Breakdown (13 Nov. 1955)

William Callew is involved in a bad traffic accident on a rural road, that leaves him so paralyzed he appears lifeless, and when help arrives they think he's really dead.

Director:

Alfred Hitchcock

Writers:

Francis M. Cockrell (teleplay), Louis Pollock (teleplay),

Stars:

Joseph Cotten, Alfred Hitchcock, Raymond Bailey

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Joseph Cotten	...	William Callew
Alfred Hitchcock	...	Himself - Host
Raymond Bailey	...	Ed Johnson
Forrest Stanley	...	Hubka
Harry Shannon	...	Dr. Harner
Lane Chandler	...	Sheriff
James Edwards	...	Convict
Marvin Press	...	Chessy
Murray Alper	...	Lloyd
Holly Bane	...	Escaped Convict (as Mike Ragan)
Jimmy Weldon	...	Guard (as Jim Weldon)
Richard Newton	...	Ambulance Driver
Aaron Spelling	...	Road Worker
Harry Landers	...	Coroner
Elzie Emanuel	...	Black Escaped Convict

Storyline

Mr. Callew, a demanding businessman, is resting by the beach when he receives a telephone call from a recently discharged employee. The man is in tears, but the unyielding Callew shows no sympathy, and hangs up on him. Later, when Callew starts to drive home, his car runs off the road at a construction site. When he comes to, Callew is paralyzed. Several persons come by, but he is unable to communicate with them, so they think he is dead. Fully aware of his predicament, he becomes increasingly terrified.

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Plot Keywords:

businessman | paralyzed | beach | accident | aerial shot | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 November 1955 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Republic Studios - 4024 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shamley Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

26 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[introduction - Hitchcock is reading a book when he notices the viewer]
Alfred Hitchcock: 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 Louis 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...

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Connections

Referenced in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

User Reviews

Scary Enough

Boy - this one scared me - because - it shows what can happen in a blink of an eye. by the way - from personal experience - I found out what canhappen in the blink of an eye. So - I can relate to this film - very much so. Very good story line - very good casting - very good acting. It was very unnerving to watch him suffer - real psychological suffering - can almost fell it yourself. It seemed so very realistic in its filimg & acting - scared me no end. Often wondered what others would think of this movie. I enjoyed it immensely and hope others did to - wish they would write their comments - however - my only concern is - haven't seen it since mid 1950's - have never forgotten it. I only wish it could be shown again - this time - I'd tape it & watch it a lot. Please advise [e-mail]