Review: "The Tin Man" by Henry Slesar

 

“The Tin Man” by Henry Slesar Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine June 1984   Henry Slesar is best remembered for his television writing. He wrote episodes for Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Man From U.N.C.L.E, and a bunch of other programs from the late-1950s to the 1980s. He was a maestro of the ironic twist ending so popular in 20th century television anthology series, and short stories from every generation. Speaking of short stories, Slesar’s output numbered in the hundreds. He primarily wrote science fiction and mystery for, in the beginning, pulps like Manhunt and Amazing Stories, before moving into digests like Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine, and Galaxy. His 1984 tale, “The Tin Man,” which I read recently, is an unabashed example of Henry Slesar at his best. The henpecked Harry Budnar is a clothing salesman by necessity—his wealthy wife, Jasmine, insists he keep working—and a technology junkie by aspiration. When the unhappy couple arrive at their friends’ home, Tom and Fleur Polanski, Harry is astounded with the robot that answers the door. Rex, which is the robot’s name, can speak—it responds to Harry’s greeting with, “Hello, Dummy!”—it can traverse the Polanski’s cluttered house, and, once Tom has attached the arm, it will be able to grasp and lift objects. Harry is instantly smitten with the idea of building his own robot. A robot he is certain would be far superior to Rex. But, of course, the domineering Jasmine steps in with her demands and threats, which leaves Harry looking for a solution to his problem. It’s possible the well-read mystery reader may see where, “The Tin Man,” is going early in the narrative (or maybe not since there is a bastard of an ironic twist ending), but it is told so well—with humor, suspense, and an almost tongue-in-cheek style—that it doesn’t matter a whit. Harry as the downtrodden spouse is played perfectly and the reader, by increments, finds himself rooting for the less than perfect husband. The old school technology of the 1980s is fun, too. Did I mention the ending? It may or may not surprise you, but I guarantee it will make you smile.