Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series)

Listen, Listen.....! (1958)

Alfred Hitchcock: Self - Host

Quotes 

• [introduction - Hitchcock is standing by a record player which he activates] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : [on the record player]  Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you will excuse the use of this mechanical device, but I have a mild case of laryngitis and I don't wish to strain my voice. Tonight's story is en...

  [the record keeps repeating "Tonight's story is en..." until Hitchcock moves the needle] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you will excuse this broken record, but it was improperly handled. Tonight's play is called "Listen, Listen".

  [the record keeps repeating "Listen, Listen" until Hitchcock moves the needle again] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : But "Listen, Listen" really is the name of the story.

  [the record keeps repeating "Listen, Listen" again until Hitchcock stops it and speaks with a whisper] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : I think we have made that point quite clear. Now, to save my voice, I think we shall indulge in some mental telepathy. Look at the expression on my face and see if you can tell what is coming next.

• [afterword - Hitchcock is still next to the record speaking hoarsely] 

  Alfred Hitchcock : To speak and not be heard. That is a frustrating fate. It probably accounts for the strange behavior of our sponsor. So, for the next minute, pay strict attention lest he become more neurotic than he is. I shall see you in sixty seconds.

  [commercial break, after which Hitchcock silently gestures that he's lost his voice, but hopes to regain it by next week's program]