"Help Wanted" is the first episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' to be directed by James Neilson, who later went on to direct eleven more episodes of the series of varying success. It is also John Qualen's second lead actor appearance on the series, his first being the very good "A Bullet for Baldwin", which he was great in. The premise was not overly exciting, but have seen many things with things that don't sound exciting but the execution turns out to be solid.
As far as Season 1 goes, "Help Wanted" is not one of the best (i.e. "Breakdown", "And So Died Riabouchinska") or one of the worst (ie. "Triggers for Leash", "Shopping for Death"). It is somewhere around solid middle, an episode that does a lot right, more so than wrong, but at the same time there's something that other episodes of the season and show had that is lacking here. Solid and enjoyable, if slightly on the bland side would be my way of summing "Help Wanted" up.
Shall begin with what could have been done better. The story is very slight and is rather slow going to begin with. It could have done with more suspense perhaps too.
The ending to me came over as easily foreseeable, silly and anti-climactic.
On the other hand, much is great. First and foremost, the pitch perfect performance of Qualen who has the right amount of intense, tortured demeanour. Lorne Greene stands out in support, very commanding. Neilson directs with assurance if not always with distinction. Hitchcock's scenes are typically intriguing and dry humoured.
Production values have nice style and atmosphere. The main theme is one that stays in the mind for a while, so in keeping with the style of the series and one that will be easy to recognise even to those that are not usually classical music listeners (due to hearing popping up in adverts every now and then). The script is tight enough and provokes thought, while the story shines best in the complex character writing for the lead character. The mystery also intrigues enough.
In conclusion, pretty good if not great. 7/10.