The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion

by Martin Grams Jr., Patrik Wikström

"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" are considered by far, the most successful mystery anthology to grace the picture tube. "The Alfred Hitchcock Presents Companion" is the first and only "official" book documenting the entire history of the television program, complete with an episode-by-episode broadcast guide. The popularity of the program itself is evident among multiple reruns, now syndicated on local and cable stations around the world. This book presents a complete study of the series, both informative and scholarly, including a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the production of these broadcasts. Recollections and memories from the script writers, directors and actors are included. Both the original and the 1980's remake series are covered in detail, with all production credits, complete cast list (including actors uncredited), plot descriptions, Hitchcock's opening and closing remarks (including alternative remarks filmed but never shown during the initial telecasts), and insightful trivia throughout. A section about Hitchcock's other productions and directorial efforts include "Tactic", Ford Startime's "Incident at a Corner", Alcoa Premiere's "The Jail", "Dark Intruder", "Suspicion" (TV series), "Psycho", and more are discussed in length, also with production credits. Spoofs, rip-offs, print media and collectables are also covered in detail. Hundreds of photos included. This book covers most of the over-looked topics relating to Alfred Hitchcock's career, making this publication a must for your book shelf.

660 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Martin Grams is an author and old-time radio enthusiast whose more than twenty books on the subject have qualified him as an expert. He is generous and helpful to his fans and colleagues and his name can often be found in the credits of books dedicated to radio and early television.

While he is one of the younger fans of old-time radio, Martin does not like to talk about his youth, as it proved a hindrance to him when he tried to get his first book published. Determined, Grams decided to self-publish his book about Suspense and has done so several times subsequently.

In addition to writing and researching, Martin and his wife Michelle run the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Reviews

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exhaustively complete--in fact, maybe too complete. Unfortunately, I seemed to have an advance reading copy or something so there were absurd amounts of typos and gibberish. Good to have the complete records of his prefatory remarks and conclusions for each episode; I found myself thinking that that would make a nice volume by itself.

[Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most comprehensive book I've read on the subject of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. It also provides detailed information on Mr. Hitchcock's other work in broadcast media. Thus, anyone interested in this aspect of his career will really enjoy this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Everything about the TV series is all under one cover. Behind-the-scenes information is great.