Alfred Hitchcock Presents drama droll wit and suspense each episode A beloved curmudgeon, Alfred Hitchcock was best known for his writing and directing. He often appeared in a cameo role on many of his feature films and we would often look for him to show up. This television program was shown in North America as well as many European countries. Original episodes were produced beginning in 1955 with an opening dialog from Hitch himself, often poking fun at commercials (on shows that aired in the US) and with humorous digs at Americans on the European version. There were many truly entertaining episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents that often won awards such as Emmys. Hitch's quirky sense of humor drew a top cast to each episode including one called "Man from the South" which starred Peter Lorre and Steve McQueen about a man betting his finger that his lighter will start ten times in a row. Or, in an episode from 1961 where a magician actually saws a woman in half, discovering his magical skills are sadly lacking. Even the gruesome scenes are comedic and extremely well written.
Mary Tyler Moore is Mary Richards, a subtle women's lib advocate who was before her time in many ways. Her job as an Associate Producer of a new program on local television in Minneapolis offers no power but plenty of hard work and laughs. It is at her apartment where much of the TV show is shot and her neighbors Phyllis Lindstrom (played by Cloris Leachman) and Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) will eventually move on to star in their own series. The many conflicts, romances, and humorous happenings that Mary faces are shared with her neighbors and her co-workers Lou Grant (played by Ed Asner) and Ted Baxter (Ted Knight). Other characters on this delightful sit-com include Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White) and Georgette Franklin (actress Georgia Engel). Typical episodes dealt with often controversial subjects such as homosexuality, pre marital sex, juvenile delinquency, and equal paychecks for women. Mary lives in an old Victorian house in a studio apartment on the third floor. Phyllis is not only her landlord but her dear friend who often draws Mary into some problematic escapades that are always funny and often thought provoking as well.
The beautiful Elizabeth Montgomery is the mischievous Samantha, a witch who marries a mortal named Darrin Stephens. Much of the fun and supernatural antics come from the rest of Sam's family who are all witches or warlocks. Her family tends to think Samantha and Darrin are in a mixed marriage that will never work out and that she married beneath her. But they are in love and plan to work out their differences. Darrin will, of course, involve his boss, parents, friends, and neighbors in some unusual events caused by "spells" that are occasionally cast on him. With just a twitch of her nose Samantha Stephens can change things to suit her needs and this causes some hilarious consequences for those around her. As her magical skills continue to impress (and scare) Darrin she tries to use them sparingly but often finds it necessary to get herself out of some pretty silly situations. Her spells can be visually entertaining especially considering this series began way back in 1964. Great casting over the years including two Darrin's (Dick York who died was followed by Dick Sargent). Agnes Moorehead portrayed Sam's mother, also a witch.
