Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Set in London in 1817, the story centres on a silk petticoat that once belonged to the first wife of a newly remarried man. The garment dramatically exposes his true, profoundly wicked nature, with Michael Rennie starring in the production.

The Silk Petticoat is a programme formatted as an episode, classified under the episode genre. It offers a self‑contained story that unfolds within a single instalment, rather than spanning multiple parts. The title hints at a central object that drives the narrative forward, setting the tone for what follows. It centres on a single dramatic incident that hinges on an item of clothing. The story is set in London in 1817, where a silk petticoat once owned by a man's first wife comes back into focus. When the newly remarried gentleman is examined through this garment, the fabric uncovers a darker side to his character, revealing him as profoundly evil. The revelation forces those around him to confront the true nature of the man they thought they knew. The production features Michael Rennie in a leading role, anchoring the tale with his presence. Rennie's involvement ties the narrative together, giving weight to the revelations that emerge from the petticoat's discovery. His performance forms the core of the episode's unfolding drama. Rennie's portrayal adds a palpable tension as the truth unfolds. Overall, the episode uses the seemingly simple item of a silk petticoat to expose hidden malice within a domestic setting. By situating the plot in early nineteenth‑century London, it creates a period backdrop that amplifies the impact of the moral uncovering. The concise storytelling ensures the focus remains on the moral contrast between appearance and reality. The concise format delivers a clear, focused story.