This is one of those Jack the Ripper stories that were often filmed in the 1940's. It is set in the foggy London nights with all manner of personage lurking in the shadows. What we have is a strangler who can't control himself. The police are up a tree and are being hounded by reporters, one in particular that is sort of hard on them. While the story doesn't offer much, it has quality performances and fits well in the genre. The scene at the police station is nicely done and in typical Hitchcock fashion throws a few red herrings in our path. Theodore Bikel, a great actor, is at his best here. I recommend this one.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)
The Hands of Mr. Ottermole (1957)
User Reviews
Review this title13 Reviews
"He said ideas come into his hands."
classicsoncall26 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Some fine writing and clever misdirection might lead you to conclude that the London strangler is the newspaper guy (Rhys Williams), who's always Johnny-on-the-spot when a new victim turns up. The police are baffled over who's doing the killings, but the pressure mounts when it's one of their own that becomes the latest target. The episode puts to rest the idea that murderers must have a motive in selecting the ones they kill. Sometimes they've just got a screw loose and can't help themselves, which goes pretty far in describing someone that's insane. Maybe the name 'Ottermole' pushed him over the edge.
Another Serial Killer in London
Brian_o_Vretanos6 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The Scene is nighttime London in 1919. A serial killer is terrorising the streets, strangling his or her victims apparently at random.
It's a little difficult to say too much about this story, because so much contributes to the clever ending, when we may or may not get answers to the two important questions: Who is the killer, and What is his/her motive? British actors contribute to the London setting, although the police sergeant's phony Scottish accent is a little unpleasant.
The characters are very well played, especially the two main roles (Theodore Bikel and Rhys Williams), and the imagery is very clever, giving us genuine clues and red herrings alike.
I found this episode engrossing.
It's a little difficult to say too much about this story, because so much contributes to the clever ending, when we may or may not get answers to the two important questions: Who is the killer, and What is his/her motive? British actors contribute to the London setting, although the police sergeant's phony Scottish accent is a little unpleasant.
The characters are very well played, especially the two main roles (Theodore Bikel and Rhys Williams), and the imagery is very clever, giving us genuine clues and red herrings alike.
I found this episode engrossing.
Thought-Provoking Upshot
dougdoepke9 April 2016
Fairly suspenseful episode. We wonder who's behind the hands of a strangler throttling the latest victim, hands and head being all we see from the camera set-up. That way the anguished grimaces of the victim fill the screen in riveting fashion. Meanwhile, London bobbies have no clues to the strangler, even as public panic mounts. The crimes seem unrelated and motiveless. And darned if this isn't about the foggiest studio set on record. No wonder the cops are having a hard time.
It doesn't help the stoical precinct sergeant (Bikel) that annoying reporter Summers keeps riding him and his men about their lack of progress. Then too, why does the nosy newspaperman keep turning up at the murder sites before the cops. Clearly, there's more to the case than meets the eye. Of course, there's the London fog on- screen. But now, there's a mental fog kicked up by the story since we can't be sure where it's going. I like the solution. It's a little on the philosophical side. Sill it's an interesting idea that raises, in its own way, the conundrum of mind versus matter. All in all, a thought-provoking Hitch entry.
It doesn't help the stoical precinct sergeant (Bikel) that annoying reporter Summers keeps riding him and his men about their lack of progress. Then too, why does the nosy newspaperman keep turning up at the murder sites before the cops. Clearly, there's more to the case than meets the eye. Of course, there's the London fog on- screen. But now, there's a mental fog kicked up by the story since we can't be sure where it's going. I like the solution. It's a little on the philosophical side. Sill it's an interesting idea that raises, in its own way, the conundrum of mind versus matter. All in all, a thought-provoking Hitch entry.
The Hands of...
Archbishop_Laud1 August 2013
Hitchcock sends us to England for a Jack the Ripper type tale. I think they overdo the Britishness a bit for the sake of American audiences ("Wonder what she's got for Tea? Kippers.")
The killing(s) are shot from the perspective of the strangler, which is a nice directorial touch. However, it's tough doing a whodunit in 25 minutes, because there's no time to introduce many characters. Of course, it also may be that the killer isn't someone we see.
But this isn't primarily a story of suspense (the title kind of hints at that). Instead, it is atmospheric and somewhat talky, with some philosophical discussions added in. I thought the ending was OK.
The killing(s) are shot from the perspective of the strangler, which is a nice directorial touch. However, it's tough doing a whodunit in 25 minutes, because there's no time to introduce many characters. Of course, it also may be that the killer isn't someone we see.
But this isn't primarily a story of suspense (the title kind of hints at that). Instead, it is atmospheric and somewhat talky, with some philosophical discussions added in. I thought the ending was OK.
Your twisting my words
sol-kay23 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
****SPOILERS**** Post WWI 1919 England is being terrorized by this "Jack the Strangler" serial killer with the London Police totally helpless to stop him or possibly, "Jill the Strangler", her. It's Sgt. Ottermole, Theodore Bikel, who's on the hot seat in him being held responsible in not having this homicidal lunatic caught and put behind bars. It's the nagging and pesky reporter Summers, Rhys Williams, who's really getting under Sgt. Ottermole's skin in not being able to solve the string of murders by the "London Srangler". And the besieged sergeant doesn't like it one bit and lets him known his feelings about him in no uncertain terms.
What we and reporter Summers soon get from Sgt. Ottermole's opinions about the killer makes us wonder if he in fact knows far more about him then he's letting on. Sgt. Ottermole's psychological profile of the elusive strangler is so on target that it's a wonder that he couldn't have had him identified and captured before he committed his first murder! As the killings or stranglings kelp going on the sergeant gets more and more weirder as if he knows who the killer is but somehow can't bring himself to have him captured or arrested.
****SPOILERS****It's later when the strangler pops up in the London fog and this time targets reporter Summers not only is his cover blown but he himself captured. And it was Summers who who figured out who he was in what Sgt. Ottermore unknowingly and unconsciously told him about his mental mind-set. Early psychological study of serial murders before the phrase was even coined. And it's right on target about them and how they can operate and murder in plain sight of their victims back then like they do now.
What we and reporter Summers soon get from Sgt. Ottermole's opinions about the killer makes us wonder if he in fact knows far more about him then he's letting on. Sgt. Ottermole's psychological profile of the elusive strangler is so on target that it's a wonder that he couldn't have had him identified and captured before he committed his first murder! As the killings or stranglings kelp going on the sergeant gets more and more weirder as if he knows who the killer is but somehow can't bring himself to have him captured or arrested.
****SPOILERS****It's later when the strangler pops up in the London fog and this time targets reporter Summers not only is his cover blown but he himself captured. And it was Summers who who figured out who he was in what Sgt. Ottermore unknowingly and unconsciously told him about his mental mind-set. Early psychological study of serial murders before the phrase was even coined. And it's right on target about them and how they can operate and murder in plain sight of their victims back then like they do now.
Cor blimey! Och aye, the noo!
edinburgh_girl26 August 2022
After getting past the overripe 'cock-er-nee' accents and the 'what the... ?' moment when the police sergeant first opens his mouth and sounds just like Gregor Fisher in full Utter Hebrides Broadcasting Co mode (Scot/Brit ref), this episode delivers not a bad measure of suspense. Scots, and anyone else with an ear for regional accents, will probably spend a bit of time wondering how likely it was for someone from the Western Isles (or perhaps the Highlands) to be working as a police sergeant in London, in 1919? Possible, or maybe a literal joke as he was working for Scotland Yard? Actually, the accent was convincing and remained consistent (the actor in question Theodore Bikel, master of numerous languages, accents and dialects) so we can let that one go.
Another slightly jarring aspect is some of the weird non sequitur dialogue: 'Maybe the reason for there being no reason is that there is no reason' or 'How did the ham get into the sandwich? Because someone had to put it there' (that particular piece of philosophy bizarrely leading to the mystery being solved). Dostoevsky it ain't!
It appears to have the hands of Mr Hitchcock (as well as Mr Ottermole) all over it, so it was quite a surprise to see Robert Stevens directed. I was getting homage to the big man's early Blighty based catalogue which isn't a bad thing. Overall though, pretty much style over substance with a reveal that's been a staple of many a Hammer Horror/Ripper movie since. Way better than some of the other 'wackier' episodes in series 2 of AHP though.
**Lookalike corner* Anyone else think the murdered couple's nephew looked like a young Roger Daltrey?
Another slightly jarring aspect is some of the weird non sequitur dialogue: 'Maybe the reason for there being no reason is that there is no reason' or 'How did the ham get into the sandwich? Because someone had to put it there' (that particular piece of philosophy bizarrely leading to the mystery being solved). Dostoevsky it ain't!
It appears to have the hands of Mr Hitchcock (as well as Mr Ottermole) all over it, so it was quite a surprise to see Robert Stevens directed. I was getting homage to the big man's early Blighty based catalogue which isn't a bad thing. Overall though, pretty much style over substance with a reveal that's been a staple of many a Hammer Horror/Ripper movie since. Way better than some of the other 'wackier' episodes in series 2 of AHP though.
**Lookalike corner* Anyone else think the murdered couple's nephew looked like a young Roger Daltrey?
Thrilling and with some misdirection..what you would want in an "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" program.
planktonrules25 February 2021
The episode is set in London in 1919. A spate of stranglings have occurred and no one seems to be able to get to the bottom of it. This is likely because there seems to be no rhyme nor reason for them....no apparent motive. A reporter (Rhys Williams) is an odd one as again and again, he seems to come to the scene of the crime before the police...and naturally you can't help but wonder if he's the murderous psychopath.
This is an excellent episode for many reasons. The atmosphere is very good, the acting very good and the story has the twists you would hope an episode of the series would have...though too often they didn't. Well worth seeing.
This is an excellent episode for many reasons. The atmosphere is very good, the acting very good and the story has the twists you would hope an episode of the series would have...though too often they didn't. Well worth seeing.
More Offbeat Than Mysterious
telegonus25 November 2018
A solid, rather modest Hitchcock entry, The Hands Of Mr. Ottermole delivers the goods in its own solid way, rises to the occasion, of being an engrossing "Ripper tale" thanks to its slow, steady presentation and some first rate acting. Somehow, for all the pussyfooting around in the London fog, the ending manages to feel shocking. The Hitchcock crew knew how to make something out of what might have at first glance seemed like nothing. It's how the tale was told that makes this one work more than the tale itself.
The hands
TheLittleSongbird27 July 2022
Like all the regular directors for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', the most prolific of them all Robert Stevens' output was inconsistent. In his case most of his 44 episodes were above average, and the best of them were great (while not quite show high points), but there were misfires like for example "Shopping for Death". "The Hands of Mr Ottermole" had one of the most appealing premises of the season, while not innovative it is the sort of story that has always fascinated me and very Hitchcockian.
"The Hands of Mr Ottermole" is a very, very good episode and nearly great, because the good things are so good. To me, it is one of the better, most gripping and most suspenseful episodes of Season 2 and one of Stevens' best 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes (his best too since "The Manacled"). It does a very Hitchcockian premise justice and at its best the execution is worthy of Hitchcock too, which is a big compliment to give and not a compliment given a lot to other non-Hitchcock directed episodes.
Getting the not so good things out of the way first, "The Hands of Mr Ottermole" did for my tastes go a little too far on making the reporter as annoying as possible, have not seen over-zealousness so overdone in a while.
Some of the more philosophical dialogue rambles a little, particularly towards the end.
However, the good things are many and most are great in execution. It is a very well acted episode for one, with Theodore Bikel captivating in a performance that lives long in the memory for its unsettlement. His character is also interesting. Stevens directs with confidence and a great feel for creepiness and suspense that was missing from him for a while. It is well made, with some suitably moody noir-ish visuals.
Also thought the music was well used, enhancing the atmosphere while not over-bearing it. Have always gone on about how inspired a choice it was to have Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" as the theme music, and one may not be able to hear "Greensleeves" in the same way again. The script provokes a lot of thought and is mostly tight, Hitchcock's bookending is wonderfully droll. The story is diverting throughout, is full of twists (all surprising and plausible, thanks to clever use of misdirection) and is rich in dark creepiness and suspense, with a clever ending that took me by surprise.
Overall, very, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
"The Hands of Mr Ottermole" is a very, very good episode and nearly great, because the good things are so good. To me, it is one of the better, most gripping and most suspenseful episodes of Season 2 and one of Stevens' best 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes (his best too since "The Manacled"). It does a very Hitchcockian premise justice and at its best the execution is worthy of Hitchcock too, which is a big compliment to give and not a compliment given a lot to other non-Hitchcock directed episodes.
Getting the not so good things out of the way first, "The Hands of Mr Ottermole" did for my tastes go a little too far on making the reporter as annoying as possible, have not seen over-zealousness so overdone in a while.
Some of the more philosophical dialogue rambles a little, particularly towards the end.
However, the good things are many and most are great in execution. It is a very well acted episode for one, with Theodore Bikel captivating in a performance that lives long in the memory for its unsettlement. His character is also interesting. Stevens directs with confidence and a great feel for creepiness and suspense that was missing from him for a while. It is well made, with some suitably moody noir-ish visuals.
Also thought the music was well used, enhancing the atmosphere while not over-bearing it. Have always gone on about how inspired a choice it was to have Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" as the theme music, and one may not be able to hear "Greensleeves" in the same way again. The script provokes a lot of thought and is mostly tight, Hitchcock's bookending is wonderfully droll. The story is diverting throughout, is full of twists (all surprising and plausible, thanks to clever use of misdirection) and is rich in dark creepiness and suspense, with a clever ending that took me by surprise.
Overall, very, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
Excellent episode
lucyrfisher28 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Hands of Mr Ottermole is a classic - must read it now. Here we are in Hollywood's version of London, permanently shrouded in fog. Most of the cast seem to be native Brits, but the London policeman is, oddly, Scottish. It's a passable Scottish accent (quite unlike Gregor Fisher), and I was amazed to find out that the actor was Theodor Bikel without the usual beard. He gives a good performance as the impassive cop, and the irritating journalist is good too. "How did the ham get into the sandwich?" sounds like a Zen joke of the time - it certainly doesn't help with the investigation. But before trying to strangle his last victim, "Mr Ottermole" delivers a strange theory about the inner workings of the mind. "We know we don't control our own minds" - do we? Then he suggests that our limbs have ideas of their own. He's been reading up on the mind-body problem, fashionable throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
HE'S COMING TO GET YOU!
tcchelsey19 September 2023
What BETTER team could there be than director Robert Stevens and imaginative writer Francis Cockrell to handle this spooky story. These two old pro's were favorites of Hitchcock.
The eerie scene is fog shrouded London, late at night -- where a Jack the Ripper-type maniac is on the loose. LOCK YOUR DOORS. Dogged police inspector Theodore Bikel is perplexed to the max as to who can behind these horrible crimes.... but it gets even more interesting as equally dedicated reporter Rhys Williams seems to always be on the scene. Hmmm?
This is genuine Hitchcock material, very atmospheric and so well acted. To note, Bikel's solid performance may have lead him to be cast in the cult thriller I BURY THE LIVING (1958), the following year. He uses the same accent. Watch this film. It is a favorite of Stephen King.
Listen for "Greensleeves" being whistled in the eerie background, a sentimental song reportedly written by Henry VIII, although there are hints of ladies of the evening in the lyrics? The Jack the Ripper connection once again.
An ending you will NOT want to miss, again thanks to all the talent involved. SEASON 2 EPISODE 32 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
The eerie scene is fog shrouded London, late at night -- where a Jack the Ripper-type maniac is on the loose. LOCK YOUR DOORS. Dogged police inspector Theodore Bikel is perplexed to the max as to who can behind these horrible crimes.... but it gets even more interesting as equally dedicated reporter Rhys Williams seems to always be on the scene. Hmmm?
This is genuine Hitchcock material, very atmospheric and so well acted. To note, Bikel's solid performance may have lead him to be cast in the cult thriller I BURY THE LIVING (1958), the following year. He uses the same accent. Watch this film. It is a favorite of Stephen King.
Listen for "Greensleeves" being whistled in the eerie background, a sentimental song reportedly written by Henry VIII, although there are hints of ladies of the evening in the lyrics? The Jack the Ripper connection once again.
An ending you will NOT want to miss, again thanks to all the talent involved. SEASON 2 EPISODE 32 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
The xenophobia from the cop ruined it
Whythishappens2 September 2022
And the answer to it wasn't adequate... heck, he wasn't even the cop murdered... they're literally just talking about English serial killers, but noooo they can't possibly do it according to Dunce Cop. One other episode where xenophobia was displayed ended in the death of the person, so at least there's that (it's not like this series isn't full of death, of course). Also, not sure if this was their intention, but perhaps he had some faux Scottish accent for some xenophobic reason too (even though, for now and back then, Scotland is part of the UK, but you know little England and all.........)
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