Many of the actors Alfred Hitchcock used in his movies had a way of turning up in his series (Vera Miles, Patricia Collinge, Joseph Cotton) but John Williams had a good reason to be thankful to Hitchcock. Forever the stuffy police inspector (he was terrific in "Dial M for Murder") Hitchcock also gave him the chance to play a wealth of character roles in his superb series. In "The Long Shot" (season 1, ep. 9) he was a con man masquerading as an English gentleman but in "Back For Christmas" he played the part of a henpecked husband - something I would never have associated with him!!!
He plays Herbert Carpenter who is battled scarred and weary after a life spent with dominating and fussy wife, Hermione. But he is not down and out, he has plans afoot for a new life in America and a new job which, unfortunately, don't include his wife. I thought this was one of the better episodes of Season One, not whimsical or allegorical, just plain "malice domestic". Yes, Hermione was controlling but in Hitchcock's capable directorial hands it was all about Herbert with some striking camera angles.
Herbert has already dug his wife's grave, noting her measurements carefully but his wife thinks he is digging a wine cellar. Once in sunny California ready to start a new job he hopes will keep him away from England forever, he gets a bill for 75 pounds - a secret Christmas present from his wife and realises he will be back for Christmas!!!
He plays Herbert Carpenter who is battled scarred and weary after a life spent with dominating and fussy wife, Hermione. But he is not down and out, he has plans afoot for a new life in America and a new job which, unfortunately, don't include his wife. I thought this was one of the better episodes of Season One, not whimsical or allegorical, just plain "malice domestic". Yes, Hermione was controlling but in Hitchcock's capable directorial hands it was all about Herbert with some striking camera angles.
Herbert has already dug his wife's grave, noting her measurements carefully but his wife thinks he is digging a wine cellar. Once in sunny California ready to start a new job he hopes will keep him away from England forever, he gets a bill for 75 pounds - a secret Christmas present from his wife and realises he will be back for Christmas!!!