Ep 13. The Cheney Vase

In the 13th episode of the first season of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, entitled "The Cheney Vase," viewers are in for an eerie and suspenseful treat. The episode opens on a young man named Roger (played by Darren McGavin), who is planning to propose to his girlfriend, Barbara (played by Patricia Collinge). As he passes the living room of her family's home, he notices a valuable vase sitting on a table. Roger is a bit of a scoundrel, and impulsively decides to steal the vase, intending to sell it and use the money to start his life with Barbara.

Unfortunately for Roger, he's not as slick as he thinks he is. While he's trying to sneak out of the house with the vase, Barbara's mother catches him in the act. Rather than turn him in to the authorities, however, she agrees to keep quiet - but only if Roger agrees to marry Barbara right away. Desperate for the money, Roger agrees.

As he tries to sell the vase, Roger discovers that it's quite famous, and worth far more than he expected. He's contacted by a dealer who wants to buy it for a hefty sum of money, but the dealer insists on meeting in person. Roger agrees, and sets off to meet the dealer, determined to make the sale and start his life with Barbara.

As the episode progresses, viewers are drawn deeper into the web of deceit and danger that Roger has tangled himself in. The Cheney vase, it turns out, has a dark and bloody history, and it seems as though everyone who has come into contact with it has met with a tragic end. As Roger tries to navigate the dangerous waters of the antique world, he begins to realize that he may have made a terrible mistake in stealing the vase - and that his life may be in danger as a result.

One of the things that makes "The Cheney Vase" such a compelling and intriguing episode is the way that it slowly builds tension and suspense over the course of its runtime. As Roger moves deeper into the world of antique dealers and collectors, he begins to sense that something isn't quite right, and the viewer is given hints and clues that there is a darker force at work. The episode is expertly directed by Alfred Hitchcock himself, who deftly weaves together the various elements of the story to create a sense of creeping dread and mounting tension.

The performances in "The Cheney Vase" are uniformly excellent, with Darren McGavin giving a particularly strong turn as the hapless and increasingly desperate Roger. The supporting cast, which includes Patricia Collinge as Barbara and Ruta Lee as the enigmatic antique dealer, are all top-notch as well. Together, they bring a sense of authenticity and depth to the characters, making the viewer invested in their fates.

Overall, "The Cheney Vase" is a classic episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and a must-watch for fans of suspense and thriller stories. With its expert direction, tense atmosphere, and strong performances, it's a prime example of why Hitchcock is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and why his work remains so beloved to this day. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a good scare, "The Cheney Vase" is definitely worth checking out.