Women in their 50's have never been a popular commodity on TV, especially during the glamour-obsessed 1950's. But then this series was not typical of its time, which is why it's still being re-run 50 years later.
This is a slender, character-driven episode with some deftly humorous touches. The murder mystery is secondary to Lottie Slocum's little fantasy world where she imagines herself a size 10 again and the object of handsome Mr. Nash's affections. In reality, she's an aging, plain- faced babysitter with little to look forward to except old age. No wonder she dreams. Her gawky friend Blanche enjoys puncturing these harmless exaggerations and we wonder why Lottie puts up with her.
Together actresses Ritter and Wickes play off one another beautifully, with needling little exchanges that are often subtly amusing. In fact, it's quite a clever script with thoughtful touches from director Stevens (Lottie embarrassingly on the floor when the cop walks in). Still and all, it's hard to feel too sympathetic toward Lottie. Maybe it's Ritter's voice tone which can be grating or maybe it's Lottie's insistent little dream world which prevents her from seeing what we do. Nonetheless, in my book, it's a rather memorable little episode entertainingly told Hitchcock style.
(In passing—note that Newton's Mr. Nash never speaks a word even though he takes up significant screen time. Was that to keep costs down {non-speaking parts cost less} or maybe to keep his character dreamlike which is how Lottie sees him. Anyway, it seems odd.)