Ep 5. No Pain

In Alfred Hitchcock Presents season 5 episode 5, titled "No Pain," the narrative revolves around a young man named Jack (played by Dick York) who has been deemed by doctors as a hypochondriac due to his constant complaints about pain. Jack believes that he is suffering from a rare and incurable disease that he read about in a medical journal. His fiancée, Ruth (played by Gena Rowlands), is tired of his constant complaints and urges him to seek psychological help.

Despite Ruth's urging, Jack refuses to see a therapist and instead seeks out a new doctor, Dr. Thorne (played by Alan Napier), who specializes in alternative medicine. Dr. Thorne is sympathetic to Jack's concerns and prescribes him a controversial new treatment that involves hypnosis and the creation of sensory illusions to alleviate his pain. Jack is excited about the new treatment and begins to feel better immediately.

However, Ruth is skeptical of Dr. Thorne's methods and begins to do some research on him. She discovers that he has been known to use unorthodox and potentially dangerous techniques on his patients. She becomes increasingly worried about Jack's well-being but is unable to convince him to stop seeing Dr. Thorne.

As Jack continues to undergo Dr. Thorne's treatment, he becomes increasingly reliant on it and begins to lose touch with reality. Ruth tries to intervene but is dismissed by both Jack and Dr. Thorne. Ultimately, a tragic event forces Jack to question the effectiveness of the treatment and the intentions of Dr. Thorne.

"No Pain" is a gripping tale of obsession, trust, and the danger of blindly following authority. The episode explores themes of mental health, the potentially harmful effects of alternative medicine, and the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with physical or mental pain. The performances of the cast, particularly York and Rowlands, are top-notch and help to elevate the tension and drama of the story. The plot twists and turns keep the audience guessing until the very end, and the final scene is both shocking and thought-provoking.

Overall, "No Pain" is a standout episode in the fifth season of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. It deals with complex issues in a nuanced and engaging way and showcases the talents of all involved. Fans of psychological thrillers and Hitchcock's signature suspense will not be disappointed.