Marital discord between writer Carl Borden and his wife Annette intensifies when poison is found in his food.Marital discord between writer Carl Borden and his wife Annette intensifies when poison is found in his food.Marital discord between writer Carl Borden and his wife Annette intensifies when poison is found in his food.
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Did you know
- TriviaThe use of arsenic in the green glaze has some basis in history. Green wallpaper was very popular among the affluent in the late 1800s, but it was eventually discovered that arsenic was leaching from the dyes into the air and slowly poisoning those who live in the rooms in which it was used. Though the arsenic on the outside of a vase wouldn't likely be much of a hazard, colorful pottery, has been notorious, even in recent years, for heavy metals leaching out of the glazes and into food that comes in contact with it.
- GoofsCarl enters Annette's studio while she is molding a vase. The clay is wet and glistening; in the next shot, the clay is completely dry.
- Quotes
[introduction]
Alfred Hitchcock: [With his hands thumbs up and on the lapels of his suit, Hitchcock faces the camera and paces back and forth as if he is arguing a case in a courtroom] Good evening. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the first case on today's docket is entitled "Malice Domestic." I hasten to add, however, that "Malice Domestic" is not about the servant problem, nor is it a puff for imported wines. It is concerned with some mysterious doings in a family of three: Carl Borden, his wife Annette, and their charming dog, Cassandra. To give you a clearer picture of exactly what happened, we now transport you to the scene of the crime where we shall reenact it.
- SoundtracksFuneral March of a Marionette
Written by Charles Gounod
Reviewer Hitchcoc is right—this is the sort of entry that won the series a loyal following and classic status. It's not exceptional, but is very well done in all departments. Note how subtly the screenplay hints at an extra-marital attraction between the silver-haired Perry and wife Annette, supplying her with needed motivation. Note also the effective way director Lucas uses blended close-ups of Meeker to stage the final scene, underscored with a lightly humorous touch—perfect for the Hitchcock style.
The athletic, muscular Meeker would seem an odd casting choice for a stay-at-home writer, but I guess it makes sense when you think about it. Thaxter was an early Hitchcock favorite, being so good at suggesting inner conflict. But it's really Lily Kardell's Lorna that I watched. She's a terrible actress but has the kind of dimples a guy could get lost in.
- dougdoepke
- Mar 16, 2010
Details
- Runtime30 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1