Ep 12. Specialty of the House

In Alfred Hitchcock Presents season 5 episode 12, titled "Specialty of the House," the audience is taken on a journey through the tantalizing world of high-end dining and the sinister secrets that can lurk just below the surface. Set in a posh Manhattan restaurant in the 1950s, the episode follows the story of a frequent patron named Miss Fox (played by Patricia Collinge), who becomes increasingly intrigued by the restaurant's "specialty of the house" - a succulent delicacy that is mysteriously only available on certain nights.

As Miss Fox becomes more and more obsessed with tasting the elusive dish, she begins to notice strange behaviors from the restaurant's staff - including the head waiter, Pierre (played by Francis Lederer), and the chef, Monsieur St. Clair (played by Albert Salmi). Miss Fox's inquiries into the dish's ingredients only seem to deepen the air of mystery and suspicion surrounding the restaurant's inner workings.

Despite her growing unease, Miss Fox returns to the restaurant one evening with a friend, and they both eagerly order the specialty of the house. However, once the dish arrives, Miss Fox realizes too late the terrifying truth behind the restaurant's tantalizing fare. The episode ends on a chilling note, with Miss Fox's fate left in the hands of the restaurant's ruthless staff.

With its mix of suspenseful storytelling and charismatic performances, "Specialty of the House" is a standout episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode is masterfully crafted, with a skillful blend of humor, horror, and intrigue that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The iconic Hitchcock touch is felt throughout the episode, from its clever twists and turns to its darkly comic tone.

As always, the performances in Alfred Hitchcock Presents are top-notch, with Patricia Collinge delivering a standout turn as the curious and determined Miss Fox. Francis Lederer and Albert Salmi are equally compelling as the restaurant's enigmatic staff members, imbuing their characters with an air of menace that leaves the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, "Specialty of the House" is a memorable and chilling entry in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents canon, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lengths some people will go to in pursuit of their desires. With its blend of classic Hitchcockian thrills and dark humor, this episode is not to be missed.