Murphy's Law is at the door, and it's campy fun. Hitch had to have given the green light on this one, just for the surprise ending. Wait and see.
Dapper John Emery, who reminded me of a poor man's John Barrymore, plays Kerwin, a famous author, the toast of the town -- only to have the nagging wife he parted with (some 20 years earlier), show up at his doorstep at precisely the WRONG moment. Here's the thing... if the guy wasn't so successful, would this have happened in the first place? Not a chance!
The cherry on the top is Jo Van Fleet, playing Molly, the uncouth wife who will not take NO for an answer. Kerwin has no choice but to pass her off as his maid! Van Fleet was at her best in offbeat, quirky roles, somewhat in the tradition of Thelma Ritter or Shirley Booth. She has fun with this part, and it shows.
The supporting cast is to be credited, such as Bartlett Robinson as George and a young Joan Hackett as Sylvia. Hackett was a former fashion model.
Since this was filmed at the same studio (REVUE/UNIVERSAL), listen for some familiar background music bits from LEAVE IT TO BEAVER. It fits like a glove.
Watching Emery lose his cool, if not his mind is the whole show. Reportedly, he was good friends with Zachary Scott (who also appeared on Hitchcock's show), and saved him from drowning. Super trivia bit.
Recommended. SEASON 6 episode 34 remastered CBS/Universal dvd box set.
