A man about to be executed for a murder he did not commit, uses a last request to give his version of events.A man about to be executed for a murder he did not commit, uses a last request to give his version of events.A man about to be executed for a murder he did not commit, uses a last request to give his version of events.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe story credit is listed as "Based on a story by Helen Fislar Brooks as published in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine".
- Quotes
[afterword]
Alfred Hitchcock: [Hitchcock is standing to the right of the pot and looks upset] I've never been so insulted in my life. I've been dropped from the menu. The chef claims I'm not tender enough. But of course, that means I shall be back another time with a new story. Until then, good night, and bon appetit.
[looks glumly to his right as the camera pulls out to reveal a bespectacled young lady with bare shoulders inside the simmering pot reading a book]
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
"Last Request" has garnered mixed reviews on here. Personally really, really liked it and found it a huge improvement over the disappointing previous episode. It is the best and most interesting Henreid directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode up to this point, very close to being one of his best entries overall and close to one of the best of Season 3's first half as well as one of the most interesting psychologically (especially Guardino's character).
Will agree that the story could have been fleshed out more, with it feeling a little rushed towards the end. A longer length would have helped.
Otherwise, there are so many great things that despite that quite major problem "Last Request" is for me in the very nearly great category for three reasons. One was Guardino's pitch perfect, riveting performance that has charm and intensity. His character is fascinating psychologically and the episode expertly achieves the balance of rooting for his innocence in the murder despite him being a far from good person, which is not easy.
The third reason is the ingeniously suspenseful ending, that rings true and is not implausible or silly. Despite it not being as fully fleshed out as it could have been, the story is still very compelling and not over simple or convoluted. Pacing is fine generally, apart from moments of rushing later on. The script is intelligent and as lean as beautifully cooked steak. Henreid directs thoughtfully and makes sure that the tension doesn't slip in one of his better directing jobs in his early episodes for the series.
Production values are simple but never cheap, the simplicity isn't a bad thing here with it being an intimate location and some slick atmospheric shots are managed. The main theme has never gotten old and fits the tone of the series beautifully and Hitchcock's bookending is as droll as ever.
Concluding, very, very good and nearly great with lots of great things. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 23, 2022
Details
- Runtime30 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1