I don't know who Sam Buffington was, but in this episode he is the master of selfishness, gluttony, and insensitivity. He is the object of our hatred from the moment he enters the home of Henry Jones, a master taxidermist. Henry is working on a recently deceased horse. The town council is going to plant a time capsule in the horse to be opened in a hundred years. The story shows the misery caused by this freeloader. He is so demanding and so cruel that he literally ruins the health of his sister. When he is confronted, he talks about how badly her absence has caused him stomach trouble. He browbeats Henry about his sensitivity and how he needs him to prepare a meal for him. Well, I won't spoil anything but if you are at all on top of your game, you can probably guess the result. The fun in this is to see the portrayal of the brother in law. If I could have made my way through the TV screen, I would have throttled him myself.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)
The West Warlock Time Capsule (1957)
User Reviews
Review this title9 Reviews
An excellent episode in a smart TV series
Cristi_Ciopron11 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
If we be allowed a word about the '57 episode THE WEST WARLOCK TIME CAPSULE, a Teleplay by Marian Cockrell based on a story by Cahn, with Henry Jones and Mildred Dunnock; Hitchcock makes his offices with his usual wit and wryness. This episode, brilliantly Hitchcockian, opens with the master's _divagations about taxidermy and hunt and shooting Santa Claus, to go on with scenes of a marriage of two mild oldsters—a taxidermist and his wife; the man is devoted to his craft, and prepares a quadruped to offer it to the town's museum, when this family receives the visit of a nuisance—the wife's brother, a fat, lazy, rude and disgusting fellow who pretends being ill only to live with these relatives and to wreck their lives with his antics and whims and gluttony.
The West Warlock Time Capsule registers as one of the best episodes of Hitchcock's TV show; briskly narrated, with the usual note of strangeness, it benefits from Jones' extraordinary performance and _expressivity—his physiognomy allowing for both ends to be attained—the devilish cruelty, and the provincial boredom and routine of a soft—spoken citizen , so that this episode perfectly expresses Hitchcock's idea of fun—the gruesomeness and the ingenuity and a certain nakedness of what is more horrible in the facts.
The West Warlock Time Capsule registers as one of the best episodes of Hitchcock's TV show; briskly narrated, with the usual note of strangeness, it benefits from Jones' extraordinary performance and _expressivity—his physiognomy allowing for both ends to be attained—the devilish cruelty, and the provincial boredom and routine of a soft—spoken citizen , so that this episode perfectly expresses Hitchcock's idea of fun—the gruesomeness and the ingenuity and a certain nakedness of what is more horrible in the facts.
"There's nothing left but me."
classicsoncall28 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Alfred Hitchcock would often take the edge off of some of these stories when he came on afterward and described what happened in the aftermath of the episode you just saw. He did it here, leaving the viewer knowing that George Tiffany (Henry Jones) didn't get away with it. But that's the thing, you wanted George to get away with it because his brother in law (Sam Buffington) was such a lout. With that cough that wouldn't quit and inability to do anything for himself, you had to wonder how he got on for twenty five years before he came to see his sister (Mildred Dunnock) on a permanent vacation. You can see the ending coming for this story before the first commercial break, and the gleam in George's eye when it's mentioned that Napoleon's time capsule wouldn't be seen until 2057. But then, Hitch goes and spoils it with his closing epilogue. Well, what do you expect from a guy who would kill and stuff Santa Claus.
Don't Mess With Drab George
dougdoepke22 December 2016
Solid Hitch. Pudgy lie-about Waldren (Buffington) is a leach. He's fastened onto sweet older sister (Dunnock) and her taxidermist husband George (Jones). She waits on him hand and foot while he lounges in George's favorite chair, contributing nothing and expecting everything. Because of his devoted wife, George puts up with the no-good. But how long can this last, especially since Jones, as we all know, specializes in sly parts. And what about that stuffed warhorse, Napoleon. He's a real oddity for a TV show, so something's up.
I'll watch anything with prune-face Jones. He was so deliciously sly, always being underestimated with his insignificant appearance. Kudos too to Dunnock, plus Buffington who gets a thankless role. But why is the kid not credited by IMDb—he's got more lines and screen time than everyone but the principals.
One reason, I think, for the series success is the casting. Crucially, no concessions were made to Hollywood glamour except when warranted. Certainly there's no pizazz in evidence here, just drab, as it should be. So sit back and enjoy a solid Hitch, though you may want to skip the epilogue.
I'll watch anything with prune-face Jones. He was so deliciously sly, always being underestimated with his insignificant appearance. Kudos too to Dunnock, plus Buffington who gets a thankless role. But why is the kid not credited by IMDb—he's got more lines and screen time than everyone but the principals.
One reason, I think, for the series success is the casting. Crucially, no concessions were made to Hollywood glamour except when warranted. Certainly there's no pizazz in evidence here, just drab, as it should be. So sit back and enjoy a solid Hitch, though you may want to skip the epilogue.
Overstaying welcome
TheLittleSongbird3 August 2022
"The West Warlock Time Capsule" is the second consecutive Justus Addiss-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode after "Martha Mason Movie Star". That episode was surprisingly very good, an example of an episode that this reviewer was expecting to dislike because of the awfulness of the lead character (the series did not always have a good record with these types of characters) but it managed to work because of the acting and the delicious ending. So there was some hope that it would be better than it sounded.
Like "Martha Mason Movie Star", "The West Warlock Time Capsule" is very well acted with an interesting lead character despite him being hard to like, but lacks its suspense and a good ending. So a bit of a disappointment after directly following on from that episode but also better than expected. It is not one of the best Addiss-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes ("Martha Mason Movie Star", and "Salvage" saved the series after a brief quality dip), but also not one of the worst ("Nightmare in 4D"). Ranking his episodes, it's in the middle.
It is not great. It does lack suspense agreed, due to knowing exactly what happens well before it does.
Even worse is the ending, which is very heavy handed and over explained, as well as not making sense. This is one of not many times where Hitchcock's epilogue (usually wonderfully dry humoured and droll) doesn't work, being laid on too thick and too much of an over explanatory cheat which robs the ending of any surprise or irony.
Fortunately, "The West Warlock Time Capsule" is compensated by the performances, with the ever reliable Henry Jones a larger than life lead and Sam Buffington a sinister presence. The chemistry is dynamite and does give the episode some tension. Addiss does direct with confidence and understanding of the genre.
Moreover, it is slickly made with some atmospheric photography and lighting that help distract from the slightly sparse settings. The theme music is suitably macabre, which suits the series really well. The script is tight and thought probing enough, while not being confused or rambling. Just wish that it didn't over explain towards the end though. The story has enough moments where it is absorbing and makes one eager as to what happens next.
Overall, quite decent but a long way from great. 7/10.
Like "Martha Mason Movie Star", "The West Warlock Time Capsule" is very well acted with an interesting lead character despite him being hard to like, but lacks its suspense and a good ending. So a bit of a disappointment after directly following on from that episode but also better than expected. It is not one of the best Addiss-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes ("Martha Mason Movie Star", and "Salvage" saved the series after a brief quality dip), but also not one of the worst ("Nightmare in 4D"). Ranking his episodes, it's in the middle.
It is not great. It does lack suspense agreed, due to knowing exactly what happens well before it does.
Even worse is the ending, which is very heavy handed and over explained, as well as not making sense. This is one of not many times where Hitchcock's epilogue (usually wonderfully dry humoured and droll) doesn't work, being laid on too thick and too much of an over explanatory cheat which robs the ending of any surprise or irony.
Fortunately, "The West Warlock Time Capsule" is compensated by the performances, with the ever reliable Henry Jones a larger than life lead and Sam Buffington a sinister presence. The chemistry is dynamite and does give the episode some tension. Addiss does direct with confidence and understanding of the genre.
Moreover, it is slickly made with some atmospheric photography and lighting that help distract from the slightly sparse settings. The theme music is suitably macabre, which suits the series really well. The script is tight and thought probing enough, while not being confused or rambling. Just wish that it didn't over explain towards the end though. The story has enough moments where it is absorbing and makes one eager as to what happens next.
Overall, quite decent but a long way from great. 7/10.
Bobby Clark - UNCREDITED PART as "Charlie" the young boy !
Enrique-Sanchez-561 October 2019
Charlie, the boy who likes to hang out at the taxidermy shop, is played by child actor Bobby Clark (1944- ), who was on screen from 1949 to 1964 and who was also seen in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode, "Santa Claus and the Tenth Avenue Kid." He also had a part in Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956).
It is odd that a considerable speaking part was not credited for playing a part. It must be something to do with his being a child actor. But that is no excuse for this omission!
It is odd that a considerable speaking part was not credited for playing a part. It must be something to do with his being a child actor. But that is no excuse for this omission!
This one is a doozy!
kellielulu4 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
No one could do a story like this quite like Alfred Hitchcock.
I don't want to give too much away but here is the setup . George is a taxidermist a very good one and he's has a special assignment from the city . He's preparing a horse for display and there will be a time capsule in it. He has a nice wife Louisa and a young boy who's a friend named Charlie of George and takes interest in his work. He really adds to the story as a curious boy but in no way a pest .
Trouble begins when Louisa's younger brother Waldren comes for a stay. He's demanding claims bad health and it runs Louisa ragged. Even in the heat he claims it's drafty ! George worries about his wife and his fears are confirmed when she collapses. The doctor tells George she just needs rest. George mentions his brother in law's condition. The wise doctor says Waldren missed his calling and should have been an actor! George thinks of various ways to get Waldren to leave . He ultimately comes up with a most Hitchcock way and with an additional twist or two .
Well written, acted and directed this is a must see for any fan of this suspense/ drama/ comedy style of entertainment.
I don't want to give too much away but here is the setup . George is a taxidermist a very good one and he's has a special assignment from the city . He's preparing a horse for display and there will be a time capsule in it. He has a nice wife Louisa and a young boy who's a friend named Charlie of George and takes interest in his work. He really adds to the story as a curious boy but in no way a pest .
Trouble begins when Louisa's younger brother Waldren comes for a stay. He's demanding claims bad health and it runs Louisa ragged. Even in the heat he claims it's drafty ! George worries about his wife and his fears are confirmed when she collapses. The doctor tells George she just needs rest. George mentions his brother in law's condition. The wise doctor says Waldren missed his calling and should have been an actor! George thinks of various ways to get Waldren to leave . He ultimately comes up with a most Hitchcock way and with an additional twist or two .
Well written, acted and directed this is a must see for any fan of this suspense/ drama/ comedy style of entertainment.
HOW TO STUFF A HORSE!
tcchelsey22 March 2024
Another dynamic episode directed by Justis Addiss, who directed 10 in all for Hitch. This may be the most outrageous of dark comedies. You be the judge.
Henry Jones returns in yet another wry role, this time playing a very successful taxidermist who has the "honor" of stuffing an iconic city park horse called Napoleon, who will also serve as a time capsule!
His happiness and enthusiasm is short-lived, though, when his wife's lazy brother (well played by Sam Buffington) stops to visit and stays and stays. Buffington is spot on in this role, his saving grace being his sister (Mildred Dunnock) --who keeps him off the streets.
But... perhaps he would have been better off?
This is an acting duel between Henry Jones and Sam Buffington, they are amazing to watch. Buffington, at the time, was adding to his acting credits and this part insured him tv work. Ironically, he would take his own life a few years later, claiming he could not support his wife. A tragic Hollywood story, but Sam is fondly remembered to this day for what shows he did appear in.
10 Stars and you have to love the title. From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvds. 16 hrs. 2006.
Henry Jones returns in yet another wry role, this time playing a very successful taxidermist who has the "honor" of stuffing an iconic city park horse called Napoleon, who will also serve as a time capsule!
His happiness and enthusiasm is short-lived, though, when his wife's lazy brother (well played by Sam Buffington) stops to visit and stays and stays. Buffington is spot on in this role, his saving grace being his sister (Mildred Dunnock) --who keeps him off the streets.
But... perhaps he would have been better off?
This is an acting duel between Henry Jones and Sam Buffington, they are amazing to watch. Buffington, at the time, was adding to his acting credits and this part insured him tv work. Ironically, he would take his own life a few years later, claiming he could not support his wife. A tragic Hollywood story, but Sam is fondly remembered to this day for what shows he did appear in.
10 Stars and you have to love the title. From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvds. 16 hrs. 2006.
Getting rid of a parasite.
planktonrules5 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
"The West Warlock Time Capsule" is an okay installment of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". I say okay because you know exactly what is going to happen...and because Hitchcock's epilogue helped ruin the story as well.
George Tiffany (Henry Jones) is a taxidermist who is creating a stuffed horse for a bizarre ceremony involving a time capsule placed within (huh???). As he works on this huge project, his brother-in-law, Waldren, comes for what is less of a visit and more of an extended period of mooching and drinking. But Waldren has his sister's number...as he's convinced her he's sick and she wears herself out taking care of the bum. It got so bad that she even passed out due to stress and fatigue...and the doctor recommends that George get rid of Waldren....and you can figure out exactly what's coming next....which is a major problem...you know EXACTLY what he'll do long before it happens. And, to make it worse, Hitchcock in the epilogue announces that George was caught for this murder...something he did too often in the epilogues. No suspense and a moralistic ending which really made no sense and only seemed to be there to appease folks who insisted that crime be punished. About the only thing that you like is to know that the parasitical brother-in-law is dead.
George Tiffany (Henry Jones) is a taxidermist who is creating a stuffed horse for a bizarre ceremony involving a time capsule placed within (huh???). As he works on this huge project, his brother-in-law, Waldren, comes for what is less of a visit and more of an extended period of mooching and drinking. But Waldren has his sister's number...as he's convinced her he's sick and she wears herself out taking care of the bum. It got so bad that she even passed out due to stress and fatigue...and the doctor recommends that George get rid of Waldren....and you can figure out exactly what's coming next....which is a major problem...you know EXACTLY what he'll do long before it happens. And, to make it worse, Hitchcock in the epilogue announces that George was caught for this murder...something he did too often in the epilogues. No suspense and a moralistic ending which really made no sense and only seemed to be there to appease folks who insisted that crime be punished. About the only thing that you like is to know that the parasitical brother-in-law is dead.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
