Ep 17. An Unlocked Window

An Unlocked Window is the seventeenth episode of the third season of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour. The episode is a gripping tale of suspense, tension, and intrigue that explores the harrowing consequences of a young nurse's kindness when she visits a secluded estate to care for an elderly woman who has been rendered helpless by a stroke. As the nurse descends into the dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of the old house, she begins to sense that something is not quite right.

The premise of the episode is simple enough, the nurse, named Lila (played by Dana Wynter), is hired to care for Mrs. Sutton (played by Olive Deering), an elderly woman who has suffered a severe stroke and needs constant attention. Sutton lives in a big, old house on a lonely street, and Lila is told that she must never leave the patient alone.

As the first day passes, Lila becomes increasingly uneasy. Her fears are heightened when a strange man comes to the door, claiming to be a police officer investigating a nearby break-in. The man (played by Sam Jaffe) is kind and courteous, but something about him sends a chill down Lila's spine.

As the days go by, Lila becomes more and more convinced that something is not right in the house. Her suspicions are confirmed when she overhears a conversation between Mrs. Sutton's two sons, Malcolm (played by Robert Redford) and David (played by Mark Richman). They are plotting to kill their mother in order to inherit her fortune. Lila knows she needs to get help, but she is trapped in the house with the two dangerous men.

The tension in the episode is palpable, as Lila must try to find a way to escape without alerting the brothers. Hitchcock masterfully uses the cramped, confined space of the house to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and danger. The use of lighting and sound design adds to the eerie atmosphere, creating an unsettling feeling of claustrophobia and suspense.

Despite the seemingly dire situation, Lila remains determined to help Mrs. Sutton and escape the dangerous house. The strong-willed nurse must call upon all her courage and strength to outwit the Sutton brothers and save herself and her patient.

An Unlocked Window is a classic example of Hitchcock's skill at crafting suspenseful, thrilling stories with unforgettable characters. The episode offers a unique twist on the traditional whodunit scenario, as it becomes clear from the beginning who the villains are, and the suspense comes not from uncovering the culprit, but from the thrilling and perilous situation in which the hero finds herself.

Overall, An Unlocked Window is a gripping, suspenseful episode with an unforgettable plot and a thrilling climax. It is a testament to Hitchcock's status as a master of suspense and is a must-watch for any fan of the thriller genre.