"You Got to Have Luck" signals the first of four Robert Stevens-directed episodes in a row. Stevens was the most frequent director on 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' for very good reason and directed some truly fine episodes, a few from the first season. The series is a very interesting one and a must if a fan of Hitchcock, count me as one and have been since my late teens. Even the lesser entries are better than a lot of shows/series at their worst, speaking as someone that didn't like every episode.
This is one of the episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' to be in the "like it" category. No, make that love. Although it is not perfect and its main criticism of its lack of realism is valid, "You Got to Have Luck" to me is a great episode and can totally see why it is one of the highest rated episodes of Season 1. It is one of the best of that season and one of the best of those that Stevens directed. Not sure about it being one of my favourites of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', but as far as the first half of Season 1 goes and the season overall it compares favourably.
Will agree that some of Cobett's decision making is rather rash and confused.
And although the twist is extremely clever and completely unexpected, it will be unrealistic to those that have prior knowledge of what it revolves around.
However, there is so much great here. John Cassavetes is the main reason as to why "You Got to Have Luck" works so well, it is an intensely sinister performance that does leave one unsettled. Marisa Pavan is alluring but not passive. Stevens' direction is tight and accomplished, his experience in regard to the series and the genre are evident. The script is thought provoking and lean, and Hitchcock certainly delivers on his dry drollness in the bookending.
Despite not always being easy to swallow, the story is still very suspenseful and full of atmosphere, as well as moving at a lively pace. While the twist doesn't completely come off, its cleverness and "didn't see it coming" factor stop it from being a failure and make it interesting instead. The episode is slickly and atmospherically filmed and the main theme for the series is wonderfully devillish.
Overall, great. 8.5/10.
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