Boy, talk about plans going awry! First of all, Jeff Jensen (Nehemiah Persoff) should have read the writing on the wall for what it was. His wife Marie (Cara Williams) no longer loved him, but in his total state of denial, forgave her for trying to kill him! You had to wonder who had the more fevered mind here. The payoff lends new meaning to the idea of going to see a shrink, as co-conspirators Marie and lover Mike (Peter Mark Richman) take a jungle river cruise, presumably for her to see a doctor for her erratic behavior. Instead, she convinces Mike to do away with their guide Luiz (Leonard Strong), who fortunately made the save for Jeff at the opening of the story. The sharp native guide knew something was afoot, and managed to turn the tables on both of his attackers, presenting his boss Jeff with a memento of his departed wife. Nothing like looking a head to the future.
4 Reviews
What Price Stupidity!
Hitchcoc29 April 2023
Once one becomes obsessed, his actions are understandable. It doesn't mean they are rational or forgivable. Here we have a man who lives in the jungle, looking for oil, with his wife, who hates him. He is suffering from what appears to be malaria and while in bed he fends off an attack by her as she wields a knife. A native servant manages to pull her away. The other man, his friend, acts as a protector but is involved with the wife, even though he knows she is dangerous. There is tension all along the way as she could strike at any moment. She is murderous and has no sense of the consequences. Eventually she agrees to see what is a common term for a psychiatrist. The results are pretty startling.
Starring two very familiar and long-lived television character actors...two of my favorites.
planktonrules9 April 2021
This episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" stars two excellent and very familiar TV character actors of the 1950s-80s, Nehemiah Persoff and Mark Richmond. Richmond passed away a few weeks ago, in his 90s, and Persoff turns 102 this August!
The story is set in some hot, god-forsaken jungle. It begins with Marie trying to kill her husband, Jeff (Persoff). He's able to stop her and soon Jeff's servant comes to his aid. He states that his wife cannot help herself, as she has 'jungle fever', though soon it becomes apparent she REALLY does want him dead...illness or not! And, amazingly, Jeff just cannot accept this and still loves her...or at least who he THINKS she is. And then there's Jeff's friend, Mike (Richmond)...how does he fit into all this?
I loved this episode. Up until the twist, it's good...and the twist, well it's dark, twisted and well deserved....and quite funny. Well worth your time.
The story is set in some hot, god-forsaken jungle. It begins with Marie trying to kill her husband, Jeff (Persoff). He's able to stop her and soon Jeff's servant comes to his aid. He states that his wife cannot help herself, as she has 'jungle fever', though soon it becomes apparent she REALLY does want him dead...illness or not! And, amazingly, Jeff just cannot accept this and still loves her...or at least who he THINKS she is. And then there's Jeff's friend, Mike (Richmond)...how does he fit into all this?
I loved this episode. Up until the twist, it's good...and the twist, well it's dark, twisted and well deserved....and quite funny. Well worth your time.
THE LADY WITH JUNGLE FEVER.
tcchelsey28 May 2024
Fairly dark tale with a surprise or two from the master of suspense, Robert Bloch, one of Hitchcock's favorite writers. Knives --and sharp ones -- seemed to be Bloch's game in many of his creepy stories, like PSYCHO.
Right off the bat, a desperate woman (Cara Williams) tries to stab her sick husband (played by Nahemiah Persoff). She wants nothing more to do with him, yet he's convinced it's something psychological and she needs help. What a position to be in, and watch your back...
A fascinating character study, and all set in a steamy jungle of all places. Robert Bloch tells a super story, and the acting is terrific. TV comedian Cara Williams is very good in this dramatic role (nominated for an Oscar in THE DEFIANT ONES), complimented by Persoff (as Jeff), one of the best character actors. Popular bad guy Peter Mark Richman plays Mike, adding to the festivities. Both Williams and Richman passed in 2021.
Look for Leonard Strong as Luiz, a master of offbeat and quirky characters, best known for GET SMART as super villian The Claw.
Not to be missed, and especially with this stellar cast. Best of SEASON 5 EPISODE 7 remastered.
Right off the bat, a desperate woman (Cara Williams) tries to stab her sick husband (played by Nahemiah Persoff). She wants nothing more to do with him, yet he's convinced it's something psychological and she needs help. What a position to be in, and watch your back...
A fascinating character study, and all set in a steamy jungle of all places. Robert Bloch tells a super story, and the acting is terrific. TV comedian Cara Williams is very good in this dramatic role (nominated for an Oscar in THE DEFIANT ONES), complimented by Persoff (as Jeff), one of the best character actors. Popular bad guy Peter Mark Richman plays Mike, adding to the festivities. Both Williams and Richman passed in 2021.
Look for Leonard Strong as Luiz, a master of offbeat and quirky characters, best known for GET SMART as super villian The Claw.
Not to be missed, and especially with this stellar cast. Best of SEASON 5 EPISODE 7 remastered.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
