"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" The Creeper (1956)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Herschel Daugherty

Writers:

James P. Cavanagh (teleplay)
Joseph Ruscoll (story)

TV Series:

"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1955)

Original Air Date:

17 June 1956 (Season 1, Episode 38)

Genre:

Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

Ellen and Steve live in a New York neighborhood that is being terrorized by a strangler known only as the Creeper...

Plot Keywords:

Locksmith | Door | Janitor | Psychopath | Serial Killer

Cast

Constance Ford	...	Ellen Grant
Alfred Hitchcock	...	Himself - Host
Steve Brodie	...	Steve Grant
Harry Townes	...	Ed
Reta Shaw	...	Martha Stone
Percy Helton	...	George the Janitor
Alfred Linder	...	Shoemaker

Runtime:

USA:30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Filming Locations:

Republic Studios - 4024 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Shamley Productions

Desperate Housewives, Hitchcock Style

Better than average Hitchcock fare. A maniacal killer is stalking a blue-collar neighborhood for female victims.

The plot may creak a bit, but the performances are outstanding, while the director keeps the suspense on high throughout. It's a nail-biter all the way, with a chance to watch one of the fine, unsung actresses of that era, Constance Ford as the housewife. Her emotional breakdown is so persuasive, it threatens to overpower the story itself. Also, the familiar Harry Towne delivers an amazingly nuanced turn as the eccentric lecher-- watch the subtle array of facial expressions as he goes through various moods. It's really quite extraordinary for series TV of the 1950's. Also notable for the colorful presence of Reta Shaw (landlady) and Percy Helton (handiman) in supporting roles. The ending too, is both ironic and well thought-out. Anyway, this one made a lasting impression on me as a kid, and still packs a considerable punch.