Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)

Breakdown (1955)

Alfred Hitchcock: Self - Host

Quotes 

• [last lines] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : Well, that was a bit of a near thing. He reminded me of my own situation. Imagine, if you can, the terror of being inside a television set, knowing that any moment, the viewer may shut you off, and being powerless to prevent it. And I go through this every week. My only consolation is that some portions of our program are so fascinating, that they hold the viewer spellbound. Such an episode follows immediately. And then I'll be back again.

  [commercial break] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : There, now, that really held you in suspense, didn't it? For more of the same, I recommend you tune in next week at this time. I shall see you, then. Bonsoir.

• [first lines] 

  [Hitchcock is reading a book when he notices the viewer] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : Oh. Good evening. I've been reading a mystery story. I find them very relaxing. They take my mind off my work. These little books are quite nice. Of course, they can never replace hardcover books. They're just as good for reading, but they make very poor doorstops. Tonight's story by Louis Pollock is one that appeared in this collection. I think you will find it properly terrifying, but like the other plays of our series, it is more than mere entertainment. In each of our stories, we strive to teach a lesson or point a little moral. Advice like mother used to give, you know. "Walk softly but carry a big stick." "Strike first and ask questions later." That sort of thing. Tonight's story tells about a business tycoon and will give you something to ponder if you have ever given an employee the sack. Or if you intend to. You'll see it after the sponsor story, which, like ours, also strives to teach a little lesson or point a little moral.