Henry Slesar was a great plotter, and an expert at mystery short stories. This is an example of Slesar at the top of his craft. The story starts simply enough, with a young ex-con seeking out the family of a prison buddy. But in the course of 25 minutes, the plot takes several turns that have the viewer wondering what direction it will go. Is the ex-con trying to rob the family? Will he rob his employer? Who is sending thugs to beat him up? Is he covering up an old robbery? (One of the thugs is Jerry Seinfeld's "Uncle Leo".) More possibilities are added at every turn, and the wrap-up comes as a surprise, but a very plausible one. This is the kind of script that made AHP such a fun show to watch. Not predictable, but also not implausible.
11 Reviews
Show Me the Money!
Hitchcoc21 June 2013
This story reminded me of some of those Outer Limits episodes where the character was doomed from the beginning, based on a circumstance over which he had little control. The young man in this story was along for the ride when a huge amount of money was stolen. Since that day it was thought that he knew the location of the fortune. You see, the money was never found and now he is out of prison. He makes the mistake of accepting a room from the mother of one of his cellmates instead of going to a halfway house for parolees. Nehemiah Persoff plays the blue collar brother of the other prisoner who tortures the young man, making his life miserable. He even sends a couple of toughs to nearly beat the young man to death. We would like to see him succeed, but the deck is really stacked and there's still all that money. This is a pretty good episode and worth the time.
"He's like a member of the family already."
classicsoncall2 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Jackie Blake was the getaway driver for a robbery gone wrong, and wound up serving two years of a five year stretch. Upon his release, he seeks out the home of a former fellow prisoner, at which point a general feeling of ambiguity surrounds his character. You wonder whether he's ingratiating himself with the family to work a con, or whether he really does want to go straight as a garage mechanic. The money from the bank robbery was never recovered, a sum of a hundred fifty thousand dollars, and Jackie is forced to fend off the advances of interested parties who want the dough, including the brother (Nehemiah Persoff) of his former cellmate. The twist here involves the elderly woman and mother of that cellmate, who's maternal interest in providing Jackie a safe haven held an ulterior motive. I guess you could say that all the members of the Collins family were criminals in waiting. The biggest kick for this viewer however, was seeing Len Lesser show up for a brief moment to put the hurt on Jackie demanding the stolen money, looking very much like Seinfeld's Uncle Leo from that hit comedy series.
Tight perfectly acted 30 minutes of Bliss
joenikolaou4 January 2014
I'm amazed at what Hitchcock was able to do in a 30 minute network format; what most Directors are unable to do today in two hours with a huge budget and overpaid actors. The tight script; intelligent script that today is but a memory of the past burns very deeply watching an episode like this. I could not have spent 30 minutes of my life better than watching this episode and only wish I was born and alive when this episode aired for the first time. What is most telling is the way the plot evolves without any obvious formula. I wish I could understand what happened in America; and why today people will watch CSI and other trivial crime dramas that are devoid of any content of substance. Watching this episode reminded me of the decline of America and the decline of culture.
A Lamb Among Wolves!!!
kidboots24 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Darryl Hickman seemed to be one child star who never stopped working. Apparently discovered by Bing Crosby, he was very cute in films like "Men of Boys Town" in which he played a tiny toughie!! In the lean 1950s he developed a tougher side to his acting and is just excellent in this tension filled episode as Jackie a young parolee who visits the home of his cell mate and is overwhelmed by the friendliness and love shown to him by the mother (played superbly by Mildred Dunnock). She takes him under her win and simply won't hear of him going to a boarding house. The downside is the animosity of the older brother (brilliantly played by Nehemiah Persoff) who seems to resent the attention lavished on Jackie by the mother.
From the start there is ambiguity - Jackie is seen scrounging around in the dark, he gets a peculiar look in his eye whenever the mother mentions her nest egg and he is agitated when his parole officer pops into his work unannounced. The end shows he is really a lamb among wolves and Mrs. Collins the most predatory of mothers!!!
Highly Recommended.
From the start there is ambiguity - Jackie is seen scrounging around in the dark, he gets a peculiar look in his eye whenever the mother mentions her nest egg and he is agitated when his parole officer pops into his work unannounced. The end shows he is really a lamb among wolves and Mrs. Collins the most predatory of mothers!!!
Highly Recommended.
The Case Of The Put Upon Parolee
telegonus22 July 2017
This is one of the best episodes of the first Hitchcock series I've seen. Adapted from a story by Henry Slesar it tells the story of a newly sprung and very young parolee and his visiting with the mother and brother of a friend of his from prison. At first apprehensive, when they hear his name they treat him like a member of the family; and they offer him lodging even after he stated that he was planning to live in a rented room.
The young man gets a job as a mechanic, is visited by his parole officer, gets angry when it appears that the P.O. is keeping tabs on him (that's his job), and he comes across as an angry young man with a chip on a shoulder who got involved in a major robbery by driving the getaway car. He claimed that he knew nothing of the crime itself and the still yet to be discovered stolen money, well over 100K.
Yet this fellow sends out mixed signals, and this is where director Robert Stevens, excels: the young man is at twenty barely a man, appears to be hiding something; and he comes across as far more knowing and sophisticated than the put upon youth he presents himself as, especially when the topic of money comes up, or when he simply has his hands on some money. He doesn't actually steal anything, not on camera anyway, and yet he seems easily tempted.
Things to begin to heat up after he confronted by some thugs, who demand that he tells them where the stolen money is. When he insists that he knows nothing about this they beat him up. He returns home, and his by now seemingly surrogate mother takes care of him. Her son is not so kind, and what transpires afterwards is quite a surprise for even an experienced viewer.
This is a dark, compact and subtly filmed tale, and it doesn't feel much like an entry in a Hitchcock series The acting is superb, from Darryl Hickman's air of sullen indignity to Mildred Dunnock's at times seeming channeling of Beulah Bondi in her empathetic playing of the woman who becomes his landlady. As her much older and hard drinking son, Nehemiah Persoff feels like a force of nature, mixing bonhomie with threats of violence every times he appears on screen.
The young man gets a job as a mechanic, is visited by his parole officer, gets angry when it appears that the P.O. is keeping tabs on him (that's his job), and he comes across as an angry young man with a chip on a shoulder who got involved in a major robbery by driving the getaway car. He claimed that he knew nothing of the crime itself and the still yet to be discovered stolen money, well over 100K.
Yet this fellow sends out mixed signals, and this is where director Robert Stevens, excels: the young man is at twenty barely a man, appears to be hiding something; and he comes across as far more knowing and sophisticated than the put upon youth he presents himself as, especially when the topic of money comes up, or when he simply has his hands on some money. He doesn't actually steal anything, not on camera anyway, and yet he seems easily tempted.
Things to begin to heat up after he confronted by some thugs, who demand that he tells them where the stolen money is. When he insists that he knows nothing about this they beat him up. He returns home, and his by now seemingly surrogate mother takes care of him. Her son is not so kind, and what transpires afterwards is quite a surprise for even an experienced viewer.
This is a dark, compact and subtly filmed tale, and it doesn't feel much like an entry in a Hitchcock series The acting is superb, from Darryl Hickman's air of sullen indignity to Mildred Dunnock's at times seeming channeling of Beulah Bondi in her empathetic playing of the woman who becomes his landlady. As her much older and hard drinking son, Nehemiah Persoff feels like a force of nature, mixing bonhomie with threats of violence every times he appears on screen.
Golden quality
TheLittleSongbird7 September 2022
Was really impressed by all three of the first three episodes of Season 3. Of the three seasons of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' up to this point, Season 3 had by far the best first quarter even with not every episode working. Season 1's was mostly very solid apart from a few disappointments whereas Season 2 took a while to get going. Robert Stevens' output for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' was uneven, with some not so good episodes but most of his episodes were well above average and even very good (so him being used so frequently is understandable).
"Heart of Gold" is one of his best and for me it is one of the best episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' in a while. Certainly better than a vast majority of episodes from the first quarters from the previous two seasons, with only Season 1's "Breakdown" surpassing it. "Heart of Gold" is an excellent episode with very little to criticise (the sole criticism being nitpicky) and almost everything worth admiring, especially the acting. The way it is filmed and the writing is also worthy of admiration.
Sure, it does not have the most accurate portrayal of the parole process that has been seen in television. That is to be agreed with.
Everything more than makes up for that to the extent that that comes over as almost nitpicky. The acting is impeccable, Darryl Hickman carrying his difficult role with great ease, intensity and feeling. Mildred Dunnock is deceptively empathetic and really shines in the second half. Neremiah Persoff has very seldom been this frightening. Stevens' direction is some of his most accomplished and inspired, just loved how he never let the dark atmosphere and tension slip.
Loved also the subtlety of the filming, moody and never overdone or subdued. And how compact (without being too much so) and thoughtful the writing is. Some real intensity in the exchanges, without ever being talky, and Hitchcock's ironic bookending is typically fun. The story is wonderfully dark and tightly paced, the ending is one leaving one floored knockout. The series varied with its twist endings and "Heart of Gold's" is among the best of the earlier episodes. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" was always an inspired choice for the series' theme music and still continues to fit the atmosphere beautifully.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.
"Heart of Gold" is one of his best and for me it is one of the best episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' in a while. Certainly better than a vast majority of episodes from the first quarters from the previous two seasons, with only Season 1's "Breakdown" surpassing it. "Heart of Gold" is an excellent episode with very little to criticise (the sole criticism being nitpicky) and almost everything worth admiring, especially the acting. The way it is filmed and the writing is also worthy of admiration.
Sure, it does not have the most accurate portrayal of the parole process that has been seen in television. That is to be agreed with.
Everything more than makes up for that to the extent that that comes over as almost nitpicky. The acting is impeccable, Darryl Hickman carrying his difficult role with great ease, intensity and feeling. Mildred Dunnock is deceptively empathetic and really shines in the second half. Neremiah Persoff has very seldom been this frightening. Stevens' direction is some of his most accomplished and inspired, just loved how he never let the dark atmosphere and tension slip.
Loved also the subtlety of the filming, moody and never overdone or subdued. And how compact (without being too much so) and thoughtful the writing is. Some real intensity in the exchanges, without ever being talky, and Hitchcock's ironic bookending is typically fun. The story is wonderfully dark and tightly paced, the ending is one leaving one floored knockout. The series varied with its twist endings and "Heart of Gold's" is among the best of the earlier episodes. Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" was always an inspired choice for the series' theme music and still continues to fit the atmosphere beautifully.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.
Heartbreaking story
glitterrose12 July 2022
Another excellently written and acted episodes.
Our lead character is Jackie and he's just getting out of prison. Our other characters are a mother and son (Martha and Ralph Collins). Jackie was in prison with Martha's other son. Jackie's trying to rebuild his life from his stay in prison. He's got a job and he's being invited to stay with the Collins family. I think Jackie really bonded with Mrs. Collins but I think Jackie had enough sense to realize Ralph was hit or miss. Jackie overhears Ralph saying it's good Jackie's staying with them because Jackie will be good company for Mrs. Collins. Jackie seems to be very happy and proud that he's been accepted. All of this just makes the end more heartbreaking imo.
Jackie's at work one night and he gets harassed and beaten up. The crime Jackie went to prison over involved money and the thought is Jackie must still have this money or at least know where it's at.
Jackie's life is about to get worse. Ralph's been drinking again and he also starts harassing Jackie over this money. Jackie picks up a knife in order to defend himself and Ralph's ends up getting killed. Martha comes in and she's in pain and shock about Ralph's death. Jackie's devastated he's hurt her so badly but she's about to deal him more pain than any knife stabbing you ever could. She screams at Jackie that they were nice to him because they wanted the money. Jackie looks beyond crushed as the episode ends.
Our lead character is Jackie and he's just getting out of prison. Our other characters are a mother and son (Martha and Ralph Collins). Jackie was in prison with Martha's other son. Jackie's trying to rebuild his life from his stay in prison. He's got a job and he's being invited to stay with the Collins family. I think Jackie really bonded with Mrs. Collins but I think Jackie had enough sense to realize Ralph was hit or miss. Jackie overhears Ralph saying it's good Jackie's staying with them because Jackie will be good company for Mrs. Collins. Jackie seems to be very happy and proud that he's been accepted. All of this just makes the end more heartbreaking imo.
Jackie's at work one night and he gets harassed and beaten up. The crime Jackie went to prison over involved money and the thought is Jackie must still have this money or at least know where it's at.
Jackie's life is about to get worse. Ralph's been drinking again and he also starts harassing Jackie over this money. Jackie picks up a knife in order to defend himself and Ralph's ends up getting killed. Martha comes in and she's in pain and shock about Ralph's death. Jackie's devastated he's hurt her so badly but she's about to deal him more pain than any knife stabbing you ever could. She screams at Jackie that they were nice to him because they wanted the money. Jackie looks beyond crushed as the episode ends.
You gotta feel sorry for poor old Jackie!
planktonrules8 March 2021
Jackie (Daryl Hickman) is a newly paroled guy and goes to visit the family of his cellmate. His cellmate's mother (Mildred Dunnock) seems like a sweet old lady and she invites young Jackie to stay with them. So, he moves in and seems pretty happy there. However, this is a violation of parole rules...though they are able to get the parole officer to make an exception. But there's trouble in paradise when folks begin putting the heat on Jackie, as they think he knows where the loot is hidden from the robbery that sent him to prison.
This is generally a very good episode and I liked the twist at the end. But the person writing the episode perhaps didn't know enough about parole. First, to be released on parole, a parolee must have a place listed where he'll live. Second, the place must be thoroughly investigated. So, even if Jackie listed some apartment or flophouse, he'd need to alert his parole officer...which he didn't. However, even if the P.O. thought he could make an exception, a very thorough investigation of the home would have to be made....and I cannot imagine the officer just forgetting to do this. Still, most viewers do not have experience with parole (I worked in with parolees...I have NOT been on parole!)....and they'll probably never notice this. And, despite this, it's still a dandy episode.
This is generally a very good episode and I liked the twist at the end. But the person writing the episode perhaps didn't know enough about parole. First, to be released on parole, a parolee must have a place listed where he'll live. Second, the place must be thoroughly investigated. So, even if Jackie listed some apartment or flophouse, he'd need to alert his parole officer...which he didn't. However, even if the P.O. thought he could make an exception, a very thorough investigation of the home would have to be made....and I cannot imagine the officer just forgetting to do this. Still, most viewers do not have experience with parole (I worked in with parolees...I have NOT been on parole!)....and they'll probably never notice this. And, despite this, it's still a dandy episode.
Very powerful ep starring the older brother of "Dobbie Gillis"
bnelso-237931 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is not Dwayne Hickman playing the role here of the ex-con. It is his very much loolkalike and less wimpy older brother Darryl Hickman.
All right the story about a young man newly paroled who moves in with his old gang member's brother and beautiful mother. Yes Miss. Dunnock is very attractive in her role. The ex-con, back to him, is trying to go straight as a mechanic. He gets beaten up and hassled by two strange men who we took at first to be other old members of their gang. But no. The mechanic does not know them. Turns out the landlady, whom the mechanic is beginning to call 'Ma', and her son only were good to him to find out where he stashed the gang's stolen loot. The mechanic does not know where it is and he is off to jail at the end when he murders her violent drunken son who was beating the living crap out of him and admitted to have hired the two goons.
If they ever wanted Dobie Gillis to act slicker they could have had Darryl play him for that particular episode.
All right the story about a young man newly paroled who moves in with his old gang member's brother and beautiful mother. Yes Miss. Dunnock is very attractive in her role. The ex-con, back to him, is trying to go straight as a mechanic. He gets beaten up and hassled by two strange men who we took at first to be other old members of their gang. But no. The mechanic does not know them. Turns out the landlady, whom the mechanic is beginning to call 'Ma', and her son only were good to him to find out where he stashed the gang's stolen loot. The mechanic does not know where it is and he is off to jail at the end when he murders her violent drunken son who was beating the living crap out of him and admitted to have hired the two goons.
If they ever wanted Dobie Gillis to act slicker they could have had Darryl play him for that particular episode.
HEART OF GOLD, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE CASH!
tcchelsey28 March 2024
James Cavanagh wrote this tight drama, which is quite similar to a PETER GUNN episode. At least the bad guys would be right at home on that show. This was a bit of a switch for Hitchcock, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Darryl Hickman, brother of tv star Dwayne Hickman (DOBIE GILLIS), plays an ex-con who may or may not know where lots of stolen money is hidden. He makes a bad mistake of moving in with the mother (Mildred Dunnock) and father (Nahemiah Persoff) of one of his old cell mates. Beware of people with big smiles!
I agree with the last reviewer, Persoff is at is best playing a real brute of a father, and Dunnock has an interesting part herself. Wait and see. So true, Hitch did in a half hour what so many directors could not do with a big budget movie, even to this day. Good bit from Len Lesser as a thug, best known for playing Uncle Leo on SEINFELD. Lesser played villains for years on a ton of cop shows.
All three actors are exceptional, especially Hickman, who had been acting in films (as a child star), since the late 1930s. This may be one of his best tv roles.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 4 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvd set. 17 hrs. 2007 release.
Darryl Hickman, brother of tv star Dwayne Hickman (DOBIE GILLIS), plays an ex-con who may or may not know where lots of stolen money is hidden. He makes a bad mistake of moving in with the mother (Mildred Dunnock) and father (Nahemiah Persoff) of one of his old cell mates. Beware of people with big smiles!
I agree with the last reviewer, Persoff is at is best playing a real brute of a father, and Dunnock has an interesting part herself. Wait and see. So true, Hitch did in a half hour what so many directors could not do with a big budget movie, even to this day. Good bit from Len Lesser as a thug, best known for playing Uncle Leo on SEINFELD. Lesser played villains for years on a ton of cop shows.
All three actors are exceptional, especially Hickman, who had been acting in films (as a child star), since the late 1930s. This may be one of his best tv roles.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 4 remastered Universal dvd box set. 5 dvd set. 17 hrs. 2007 release.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
