Never Speak Ill of the Dead story
Irene, the wife of a country doctor, has a reputation for promiscuity. She again becomes the subject of gossip when she disappears. Soon, speculation begins to grow that her husband has murdered her and buried her in the cellar. Remake of "De Mortuis," Alfred Hitchcock Presents (S2E3, 14 October 1956), starring Robert Emhardt. Directed by: John Gorrie. Story by: John Collier.
9 total · 1 choice · 7 major · 1 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| spouse murder | choice | We are lead to believe that the doctor might have killed and burred his wife in the cellar - then he did. |
| covering up a crime to save a friend | major | David's friends Bob and Sim were prepared to help him cover up his wife's murder. |
| friendship | major | David's friends Bob and Sim were prepared to help him cover up his wife's murder. |
| husband and wife | major | Dr. David Rankin and Irene Rankin. |
| loyalty to a friend | major | Bob and Sim professed themselves ready to lie for their friend Dr. Rankin. |
| promiscuity | major | "Irene Taylor: who didn't nail her?" was the catch phrase. |
| what if I was accused of a crime that I didn't commit | major | Bob and Sim accused David of murdering his wife. It turned out their accusation was a little premature. |
| young and old romance | major | Dr. Rankin mentioned that Irene was much younger than him. |
| romantic infidelity | minor | The idea that Irene could have been unfaithful was refuted in such a way that the possibility became topical. |