"The Magic Shop" is a short story written by Alfred Hitchcock, a master of suspense and mystery. The story revolves around a young boy, who enters a seemingly ordinary magic shop but soon discovers that there is something unusual about it. As the boy explores the shop, he encounters a peculiar shopkeeper who possesses extraordinary powers of perception. The shopkeeper is able to read the boy's mind and know his deepest desires. This creates a sense of unease and fascination for the boy, who becomes drawn to the magical allure of the shop. Throughout the story, Hitchcock builds suspense and tension, as the boy is tempted by the various magical and supernatural objects in the shop.
Design and illustration by Richard Gilbert (1970).
It s a surprise finding it so close to Christmas since I first read the story in the only Christmas present that s survived from childhood, a hefty collection of HG Wells short stories that I pestered my parents into buying me in 1973. The music score, by Lyn Murray, is notable, especially in the magic shop scene, because it sounds like early electronic music of the sort that would be utilized by John Carpenter in his films of the late 1970s.
Throughout the story, Hitchcock builds suspense and tension, as the boy is tempted by the various magical and supernatural objects in the shop. The boy's curiosity intensifies, and he becomes more daring in his exploration of the shop. However, each time he tries to handle or touch an item, the shopkeeper warns him with cryptic phrases, making the boy wonder about the true nature of these objects.
The Magic Shop by HG Wells
I discovered this TV adaptation by accident while looking for something else (more about the something else tomorrow). The Magic Shop is a 45-minute drama directed by Robert Stevens in 1964 for The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Writer John Collier adapted a script by James Parish that’s loosely based on the short story by HG Wells. The story is one I know very well, having read it many times, but I hadn’t come across this TV version before. It’s a surprise finding it so close to Christmas since I first read the story in the only Christmas present that’s survived from childhood, a hefty collection of HG Wells’ short stories that I pestered my parents into buying me in 1973. I mostly wanted to read The Time Machine but the other stories seemed promising, especially the ones illustrated by Richard Gilbert on the (miraculously intact) dustjacket: The Sea Raiders (sailors attacked by octopuses), The Flowering of the Strange Orchid (man attacked by tentacular plant), The Valley of Spiders (attacking spiders falling from the sky), and so on. The book as a whole runs to over 1000 pages, and proved to be a revelation with Wells ranging through fantasy, science fiction, horror, and oddities which don’t fit any category other than Robert Aickman’s indispensable label, “strange stories”. The book made me a lifelong Wellsian, and also spoiled me a little when I moved on to more recent science fiction and found many of the alleged greats to be appalling writers. Wells’ prose can’t compete with Robert Louis Stevenson but it’s still well-crafted in that no-nonsense late Victorian manner familiar to readers of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Design and illustration by Richard Gilbert (1970).
The Magic Shop is one of the strange stories, the shop in question being a mysterious establishment somewhere in Regent Street, London, one of those premises one discovers by accident then can’t find again. The narrator is informed by the proprietor that this is a Genuine Magic Shop, as distinct from the kind selling mere conjuring tricks. The meaning of this isn’t clear at first but while the narrator’s young son is being beguiled by the marvels on display we follow his father’s growing alarm when he realises there’s more to the shop than he anticipated, not all of it pleasant or fun. The story was published in Twelve Stories and A Dream in 1903, and can be read here.
The TV version takes the bare bones of the tale—curious shop, indeterminate location, friendly yet sinister proprietor—and blends it with the nasty-child-with-magic-powers theme that was dramatised so memorably by The Twilight Zone in It’s A Good Life. The Hitchcock show was made three years after the Twilight Zone episode so it’s easy to see It’s A Good Life as an influence. Leslie Nielsen is the father who takes his son, Tony (John Megna), to the fateful shop on his birthday. The proprietor informs the pair that Tony is “the right boy” since he found the shop in the first place, the subtext being that he’s also possesses the right character to be the recipient of some heavy voodoo abilities. The boy’s bad seed status has been telegraphed from the outset by a birthday gift from an uncle of a black leather jacket; throughout the scene in the shop he looks like a miniature hoodlum. More American anxiety about its troublesome youth? Maybe, although the episode ends so poorly that the whole thing comes across as a lazy piece of filler. This is, of course, a long, long way from the Wells story which is all the more effective for being elusive, understated and, yes, magical.
Hitchcock's storytelling style is filled with suspense and mystery, keeping readers engaged and intrigued. He conveys a sense of wonder and excitement, while also hinting at darker forces at play. As the story progresses, Hitchcock uses vivid descriptions and evocative language to create a sense of a surreal and eerie atmosphere within the shop. The climax of the story occurs when the shopkeeper reveals his ultimate trick – the transformation of a small, seemingly insignificant object into a magnificent and awe-inspiring creation. This act leaves the boy in awe and wonder, showcasing the true power and magic of the shop. In conclusion, "The Magic Shop" is a captivating and enchanting short story that perfectly displays Alfred Hitchcock's ability to create suspense and intrigue. It explores themes of curiosity, desire, and the allure of the unknown. Hitchcock's skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions make this story a must-read for fans of his work and lovers of the mystery genre..
Reviews for "Revisiting Alfred Hitchcock's "The Magic Shop": A Fascinating Cinematic Experience"
- John Smith - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "The Magic Shop Alfred Hitchcock" to be incredibly underwhelming. The storyline felt disjointed and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to engage with the characters or become invested in their journey. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on for what felt like an eternity while others were rushed and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
- Emma Johnson - ★★☆☆☆
"The Magic Shop Alfred Hitchcock" started off promising, but ultimately fell flat. While the concept of a magic shop with mysterious powers was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters and their supposed magic. Additionally, the ending was predictable and lacked any real surprises. Overall, I found the book to be average at best, and it didn't leave a lasting impression.
- Robert Thompson - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "The Magic Shop Alfred Hitchcock," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The plot was lacking originality and felt like a rehash of other supernatural-themed books I've read before. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. Furthermore, the writing style felt amateurish and lacked the polish I expected from a renowned author like Alfred Hitchcock. Overall, I was left disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.