John Williams keeps popping up in these Alfred Hitchcock episodes like someone in a dream, doesn't he? This time he's not going to follow through like he did in the first season's 'Back For Christmas', but rather demurs until one of his dreams catches up with him. The entire story is done pretty much tongue in cheek, with the help of dream girl Lalange, portrayed by Barbara Baxley, who has that Dorothy Lamour thing going on. The story borders on the whimsical, especially when Ernest Findlater (Williams) tries out those various disguises, all looking rather ridiculous. Somehow you find yourself rooting for the old chap, but by the time the story comes to an end it's almost a let down. I wonder if he ever saw Lalange again.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)
The Three Dreams of Mr. Findlater (1957)
User Reviews
Review this title9 Reviews
"I never knew planning a murder could be so much fun."
classicsoncall24 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Entertaining but pointless.
planktonrules24 February 2021
John Williams must have appeared in more episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" than nearly everyone...except for Alfred's daughter, Patricia. So, seeing Williams in an episode only a few after he starred in three straight isn't all that surprising.
In "The Three Dreams of Mr. Findlater", he plays Ernest Findlater, a mousy and rather dull man with a penchant for retreating into a dreamworld instead of interacting with his cold wife. In this dreamworld, Ernest dreams of a Polynesian girl, Lalage, and a nice tropical island. But she also appears to him at other times and they dream of being together and killing his wife. However, because Ernest is so mousy and timid, he always dreams and plans...but never actually does anything.
There is no twist, no coincidence, no 'Hitchcockian' moment in this one....just the man dreaming of being with his imaginary girlfriend and killing the wife....and nothing more. Interesting to watch but ultimately disappointing.
In "The Three Dreams of Mr. Findlater", he plays Ernest Findlater, a mousy and rather dull man with a penchant for retreating into a dreamworld instead of interacting with his cold wife. In this dreamworld, Ernest dreams of a Polynesian girl, Lalage, and a nice tropical island. But she also appears to him at other times and they dream of being together and killing his wife. However, because Ernest is so mousy and timid, he always dreams and plans...but never actually does anything.
There is no twist, no coincidence, no 'Hitchcockian' moment in this one....just the man dreaming of being with his imaginary girlfriend and killing the wife....and nothing more. Interesting to watch but ultimately disappointing.
Not a dream of an episode
TheLittleSongbird13 July 2022
"The Three Dreams of Mr Findlater" is the third and last episode directed by Jules Bricken. The first being "Alibi Me", which was pretty good if not exceptional. The other being "Conversation over a Corpse", which was great and one of the few great episodes of the first half of Season 2. The main reason as to why it was seen was for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' regular John Williams, always worth watching and good and more in all but one of his previous outings (the exception being "Whodunnit").
Didn't find myself particularly impressed by "The Three Dreams of Mr Findlater", and it is easily the weakest of Bricken's three 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes. Can't fault Williams, but the story never really came to life or properly engaged. As far as Season 2 goes, it is not quite one of the weakest episodes but to me it is somewhere around low middle. Average or less ratings and reviews have never been given with pleasure watching and reviewing the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, when disappointed by something it has always intended to be as thoughtful and honest as possible.
By all means there are good things. The best aspect is the performance of Williams, who excels in the type of role he played extremely well throughout his career and his role here plays to his strengths. The acting in general is well above average as is the chemistry between the actors.
Furthermore, Hitchcock's bookending nearly always delights in the series, and it continues to be amusingly ironic. There is some nice photography throughout, though not jaw dropping. The main theme for the series is suitably macabre and the audio doesn't jar or overbear. The premise was very interesting and promising and the episode did start off very well and intriguing.
However, "The Three Dreams of Mr Findlater" could have been a good deal better than it turned out. Just wish that that promise was maintained rather than run out of steam like the episode sadly did. The story drags in the second half from the plotting becoming thinner instead of intricate, and it lacks surprises and suspense (which was expected considering the premise). The ending is not much of one and is very predictable and extremely forgettable. Any revelations are far from big and coincidences are none.
While the script has thought provoking moments early on it generally lacks spark and could have been a lot tighter later on. Bricken's direction is very uninspired, an adjective that wasn't applicable to either of his two entries.
Concluding, another watchable but unmemorable episode. 5/10.
Didn't find myself particularly impressed by "The Three Dreams of Mr Findlater", and it is easily the weakest of Bricken's three 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes. Can't fault Williams, but the story never really came to life or properly engaged. As far as Season 2 goes, it is not quite one of the weakest episodes but to me it is somewhere around low middle. Average or less ratings and reviews have never been given with pleasure watching and reviewing the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, when disappointed by something it has always intended to be as thoughtful and honest as possible.
By all means there are good things. The best aspect is the performance of Williams, who excels in the type of role he played extremely well throughout his career and his role here plays to his strengths. The acting in general is well above average as is the chemistry between the actors.
Furthermore, Hitchcock's bookending nearly always delights in the series, and it continues to be amusingly ironic. There is some nice photography throughout, though not jaw dropping. The main theme for the series is suitably macabre and the audio doesn't jar or overbear. The premise was very interesting and promising and the episode did start off very well and intriguing.
However, "The Three Dreams of Mr Findlater" could have been a good deal better than it turned out. Just wish that that promise was maintained rather than run out of steam like the episode sadly did. The story drags in the second half from the plotting becoming thinner instead of intricate, and it lacks surprises and suspense (which was expected considering the premise). The ending is not much of one and is very predictable and extremely forgettable. Any revelations are far from big and coincidences are none.
While the script has thought provoking moments early on it generally lacks spark and could have been a lot tighter later on. Bricken's direction is very uninspired, an adjective that wasn't applicable to either of his two entries.
Concluding, another watchable but unmemorable episode. 5/10.
I'll See Her In My Dreams
dougdoepke10 April 2016
I keep trying to enlist the sarong-clad Lalage (Baxley) into my dreams but to no avail. But then poor businessman Findlater (Williams) probably needs her coy ministrations more than I do. What with his shrewish, ice-queen wife (Elsom), no wonder he retreats into a dream world whenever he can. Trouble is he can't seem to control the sarong temptress's comings and goings. So she keeps turning up at odd times, like hotel lobbies. Then too her half-clad posturings are about as seductive as 1950's TV gets. Anyhow, our dreamer keeps having a second unwilled fantasy where his wife dies a sudden, unproblematic death. But since that's not likely to happen, he and his dream girl embark on a murder scheme to escape the impossible wife.
It's tongue-in-cheek the whole way, with material more like The Twilight Zone than standard Hitch. It's also a slightly befuddled John Williams, unlike his usual authoritative roles. I'm not sure what the moral or lesson of the story is, unless it has to do with the power of wish-fulfillment. All in all, the story's a departure and likely a matter of audience taste.
It's tongue-in-cheek the whole way, with material more like The Twilight Zone than standard Hitch. It's also a slightly befuddled John Williams, unlike his usual authoritative roles. I'm not sure what the moral or lesson of the story is, unless it has to do with the power of wish-fulfillment. All in all, the story's a departure and likely a matter of audience taste.
Whimsy Without Wit
telegonus14 July 2017
The Three Dreams Of Mr. Findlater is a lesser Hitch half-hour. As it's adapted from an A.A. Milne story one can't but come to it in high hopes. Those hopes are dashed early on, even with the excellent cast and a potentially promising idea.
Where to begin? Maybe it's best to start by defining the word that best describes the episode: twee. The best dictionary definition I've ever read of that word, seldom used by Americans, fairly common in England, is "whimsy without wit".
The tale of a middle aged man of comfortable means but by no means affluent, and the persistence of his Walter Mitty daydreams of a South Seas woman he wants to run off with so as to ditch his stuffy, conservative wife, is too mundane to really build on.
I suppose we all daydream to one degree or another, and more so than we care to admit, however Mr. Findlater does more than that: he has invented a woman in his mind who's wholly a fantasy and who also talks with him, offers advice, and provides him with, well, not moral support; more like the immoral kind.
When Findlater and his Pacific isle princess begin to seriously plot to murder his wife the story falls apart, as it's reached a point where it's either going to rise into the realm of sophisticated comedy (Not So Blithe Spirit?), or turn into a study of a man descending into psychosis. It cannot, needless to say, be both.
The ending works: it's a modest and ironic save, but that's about it. John Williams puts much effort into the lead but he comes off as too authoritative for such a forlorn character. The rest of the cast is adequate; and in the case of Isobel Elsom as his unpleasant and at times surprisingly perceptive wife, far more than that.
Where to begin? Maybe it's best to start by defining the word that best describes the episode: twee. The best dictionary definition I've ever read of that word, seldom used by Americans, fairly common in England, is "whimsy without wit".
The tale of a middle aged man of comfortable means but by no means affluent, and the persistence of his Walter Mitty daydreams of a South Seas woman he wants to run off with so as to ditch his stuffy, conservative wife, is too mundane to really build on.
I suppose we all daydream to one degree or another, and more so than we care to admit, however Mr. Findlater does more than that: he has invented a woman in his mind who's wholly a fantasy and who also talks with him, offers advice, and provides him with, well, not moral support; more like the immoral kind.
When Findlater and his Pacific isle princess begin to seriously plot to murder his wife the story falls apart, as it's reached a point where it's either going to rise into the realm of sophisticated comedy (Not So Blithe Spirit?), or turn into a study of a man descending into psychosis. It cannot, needless to say, be both.
The ending works: it's a modest and ironic save, but that's about it. John Williams puts much effort into the lead but he comes off as too authoritative for such a forlorn character. The rest of the cast is adequate; and in the case of Isobel Elsom as his unpleasant and at times surprisingly perceptive wife, far more than that.
Daydream Believer
sol121824 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** The "Master" Alfred Hitchcock seemed so disturbed with this episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" that he had to bring in his head shrinker or psychiatrist Raymond Bailey in it's both pre and post segments to help him explain it. It seems that Sir Afred was having the same problems that the star of the episode Ernest Findlater, John Williams,was having. That in him having his head stuck up his you know what by being divorced from reality.
Findlater has been living in a dream world for some time now on a South Pacific island with the literally girl of his dreams Lalage, Babrara Baxley, a Polynesian hula girl. The only thing that spoils Findlater's perfect fantasy is his old battle ax wife Mimmie, Isobel Elsom, who's alway interfering with his secret love life. It's later that Lalage gives Findlater the bright idea of doing away with Minnie so the two can live happily ever after in dreamland.
Dreaming up the perfect but fantasy crime Findlater covers all the bases so he can do in his old lady and get away Scot-free in doing it. Everything seems to work like clockwork but when the time came to do old Minnie in it's reality that lends a hand and ends up spoiling everything for both Findlater & Lalage!
***SPOILERS****I can see what trouble Alfred Hitchcock was going thought in presenting this episode by not being able to stand up straight in him telling it. It was so mind boggling as well as unconvincing, in fact Minnie died twice not once, an episode of his that the very thought of him being on his feet and trying to explain it to the audience completely weighed him down!
Findlater has been living in a dream world for some time now on a South Pacific island with the literally girl of his dreams Lalage, Babrara Baxley, a Polynesian hula girl. The only thing that spoils Findlater's perfect fantasy is his old battle ax wife Mimmie, Isobel Elsom, who's alway interfering with his secret love life. It's later that Lalage gives Findlater the bright idea of doing away with Minnie so the two can live happily ever after in dreamland.
Dreaming up the perfect but fantasy crime Findlater covers all the bases so he can do in his old lady and get away Scot-free in doing it. Everything seems to work like clockwork but when the time came to do old Minnie in it's reality that lends a hand and ends up spoiling everything for both Findlater & Lalage!
***SPOILERS****I can see what trouble Alfred Hitchcock was going thought in presenting this episode by not being able to stand up straight in him telling it. It was so mind boggling as well as unconvincing, in fact Minnie died twice not once, an episode of his that the very thought of him being on his feet and trying to explain it to the audience completely weighed him down!
Dream Come True?
Brian_o_Vretanos18 July 2007
Bank manager Mr Findlater (John Williams) dreams of getting rid of his overbearing wife (Isobel Elston), aided by his dream woman Lalage (Barbara Baxley).
This episode is one of the more light-hearted ones. I always enjoy watching John Williams, but he really excels himself here - the way he expounds his second dream, doing all the voices, is brilliant. The whole episode is shown from his point of view, and he carries it wonderfully.
This isn't driven by atmosphere or suspense, but is great story telling. It's based on a story by A. A. Milne. I never liked Winnie the Pooh, but this makes me wonder if I should look at some of his other work.
Barbara Baxley is also good - both character-wise and physically - I wouldn't mind having her in my dreams...
Enjoy!
This episode is one of the more light-hearted ones. I always enjoy watching John Williams, but he really excels himself here - the way he expounds his second dream, doing all the voices, is brilliant. The whole episode is shown from his point of view, and he carries it wonderfully.
This isn't driven by atmosphere or suspense, but is great story telling. It's based on a story by A. A. Milne. I never liked Winnie the Pooh, but this makes me wonder if I should look at some of his other work.
Barbara Baxley is also good - both character-wise and physically - I wouldn't mind having her in my dreams...
Enjoy!
Just a Bit Dull
Hitchcoc16 June 2013
Straight out of the Walter Mitty textbook. We are led into the world of a dreamer who is constantly picked on by his verbally abusive and unappreciative wife. Women weren't treated very well in the fifties unless they were curvy sex objects. Well, there's one of those here too. The protagonist is stuck in his sense of morality. He would love to kill his wife and begin an adventurous life, but he would never do anything. In his reveries is a Tahitian treat. A Dorothy Lamour look alike who helps him make it from one day to the next by encouraging him to change his life. I found that I wasn't really attending much as this dragged on.
LATER... MUCH, MUCH LATER?
tcchelsey16 September 2023
Jules Bricken, who produced the outstanding WWII movie THE TRAIN, starring Burt Lancaster, brought out the very best of Barbara Baxley in this dark comedy.
A bit off the track for Hitch, but so much fun to watch. Series favorite John Wlliams, as Mr. FINDLATER(?) is saddled with a complaining wife and his escape are his DREAMS?
He has some erotic dreams involving temptress (in a sarong) Barbara Baxley mixed with the sudden departure (?) of his wife. Of course, it's only a dream, but what happens when Lalage (Baxley) suggests murder... or was he thinking about murdering the old bat anyway?
Problems, problems.
Extremely well acted by both leads, and certainly restricted to 1950s censorship. Had this been a more contemporary story, and it does have possibilities, this would have been R-rated material.
The background music is fun to listen to, and precisely at the right moments.
BEST yet opening gag has Hitch telling all his problems to psychiatrist Raymond Bailey, shades of Mr. Drysdale. You have to love it.
From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
A bit off the track for Hitch, but so much fun to watch. Series favorite John Wlliams, as Mr. FINDLATER(?) is saddled with a complaining wife and his escape are his DREAMS?
He has some erotic dreams involving temptress (in a sarong) Barbara Baxley mixed with the sudden departure (?) of his wife. Of course, it's only a dream, but what happens when Lalage (Baxley) suggests murder... or was he thinking about murdering the old bat anyway?
Problems, problems.
Extremely well acted by both leads, and certainly restricted to 1950s censorship. Had this been a more contemporary story, and it does have possibilities, this would have been R-rated material.
The background music is fun to listen to, and precisely at the right moments.
BEST yet opening gag has Hitch telling all his problems to psychiatrist Raymond Bailey, shades of Mr. Drysdale. You have to love it.
From SEASON 2 remastered Universal dvd box set. 2006.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
