Hitchcock and Santa Claus. That's like pairing a glass of lemonade with a lump of sugar. But leave it to curmudgeonly actor Fitzgerald to bridge the gap, which he does in slyly fine fashion. Seems he's a petty criminal on parole, something of a habit over a long lifetime. But he better straighten out this time or it's the slammer for his remaining years. So what job does the parole assistant (Gregg) find for him. Why it's a Santa Claus gig in a big department store. After all, what's more appropriate than lining up the old sourpuss with a string of adoring kids who can't wait to sit on his lap. Well, you can imagine the rest.
Okay, I'm drawn to X-mas shows like a fly to a swatter. But this one's a goodie, hitting the right non-sappy notes. Fitz is perfect for the role, looking like he's just come off a two week bender; plus, I like the way they've supplied deeper motivation for his swiping the jet plane. After all, why should a kid follow him down the same rocky slope. Good also to see fine utility actress Gregg on a break from Dragnet, and looking all fresh and sparkly. All in all, it's a X- mas episode worthy of the Hitch brand and this grumpy old viewer's down time.