Alfred Hitchcock Hour: "The Magic Shop" is an episode of the popular American television anthology series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents. It first aired on November 3, 1963, as the seventh episode of the second season of the show. Directed by Robert Stevens and written by James Bridges, the episode tells the story of an aspiring writer who is given a magical typewriter that can bring his stories to life. The episode begins with a struggling writer named Ernie Walters, who is frustrated with his lack of success. He visits a mysterious magic shop owned by a man named Mr. Borelli.
Borelli. Intrigued by the strange objects in the shop, Ernie decides to purchase a typewriter that Borelli claims has magical powers. Excited by the possibilities, Ernie takes the typewriter home and starts typing a story about a beautiful woman who falls in love with him.
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To his surprise, the woman from his story appears in his apartment. Overwhelmed by the power of his typewriter, Ernie continues to write more stories, each one bringing new characters to life. However, Ernie soon realizes that his creations are not as perfect as he had envisioned. The characters become flawed and unpredictable, causing chaos in Ernie's life. He attempts to destroy the typewriter but is unable to, as it seems to have a will of its own. As the episode progresses, Ernie becomes increasingly terrified and desperate to rid himself of the typewriter. He seeks help from Mr. Borelli, who reveals that the typewriter's magic can only be broken if Ernie writes a story in which he sacrifices himself. Reluctantly, Ernie writes this story, and to his relief, the typewriter and the characters disappear. In the end, Ernie is left alone, realizing the danger of his desire for power and control. He decides to give up his dreams of becoming a famous writer and focuses instead on leading a simple and content life. "The Magic Shop" is a thought-provoking episode that explores themes of power, creativity, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one's control. It showcases Alfred Hitchcock's mastery of suspense and psychological storytelling, leaving viewers with a chilling reminder of the dangers that can come with the pursuit of one's desires..
Reviews for "The Fine Line between Reality and Illusion in Alfred Hitchcock Hour: The Magic Shop"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Alfred Hitchcock Hour: The Magic Shop". The plot seemed promising, but it quickly fell flat. The acting was mediocre, and the special effects were laughable. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggling to finish the episode. Overall, it failed to live up to the quality I expect from Alfred Hitchcock productions.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "The Magic Shop" episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Hour" was a complete waste of time. The story was poorly developed and lacked any suspense or intrigue. The acting was wooden, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the twists in the plot were predictable, leaving no room for genuine surprise or suspense. I was highly disappointed with this episode and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a quality mystery or thriller.
3. Mark - 2/5 - "Alfred Hitchcock Hour: The Magic Shop" left much to be desired. The storyline had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The acting was subpar and failed to bring the characters to life. There were a few interesting moments, but overall, it was a forgettable episode that did not capture the essence of Alfred Hitchcock's work.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I love Alfred Hitchcock's movies, but "The Magic Shop" episode of Alfred Hitchcock Hour was a disappointment. The concept had promise, but the execution was lacking. The plot felt disjointed and lacked cohesiveness, making it difficult to follow and invest in the story. The acting was also underwhelming, failing to convey the necessary emotions. Overall, it fell short of the suspenseful and captivating experiences I usually associate with Alfred Hitchcock's work.