Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond: Season 1, Episode 12The Return of Mitchell Campion (7 Apr. 1959)A man visiting a small Mediterranean island is stunned when all of the island's residents recognize him and insist that he is an island resident who has returned after many years, even though he knows he has never been there before. Director:John Newland |
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After an automobile accident, Ohioan Patrick O'Neal (as Mitchell Campion) goes to visit a tiny Mediterranean island, for a little rest and relaxation. Strangely, upon arriving at his hotel, everyone on the staff recognizes him - but, Mr. O'Neal has never been to the "Hotel du Sud" before. In fact, he has never even traveled outside the United States. O'Neal is further frustrated when hotel workers seem know his name and meal preferences. It's "love at first sight" when beautiful Lilyan Chauvin (as Francesca) enters the picture - but, in Ms. Chauvin's eyes, the relationship had already begun
O'Neal's characterization really carries the half-hour; he did not get the amount of leading actor roles he deserved, as is obvious herein. For example, note how all the required emotions register on his face when he encounters "Francesca". The direction, by John Newland, is strong; probably, producer-writer Merwin Gerard deserves some of the credit. The story's conclusion, and the typically preposterous bracketing narration, drags it down somewhat.
****** The Return of Mitchell Campion (4/7/59) Merwin Gerard ~ Patrick O'Neal, Lilyan Chauvin, Richard Angarola