Museum Piece (4 Apr. 1961)

Mr. Hollister now runs a small museum that is actually something of a shrine to his late son, Ben. He tells a visitor that the human skeleton in the museum is actually that of his son. In a... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Henreid

Writers:

William C. Morrison (story), Harold Swanton (teleplay)

Stars:

Alfred Hitchcock, Larry Gates, Myron McCormick

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Alfred Hitchcock	...	Himself - Host
Larry Gates	...	Mr. Hollister
Myron McCormick	...	Newton B. Clovis
Bert Convy	...	Ben Hollister
Edward Platt	...	Mr. Henshaw
Tom Gilleran	...	Tim McCaffrey
Charles Meredith	...	Judge
Darlene Tompkins	...	Tim's Girlfriend
Tom Begley	...	Prison Guard
Paul Bradley	...	Court Reporter

Storyline

Mr. Hollister now runs a small museum that is actually something of a shrine to his late son, Ben. He tells a visitor that the human skeleton in the museum is actually that of his son. In a flashback he recounts that his son was hunting a fox for his collection of stuffed animals when he comes across Tim McCaffrey, the son of a wealthy and influential rancher. A fight breaks out and Tim is accidentally shot. Despite his protestations that it was all an accident, he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Once there, he loses all interest in life. But just who is this stranger Mr. Hollister is telling this story to and is he being completely honest?

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 April 1961 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Revue Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shamley Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Erratic

We wonder how the story will play out—both Hollister (Larry Gates) and Clovis (Myron McCormick) are odd ducks, musing in flashback over a museum skeleton that Hollister says is that of his son (Bert Convy)! It's an interesting premise, but unfortunately the development is also shot full of holes—the barn scene is especially contrived, while the climax is almost wildly implausible when you think about it.

The story works best as an exercise in human interest. As the grieving father, 1950's veteran Larry Gates delivers an especially moving performance for half-hour TV. It's beautifully shaded, and notice how we're led to side with him no matter what he's done, a Hitchcock trademark-- (it's the ironic clash between justice on one side and the law on the other). Another note of interest is a question—is Ed Platt's DA acting out of political interest or the requirements of justice? Hollister suspects the former; however, in a really cagey performance, actor Platt gives no underlying hint either way.

All in all, it's an offbeat premise that unfortunately fails to gel.