Ep 6. Anniversary Gift

In the episode "Anniversary Gift" from season 5 of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, we meet couple Frank and Mildred Partridge, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Mildred is hoping for a grand celebration with all of their friends and family, while Frank is hesitant about spending the large sum of money it would require. Instead, he comes up with an idea for a more practical gift: a burial plot for the two of them.

Mildred is horrified by the idea and refuses to even consider it. But as the days go by, she becomes increasingly obsessed with the thought of death and dying. She starts to imagine all sorts of scenarios in which she or Frank meet untimely ends, and becomes convinced that they need to plan for the worst. Eventually, she convinces Frank to go along with her plan to purchase the burial plots.

As they visit the cemetery to make their purchase, Mildred becomes more and more agitated. She insists on trying out the plots for size, lying down in each one to ensure that it's comfortable. Frank tries to talk her out of it, but she's too far gone. Finally, she settles on two plots side by side, and the couple leaves the cemetery.

But Mildred's obsession with death doesn't end there. She becomes fixated on the idea of testing out the plots, and as the weeks go by, she starts to make Frank join her on nightly excursions to the cemetery to lie down in their plots. Frank is increasingly uncomfortable with the whole situation, but he can't bring himself to say anything to Mildred.

Things come to a head on the night of their anniversary, when Mildred insists that they spend the night in the cemetery so that they can really get a feel for their future homes. Frank is hesitant, but he can't bring himself to disappoint his wife on such an important occasion.

As they lie down in the plots, Mildred becomes increasingly agitated. She starts to hyperventilate, and Frank realizes that she's having a panic attack. He tries to calm her down, but it's no use. Finally, he comes up with an idea: they'll leave the cemetery and go to a hotel for the night. Mildred agrees, and they pack up their things and leave.

But as they're driving away, Mildred suddenly realizes that she's left her purse behind in the cemetery. She insists on going back to get it, and Frank reluctantly agrees. When they get back to the cemetery, they realize that the gates are locked and they're unable to get in.

At this point, things take a dark turn. Mildred becomes convinced that they're trapped in the cemetery and will never be able to leave. She starts to panic, and in her frenzy she accidentally falls into an open grave. Frank tries to pull her out, but he's unable to lift her on his own.

As Mildred lies in the grave, Frank realizes that there's only one way to get her out: he'll have to go to the caretaker's house and get help. He reluctantly leaves Mildred in the grave and runs for help.

When he returns with the caretaker, they're able to get Mildred out of the grave. But it's too late – she's dead. Frank is beside himself with grief, and the episode ends with him standing by Mildred's side, mourning her loss and regretting ever agreeing to the idea of purchasing those burial plots.

"Anniversary Gift" is a tense and gripping episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, full of twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the importance of communication in a relationship. It's also a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that no amount of planning can prepare us for the unexpected.