Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)

Bull in a China Shop (1958)

Alfred Hitchcock: Self - Host

Quotes 

• [introduction] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : [Hitchcock is standing like a matador with hands posed behind him and wearing a matador's montera or hat]  Good evening aficionados. Tonight's story is called "Bull in a China Shop", so we decided to indulge in a bit of bullfighting.

  [grimacing in some discomfort, Hitchcock pulls out from behind him what looks like a harpoon with feathers] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : An obvious case of mistaken identity. Originally, I was to have appeared in the skin-tight pants of a matador. However, at the last moment, it was decided that this was a sight for which the television audience was not yet ready. Television is like bullfighting in one respect. They both have what is called, the moment of truth. In bullfighting, it is the moment the matador faces the bull before he converts him to hamburger. Ladies and gentlemen,

  [pauses for effect] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : the moment of truth.

• [afterword] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : [Hitchcock is still holding the feathered harpoon]  I hope you weren't too disappointed that our story contained neither a bull nor a china shop. As for the ending, eventually, Miss Bessie became enamoured of a fireman, a love which ultimately consumed her. And now a word from a sponsor, after which I shall flip back.

  [the commercial doesn't start] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : Now a word from our sponsor.

  [the commercial still doesn't start] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : The poor fellow is just too modest to come out. We'll have to encourage him with some applause.

  [Hitchcock gives a quiet applause that finally starts the commercial] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : That will teach you to encourage someone. Fortunately, I have no such reticance. I shall be back next week, whether you want me or not. But I do hope you'll see fit to join us. Until then, good night.