It is a very well acted episode for one thing. Robert Middleton carries his role with a good amount of intensity, while Russell Collins plays his slippery eel one with unsettling unpredictability. The character interaction is strong throughout with no exception, igniting especially when anybody is interacting with Collins. Addiss' direction is some of his most accomplished and inspired for any of his ten 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, especially in the second half.
As far as Season 2 goes, "The Indestructible Mr Weems" is one of the best written. Absolutely love the droll irony of Hitchcock's bookending, and the twist is absolutely delicious and was not expected at all. The season did vary when it came to its twists, more so than the previous season, the one here is one of the most unpredictable and cleverest therefore one of the best. Every bit as delicious is the dark humour, which is genuinely funny too (which is great as to me dark humour doesn't always come off).
The story is tightly paced and is nowhere near as ludicrous as it sounds, the second half is actually quite suspenseful. Production values are solid and atmospheric and the theme tune is suitably macabre.
Overall, absolutely great. 9/10.
Fortunately, "The Indestructible Mr Weems" was one of the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes that was infinitely better than expected, and it was amazing that something near special was done with a premise that didn't have that much promise. What could easily have been one of the most ludicrous Season 2 episodes turned out to be one of the most interesting and entertaining. It is also much better than the disappointing previous episode "Father and Son" and one of director Justus Addiss' best episodes.
Maybe it is a little on the ordinary side to begin with, but this is one of the few Season 2 episodes where it was very hard to find fault.
It is a very well acted episode for one thing. Robert Middleton carries his role with a good amount of intensity, while Russell Collins plays his slippery eel one with unsettling unpredictability. The character interaction is strong throughout with no exception, igniting especially when anybody is interacting with Collins. Addiss' direction is some of his most accomplished and inspired for any of his ten 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, especially in the second half.
As far as Season 2 goes, "The Indestructible Mr Weems" is one of the best written. Absolutely love the droll irony of Hitchcock's bookending, and the twist is absolutely delicious and was not expected at all. The season did vary when it came to its twists, more so than the previous season, the one here is one of the most unpredictable and cleverest therefore one of the best. Every bit as delicious is the dark humour, which is genuinely funny too (which is great as to me dark humour doesn't always come off).
The story is tightly paced and is nowhere near as ludicrous as it sounds, the second half is actually quite suspenseful. Production values are solid and atmospheric and the theme tune is suitably macabre.
Overall, absolutely great. 9/10.
Digging one's own grave
kapelusznik1810 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** The plan was picture perfect in getting lodge member Clarence Weems, Russall Collins, to agrees to be buried at the newly opened "Knights of the Golden Lodge's" Elysium Cemetery by paying him off-At $50.00 a month-to be interned there as soon as he kicks off. In the fact that the bedridden Weems hasn't that long to live anyway it's thought that he'll go-die-any day now that it would,t cost the lodge a dime but suddenly his health miraculously improved! Where it's costing the lodge members headed by it's leader Cato Stone, Robert Middleton, more then money then it's, his burial cost, worth!
Not laying all day in bed and on life support Weems is seen by shocked lodge member going out taking long walks in the parks and to the movies with his girlfriend Laura, Rebecca Wells, instead of being with one foot in the grave but in the pink of health! Visiting Weems at his rooming house every day climbing up four flights of stairs to see how he's doing-and hoping for the worst-in the end takes a toll on the out of shape and overweight Cato. In an effort to see how Weems is doing it has Cato Stone soon drops dead from exhaustion from a fatal heart attack from the stress he put himself under!
***SPOILERS*** As it turned out it was Cato Stone not Clarence Weems who was the first lodge member to be interned at the Elysium Cemetery and thanks to him and his fellow lodge members the near dead Weems got a new reason to stay alive in what they did for him. Gave the penniless Weems a study income that gave him hope in looking forward for the future a future that without it he had lost his will to live!
Not laying all day in bed and on life support Weems is seen by shocked lodge member going out taking long walks in the parks and to the movies with his girlfriend Laura, Rebecca Wells, instead of being with one foot in the grave but in the pink of health! Visiting Weems at his rooming house every day climbing up four flights of stairs to see how he's doing-and hoping for the worst-in the end takes a toll on the out of shape and overweight Cato. In an effort to see how Weems is doing it has Cato Stone soon drops dead from exhaustion from a fatal heart attack from the stress he put himself under!
***SPOILERS*** As it turned out it was Cato Stone not Clarence Weems who was the first lodge member to be interned at the Elysium Cemetery and thanks to him and his fellow lodge members the near dead Weems got a new reason to stay alive in what they did for him. Gave the penniless Weems a study income that gave him hope in looking forward for the future a future that without it he had lost his will to live!
DO YOU THINK YOU COULD DIE QUICKER?
tcchelsey21 September 2023
This was the only episode written by George Slavin, a decorated WWII hero. Slavin wrote everything from dramas to westerns to comedies, and this is definitely one dark comedy.
All about an old gentleman named Mr. Weems who is the perfect choice for a group of businessmen who have invested in a cemetary. No one is buying... so they agree to pay Weems to insure he will be buried there when he finally does kick the bucket. They will have their FIRST official customer and more will follow. Ya think?
What happens when Weems lives a little bit longer???
Strangest thing about this tale. How many of us could relate to it, having relatives who claimed they hadn't long to live and outlived a whole lot of folks!
Best acting award goes to Robert Middleton as the frustrated chairman of the board. Russell Collins ain't bad either as rascally Mr. Weems. Best remembered for his appearance in BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK, starring Spencer Tracy.
This one truly has earned the famous Hitchcock theme, the "Funeral March of a Marionette." You be the judge.
From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
All about an old gentleman named Mr. Weems who is the perfect choice for a group of businessmen who have invested in a cemetary. No one is buying... so they agree to pay Weems to insure he will be buried there when he finally does kick the bucket. They will have their FIRST official customer and more will follow. Ya think?
What happens when Weems lives a little bit longer???
Strangest thing about this tale. How many of us could relate to it, having relatives who claimed they hadn't long to live and outlived a whole lot of folks!
Best acting award goes to Robert Middleton as the frustrated chairman of the board. Russell Collins ain't bad either as rascally Mr. Weems. Best remembered for his appearance in BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK, starring Spencer Tracy.
This one truly has earned the famous Hitchcock theme, the "Funeral March of a Marionette." You be the judge.
From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
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