Where the Woodbine Twineth

I took these still shots to capture, study, and share the black doll featured in the 1965 episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, "Where the Woodbine Twineth," (season 3, episode 13). The full-length episode was available for viewing online at the time this post was originally published. It is now on the Peacock and Roku apps under The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, season 3, episode 13.

Top-to-bottom images feature Numa (the doll), Eva (role portrayed by the young actress Eileen Baral), and Suse (the maid, actress Juanita Moore who also starred as Annie, the maid in the 1959 release of Imitation of Life).

Hitchcock's "Where the Woodbine Twineth" is about an orphaned girl who goes to live with her stern, spinster aunt, her grandfather's sister.  Eva's grandfather gifts Eva, who already has imaginary friends, with a black doll named, Numa. In the classic Alfred Hitchcock style, a turn of events brings the doll to life (live doll played by actress, Lila Perry). 

After viewing this episode, I wondered whether Numa was on the market in or around 1965 or if she was a mere set doll.  After viewing the episode, taking and examining the still shots, I believe Numa was a flirty-eyed white doll painted black/brown  Interestingly, the dress and hairstyle of Lila Perry are quite similar to that of Patti Playpal dolls.

In one of the scenes, Eva has an affectionate interaction with Suse (who gives the child more attention than anyone). 

In several scenes when her Aunt catches Eva talking to her imaginary friends and Eva attempts to convince her they are real, Eva says, "You never believe me when I tell you things are real."

The final scene is when Eva and Numa exchange places much to the aunt's dismay.

Commentary:  During the 1960s when this Alfred Hitchcock episode aired, status and perceived privilege were often depicted in televised shows as well as on film.  Art imitated life, particularly southern American life where white privilege was blatantly apparent. The portrayal of  African Americans as insignificant beings or hired help was the unfortunate norm on film and TV, as evidenced in this Hitchcock episode specifically the aunt's harsh treatment of Numa at the end.

We've come a long way here in America, but we still have an even longer road to travel with reference to recognizing everyone’s humanity and their inalienable rights. 

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