Alfred Hitchcock Presents - The Perfect Crime
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Introduction
"The Perfect Crime" (directed by Alfred Hitchcock) was originally broadcast on 20/Oct/1957 as part of the third season of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Synopsis
An arrogant detective Charles Courtney prides himself on never having committed a single mistake in his long and distinguished career. He keeps a shelf of labeled mementos from each of his cases. On the shelf there is an open space and a blank tag for what Courtney calls "The Perfect Crime". One day a defense lawyer stuns Courtney when he confronts him with evidence that the detective helped convict an innocent man who has since been executed. Courtney kills the lawyer, bakes him in a pottery kiln, and places the vase in the open space on his shelf as a memento to his perfect crime. (TV.com)
DVD Releases
The following official DVD releases contain this episode:
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Three - Universal (USA, 2007) Amazon (USA) NTSC 1.33:1 
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Hitchcock Says...
Introduction
Hitchcock is sat in a chair, wearing a Sherlock Holmes style hat. He is busy blowing soap bubbles from a novelty pipe. During the introduction, he pauses to blow more bubbles, then to flap his arms around to fend off extra soap bubbles that are being blown in from off-camera.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and Doctor Watson, wherever you are. Tonight's case is... Tonight's case is called, "The Perfect Crime." I'm not sure who it was who said, "A perfect crime is exactly the same as a perfect marriage. Their being perfect depends on your not being caught." Tonight we plan... This is exactly why l never take my pipe to bed. If you fall asleep, you could be bubbled to death. And now join me, if you will, while we contemplate the perfect crime.
Ending
Hitchcock walks in through a room where all the pieces of furniture are covered in dust sheets. He pauses by a display cabinet and turns to camera. He indicates to an empty space on the shelf.
I regret to inform you that Courtney did not retain his last trophy very long. He was caught. A charwoman knocked over the precious vase breaking it into pieces, a few of them identifiable as bits of Mr. Gregory. You see, the gold fillings in his teeth had resisted the heat of the kiln. But all the good doctors and all the good police couldn't put Mr. Gregory together again. As for the charwoman, she became the pride of the press. Here is where the real historical significance of the case lies. Ever since, cleaning women the world over have been knocking over vases trying to emulate her success. That's all until next time when we shall be back with another, though imperfect, crime. Good night.
Cast and Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
- Ben Ray Redman - story
- Stirling Silliphant
Starring:
- Mark Dana - cast: Harrington
- Gavin Gordon - cast: Ernest West
- James Gregory - cast: John Gregory
- Therese Lyon - cast: West's Housekeeper
- Vincent Price - cast: Charles Courtney
- Marianne Stewart - cast: Alice West
- John Zaremba - cast: Photographer
Relevant Links
Images
