A lawyer, with blackmail in mind, meets with a famed detective to prove he convicted an innocent man.A lawyer, with blackmail in mind, meets with a famed detective to prove he convicted an innocent man.A lawyer, with blackmail in mind, meets with a famed detective to prove he convicted an innocent man.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAmong the items in Charles Courtney's (Vincent Price) trophy cabinet is an alarm clock labeled "Cockrell 1905." This seems to be a nod to Francis M. Cockrell (and his wife Marian Cockrell) who wrote many scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In fact, Francis M. Cockrell wrote the first four episodes personally directed by Hitchcock. In addition, the clock is stopped at 4 o'clock, alluding to the premiere episode of the "spin-off" series Suspicion entitled "Four O'Clock" directed by Hitchcock and scripted by Cockrell.
- GoofsThe gun that Courtney refers to as a revolver is actually a semi-automatic pistol.
- Quotes
[introduction, Hitchcock is in an armchair with a side table next to him, wearing a Sherlock Holmes cap, and smoking bubbles out of a pipe]
Alfred Hitchcock: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen and Dr. Watson, wherever you are. Tonight's case is er...
[blows more bubbles]
Alfred Hitchcock: Tonight's case is called "The Perfect Crime". I'm not sure who it was who said, "A perfect crime is like a perfect marriage - their being perfect depends on your not being caught." Tonight we plan...
[swats at bubbles in annoyance]
Alfred Hitchcock: This is why I never take my pipe to bed. If you fall asleep, you could be bubbled to death. And now join me if you will, as we contemplate "The Perfect Crime."
- ConnectionsFeatured in In the Master's Shadow: Hitchcock's Legacy (2008)
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
While it may not be my definite definition of perfect, "The Perfect Crime" is still very, very good and a great representation of the master of suspense and of Price. It may not be a 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' classic, as amazing as "Breakdown" as far as Hitchcock directed episodes for the series goes or one of Price's best roles. But absolutely none of them are disgraced in any role at all, far from it. Although it may not be as good as the previous two episodes, "The Perfect Crime" is a long way from being one of the worst episodes of the series.
It isn't perfect. It is a little too talky, especially early on.
Did feel also that Hitchcock's epilogue was somewhat too tacked on and over explanatory.
However, "The Perfect Crime" is particularly worth seeing for the acting. Price is especially worth seeing, with a perfect mix of menace, intrigue and ham which he always did excel in throughout his entire career. James Gregory is also very good and in full command of his role, it is though hard to be on the same level of Price in one episode and while Gregory is not quite as great he is very nearly. Hitchcock also directs impeccably and generally his work is typically droll.
The script is thoughtful, entertaining and suitably taut on the whole, while the story absorbs hugely with some great levels of suspense and plausible and not too many twists. The production values are slick and atmospheric and can't say anything bad about the main theme "Funeral March of a Marionette", which is likely to be known to even anybody not familiar to classical music if familiar with adverts and cartoons that use it.
Concluding, very good. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 24, 2022
Details
- Runtime25 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1