Alfred Hitchcock Presents:

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Breakdown

« prev episode next » episode

William, a cold man in life, is ready to be buried alive after an accident leaves him paralyzed. Read full recap »

YOUR SCORE

RESET

N/A n/a

Writers:: Francis Cockrell Louis Pollock Louis Pollock

Director:: Alfred Hitchcock

Stars:: Alfred Hitchcock (Host)

Recurring Role:: Holly Bane (Escaped Convict); Raymond Bailey (Ed Johnson)

Guest Star:: Marvin Press (Chessy); Harry Shannon (Dr. Harner); Forrest Stanley (Hubka); James Edwards; Elzie Emanuel; Harry Landers; Richard Newton; Ralph Peters; Lane Chandler (Sheriff); Aaron Spelling (Road Worker); Joseph Cotten (William Callew); Murray Alper (Lloyd); Jimmy Weldon

There is currently no trivia. Add trivia!

This episode is based on the short story "Breakdown" by Louis Pollock. This story was first published in Colliers (June 7, 1947). edit »
1955 Emmy Winner: This episode garnered Edward W. Williams an emmy for Best Editing of a Television Film. edit »

(Opening Narration)
Alfred Hitchcock: (Sitting at a desk reading a book.) 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 Louie 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's story, which like ours, also strives to teach a little lesson or point a little moral. edit »
(Closing Narration)
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 and episode follows immediately. And then I\\\'ll be back again.(Fades to commercial.)
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.
edit »

There is currently no allusions. Add allusions!

10
00
Kmodi
member since: Jul 21, 2008
Breakdown
The Bottom Line: "A very special episode"
A compelling study of the limits of human resolve; This episode was profound and memorable. ...Continue »
07/20/08 04:16pm | report abuse
8
00
marvelfan89
member since: Jun 15, 2005
Breakdown
The Bottom Line: "Adventurous"
William Callew (Joseph Cotton) is a cold businessman who has just laid one of his loyal workers. In a road accident, it turns out that Callew will need to depend on decent will of others to live. ...Continue »
02/26/07 07:07pm | report abuse