Paul Henreid was the second most prolific director for 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', the most prolific being Robert Stevens. He was also one of the most variable, with no real misfires but not very many truly great ones ("The Crooked Road" though was exceptional). The other main reason for seeing "Out There Darkness" was for Bette Davis in the lead role, an acting legend and one of the best and most iconic of her generation, in a role that sounded perfect for her.
"Out There Darkness" was on the whole a real winner, with it being a very good episode if falling a little short of being great. Not one of the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' classics, but it is a great representation of Davis and one of Henreid's better 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes (if not "The Crooked Road" level). It is not perfect in terms of story and writing, but it does feature one of the better lead performances from Season 4 in a season full of great performances.
It is agreed that how the suspect is convicted does not make sense.
Also felt that some of the dialogue was far too campy which didn't gel well for an episode that could be quite dark.
Davis however is wonderful, she was always great at playing mean spirited, awful characters (one of the all-time greats at it) and she shows that here in a performance that really does unsettle. Her character is very well fleshed out too, with the viewer learning a huge amount about her very quickly very early on. James Congdon is strong too if not on her level with a character not as interesting, but only because Davis and her character dominates every frame thrillingly. Hitchcock's bookending is still wildly entertaining and full of his usual droll humour.
Moreover, Henreid's direction ensures that the tension does not slip and it is some of his most assured and most inspired, after seeing episodes of his where his direction was undistinguished. Most of the script is thoughtful and fleshes Davis' character out beautifully, while much of the story is darkly tense, is compelling and has tension, while not being too simple or convoluted. It avoids being too melodramatic too. It is very well made, not lavish but very rich in atmosphere (especially some suitably moody shots) and slick. The main theme has never gotten old and fits the tone of the series beautifully.
Overall, very good. 8/10.