
Ep 23. Craig's Will
- March 6, 1960
- 26 min
-
6.9 (328)
Craig's Will is the twenty-third episode of the fifth season of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The episode revolves around the mysterious death of Craig Moreland, a wealthy oil tycoon who leaves behind a sizable estate. His daughter, Lynda, and her husband, Ed, stand to inherit everything, but a clause in Craig's will stipulates that they must live in his mansion for one year before receiving the money. Craig's lawyer, Mr. Standish, oversees the reading of the will and warns the couple that the mansion has a dark history and that they may not be able to make it through the year.
Lynda and Ed decide to accept the challenge and move into the mansion, but they quickly realize that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Strange occurrences begin to happen, and they soon learn about the mansion's grim past. A previous owner, who had also required his heirs to live in the mansion for a year, had committed suicide before the year was up. Lynda and Ed begin to fear for their safety, especially when they start receiving threatening messages, and they wonder if someone is trying to scare them away.
As Lynda and Ed try to unravel the mysteries surrounding the mansion, they uncover a shocking secret about Craig Moreland's death. They realize that the person or persons behind the strange occurrences are trying to keep them from finding out the truth. Lynda and Ed must work fast to uncover the truth and confront the person or persons responsible before it's too late.
Throughout the episode, Hitchcock inserts his trademark brand of suspense and intrigue, building the tension steadily to a nail-biting conclusion. Viewers are kept guessing until the very end, wondering who is behind the strange occurrences and what the motive could possibly be. The episode also features a strong cast, with notable performances from Arthur O'Connell (as Mr. Standish), Beverly Garland (as Lynda), and Richard Anderson (as Ed).
Overall, Craig's Will is a classic episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, showcasing the masterful storytelling and suspenseful direction for which the show is renowned. The episode is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.