The way that Gene Barry stands, ready to pounce when confronted by Darren McGavin with diminutive Ellen Corby standing between them as if she was two feet taller than them had me giggling. The future Grandma Walton (already busy as a working film character actress, with an Oscar nomination) is the best thing about this, portraying the cook playing no-nonsense peacemaker between the two.
Barry and McGavin aren't at their best in this one, but the abbreviated script doesn't give much chance for the audience to understand them or choose one to root for. Corby on the other hand lets you know from the start who she is, and she's wonderful, strong and funny and not in the mood for these two fool's nonsense. Hitchcock gets funny lines in his intro and assessment, but outside of Corby, I found this one mediocre.
Barry and McGavin aren't at their best in this one, but the abbreviated script doesn't give much chance for the audience to understand them or choose one to root for. Corby on the other hand lets you know from the start who she is, and she's wonderful, strong and funny and not in the mood for these two fool's nonsense. Hitchcock gets funny lines in his intro and assessment, but outside of Corby, I found this one mediocre.