'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "The Right Price" (1959)
Opening thoughts: Every season had some truly fine episodes, and they all had some not so good episodes. This was all obvious in Season 4, that had some real highs and some real lows and sometimes in quite quick succession to each other. None of Hiller's Season 4 episodes really fitted in the real lows category and in fact to me his best ones were close to being among the highs (i.e. "Post Mortem"). "The Right Price" is not one of his high points or one of the best episodes of Season 4, but it is also nowhere near to being one of his worst or among the season's and series' worst. It does show how much the quality of his episodes improved since his disappointing debut episode "Flight to the East" and an increasing confidence in his direction. Anything centered around insurance is familiar territory for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but "The Right Price" is one of the better and more interesting outings.
Bad things: It is a little slow at times, especially early on where the set up is slightly overlong, and is occasionally on the theatrical side.
Good things: However, so much is done right. On the most part, "The Right Price" is well acted with Eddie Foy Jr being a mostly convincing lead once he settled down. Hitchcock's bookending is amusingly ironic and Hiller directs confidently.
Furthermore, it's solidly made with some atmospheric photography. The series theme music is one of the best and most inspired examples of pre-existing classical music being used as a main theme, fitting perfectly with the series' overall tone. The writing is thought provoking, fun and unsettling, with no over-talkiness. It is especially good in the more comedic parts, which are nicely ironic and amusing.
Did in general enjoy the storytelling, while there is a light-hearted offbeat-ness there is also some suspense and a cunning edge. Loved the clever and suitably wild twist that was not expected.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, very well done.
8/10.