The Jar Review - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Cori aka ChrisSCrush · 03-17-2026, 09:02 PM

The 1964 episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, “The Jar,” is based on the story of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury has often been treated badly in filmed adaptations and I rejoice to say this is one of the rare and shining exceptions. The episode is well constructed, well acted, and true to the source material. It is one of the best filmed Bradbury adaptations.

Charlie Hill, played by Pat Buttram, becomes obsessed with the creepy contents of a large glass jar on display at a carnival sideshow. The crafty owner, played by Billy Barty, guesses how much money Charlie has on him and offers to sell the jar for the princely sum of twelve dollars. Charlie drives home proud of his new acquisition, which he first shows to a couple of friends.

Charlie’s lisping, unpleasant, annoying wisp of a wife, Thedy Sue, played by Collin Wilcox, is horrified by the jar, but Charlie insists on inviting the neighborhood over to admire it. Different people give opinions on what they think is in it and its meaning. George Lindsey gives a fine dramatic performance as Juke Marmer, who has an affecting speech. He should have won an award for this.

Even the music is perfect. Composer Bernard Herrmann uses the famous “Dies irae” or “Day of Wrath” opening eight or so notes which occur in hundreds of movies and shows, played in carnival music style. It appears clearly and repeatedly in certain scenes and is most effective.

Thedy Sue determines to ruin Charlie’s fun, but she may not have the last word.

Maybe ten minutes of this is filler not from the story but is still interesting. The rest is taken pretty exactly from the story, brilliantly filmed and acted. The sets, costumes, and props give just the right atmosphere and the talent is top notch. On this viewing, I noticed that Charlie actually has a TV set. It may not work, but if so it doesn’t matter. Everyone is fixated on the jar.

This was also filmed for The Ray Bradbury Theater but they could not top or even come close to this version. Top rated!

03-17-2026, 09:02 PM	#1
Cori aka ChrisSCrush Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 30, 2001 Location: USA and still trying to be proud of it! Posts: 2,068	The Jar Review The 1964 episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, “The Jar,” is based on the story of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury has often been treated badly in filmed adaptations and I rejoice to say this is one of the rare and shining exceptions. The episode is well constructed, well acted, and true to the source material. It is one of the best filmed Bradbury adaptations. Charlie Hill, played by Pat Buttram, becomes obsessed with the creepy contents of a large glass jar on display at a carnival sideshow. The crafty owner, played by Billy Barty, guesses how much money Charlie has on him and offers to sell the jar for the princely sum of twelve dollars. Charlie drives home proud of his new acquisition, which he first shows to a couple of friends. Charlie’s lisping, unpleasant, annoying wisp of a wife, Thedy Sue, played by Collin Wilcox, is horrified by the jar, but Charlie insists on inviting the neighborhood over to admire it. Different people give opinions on what they think is in it and its meaning. George Lindsey gives a fine dramatic performance as Juke Marmer, who has an affecting speech. He should have won an award for this. Even the music is perfect. Composer Bernard Herrmann uses the famous “Dies irae” or “Day of Wrath” opening eight or so notes which occur in hundreds of movies and shows, played in carnival music style. It appears clearly and repeatedly in certain scenes and is most effective. Thedy Sue determines to ruin Charlie’s fun, but she may not have the last word. Maybe ten minutes of this is filler not from the story but is still interesting. The rest is taken pretty exactly from the story, brilliantly filmed and acted. The sets, costumes, and props give just the right atmosphere and the talent is top notch. On this viewing, I noticed that Charlie actually has a TV set. It may not work, but if so it doesn’t matter. Everyone is fixated on the jar. This was also filmed for The Ray Bradbury Theater but they could not top or even come close to this version. Top rated!
	Last edited by Cori aka ChrisSCrush; 03-17-2026 at 10:37 PM. Reason: I initially neglected to mention the music.