Ep 15. The Big Switch

The Big Switch is the fifteenth episode of season one of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. This classic thriller episode was directed by Richard L. Bare and written by Harold Swanton. It was first aired on January 5, 1956.

The story is centered around two friends, George Piper and Frank Logan. George is a wealthy man who is bored with his life and wants a change. He approaches Frank with a proposal to switch lives for a week. Frank, a struggling hardware store owner, agrees to the plan.

The two men switch identities and start living their new lives. Frank, now known as George, enjoys the luxurious lifestyle, while George, under the guise of Frank, struggles to keep up with the demands of running the hardware store.

As the week goes on, things start to unravel. George is shocked to discover that Frank has been involved in some shady dealings and owes a large sum of money to some dangerous people. Meanwhile, Frank, in George's luxurious home, starts to suspect that something is not quite right with George's wife, Grace.

As the week comes to an end, the two men prepare to switch back. However, events take a dramatic turn when Frank is brutally attacked by the people he owes money to. George, now back in his own body, must come to terms with the consequences of his actions and try to help his friend.

The Big Switch is a classic example of Hitchcock's love of twists and turns. The episode keeps the audience guessing until the very end, with unexpected revelations and dramatic plot twists that keep the tension high throughout. The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly John Qualen as the hapless Frank and James Best as the scheming George.

Overall, The Big Switch is a thrilling and suspenseful episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents that provides both shocks and surprises. Whether you're a fan of classic television or just love a good mystery, this episode is definitely worth watching.