Ep 11. There Was an Old Woman

There Was an Old Woman, the eleventh episode of the second season of The Ray Bradbury Theater, follows the story of an elderly woman named Emily Gault, who lives in a dilapidated house on the outskirts of a small town. Emily is a recluse, avoiding human contact, preferring instead to spend her time in the old mansion with her dozens of cats. The townsfolk view her with suspicion and fear, convinced that she is a witch with evil intentions.

One day, a young girl named Alice visits Emily to sell her cookies. Emily is initially hesitant to let her in, but eventually relents and invites her into the house. The two strike up an unlikely friendship, and Emily begins to enjoy Alice's company. However, things take a dark turn when Alice's mother, Mrs. Dempsey, arrives to collect her daughter. Mrs. Dempsey, like the rest of the townsfolk, is convinced that Emily is a dangerous witch who must be stopped at all costs. She demands that Alice never visit Emily again and threatens legal action if she does.

Refusing to lose her only friend, Emily hatches a plan to get rid of Mrs. Dempsey for good. Using her knowledge of herbs and potions, she concocts a deadly brew and invites Mrs. Dempsey to a tea party. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Dempsey, the tea is poisoned, and she dies a painful death in front of Emily and her cats. In the aftermath of the murder, Emily's true identity is revealed to the townsfolk, and she is forced to flee her home and seek refuge elsewhere.

As with all episodes of The Ray Bradbury Theater, There Was an Old Woman is a masterclass in storytelling. Bradbury's unique blend of horror, science fiction, and fantasy is evident throughout, with the episode showcasing his exceptional talents as a writer. The story is gripping and tense, building to a shocking conclusion that will leave viewers reeling.

The performances are also top-notch, with standout turns from Piper Laurie as Emily Gault and Meg Foster as Mrs. Dempsey. Laurie is especially impressive, imbuing Emily with a sense of sadness and vulnerability that makes her actions all the more disturbing. The supporting cast, including the likes of Kate Reid and Shari Belafonte, are also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

The production values are similarly impressive, with the episode's eerie and unsettling atmosphere perfectly capturing the creepy tone of Bradbury's prose. The use of practical effects, including Emily's cats and the old mansion, is also noteworthy, lending a sense of authenticity to the proceedings.

Overall, There Was an Old Woman is a standout episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater, showcasing the best the series has to offer. For those who enjoy dark, twisted tales filled with mystery and suspense, there are few better examples than this. Bradbury's legacy as a master storyteller is secure, and this episode serves as a powerful testament to his enduring talents.