Alfred Hitchcock Presents1955

[introduction - Hitchcock is reading a book when he notices the viewer]

Alfred Hitchcock:
Oh. Good evening. I've been reading a mystery story. I find them very relaxing. They take my mind off my work. These little books are quite nice. Of course, they can never replace hardcover books. They're just as good for reading, but they make very poor doorstops. Tonight's story by Louis Pollock is one that appeared in this collection. I think you will find it properly terrifying, but like the other plays of our series, it is more than mere entertainment. In each of our stories, we strive to teach a lesson or point a little moral. Advice like Mother used to give. You know. "Walt softly but carry a big stick." "Strike first and ask questions later." That sort of thing. Tonight's story tells about a business tycoon and will give you something to ponder - if you have ever given an employee the sack or if you intend to. You'll see it after the sponsor's story, which like ours, also strive to teach a little lesson or point a little moral.