Well, the intros and outros in the American-aired episodes were specifically shot to mock the importance of commercials for TV shows in particular, those in the British-aired episodes had some other purpose and had a different tone, say, a British humor. The first example of shooting different intros and outros based on different audiences is in the first season episode ‘And So Died Riabouchinska’. In addition (maybe not because of this but for other reasons), part of the intros or the outros in some episodes on the DVDs are missing.
‘And So Died Riabouchinska’ Intro
(Hitchcock as a ventriloquist) Good evening. This misty bit of ectoplasm forming on the inside of your television tube, is one Alfred Hitchcock. I have materialized for the purpose of warning you that following a word from our dear patron, we shall present tonight 's story entitled ‘And So Died Riabouchinska’. That is all I have to say just now, but don’t be alarmed, I shall return. Old television actors never die, they only fade away. (fade out for commercial)
ALTERNATE NARRATIVE:
(Hitchcock as a ventriloquist) Good evening. This misty bit of ectoplasm forming on the inside of your television tube, is one Alfred Hitchcock. We shall present tonight’s story entitled ‘And So Died Riabouchinska’. That is all I have to say just now, but don’t be alarmed, I shall return. Old television actors never die, they only fade away. (fade out for commercial)
Outro
And so died Riabouchinska. I hope you, uh…
(Tell 'em about the commercial, Mr. Hitchcock.)
In due time Alfred, in due time. I hope you have…
(My name is Alfie, I’m Mr. Hitchcock’s conscience. I bet you didn’t think he had any.)
Alfred!
(Mr. Hitchcock has one alright, he just doesn’t pay me any attention, that’s all.)
Alfred! I wish I knew how to turn one of these things off.
(A very irresponsible man, Mr. Hitchcock. He never pays the proper attention to the commercials either. He spends all of his time with those frivolous toys of his.)
Are you quite finished, Alfred?
(Yes, sir.)
I hope you have enjoyed our play.
(commercial break)
Do you wanna tell the people you’ll be back, Alfred?
(No sir, I’m not coming back. I’ve decided to have a bit of fun, for a change. You see, you may have a conscience but I don’t.)
Why, Alfred?
(But don’t you worry, our Mr. Hitchcock will be back, I’ll see to that. Good night.)
ALTERNATE NARRATIVE:
That was pleasant. It also reminded me of my youth. When I was once a part of a vaudeville act called ‘Dr. Speewack and his puppets’. But I never cared for Dr. Speewack, he thought he was better than the rest of us. But so much for tonight’s entertainment. Until the next time, we return with another play. Good night.
