Darlings, I am telling you, next to nuns, no profession rates the Madonna-Whore complex treatment in drama, like nursing. From the saintly image of Florence Nightingale (the gold standard) to the super wholesomeness of Cherry Ames in that series of girls' books (which, next to Nancy Drew, we just LOVE, darlings!!!!!!!!!) to that evil, officious Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest."
And don't forget, back in 1966, in South Chicago, a man named Richard Speck went on a killing spree, murdering eight student nurses. Perhaps I will examine that one another time, loves; after all, what issues did he have, especially as he only went after nurses?????
Which brings me to the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode, "An Unlocked Window." I was not a regular viewer of this show during its prime--as a child, it probably was aired, as most good stuff was, past my bedtime--so I had never heard of this particular episode until recently, when I was preparing to write my Mother's Day posting, using Mrs. Bates from "Psycho." Somewhere in my gathering of info, this segment came up, being described as the "Psycho" of the series; it was THAT scary. And, no coincidence I am sure, the exterior shots of the house, which are seen extensively, is none other than the actual "Psycho" house.
Fabulous Fifties beauty Dana Wynter (who played Becky in the original "Invasion of The Body Snatchers" ) plays Nurse Stella Crosson, who is assigned to care for an invalid patient named Glendon Baker (played by former "Tea And Sympathy" lead John Kerr!!!!!!!) whose illness is never revealed, but such that it requires oxygen tanks and an oxygen tent. She is assisted by Nurse Betty Ames (T.C. Jones) who is fresh from the Hope Emerson school of Dyke Officiousness. With them are the alcoholic housekeeper, Maude Isles, (Louise Latham, fresh from her triumph as Tippi Hedren's mother in Hitchcock's "Marnie") and her handyman husband, Sam (E.J.Andre).
It is established by news bulletins that a serial killer is on the loose. He preys only on nurses, and before we are introduced to the household above, we see a nurse being stalked and killed by the perpetrator, who utters the macabre line "You're such a pretty nurse!" It is interesting that this episode was filmed and broadcast before the Richard Speck killings, which cannot help but lead me to wonder if Speck was inspired by this in any way.
As you would expect, it is a dark and stormy night. The house is dark and creepy. The one man on the premises, the elderly Sam, is sent on an errand, to get an extra oxygen tank, making sure they have enough oxygen for Mr. Baker to get him through the night.
The prospect of a killer on the loose frightens the remaining women. So Stella goes about the place, making sure the doors and windows are locked. In the basement, she is frightened by a mouse--she traumatically fears mice, apparently, and so one basement window remains unlocked...and banging in the storm. Hence, the title.
Darlings, let me tell you, everyone does a superb job, but it is the great Louise Latham, as alcoholic Maude Isles, who walks off with the show. The shot of her sitting up in bed and screaming outright is a classic!!!!!!!!!!! As for the denouement, I will not reveal what happens, except to say it is influenced by "Psycho," but, had I not read about it, I am sure I would not have seen it coming. I am fairly certain audiences who saw this in 1965 did not anticipate it, and were genuinely shocked, especially as many of Middle America did not see "Psycho," but tuned in to Hitchcock's TV show, as it was more accessible. And not quite as violent as "Psycho."
But what this episode does for nurses--oh, honey!!!!!!!! I can tell you, my mother, who had been a nurse, would have been appalled, if she had seen this!!!!!!!!!!!!
However, I know all my girls out there will just LOVE it!!!!!! And think twice on your next doctor visit, when you see the nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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