Paul Henreid was the second most prolific director for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', the most being Robert Stevens. None of the regular directors for the series were consistent, with pretty much all of them having a mix of very good and more and not particularly good episodes. As well as the second most prolific director, Henreid was also one of the more variable in terms of episode quality. As far as his previous episodes go, there were winners like "Last Request" and "A Little Sleep" but also disappointments like "Silent Witness" and "Enough Rope for Two".
Up to this point "Guest for Breakfast" is one of the winners generally, though can understand totally if others don't connect with it, especially if suspending some disbelief is not easy. It is not perfect by any stretch and there are better episodes of Season 3 (as well as worse), before and since, but "Guest for Breakfast's" premise was one of the more intriguing ones of the season's later episodes and the episode mostly does an impressive job with it. So it's definitely recommended from this viewer.
"Guest for Breakfast" isn't perfect, with it being rather contrived later on and for me the ending was not much of a surprise and could have been more suspenseful and less silly.
However, a lot works. It is a very well acted episode, with Joan Tetzel and Scott McKay turning in very strong work in their roles. Their chemistry is also dynamite, as is chilling Richard Lacey. Their characters are very interesting and don't have character flaws exaggerated. Hitchcock's bookending is still wildly entertaining and full of his usual droll humour.
The story is compelling and has tension, while not being too simple or convoluted. 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.
Very well done episode with lots of great things. 8/10.