Ep 25. There Was an Old Woman

In Alfred Hitchcock Presents season 1 episode 25, titled "There Was an Old Woman," Hitchcock introduces us to a cantankerous old woman, Miss Robbinson, who lives alone in a dilapidated old house. Miss Robbinson has lived in the same house for over 50 years and has never had any visitors or friends. Her only companion is her pet cat, who she dotes on like a child.

One day, Miss Robbinson receives a visit from a young couple, Ruth and Tommy Temple, who claim to be surveyors working for the City Planning Board. They tell Miss Robbinson that they need to inspect her property in order to determine whether a new highway can be built through the area. Miss Robbinson is suspicious of the couple's intentions but reluctantly allows them to enter her home.

Once inside, Ruth and Tommy begin to snoop around, searching for evidence that will support their claim that the highway can be built through Miss Robbinson's property. However, they soon discover that the old woman is not as feeble as she appears. Miss Robbinson seizes control of the situation, forcing Ruth and Tommy to do her bidding.

As the episode progresses, Hitchcock masterfully creates tension, leading the audience to question who is in control of the situation. It soon becomes clear that Miss Robbinson is not as defenseless as she initially seemed, and she has a few tricks up her sleeve. The episode keeps viewers on edge, as they wait to see who will come out on top.

Throughout the episode, Hitchcock skillfully plays with the audience's emotions, creating a sense of sympathy for Miss Robbinson while also generating unease at the lengths she is willing to go to protect her property. The character of Miss Robbinson is expertly portrayed by the legendary actress Estelle Winwood, who captures both the frailty and resilience of the old woman.

Overall, "There Was an Old Woman" is a classic example of the suspenseful storytelling that made Alfred Hitchcock Presents a television staple. With its well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and expert pacing, this episode stands as a testament to Hitchcock's unparalleled talent as a director and storyteller.