The opening of this episode is a genuinely creepy affair, even if it turns out to be a dream/nightmare sequence. The imagery is just frightening as young Ginny Wells (Joyce Bulifant) steps into a noose and plunges into the depths of darkness. Even if it didn't really happen, it's one of the more chilling moments of the Thriller series.
You know, when you consider what scheming villains the Farrington's were, the one thing you have to give them credit for is their patience. The initial murder of Marian's (Joan Tetzel) husband took place in 1947, while brother Dick (Richard Long) teamed up with old Uncle Bert (Otto Kruger) another eight years later to send wife Alice (Deirdre Owens) over a cliff. Then the story moves forward another half dozen years to 'present' day 1961 where the rest of the story takes place. I was taken back a bit to see that this show aired on New Year's Day 1962, which means the week prior, 'Portrait Without a Face' would have been shown on Christmas Day. That would be some pretty somber fare for the holidays.
Fortunately, Leo G. Carroll was around to make the save for young Ginny in the final chapter of this saga. I always liked Carroll ever since seeing him in all those 'Topper' shows as a kid. This time around, instead of talking to ghosts, he helped prevent Ginny from becoming one.
You know, when you consider what scheming villains the Farrington's were, the one thing you have to give them credit for is their patience. The initial murder of Marian's (Joan Tetzel) husband took place in 1947, while brother Dick (Richard Long) teamed up with old Uncle Bert (Otto Kruger) another eight years later to send wife Alice (Deirdre Owens) over a cliff. Then the story moves forward another half dozen years to 'present' day 1961 where the rest of the story takes place. I was taken back a bit to see that this show aired on New Year's Day 1962, which means the week prior, 'Portrait Without a Face' would have been shown on Christmas Day. That would be some pretty somber fare for the holidays.
Fortunately, Leo G. Carroll was around to make the save for young Ginny in the final chapter of this saga. I always liked Carroll ever since seeing him in all those 'Topper' shows as a kid. This time around, instead of talking to ghosts, he helped prevent Ginny from becoming one.