This is neither superior Hitchcock nor is it inferior-- it is , however, vintage Hitchcock. There's the usual sly fascination with murder in the home, the workman-like concern with what to do with the body, and the story-telling ability to take a slender premise and make it suspenseful. At the same time, of course, the audience is manipulated into siding with the culprit-- all Hitchcock hallmarks. An episode like this presents some challenges since there's little dialog, no character development and not much action. A lot thus depends on getting the most out of the material, which director Hitchcock does by cleverly working the erratic tail- light gimmick that keeps us on pins and needles. We keep wondering when that trunk lid is suddenly going to be popped open. He also recognizes that the role of the culprit calls for unusual acting skills since the actor will have to convey a gamut of convincing emotions. Stage actor and Oscar winner David Wayne is a perfect choice for the harried part. Watch his impressive array of stricken reactions to each new threat. Nonetheless, the material lacks the sort of cachet that would make the entry really memorable. Understandably, this slender 30- minutes demonstrates Hitchcock's skills as a consummate craftsman, but not as a world- class artist. Still and all, it's an entertaining half-hour.
Review of One More Mile to Go
