Ep 10. Memo from Purgatory
- December 21, 1964
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7.5 (464)
Memo from Purgatory is an intense and thought-provoking episode of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour Season 3. The story revolves around a young New York City writer named James "Bart" Bartlow (played by Robert Redford), whose life takes an unforeseeable turn after he receives a cryptic message from his father. The message calls out to James using a code-word from his troubled past, "Purgatory," and urges him to return to his hometown and uncover the truth about his father's death.
Bart's life has never been an easy one. He grew up in a dysfunctional family where his mother (played by Susan Oliver) was an alcoholic and his father (played by George Voskovec) was a strict and overbearing man. Bart's father was a devout Catholic and a seemingly kind-hearted man. However, he carried a deep, dark secret that would eventually cause him to kill himself. Bart, who is haunted by his father's memory, decides to honor his father's last wish and return to his hometown, where he begins to uncover shocking truths about his past.
As the story unfolds, Bart discovers that his father was not the man he thought he was. He finds himself drawn into the world of his father's work as a private detective, where he learns that his father was involved in investigating a suspicious death that had occurred years prior. Bart follows his father's lead and begins to investigate the case himself. He crosses path with a list of suspects that includes his own family members and old acquaintances.
Bart also meets a young woman named Charlotte Pingress (played by Gena Rowlands), who becomes his love interest and helps him uncover the truth about his father's death. Charlotte is witty, intelligent, and resourceful. She becomes Bart's partner in crime-solving as they dig deeper into the case.
As the duo uncovers more clues, Bart realizes the danger he has put himself and Charlotte in. His inquiries have led to threats from those who want to keep the truth buried. Charlotte is attacked, and Bart is driven into a state of paranoia, unsure of who to trust. He now must find a way to protect himself and those around him while still searching for the answers he seeks.
The episode climaxes with an intense scene of Bart confronting the killer. The killer is revealed to be someone who was close to Bart's father but had a hidden agenda of his own. The reveal is shocking and takes Bart by surprise. In the end, Bart learns the truth about his father's death, and justice is finally served.
Memo from Purgatory is a gripping episode that explores the themes of family, secrets, and redemption. The story is well-paced, with a perfect balance of suspense, intrigue, and action. The episode also benefits from the talented cast, with Redford and Rowlands delivering standout performances.
Overall, Memo from Purgatory is a must-watch episode of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour Season 3. It is a suspenseful, well-written, and executed mystery, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.