The ending is very interesting and very surprising, it just could have gone into more depth. Half an hour is too little for a story of this nature. Furthermore, it is one of the episodes that would have benefitted from being longer by at least 15 minutes and even better feature length. However, "A Bullet for Baldwin" did feel rushed at times, a lot goes on and sometimes at a fast rate and the final act especially could have done with a slowing down and expansion because it did start getting a little too complicated. John Qualen excels in the psychologically fascinating lead role and Cabot relishes his part. The story is very compelling and never dull, it is not perfect by all means but it is also quite suspenseful and twisty. Liked how tongue in cheek it was too, and in a way that was amusing and not corny or too broad. In terms of scripting, "A Bullet for Baldwin" is thought-provoking and doesn't have any excess fat. Hitchcock's bookends are typically droll, remember not being crazy about them to begin with but there were some inspired crackers throughout the series' run. The wonderfully devillish theme tune is a classic, and one of those that one hears in popular culture a lot before and since and recognise it without knowing what it is (Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette"). While not enhancing the atmosphere as such, when it is used the music doesn't distract or feel at odds either. It is slickly and atmospherically made visually and Addiss' direction is tight enough as well as controlled. It is good and does do a lot that is highly commendable, but it didn't wow me and this is one of the half hour episodes that would have been better with a longer length with a story of this nature. "A Bullet for Baldwin" to me is one of the high middle entries in the series. There are better episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', of Season 1 (which was not always smooth sailing but was mostly solid) and overall. It is always great to see Sebastian Cabot, best known to me for 'Family Affair' and his Disney voiceover work. Really liked the idea, quite complicated conceptually but always liked the more psychological kind of stories. The first one being "Salvage", which to me is a very good episode and saw the series get back on track after a quality dip for a few episodes. "A Bullet for Baldwin" is the second 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode to be directed by Justus Addiss. After all, it wouldn't have been nearly as interesting nor surprising if John Wayne or Robert Mitchum had played such a part! Overall, a very strange episode and one that you won't soon forget. Surprisingly, no police arrive and Stepp's job calls him in the morning to ask him why he didn't come in to work! What about the dead boss? What about the blood and bullet? Here's the kicker.the boss IS there and things seem normal!! What is happening? And, what's Stepp going to do next? Hiring John Qualen for this role was brilliant, as he as among the meekest looking actors of his age, apart, perhaps, with the exception of Donald Meek (his real name), who died a decade before this episode was filmed. Stepp goes home and expects to be arrested any moment. Stepp's response is surprising for such a mousy man, as he soon enters his now ex-boss's office and makes him an ex-living person.shooting him at point blank range. Stepp (John Qualen), is fired from his nasty boss, Mr. When the episode begins, a very meek man, Mr.
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