[first lines]
Himself - Host: [Hitchcock is sitting in a high chair with a lit candle, a small box, and a couple of books all on a narrow desk in front of a closed door with a hung sign marked "QUIET"] Good evening. Do you believe in ghosts?
[the lit candle disappears]
Himself - Host: Of course not. I knew you didn't.
[the entire desk with the box and books disappears]
Himself - Host: Noise is the mortal enemy of good motion picture making and television broadcasting. That is why I hired this particular house. It is deathly quiet-
[people start screaming off screen; Hitchcock turns to look with mild annoyance]
Himself - Host: Most of the time. And its reputation for being haunted keeps away the curious.
[Hitchcock's high chair disappears]
Himself - Host: The shifting of scenery also seems to be better here. The human element has been removed. So, if you would just lean back and relax, I'll tell you a little ghost story. Please don't hesitate to turn out your lights. I'm sure the warm glow from the picture tube will be sufficient to melt all your fears of the dark. But, before we view with alarm, allow us to point with pride.