"Our Cook's a Treasure" is the second episode of the 44 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes series regular director Robert Stevens directed, the first being the excellent "Premonition". Beulah Bondi was one of the great character actresses in her day and was always worth watching. "Our Cook's a Treasure" is also notable for being based on a short story by Dorothy L. Sayers, a very good one at that and lends itself well to an episode of this length or similar.
It must have been very daunting following on from one of Season 1's, and the series', best entries "Breakdown" and be as good. While not quite on the same level as that episode "Our Cook's a Treasure" is still extremely good and one of the best outings of the first half of the season. As well as continuing the back on track quality seen from "Salvage", after a three episode dip in quality beforehand. A very strong example of why 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' was such an interesting series.
Not much wrong here actually, it just doesn't quite have the same extra something that made "Breakdown" so special. With it not being as creepy or suspense-laden for instance. The plot twist is well executed and clever, though it didn't leave me floored as such.
Having said all of this, "Our Cook's a Treasure" is well crafted visually, with some stylish and atmospheric shots on display. Stevens' direction is accomplished and is more inspired than his still solid direction in "Premonition", he has a good sense of style and keeps the momentum and tension going enough. The music is suitably haunting and have always loved the series' choice of theme tune, suggested by Hitchcock favourite Bernard Hermann and a good move.
Furthermore, Hitchcock's bookending at this point became better and better generally with each episode. These scenes varied in the series, some rambled and others were wonderfully droll and acerbic, the latter being the case here. He also has a priceless wine tasting scene. The script is thought-provoking and taut enough and considering that the source material is a short story the episode fares better than most in the series of lending itself well to not having a long running time. A lot happens without being too much and there isn't any fat. The characters are psychologically fascinating.
Everett Sloane is excellent, bringing class and edge to a challenging role from a psychological standpoint. Bondi is every bit as excellent, suitably unsettling and one is throughout unsure of whether she is guilty or not. The supporting roles are solidly filled.
Concluding, extremely good. 9/10.
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