Ep 19. The Landlady

In "The Landlady," the nineteenth episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents' sixth season, the master of suspense weaves a tale of a young man named Billy Weaver who travels to a new town for a job interview. On his way, he gets caught in a downpour and takes refuge in a bed and breakfast run by an eccentric landlady named Mrs. Bates.

Mrs. Bates is an odd woman, with peculiar habits and a fondness for taxidermy. Despite this strangely macabre hobby, Billy decides to stay at her establishment, drawn in by her charm and homely demeanor. He is also intrigued by the low prices she offers, a steal for such a cozy, warm, and welcoming place.

However, as the night progresses, Billy begins to notice some unsettling things about the landlady, things that don't quite add up. There's her intense interest in him, her comments about her other guests, and her insistence that he signs the guestbook. Yet, he brushes these odd behaviors aside, deciding to stay the night.

As morning approaches, Billy realizes that he has made a grave mistake. He tries to leave, but the landlady has other plans. And as Hitchcock takes us on a journey through the twisted mind of the landlady, we realize that things are not quite as they seem.

Throughout "The Landlady," Hitchcock masterfully builds tension and suspense, leading the viewer down a path of uncertainty before finally revealing the true nature of the landlady. With dramatic music, unsettling camera angles, and Hitchcock's trademark dry wit, the episode keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The acting in this episode is equally superb, with an outstanding performance by Alfred Hitchcock's daughter, Patricia Hitchcock, in the role of the landlady. Her unsettling, almost hypnotic performance is the perfect foil for Billy Weaver, played by one of the most versatile actors of his time, Ron Howard. Howard's natural charm and boyish good looks draw the viewer in, making them empathize with the character and fear for his safety.

Overall, "The Landlady" is a chilling episode that showcases Alfred Hitchcock at his best. It is a testament to his ability to create suspense, drama, and horror without relying on gore, jump scares, or explicit violence. Instead, he relies on his innate understanding of human nature, his trademark dry wit, and his incredible storytelling ability to keep the viewer glued to their seats. With an outstanding cast, a haunting soundtrack, and unforgettable visuals, "The Landlady" is an unforgettable episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and a timeless classic of television history.