Mask of Hate

Above average entry. The plot's a good one that doesn't tip off where it's going. Gordon (Bouchey) is a bed-ridden, wealthy husband, while wife Marion (Miller) is a conniving little vixen with a lover, Barry (Lauter). Seems the estranged pair are plotting against each other, and neither's sympathetic. Thus, it's hard to tell how things will turn out. Meanwhile, Jerry and Pam get involved through Jerry's publishing business.

Fine acting from both TV veteran Bouchey and newcomer Miller helps rivet interest. But I did have to look twice when veteran TV cowboy Lauter turns up in a spiffy suit. Also, DeSales gets screen time as his Lt. Weigand investigates. Two crabby notes-- the entry deserves better than an abruptly contrived ending; plus, I think the screenplay makes a mistake tipping its hand early on with Gordon's condition. Better to keep us guessing even more. Anyhow, it's a generally suspenseful half-hour from 1950's Northland.