Dean Stockwell started out as "The Boy With Green Hair" in the 1950's and went on to play a variety of offbeat roles. He was handsome enough to be considered attractive, but odd enough to be seen as sinister. He appeared in lots of these 1960's dramas playing a variety of creepy roles, and he does so here as the intense young David. David can't accept the fact that wide-eyed Susan Oliver, the Annabel of the title, has married someone else, and pursues her anyway. She is much too kind, this Annabel Lee, even when it's obvious that David has become an obsessed stalker, and she nevertheless allows him to call her and send gifts. This infuriates her new husband, whose rash, idiotic need for vengeance leads to its own unhappy conclusion. Meanwhile, David is being pursued by co-worker Linda, who is puzzled as to why this attractive young man is not equally attracted to her, and this being 1962, she can't figure out any reason at all. She stalks him, trespasses, peeks through windows, every bit as creepy as he is, and draws the wrong conclusions for all her efforts. After much ado, stupid Annabelle allows herself to be tricked into visiting David in his remote country home. As is too often the case in these Hitchcock productions, the ladies here begin to act a little too foolishly. Just as Tippi Hedron gratuitously entered a bird infested attic in "The Birds," so Annabelle enters David's isolated home, and once they are alone and she is trapped, confronts him and threatens to call the police. Smart move, lady. Here, things take on a "Psycho" twist, and soon thereafter foolhardy Linda, the ultimate busybody, comes traipsing into the scene. Too many ridiculous things all happen at once towards the end, but nevertheless it makes for entertaining TV. Kathleen Nolan plays Linda in this all-star cast.
10 Reviews
good episode
HEFILM19 October 2013
Robert Bloch is well suited to adapt Highsmith in this case as a number of elements common to both of them are on display here. Stockwell is very good. Lyn Murray contributes a very good score. This episode, like most of those produced by Joan Harrison is a bit long on romance and low on events but this one works by and large. The less you know going into the story the better.
The first segment does feel padded and lacks much in interest from director Henreid, but the show gains in interest and in morbidity and the final 15 minutes are unexpected--other lesser episodes from Harrison would have ended before this, and it does contain one horrifying image. In face the final shot is obviously enlarged--blown up to avoid showing something and therefore soft looking in focus, I presume for censor reasons. Though there may be a more practical reason, but I can't really explain because that would ruin something.
Hithcock claims to be dressed in a suit made of sugar in the wraparound bits.
The first segment does feel padded and lacks much in interest from director Henreid, but the show gains in interest and in morbidity and the final 15 minutes are unexpected--other lesser episodes from Harrison would have ended before this, and it does contain one horrifying image. In face the final shot is obviously enlarged--blown up to avoid showing something and therefore soft looking in focus, I presume for censor reasons. Though there may be a more practical reason, but I can't really explain because that would ruin something.
Hithcock claims to be dressed in a suit made of sugar in the wraparound bits.
"We both know you made a mistake, but that's all over now."
classicsoncall15 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While watching, I couldn't help noticing the similarity between Dean Stockwell and Anthony Perkins in both appearance and mannerisms. Had Alfred Hitchcock 'discovered' Stockwell prior to the release of "Psycho" in 1962, the actor might have been a good choice to portray the deranged Norman Bates character in that iconic classic. Stockwell did make an appearance in one of the half hour "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episodes, but that too preceded the director's seminal horror film.
Starting out, the story here can leave one somewhat confused as to the real identity of Dean Stockwell's character. He's introduced as William Newmaster, but when he places a phone call to his girlfriend Annabel (Susan Olicer), she calls him David. The mystery is cleared up shortly thereafter, and very soon we realize that David Kelsey is operating under a severe delusion. He maintains a home in the country which he visits on weekends under the pretense of seeing an ailing father who died some time ago, while having outfitted the house as a tribute to the already married Annabel, who he intends to wed after she divorces her own husband (Henry Brandt).
The only problem I had with the story was the ease with which the Ballard Police accepted David's version of how Gerald Delaney (Brandt) met his 'accidental' death. I would have expected a lot more suspicion from the authorities, though I suspect that had to do with the episode's time constraints. The ending further illustrated the lengths to which David Kelsey intended to carry out his delusison, but with police sirens blaring in the background, this was one Hitchcock tale that ended just the way it should have.
Starting out, the story here can leave one somewhat confused as to the real identity of Dean Stockwell's character. He's introduced as William Newmaster, but when he places a phone call to his girlfriend Annabel (Susan Olicer), she calls him David. The mystery is cleared up shortly thereafter, and very soon we realize that David Kelsey is operating under a severe delusion. He maintains a home in the country which he visits on weekends under the pretense of seeing an ailing father who died some time ago, while having outfitted the house as a tribute to the already married Annabel, who he intends to wed after she divorces her own husband (Henry Brandt).
The only problem I had with the story was the ease with which the Ballard Police accepted David's version of how Gerald Delaney (Brandt) met his 'accidental' death. I would have expected a lot more suspicion from the authorities, though I suspect that had to do with the episode's time constraints. The ending further illustrated the lengths to which David Kelsey intended to carry out his delusison, but with police sirens blaring in the background, this was one Hitchcock tale that ended just the way it should have.
Suspenseful & well acted!
taylorgs810 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Wow...I just finished watching this episode on Hulu and was riveted to the screen mainly by Dean Stockwell's performance as a psychotic young man enamored with a young woman, Annabel..played by the lovely Susan Oliver. Apparently "David" (Dean's character) had a relationship with Annabel that ended a year ago according to her..yet David continues to have an obsessive love for her even after she married. We learn that David has a roommate in the city but ventures out to his late parent's lovely country estate every weekend where he has pictures of Annabel throughout his house. He is so obsessed by her that he badgers her with phone calls and eventually pays her a visit which was really creepy and set the tone of the rest of the play. Dean Stockwell's fresh faced performance of this psychotic young man is a classic! Seeing him so young in this performance is astounding in that I have seen him in many shows in his later years. He reminded me a bit of "James Dean" not only in appearance but in his brooding mood in this play.
A very well done episode of Hitchcock's hourly programs..I would consider this one of the best I've seen but I'm making my way through the different seasons on Hulu. I remember watching these shows many, many years ago and it's nice seeing these classic plays reemerging on great sites like Hulu! Check it out! It's riveting.
A very well done episode of Hitchcock's hourly programs..I would consider this one of the best I've seen but I'm making my way through the different seasons on Hulu. I remember watching these shows many, many years ago and it's nice seeing these classic plays reemerging on great sites like Hulu! Check it out! It's riveting.
A severe and dangerous case of erotomania.
planktonrules28 April 2021
Erotomania is the term used to describe a disorder where people delude themselves into believing someone is in love with them. Trying to use facts to convince them that this isn't the case usually won't stop these delusions, though it is possible someone with erotomania could become dangerous and violent when their obsession is challenged. And, sadly, most law enforcement and legal authorities don't take this very seriously...especially long ago. I mention this because clearly this story by Robert Bloch (the author of "Psycho" and many episodes of Hitchcock's TV shows) is writing about the disorder.
The story begins with David arranging his usual weekly purchase of roses...which at first seems like a nice gesture. However, you soon learn that he is sending them to a woman he dated long ago, Annabel (Susan Oliver). The problem is that Annabel is now married and has no interest in David. But this doesn't matter.... David insists that eventually she'll come to her senses and reciprocate. Her husband, not surprisingly, is angry and eventually he goes to confront him...and that's when you realize it's all part of David's plan...and David is like the spider and the husband is just a fly.
This episode is very much like "Psycho" but possibly even more shocking. At the big climax late in the show, there is a scene where, frankly, I am shocked they got it past the censors and sponsors. Unbelievably creepy, sick and, sadly, not nearly as far-fetched as it seems. One of those haunting episodes you won't soon forget....and you might want to think about this before watching as the episode might leave you shaken.
By the way, while I am no expert on erotomania, I am a retired psychotherapist and worked with many truly sick people....people not really that different from David. This is actually why I eventually changed lines of work!
The story begins with David arranging his usual weekly purchase of roses...which at first seems like a nice gesture. However, you soon learn that he is sending them to a woman he dated long ago, Annabel (Susan Oliver). The problem is that Annabel is now married and has no interest in David. But this doesn't matter.... David insists that eventually she'll come to her senses and reciprocate. Her husband, not surprisingly, is angry and eventually he goes to confront him...and that's when you realize it's all part of David's plan...and David is like the spider and the husband is just a fly.
This episode is very much like "Psycho" but possibly even more shocking. At the big climax late in the show, there is a scene where, frankly, I am shocked they got it past the censors and sponsors. Unbelievably creepy, sick and, sadly, not nearly as far-fetched as it seems. One of those haunting episodes you won't soon forget....and you might want to think about this before watching as the episode might leave you shaken.
By the way, while I am no expert on erotomania, I am a retired psychotherapist and worked with many truly sick people....people not really that different from David. This is actually why I eventually changed lines of work!
Don't Mess with my Dream
dougdoepke30 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Creepy 60-minutes. We know something's up with David (Stockwell) when he fusses about an empty house, seemingly expecting someone who never shows up. It's a strangely enigmatic Stockwell, looking to me, at least, like his near contemporary, James Dean. Suspense builds as we discover the dream world David inhabits, apart from work. How will his obsession with the married Annabel (Oliver) play out, now that her husband (Brandt) has found out. And what's with that big empty house that David's dad lives in.
Stockwell's perfect in the role, while director Henreid knows how to manage the material. I especially like that grotesque close-up of David before he tangles with Annabel's husband. Frankly, Annabel's naivete towards the wacko David is something of a stretch, while there is some padding of runtime, especially Wes's (Cockrell) subplot with Linda (Nolan). Nonetheless, the entry really delivers the goods, Hitchcock style.
(Spoiler Alert—Note how the story ends with David alone in his dream world and not with the police crowding in. It's like he's succeeded after all, if only for the moment.)
Stockwell's perfect in the role, while director Henreid knows how to manage the material. I especially like that grotesque close-up of David before he tangles with Annabel's husband. Frankly, Annabel's naivete towards the wacko David is something of a stretch, while there is some padding of runtime, especially Wes's (Cockrell) subplot with Linda (Nolan). Nonetheless, the entry really delivers the goods, Hitchcock style.
(Spoiler Alert—Note how the story ends with David alone in his dream world and not with the police crowding in. It's like he's succeeded after all, if only for the moment.)
In Annabel's Lee.
rmax30482315 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Dean Stockwell is a young chemist who adores Annabel although she's happily married. She dominates his every thought and move. He even assumes a second identity and sets up a home in the countryside which he shares with icons that remind him of her -- dresses, photos, slippers, a nightie. Annabel herself, Susan Oliver, is aware of his obsession and tries to discourage him but it's no use. Her husband seeks out Stockwell in his country house and is murdered. Then Oliver finds his hiding place and is murdered. Then a young girl who works in Stockwell's office discovers his secret house and -- well, if things can go wrong, they usually do.
I don't know where Hitchcock's staff found such an array of talent or, at least, experience. This was adapted by Robert "Psycho" Block from a novel by the lesbian novelist Patricia Highsmith, who knows her way around secret identities ("Strangers on a Train," "The Talented Mister Ripley"). Stockwell and Oliver were both regulars on television and sometimes movies. It was directed by Paul Henreid, the heroic resistance fighter in "Casablanca."
Best performance award goes to Dean Stockwell, whose innocent smile turns into a demonic scowl as he strangles his victims. I almost always enjoy Dean Stockwell's performances. And he's handsome too, with semi-simian eyebrows -- masculine, yet sensitive. He looks a lot like me, as a matter of fact, only less handsome, suggestive of less vigor. He's my contemporary. I worked with him in a movie, "Blue Velvet," and was pleasantly surprised to find that he's aging gracefully too, just like me. And he was great as the cynical lawyer in "To Live And Die In L.A."
What's lacking? An ending with an ironic twist. It just ends complacently, with an unseemly display of self satisfaction. No novelty there. And Gary Cockrell, who plays Stockwell's room mate, has an accent or speech peculiarity that always gives me the creeps, a shiver looking for a spine to run up.
I don't know where Hitchcock's staff found such an array of talent or, at least, experience. This was adapted by Robert "Psycho" Block from a novel by the lesbian novelist Patricia Highsmith, who knows her way around secret identities ("Strangers on a Train," "The Talented Mister Ripley"). Stockwell and Oliver were both regulars on television and sometimes movies. It was directed by Paul Henreid, the heroic resistance fighter in "Casablanca."
Best performance award goes to Dean Stockwell, whose innocent smile turns into a demonic scowl as he strangles his victims. I almost always enjoy Dean Stockwell's performances. And he's handsome too, with semi-simian eyebrows -- masculine, yet sensitive. He looks a lot like me, as a matter of fact, only less handsome, suggestive of less vigor. He's my contemporary. I worked with him in a movie, "Blue Velvet," and was pleasantly surprised to find that he's aging gracefully too, just like me. And he was great as the cynical lawyer in "To Live And Die In L.A."
What's lacking? An ending with an ironic twist. It just ends complacently, with an unseemly display of self satisfaction. No novelty there. And Gary Cockrell, who plays Stockwell's room mate, has an accent or speech peculiarity that always gives me the creeps, a shiver looking for a spine to run up.
Stop pretending
glitterrose27 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Let's start this review off by saying the storyline for this episode is excellent enough on its own. You have an amazing actor in the lead (Dean Stockwell), you take that already excellent episode and you truly make it into something superb. And just like I said for "Lonely Place", you have a lot of material packed into probably a 42 minute time frame. Nothing's slow or even feels rushed. Everything just fits perfectly.
So our episode centers on 4 main characters. David is the lead character. Let's just say he's not quite right in the head and it goes beyond daydreaming and pretending! He had a relationship with Annabel (Susan Oliver). It sounds to me like David ghosted Annabel. David explains he's got his reasons. He left her to take a job that pays well (for the time period). Although it probably tends to make a viewer laugh or even want to cry when you see how proud David is to have this job that pays that well and to know that in today's times a job that paid that amount would be at poverty levels.
Anyway, I can see where Annabel would probably think he dumped her in a very cruel way...like you just ditched me and didn't even explain it. So Annabel has moved on and she's even gotten married. Annabel's in love with this man (Gerald, our 3rd character) and David can't handle any of this. And he's trying his best to absolutely ignore the fact that Annabel's with another man. David keeps calling her, sent her an expensive piece of jewelry, etc. He's not taking 'NO!' for an answer.
Our fourth character is Linda. She's infatuated with David...just doesn't know he's off his rocker. She does know he's a liar. David goes off for the weekends with the reason that he's visiting his father. David's parents are both deceased. David is going up to the house he owns where his deluded daydream about Annabel can continue. He's got Annabel's portrait displayed and has so many things meant for her to have. Linda trailed David to this house and the poor lady looks absolutely crushed when she peers in and sees items meant for a woman. My guess is she was thinking David was just having an affair with another woman and no wonder Linda doesn't stand a chance in dating David.
Remember the piece of jewelry David sent Annabel? Annabel's husband blew his top when he saw that. He goes off to the apartment David normally stays at to try and confront David. David isn't there but his roommate and Linda are there. I think Linda had some hope that maybe David could be scared straight and whatever he's doing with this mystery lady will end and she'll still have a shot with David. Linda tells Annabel's husband the address of the house David stays at on the weekend. David's roommate asks her who's address is that and she replies that it's David's father's address.
So Annabel's husband goes to this house with disastrous results. David bashes the husband's head in and kills him. David lures Annabel up to the house by saying he has information about the death of her husband. Poor Annabel doesn't have a clue that David's involved in all of this but it doesn't take her long to piece the puzzle together. David really flips here. He's definitely reached full blown delusion territory here. He claims Annabel is an imposter and she must be one of Gerald's (Annabel's deceased husband) friends. David ends up strangling Annabel to death. Just wait til you see that gem.
Linda's been listening to the radio and hears about Gerald's death. Curiousity gets the best of her and she goes to David's house to find out what happened. She gets the shock of her life as she's peering at Annabel dead in the bed and David's pretending that all is well and him and Annabel are as cozy as can be in their dream home. David ends up trying to strangle Linda but he's so out of his mind that he's under the delusion Annabel is calling for him and that's how Linda had her life spared and she could call the cops. The episode ends in a memorable manner as David's holding and talking to dead Annabel.
I can't begin to describe how awesome Dean Stockwell's performance is in this episode. There's not too many actors and actresses that are capable of acting with their eyes. Only two I can think of are Dean and Phyllis Thaxter. Just look at Dean's eyes when things go from bad to worse at the end of the episode and you'll see what I mean about his eyes.
I would highly recommend this episode and consider it another one on the list of "Best of Hitchcock'
So our episode centers on 4 main characters. David is the lead character. Let's just say he's not quite right in the head and it goes beyond daydreaming and pretending! He had a relationship with Annabel (Susan Oliver). It sounds to me like David ghosted Annabel. David explains he's got his reasons. He left her to take a job that pays well (for the time period). Although it probably tends to make a viewer laugh or even want to cry when you see how proud David is to have this job that pays that well and to know that in today's times a job that paid that amount would be at poverty levels.
Anyway, I can see where Annabel would probably think he dumped her in a very cruel way...like you just ditched me and didn't even explain it. So Annabel has moved on and she's even gotten married. Annabel's in love with this man (Gerald, our 3rd character) and David can't handle any of this. And he's trying his best to absolutely ignore the fact that Annabel's with another man. David keeps calling her, sent her an expensive piece of jewelry, etc. He's not taking 'NO!' for an answer.
Our fourth character is Linda. She's infatuated with David...just doesn't know he's off his rocker. She does know he's a liar. David goes off for the weekends with the reason that he's visiting his father. David's parents are both deceased. David is going up to the house he owns where his deluded daydream about Annabel can continue. He's got Annabel's portrait displayed and has so many things meant for her to have. Linda trailed David to this house and the poor lady looks absolutely crushed when she peers in and sees items meant for a woman. My guess is she was thinking David was just having an affair with another woman and no wonder Linda doesn't stand a chance in dating David.
Remember the piece of jewelry David sent Annabel? Annabel's husband blew his top when he saw that. He goes off to the apartment David normally stays at to try and confront David. David isn't there but his roommate and Linda are there. I think Linda had some hope that maybe David could be scared straight and whatever he's doing with this mystery lady will end and she'll still have a shot with David. Linda tells Annabel's husband the address of the house David stays at on the weekend. David's roommate asks her who's address is that and she replies that it's David's father's address.
So Annabel's husband goes to this house with disastrous results. David bashes the husband's head in and kills him. David lures Annabel up to the house by saying he has information about the death of her husband. Poor Annabel doesn't have a clue that David's involved in all of this but it doesn't take her long to piece the puzzle together. David really flips here. He's definitely reached full blown delusion territory here. He claims Annabel is an imposter and she must be one of Gerald's (Annabel's deceased husband) friends. David ends up strangling Annabel to death. Just wait til you see that gem.
Linda's been listening to the radio and hears about Gerald's death. Curiousity gets the best of her and she goes to David's house to find out what happened. She gets the shock of her life as she's peering at Annabel dead in the bed and David's pretending that all is well and him and Annabel are as cozy as can be in their dream home. David ends up trying to strangle Linda but he's so out of his mind that he's under the delusion Annabel is calling for him and that's how Linda had her life spared and she could call the cops. The episode ends in a memorable manner as David's holding and talking to dead Annabel.
I can't begin to describe how awesome Dean Stockwell's performance is in this episode. There's not too many actors and actresses that are capable of acting with their eyes. Only two I can think of are Dean and Phyllis Thaxter. Just look at Dean's eyes when things go from bad to worse at the end of the episode and you'll see what I mean about his eyes.
I would highly recommend this episode and consider it another one on the list of "Best of Hitchcock'
Not every psychotic is a Norman Bates...
binapiraeus11 August 2014
Unfortunately, this isn't one of the better episodes of our beloved TV series hosted by our beloved Alfred Hitchcock - it starts out as a quaint kind of 'love quintet', and later on concentrates on the sick fantasies of a young man obsessed by his love for beautiful 'Annabel'.
Quite obviously, Hitch was trying to borrow some elements from "Psycho" here - but, not every psychotic is a Norman Bates, and not every actor is an Anthony Perkins... And if you forgive me for saying so, 'Annabel', the way the episode portrays her, is really just about as dumb a 60s' chick as there could possibly be! Some eerie moments and shock elements just about make the whole thing a LITTLE more than average...
Quite obviously, Hitch was trying to borrow some elements from "Psycho" here - but, not every psychotic is a Norman Bates, and not every actor is an Anthony Perkins... And if you forgive me for saying so, 'Annabel', the way the episode portrays her, is really just about as dumb a 60s' chick as there could possibly be! Some eerie moments and shock elements just about make the whole thing a LITTLE more than average...
Obsession and Beyond
Hitchcoc6 May 2023
Dean Stockwell who often played spooky characters is front and center here, playing a man who dreams of getting a beautiful married woman back. He won't leave her alone. She is kind and puts up with his stalking but it only encourages him. Eventually, he comes to realize that if he is to get her, he has to get rid of the husband. This is a more violent offering than most of the Hitchcock opuses. The sad thing is the incompetence of the police and their willingness to listen to Stockwell's carefully contrived story. Hitchcock allows us to speculate on what happens next. There are lots of closeups of the psycho which makes realize his charisma.
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