Reviews (3)

The best "Twilight Zone" love story (and another one)
Both of these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" reflect one of Rod Serling's favorite themes, which is people being given a second chance. "The Trade-Ins" (April 20, 1962) features veteran actors Joseph Schildkraut and Alma Platt as John and Marie Holt, who visit the New Life Corporation hoping to translate their personalities into beautiful young, artificial bodies. However, they only have enough money for ONE operation. This episode is my favorite "Twilight Zone" love story, made all the more effective by the performances of Schildkraut and Platt. You would have thought that with all those other episodes to choose from they could have come up with a better second episode to pair with it on this videotape.

"Third from the Sun" (January 8, 1960) is about the end of the world (almost). Adapted by Serling from Richard Matheson's short story, the episode tells of scientist William Sturka (Fritz Weaver), who is convinced the world is about to end in a nuclear war. Along with test pilot Jerry Riden (Joe Maross), they escape with their families to a new planet. This is one of those episodes that is going to be more effective for those who were not weaned on "The Twilight Zone," because most of us can see the twist coming at the end of this one. Yes, the spaceship used in this episode is the one from the classic 1956 film "Forbidden Planet."

Stories about new chances
It could be said that the episodes on this compilation share a common theme of getting a chance to start again. They are, however very different. While i found The Trade-Ins a pleasant, if unspectacular watch, Third From The Sun blew my top.
In a strong contrast to the Trade-Ins, an emotional episode, Third From The Sun is a nervous, tight piece of doomsday fear. I must say, the USA of late 50's let some VERY thinly disguised political criticism be broadcast..The strong visual style and the pacifist theme of the story remind me very much of the Outer Limits.
Third From The Sun is one of those very few TZ episodes that might have worked even at 45 minute length. The tension starts in the first scene and keeps up until the end...and what an end!
I strongly recommend this episode to anyone comparing TZ and Outer Limits unfavorably. The two series had a LOT in common, Twilight Zone is just a lot more varied. And oh yes, The Trade-Ins isn't a waste of time either :-)

Excellent Tape....period.
I am a huge fan of the Twilight Zone. "The Trade Ins" is a mildly disturbing tale, yet good. But "Third from the Sun is one of the series's best. Good overall episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A pair of sub-par "TZ" episodes by Montgomery Pittman
This particular volume in "The Twilight Zone" videotape series has a pair of episodes written and directed by Montgomery Pittman, which might explain why they are a couple of subpar efforts overall. "The Grave" (October 27, 1961) starts with Pinto Sykes (Richard Geary) being gunned down by the folks in a western town. They had hired Conny Miller (Lee Marvin, in his first "TZ" appearance) to do the job, but he never caught up with Sykes and we have doubts about his courage. Now Miller hears that before he died Sykes vowed to grab Miller if he ever came near his grave. The mood is rather spooky, but why a killer would want to get the coward who never even tried to kill him is a rather big hole that keeps this one from really working. Look for familiar faces Strother Martin as Mothershed and Lee Van Cleef as Steinhart in this one.

"The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" (February 23, 1962) finds the title character (James Best, who had the bit of Johnny Rob in "The Grave") suddenly sitting up in his coffin at his funeral. However Jeff does not seem exactly normal; in fact, he seems better. Now he likes to work hard and can win fistfights, all of which has the local folk and his fiancee Comfort Gatewood (Sherry Jackson) a might spooked. There is certainly a rustic charm to this episode, which is the second best one on the disc. I would have sworn it was an Earl Hammer, Jr. episode, but I was certainly wrong on that score (if Hammer had written it, "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" would have been a lot better).

So-so
I have to agree with the previous reviewer; "The Grave" had a promising premise, but was undermined by a weak ending; however, it is worth watching the typically strong performance by the great Lee Marvin. Unfortunately, however, this episode is paired with "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank", a silly episode with James Best delivering a typically overwrought portrayal of his usual annoying cornpone clown, the sort of half-witted hayseed character which has long been his trademark. So, for optimum viewing pleasure, enjoy Lee Marvin, and fast-forward through James ("aw, shucks") Best.

Lee Marvin's first role in the Zone...yipee.
The brilliance of writer-director Montgomery Pittman enhances the first episode, which could've really soared if it hadn't bogged down in a weak finale. A twist it is but a shock it is not. "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" is a joke for the Zone, a poorly plotted and only intermittenly successful twist on funerals. If you enjoy Lee Marvin, by all means buy it. But if you don't, don't say I didn't warn you! Collectors will be the only ones interested. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Passage from Death to Life
In all, Jack Klugman starred in four episodes of The Twilight Zone. These include the deeply moving "In Praise of Pip" (made in 1963) and this excellent 1960 episode, "A Passage for Trumpet." With his "odd, intense face" (Rod Serling's description of the character Klugman plays) and his "everyman" persona, Klugman is ideal in the role of Joey Crown, a disillusioned jazz musician who commits suicide after selling his beloved trumpet. Joey then undergoes an IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE-like progression from despair to gratitude for the joy his talent can give. He learns to appreciate the beauty in life, and in a touching conclusion the sound of his trumpet attracts the attention of a nice young woman. Klugman's performance, the fine supporting cast, the evocative musical score, the marvelous camera work, and - of course - writer Serling's combination of darkness and sentiment make "A Passage for Trumpet" well worth seeing.

A couple of guys get second chances in the Twilight Zone
There is clearly a common thread to the two episodes on this Twilight Zone collection as two men are offered second chances, with decidedly different results. Jack Klugman makes his return appearance to the Zone in "A Passage for Trumpet." In this Rod Serling script, Klugman plays the despairing Joey Crown, who tries to commit suicide by throwing himself in front of a truck. Apparently a ghost, Joey returns to his old haunts and discovers his life but not have been wonderful, but it was pretty good. A man with a trumpet offers Joey a second chance. John Anderson as "Gabriel" lends a nice touch to this episode, directed by Don Meddord. "The Four of Us are Dying" tells the story of Arch Hammer, who is played by Harry Townes, Ross Martin, Phillip Pine and Don Gordon, because he has the ability to change his face. Trying to improve his lot in life, Townes finds he keeps picking the wrong person to impersonate. Written by Rod Serling from an unpublished story by George Clayton Johnson, this episode was directed by John Brahm. The first episode, with the nice performance by Klugman, is the better Zone of the two.

Great show starring Jack Klugman
Although best known for playing Oscar on the Odd Couple, Jack is also a good serious dramatic actor too, and this tape shows a Twilight Zone episode where he plays a trumpet player who wants to end his life, but a guardian angel (John Anderson) shows him that music and life are inner-connected and that he should try to apply the magic in music to his life. Another Twilight Zone classic from Rod Serling.

Great second episode too!
In the second episode on this video, "The Four Of Us Are Dying", Ross Martin of the original Wild Wild West television series guest stars as a man with the ability to change himself so that he appears like anyone else he chooses.

Superb science fantasy with a touch of the godly....
Absolutely smashing performancy by "early" Jack Klugman. Clear delineation of character marked by a taut script, clean direction and the usual "Twilight Zone" mastery of the camera and lighting. All designed to create one of the best of the best of Mr. Serling's hallmark series! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buster Keaton is okay but J. Pat O'Malley shines in the Zone
Comedy rather than terror is the rule in this pair of episodes from "The Twilight Zone," neither of which was written by series creator Rod Serling. To my surprise "Once Upon a Time" (December 15, 1961) was written by Richard Matheson and provides a rare opportunity for outright slapstick in the Zone. The episode features the great silent comedian Buster Keaton as janitor Woodrow Mulligan. Disgusted with the fast paced and high priced society of 1890, Woodrow steals a "time helmet" from the inventor who employs him, and travels to 1962. Of course, he is in for quite a bit of future shock. The 1890 sequences are down in silent fashion, with cards instead of dialogue, but the humor is trite rather than funny. Keaton is fine, but the gags are second-rate at best, which is really a surprise since the episode was directed by Norman Z. McLeod, who directed the Marx Brothers films "Horse Feathers" and "Monkey Business." This is just one of those cases were major talents come together and produce a small pop instead of a big bang. Notice that Jesse White plays the repair man, in a bit of prescient casting.

"The Fugitive" (March 9, 1962) stars J. Pat O'Malley as Old Ben who impresses the kids in the neighborhood when they play Martian by turning himself into a horrible looking alien. Old Ben has a special fondness for Jenny (Susan Gordon), who lives in the same apartment building with the sour Mrs. Gann (Nancy Kulp). Meanwhile a couple of strangers are asking questions about Old Ben. It looks like Ben will have have to leave, but not before he does something for his young friend. This is clearly the better episode of the pair on this videotape and one of the few "Twilight Zone" episodes that would qualify as a modern fairy tale. O'Malley has fun as one of the friendlier aliens we ever encounter in the Zone.

The 5th Dimension goes Loopy!
This volume includes my favorite episode, "Once Upon A Time", A crazy episode that takes place in the year 1890, in a little town of Harmony, NY. Silent Film star Buster Keaton stars as a Woodrow Mulligan, a disgruntled janitor of a scientist who invents a time helmet that accidentally transports Mulligan into the year 1962. The craziest thing about this episode is that in the scenes of Harmony in 1890, you see the episode in silent film formant with piano music, captions, and sped up filming. Then in the scenes of Harmony in 1962, the episode goes to origonal TZ format with dialogue and sound. Anyway, the episode is hilarious. A must-see for TZ viewers, and just about everyone else. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wanting To Love and Be Loved
I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC was Ray Bradbury's sole contribution to the "Twilight Zone." One of the more subtle episodes, this story is strong on characterization and reaches out on an emotional level rather than to any notion of scientific curiosity of the introduction of a robot grandmother, beautifully played by Josephine Hutchinson, into a family (including Veronica Cartwright). This is a very good episode and is one of my favorites. LONG DISTANCE CALL written by Charles Beaumont and William Idelson is one of the six episodes recorded directly to videotape instead of being photographed on film. The story concerns a little boy played by Billy Mumy who communicates with his dead grandmother over his toy phone. It examines our attachment to those we love and what emotional price we sometimes must pay for that love.

A pair of Grandmothers from the Twilight Zone
The two "Twilight Zone" episodes offered up on this tape certainly have something in common, namely a pair of quite unusual grandmothers. Billy Mumy makes his first appearance on the Zone in "Long Distance Call," written by William Idelson and Charles Beaumont. Billy gets a toy telephone for his birthday from Grandma Bayles (Lili Darvas), who promptly gets ill and dies. Sad for a while, Billy suddenly spends all his time on the toy telephone, claiming Grandma is on the other end. When Billy tries to kill himself because the voice on the phone told him to, his father (Philip Abbott) grabs the phone and begs his dead mother to let Billy stay in the land of the living. Josephine Hutchinson plays a kinder, gentler but android Grandmother in "I Sing the Body Electric," written by Ray Bradbury from his short story. David White plays a widower who buys Grandma to take care of his three children and the focus of the story is on Anne (Veronica Cartwright), who refuses to accept the substitute for her dead mother. Hutchinson's performance is on target from start to finish. I think these are both above average Zone episodes, especially the first one, which I consider one of the most chilling episodes. So you are certainly getting diverse opinions offered up on this one!

Not the best collection
Don't get me wrong, the Twilight Zone is fantastic, but the episodes contained on this particular volume are hard to enjoy for some people. The first episode, "Long Distance Call", stars little Billy Mumy as a young boy (appropriately named "Billy") who finds a way to communicate with his dead grandmother on a toy telephone. At first, it sounds like he's just pretending, but when Billy tries to commit suicide, it seems this may be for real, and maybe his grandma is trying to take Billy away to the great beyond. This episode is powerful, but drips in sentimentality (not something I enjoy in a TZ episode) About average; may satisfy some. But the second episode, "I Sing the Body Electric" is TERRIBLE. It's about a family who orders a mechanical "Grandmother" to their specifications, but one girl named Anne (played by Veronica Cartwright) rejects her. This episode is not worth seeing. The story is lousy, The episode is too sentimental, and the acting is poor. All in all, this volume of the Twilght Zone Collection is not as good as others, so buyer, beware. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Military airplanes and time travel in the Twilight Zone
The obvious common denominator in these two episodes of "The Twilight Zone" are military aircraft, but we also have time travel elements with both stories. "The Last Flight" (February 5, 1960), written by Richard Matheson, was sold to "The Twilight Zone" on the strength of a simple idea: a World War I pilot lands at a modern airbase. The pilot is Flight Lt. Decker (Kenneth Haigh), who fled during a dogfight, leaving his best friend surrounded by enemy fighters, doomed to die. After flying through a strange white cloud, similar to the Matheson employed in "The Incredible Shrinking Man" one would assume, Decker lands at a modern day American air field in France (you have to pretend we had them). There Decker learns that he might have a chance at redemption, and more importantly, a reason to do so.

In Rod Serling's "King Nine Will Not Return" (September 20, 1960), Captain James Embry (Bob Cummings) wakes up besides the wreckage of his B-25 bomber, "King Nine," and frantically searches for his crew. The bomber had tanken off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy but was hit by flak and landed in the desert. Now Embry cannot find his crew and there are strange jet planes flying overhead. After Matheson's first-rate script this one is a let down because the answer is rather obvious, especially if you have seen enough "Twilight Zone" episodes to recognize that Serling has done this type of story before. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Pick of the Pecks
Here's a film that no decent Gregory Peck fan should be without. Perhaps this is why the video is OUT OF STOCK?? Or perhaps the subject matter - The Great Patriotic War - is unpopular in these days of glory in occupied Iraq? The things that strike me about this film, apart from Peck's rawboned, wide-eyed performance (yes, his VERY FIRST) are the deep B&W photography and the treatment of children in the movie.... it's as though much of the story is seen through their eyes. Indeed, "Enemy at the Gates" owes a plotline to "Days of Glory". In fact, I am gonna go ahead and put this on my list of grand all-time war movies 'about' children, right up there with Boorman's "Hope and Glory" (similarity intentional, Bro. John?); "Come and See"; "Empire of the Sun"; "The North Star"; "Back to Bataan"; and of course "Mrs. Miniver". Perhaps YOU can add others?

War Effort from Casey Robinson and Jacques Tourneur
The year was 1944. Screenwriter and producer Casey Robinson wanted to chronicle the harrowing and valiant resistance of the Russian people against the Nazi military machine that invaded their homeland in 1941. To give the film a look of realism Robinson went outside Hollywood to find fresh young faces for the leads. He cast New York theatre actor Gregory Peck and ballerina Tamara Toumanova to star. Robinson got Jacques Tourneur to director based on his imaginative work (CAT PEOPLE) for producer Val Lewton. There are some good action sequences but the film is weighed down by Robinson's own script that is full of long stretches of dialogue and many romantic interludes which detracts from the intended theme of the film. The film's greatest assets are Gregory Peck's performance as Vladimir the leader of the Russian resistance and Academy Award Nominated Special Effects by Vernon L. Walker. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A searing indictment of anti-intellectualism run amuck
The episode "The Obsolete Man" is a philosophy lecture in video form, as T-Z episodes always tended to be. The problem is that if you inject some lesson into entertainment, a lot of people aren't going to entirely get the point. To this day, the consensus on this episode is mostly that it's Cold War-era "boogeyman" propaganda about totalitarian societies--its resemblance to certain scenes in the screen version of Orwell's "1984" tends to create the misapprehension that it's an offshoot. But what librarian Wordsworth has been busted for is that he deals in a banned item--books. Burgess Meredith as Wordsworth has always had a talent for playing bookish types and Fritz Weaver is almost typecast as the tyrant he faces. It's a standard cliche that totalitarian regimes don't like people to read the wrong things because it might lead to disloyalty. Nazi Germany burned books because of that very rationale. More recently, the Religious Right did the same during the 1980s here in America. In the case of both symbolic acts, there was a loud and avid audience for any such event. Nobody likes people who read too much--at least nobody that matters. Is the term "bookworm" an accolade? Hell no. "Excessive reading" is one of the classic symptoms of the nerd--he can't relate to real people because he's always reading. It's always assumed that when a kid wears coke-bottle glasses, too much reading is why. When I was a kid, if my dad had been required to pay a fine to me every time he spoke the phrase "with his nose in a goddam book", he might not have gone broke--but I would have gotten a bigger allowance from him than I actually did get on a weekly basis. When a neighboring county ran into a budget deficit this year, library services were among the first cutbacks. I guess the lesson I see in this episode is that books might indeed be considered as a "toxic substance" by totalitarian societies, but the grassroots bias against too much reading because it isn't "cool" is a problem in and of itself. A lot of people don't like reading because it bores them, but when people impose that preference on others, you don't have to live in a Fourth or Fifth Reich for something to be wrong with that picture.

Rod Serling's Classic Zone episode about the Holocaust
Burgess Meredith returns to the Zone as Romney Wordsworth, another book loving man, in "The Obsolete Man." Although this story does not have to do with World War II, it does feature a Nazi-like futuristic regime where books have been banned. The Chancellor (Fritz Weaver) judges Wordsworth to be "obsolete" and sentences him to be executed in a manner of his own choosing. The better episode here is "Death's Head Revisited," written by Rod Serling and very effectively directed by Don Medford. Oscar Beregi plays "Mr. Schmidt," who visits the ruins of Dachau because during the war he was Captain Gunther Lutze of the S.S. However, his happy reminiscences are disturbed by the "caretaker" Becker, played with quiet effectiveness by Joseph Schildkraut, who is really the ghost of one of Lutze's victims--and he is not alone. Years before "Holocaust" or "Schindler's List," Serling's "Deaths-Head Revisited" stood as a reminder we should not forget. Of all of Serling's "preachy" episodes, this is far and away the best of the lot. This is an absolutely classic television episode.

Very current even today
The Obsolete Man stand up with the best of Sterling's work on the Twilight zone. Just Look at all the jails being built and the people they put in them and you may begain to realize how current this one twilight zone show is. Goverments still decides who's obsolete. Not to be missed!

Serling isn't a writer, he's a prophet.
Two masterful episodes, both originated by Serling. In "Death's Head Revisited," a Nazi gets a dose of his own medicine. In "The Obsolete Man," Burgess Meredith gives a riveting performance as a librarian in the desolate future where books have been banned. It has everything: a moral, suspense, wit, and irony. A must. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"This is another fine mess you've gotten me into!"
Vincent Price and Peter Lorre were the Laurel & Hardy of horror films. Their by-play in this film and in THE RAVEN and TALES OF TERROR is priceless (sorry). And when you add Boris Karloff to the mix, you suddenly have Moe, Larry and Curly, with Basil Rathbone more-than-ably filling in the Vernon Dent/Bud Jamison role.

Why all this comedy name-dropping? Simply to underscore the fact that this is a classic comedy. "Why did I ever escape from prison?" mourns Lorre when forced into another murderous midnight recruitment venture for their undertaking establishment. "It was so nice and peaceful!" And watch Vincent's face as he suddenly wipes off his hands when giving Lorre a leg-up, growling, "What DID you step in? Wipe your feet, for pity's sake!"

Watch Boris' graphic maunderings about Egyptian mummification processes ("they yank out the brain with a hook!") at the dinner table and the excellent, underrated Joyce Jameson's grossed-out reactions. Watch Basil's oh-so-superior sneers as he threatens to evict Vincent & Co. in orotund dialogue worthy of a Snidely Whiplash meller-drammer. Watch the dead Rathbone return to life again. . .and again . . .and again . . . and again . . .and again, with Vincent's facial reactions getting broader each time. Watch Lorre carry on with the shapely Jameson as the romantic lead (that alone is worth the price of admission!)

The film's comic premise is richly endowed with black humor, put-downs, slapstick, a frenetic, prolonged chase, and a first-rate cast that makes the most of every line, pratfall and bit of business ("time for your medicine, old man!") Watch and enjoy.

"What Place Is This?"
This is a hilarious movie! I love it. Vincent Price plays an undertaker, as he has taken over his father-in-law's business. Peter Lorre plays his assistant, Boris Karloff plays the hard of hearing father-in-law, & Basil Rathbone wants the rent money. And of course there is Rhubarb (the cat) playing the role of Cleopatra! Oh, & you may want to wear ear plugs during the singing! Yikes! And just when you think everyone is dead, well you thought wrong! You have to see it to know what I'm getting at.

Brrrrr!
This movie is a great.
Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris KArloff, and last but not least, BASIL RATHBONE star in this hilarious black comedy about two aspiring undertakers who are having trouble getting customers, so they kill people just so they can give them a funeral. This movie had me laughin so hard I was crying, especially the part where Basil Rathbone chases Peter Lorre out of his house, quoting lines from Macbeth all the while. And who could forget the utter disgust on Vincent Price's face as he cries in absolute horror "What did you STEP in?!?"Absolutely hilarious.

Classic Video Fun!
This is a great movie if you like to see the classic horror stars letting their hair down.
There's nothing serious in this film but the fun.
Vincent Price and Peter Lorre are the center of attention with Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone playing the comedy role you never expected to see.
The sets are 1960's B movie stuff, but it just adds to the atmosphere.
If you're looking for something entertaining to watch on movie night this is one to put in the lineup.
I got this and "The Raven" at the same time. Both are funny!

Drunk again, huh?
I LOVE this film!! Vincent Price is just hysterical as the undertaker who needs to drum up some business, Peter Lorre is great as the assistant, Basil Rathbone is the landlord who wants his year's rent, and Boris Karloff just can't hear a thing. "What? Sugar?? There ya go!" Basil just keeps on coming back to life, quoting from "Hamlet" as he goes along, and Peter Lorre laments about his dear Annabel. Joyce Jamison is Annabel, who is Felix Gillie's love interest. Annabel is married to Waldo (Vincent Price) and Boris Karloff is her father. The funeral speech by Karloff is just priceless. Needless to say, as soon as Rathbone's character is buried we hear: "What place is this??" Great. If you haven't seen this movie yet, YOU HAVE TO!! And I agree with the comment: "Where is the DVD??" Get with it MGM, we still need this one and The Raven, and The Tomb of Ligeia....I have to finish my Vincent Price DVD collection! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A pair of first rate Rod Serling scripts, esp. "The Shelter"
A pair of excellent scripts by Rod Serling are featured on this particular "Twilight Zone" videotape. "Mr. Denton on Doomsday" (October 16, 1959) is the third episode of "The Twilight Zone," starring Dan Duryea as the title character, a drunken gunslinger who is forced to fight the town bully (Martin Landau). However, Henry J. Fate (Malcolm Atterbury) rides into town and just by looking at Denton momentarily restores his shooting skills. But after winning the gunfight, Denton finds he has become the target for a young gunslinger (Doug McClure) wanting to make his reputation. Denton buys a magic potion from Fate that will give him ten seconds of deadly accuracy, which Denton must use to change his life forever. This episode provides one of the better "TZ" scripts, which I do not think you will find predictable.

"The Shelter" (September 29, 1961) is one of my favorite episodes of "The Twilight Zone." Although this is one of Serling's "preachy" scripts, I think it is a case where he hits the mark perfectly. The neighborhood is gathering for a surprise party for Doc Stockton (Larry Gates), when the radio announces radar has detected what appears to be incoming missiles. Doc, his wife and young son go to the shelter he has built in his basement. But when his unprepared neighbors start begging to be let in there is neither enough room nor enough supplies, which is when things get ugly. Some people consider "The Shelter" to be melodramatic, but I always found it rather chilling. Maybe because it is a rare "TZ" episode that has neither any science fiction nor fantasy elements. The cast for this third season episode includes Jack Albertson as Jerry Harlowe, Joseph Bernard as Mary Weiss, Sandy Kenyon as Frank, and Peggy Stewart as Grace Stockton.

Shows who's really youy friends
The shelter isn't a particulary scary episode but shows what your friends may do to you in a state of crisis.A doctor has some friends over with a party when a ufo flys over and everyone is panicked and runs home.The doctor and his family retire to the bomb shelter and have enough supplies for only his family.His friends panic and knock the door down and the crisis is a false alarm.His friends apologize for being so greedy but the doctor comes out in disbelief in how these people acted, wanting to save themselves even if it meant killing the doctor in the process. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Invaders looks silly now
I watched a different tape - which had the Invaders but not Nothing in Dark.

The Invaders is a good acting performance and it is interesting but SSLLOOWW and a little silly looking now. Little versions of the robot from lost in space attacking this woman with little flashlights and a carving knife??? For it's time it was probably good, but not now - in my opinion.

Agnes Moorhead, Gladys Cooper and Robert Redford in the Zone
This volume of "The Twilight Zone" offers a pair of classic episodes where the performances by the actors are as memorable as the stories with their infamous Twilight Zone twists. "The Invaders" is a tour de force performance by Agnes Moorhead in an episode written by Richard Matheson. Moorhead plays a woman living alone in a farmhouse who finds that a miniature flying saucer has landed on her roof. The woman has to fight against the strange tiny invaders with their advanced technology. But then remember, this is the Twilight Zone. "Nothing in the Dark," written by George Clayton Johnson, offers Gladys Cooper as Wanda Dunn as an old woman who has barricaded herself in her basement apartment for years, fearing that Mr. Death with kill her with a touch. Wanda knows that Death can take many disguises. But despite her fears, when Harold Beldon, a young policeman is shot outside her door, she drags him inside. Of course, the fact Beldon is played by Robert Redford might have something to do with her letting her guard down. Like I said up top, both of these episodes are classics from the beloved television anthology series.

Two More Gems From the Twilight Zone
two more well written episodes from the Twilight Zone series finds host Rod Serling Presenting Agnes Moorehead being attacked in her home by small invaders (a spine thriller episode written by Richard Matheson). The second episode written by George Clayton Johnson shows a young Robert Redford playing a mystery guest who shows an old woman that there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark (even after the lights are turned on). science fiction on television never got better then this.

WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR
NOTHING IN THE DARK and THE INVADERS have to be 2 of the most watched episodes of "The Twilight Zone." Gladys Cooper and Robert Redford give very good performances in this story of 'Mister Death' knocking at the door by George Clayton Johnson. THE INVADERS is a classic episode in the true tradition of "The Twilight Zone." Richard Matheson wrote a memorable story and Agnes Moorehead gave one of the greatest visual acting jobs of all time. Volume 1 is excellent and a must-have!

The Nature of Fear
These two episodes are immortal examples of the very essence of what "The Twilight Zone" is all about. 'NOTHING IN THE DARK' and 'THE INVADERS' are two very classic examples. They focus one the isolation of the individual and the fears that one creates. By our own willingness through self-fortitude we face those fears. And perhaps the very nature of those fears was not what we had made them out to be. The performances by Agnes Moorehead, Gladys Cooper and Robert Redford make these episodes very tangible for the emotional response of the viewer. Very effective and highly recommended viewing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

In the Twilight Zone, it matters how you play the game...
The sporting life is the top of this pair of above average episodes from "The Twilght Zone." "Steel," adapted by Richard Matheson from this short story and directed by Don Weis, is the better of Lee Marvin's two appearances in the series. Once a heavyweight who was never knocked down "Steel" Kelly is now the manager of Battling Maxo (Tip McClure), an outmoded B2 robot who badly needs repairs. The problem is, Kelly has no money in this future where only androids are allowed in the ring since prizefighter was banned in 1968. However, Kelly pretends to be an android to get a fight to raise the cash for his fighter. "A Game of Pool" is one of George Clayton Johnson's best scripted episodes, featuring Jack Klugman as pool shark Jesse Cardiff who gets the game of a lifetime against the legendary--and late--Fats Brown, played by Jonathan Winters. This episode, directed by Buzz Kulik, is one of those moments that reaffirms how good comedians are as dramatic actors. If you are reminded of Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason in "The Hustler" after watching "A Game of Pool," then you are certainly not alone in that regard.

Gamesman ship at several interesting levels
Jack Klugman is brilliant as an unchallenged pool shark who calls to the edge of the "Twilight Zone" for a worthy, if deceased challenger. As Fats Brown, Winters is nibble and smart as a Jackie Gleason styled hustler. The pay off on this show doesn't come until the end, so do not tune out too quickly. Steel is a slightly other matter. Serling was a boxer when younger and, despite his small stature, was rather skilled. This piece is certainly not up to the standard of "Requiem for a Heavyweight," coincidently on the U.S. Steel Hour, but examines the courage inherent in man's quest to control his universe. The premise of "Steel" has boxing for humans outlawed. Robots are sent to do man's work. Unfortunately, what do you do when your metal mealticket is damaged and you need the money to repair him? Lee Marvin plays the aptly nicknamed Steel who was a fighter before is was outlawed. You may guess from the previous sentence how the protagonists deal with the problem. Not unlike "Requiem,"the underdog scores a victory of sorts which will satisfy without being ridiculous. I recommend "Requiem" with Jack Palance for a true examination of Serling at the height of his writing ability dealing with this subject he obviously loved. Despite that, the Twilight Zone at its weakest is still superior to most television and movies of today. This is certainly not at its weakest. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"This is another fine mess you've gotten me into!"
Vincent Price and Peter Lorre were the Laurel & Hardy of horror films. Their by-play in this film and in THE RAVEN and TALES OF TERROR is priceless (sorry). And when you add Boris Karloff to the mix, you suddenly have Moe, Larry and Curly, with Basil Rathbone more-than-ably filling in the Vernon Dent/Bud Jamison role.

Why all this comedy name-dropping? Simply to underscore the fact that this is a classic comedy. "Why did I ever escape from prison?" mourns Lorre when forced into another murderous midnight recruitment venture for their undertaking establishment. "It was so nice and peaceful!" And watch Vincent's face as he suddenly wipes off his hands when giving Lorre a leg-up, growling, "What DID you step in? Wipe your feet, for pity's sake!"

Watch Boris' graphic maunderings about Egyptian mummification processes ("they yank out the brain with a hook!") at the dinner table and the excellent, underrated Joyce Jameson's grossed-out reactions. Watch Basil's oh-so-superior sneers as he threatens to evict Vincent & Co. in orotund dialogue worthy of a Snidely Whiplash meller-drammer. Watch the dead Rathbone return to life again. . .and again . . .and again . . . and again . . .and again, with Vincent's facial reactions getting broader each time. Watch Lorre carry on with the shapely Jameson as the romantic lead (that alone is worth the price of admission!)

The film's comic premise is richly endowed with black humor, put-downs, slapstick, a frenetic, prolonged chase, and a first-rate cast that makes the most of every line, pratfall and bit of business ("time for your medicine, old man!") Watch and enjoy.

"What Place Is This?"
This is a hilarious movie! I love it. Vincent Price plays an undertaker, as he has taken over his father-in-law's business. Peter Lorre plays his assistant, Boris Karloff plays the hard of hearing father-in-law, & Basil Rathbone wants the rent money. And of course there is Rhubarb (the cat) playing the role of Cleopatra! Oh, & you may want to wear ear plugs during the singing! Yikes! And just when you think everyone is dead, well you thought wrong! You have to see it to know what I'm getting at.

Brrrrr!
This movie is a great.
Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris KArloff, and last but not least, BASIL RATHBONE star in this hilarious black comedy about two aspiring undertakers who are having trouble getting customers, so they kill people just so they can give them a funeral. This movie had me laughin so hard I was crying, especially the part where Basil Rathbone chases Peter Lorre out of his house, quoting lines from Macbeth all the while. And who could forget the utter disgust on Vincent Price's face as he cries in absolute horror "What did you STEP in?!?"Absolutely hilarious.

Classic Video Fun!
This is a great movie if you like to see the classic horror stars letting their hair down.
There's nothing serious in this film but the fun.
Vincent Price and Peter Lorre are the center of attention with Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone playing the comedy role you never expected to see.
The sets are 1960's B movie stuff, but it just adds to the atmosphere.
If you're looking for something entertaining to watch on movie night this is one to put in the lineup.
I got this and "The Raven" at the same time. Both are funny!

Drunk again, huh?
I LOVE this film!! Vincent Price is just hysterical as the undertaker who needs to drum up some business, Peter Lorre is great as the assistant, Basil Rathbone is the landlord who wants his year's rent, and Boris Karloff just can't hear a thing. "What? Sugar?? There ya go!" Basil just keeps on coming back to life, quoting from "Hamlet" as he goes along, and Peter Lorre laments about his dear Annabel. Joyce Jamison is Annabel, who is Felix Gillie's love interest. Annabel is married to Waldo (Vincent Price) and Boris Karloff is her father. The funeral speech by Karloff is just priceless. Needless to say, as soon as Rathbone's character is buried we hear: "What place is this??" Great. If you haven't seen this movie yet, YOU HAVE TO!! And I agree with the comment: "Where is the DVD??" Get with it MGM, we still need this one and The Raven, and The Tomb of Ligeia....I have to finish my Vincent Price DVD collection! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A pair of World War II stories in the Zone from Rod Serling
Both of the stories in this "Twilight Zone" volume offer writer Rod Serling's take on World War II and the brutality of war. "The Purple Testament" is set on the Philippine Islands during World War II. William Reynolds plays Lt. Fitzgerald, who sees a strange light on the faces of those men in his platoon who are about to be killed in battle. The better episode of the two is "A Quality of Mercy." Dean Stockwell plays Lt. Katell, who has recently arrived in the Philippines in August of 1945 and wants to prove himself in battle before the war ends. When he orders an attack on a group of starved Japanese soldiers trapped in a cave, Sgt. Causarano (Albert Salmi) tries to talk him out of it. Katell refuses and suddenly finds himself as Japanese Lt. Yamuri, ordered by his captain (Jerry Fujikawa) to attack a cave where wounded American soldiers are holed up. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Neither of these is a classic Zone episode, but they are still worthy of your consideration.

I've seen better
Not the best two episodes. Includes "The Purple testament" which is powerful, but could be better, and the not-too-good episode "A Quality of Mercy" It's probably better not to bother with this one. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cliff Robertson and Inger Stevens visit The Twilight Zone
Sometimes regular people find it hard to put up with things that should not be alive but are, which is pretty much the common denominator to the two episodes of "The Twilight Zone" submitted her for your approval. "The Dummy" features Cliff Robertson as ventriloquist Jerry Etherson, who is convinced his knotty-pine partner "Willie" is not only alive but pretty much evil incarnate. Rod Serling wrote this script, based on an unpublished story by Lee Polk, which features one of the most memorable and chilling final shots in the history of the Zone. The other episode on this tape is "The Lateness of the Hour," where we find Dr. Loren (John Hoyt) enjoying being served by his perfect robots. However, his daughter Jana (Inger Stevens), cannot stand this idyllic life. Unfortunately, the twist for this one is pretty predictable even though Serling does put a nice flip on the twist at the end. This was the first Zone episode to be taped rather than filmed, and Serling made the limitations of this format part of the story in terms of Jana's feelings of confinement. However, the taped episodes of the Zone just never looked right to me.

Scary, twisty gems from Rod Serling.
"The Dummy" is about a ventriloquist who honestly believes that his dummy is alive (though he drinks a lot) and soon gets taken over in way reminiscent of DEAD OF NIGHT (1945). "The Lateness of the Hour" is a bizarre yet original tale of robots as an elderly gentlemen's personal assistants. The first episode is chilling, the second is strange, both are memorable (especially "The Lateness of the Hour," though, since it has the surrealistic visual style also found in "Long Distance Call").

Fair and Worthwile
Two good episodes on this one. One about a talented man who claims his Dummy he performs with is alive, and one about a girl who is afraid that the robot servants in her family's house are being loved more than she is. Pretty good. Definitely will be enjoyed by TZ fans and collectors. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Gambling is not a good thing in The Twilight Zone
The dangers of gambling provides the common theme to the two episodes of "The Twilight Zone" on this videotape. First, Buddy Ebsen plays Jimbo Cobb the title characters of "The Prime Mover," written by Charles Beaumont but based on an unpublished story by George Clayton Johnson. Jimbo, who runs a cafe, has psychokinetic power and when his partner Ace Larsen (Dane Clark) discovers Jimbo's power would allow him to manipulate dice, they head for Las Vegas. The pair win big, but Ace cannot stop gambling, despite the pleas of his girlfriend Kitty (Christine White) and Jimbo, who cares more about his friend than all the money in the world. Ebsen and Larsen play well off each other and the story takes the notion of compulsive gambling seriously. "The Fever," written by Rod Serling, stars Everett Sloane as Franklin Gibbs, a tight-fisted man whose wife Flora (Vivi Janiss) wins a trip for two to Las Vegas. Franklin hates the whole idea, but when a drunk gives him a silver dollar and gets him to play a slot machine, everything changes. Not only does the machine pay off, but Franklin can hear the one-armed bandit calling his name and simply cannot stop playing. Sloane, who had starred in Serling's classic "Playhouse 90" drama "Patterns," makes this one work with his performance as his character does a 90-degree turn and ends up losing absolutely everything. Neither of these are classic Zones, but they make a nice matched-pair.

KICK THE GAMBLING HABIT
These two episodes are about gambling and all that implies as you enter "The Twilight Zone." THE FEVER written by Rod Serling demonstrates what can happen to just one of the most unlikely addictive people in the person of veteran actor Everett Sloane. Charles Beaumont's fable of gambling shows that you can kick the habit in a most unlikely way in THE PRIME MOVER with Dane Clark and Buddy Ebsen.

The classic "Franklin"
The classic "Franklin" ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up is a Rod Serling-penned favorite from The Twilight Zone's second season. Tracks from a frozen pond where a UFO is reported to have landed lead into a diner where stranded travelers wait out a snowstorm. There were six on the bus. Now there are seven, ranging from an oblivious honeymoon couple to an impatient businessman and a grizzled old coot. Which is the Martian? It is a testament to this series' greatness that knowing the fiendishly funny surprise ending does not mar enjoyment of repeat viewings, as witness To Serve Man, the second classic episode included on this video. TV Guide rightfully ranked this as one of TV's top 100 episodes of all time. That's Richard Kiel (Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me) as an ambassador of the Canamites, a race of nine-foot-tall super-evolved aliens who offer to transform Earth into a peaceful Eden. But what do they really have cooked up for us? The episode's title is a macabre clue. This is one of three must-own volumes of vintage Twilight Zone episodes released to commemorate this timeless series' 40th anniversary. Tape 1 features the video premiere of The After Hours (the one with the mannequins) and Time Enough at Last starring Burgess Meredith as the post-apocalyptic bookworm. Tape 2 boasts Rod Serling's The Eye of the Beholder and Living Doll, one of the series' all-time scariest episodes. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Strange visitors from other planets visit the Twilight Zone
Aliens come to Earth in a couple of episodes from the classic television series "The Twilight Zone." In "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up," written by Serling, State Troopers following tracks from a U.F.O. to a diner. Now all they have to do is figure out which of the seven bus passengers inside is really a Martian. This is an above-average Zone with references to science fiction writers and cliches, as well as nice performances by John Hoyt, Barney Phillips and Jack Elam. Serling even throws in one of his better twists at the end. "To Serve Man," adapted by Serling from Damon Knight's short story, is one of the most famous Zone episodes with its "Soylent Green" ending. A Kanamit (Richard Kiel) has come to earth to create a golden age with the advanced technology of his race. Michael Chambers (Lloyd Bochner), a government decoding expert, learns to learn the true meaning of the title of the book left by the Kanamit. In both of this episodes we certainly learn appearances can be deceiving, especially when dealing with strange visitors from another planet.

More Classics from Rod Serling
Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?, is an errie science fiction tale about seven people stranded at a diner and one is a being from Mars, but which one? To Serve Man, centers on alien vistors who solve all of mankind's problems, apparently with only the best of intentions, but are they really humanity's friends, or something much worse? Watch this video and find out.

Bon Appetite!
Words cannot express the culinary rewards of this succulent of Twilight Zone episodes. With a fantastic score from the great Bernard Herrmann, an effective performance from a pre-"Dynasty" Lloyd Bochner, and a truly shocking ending, this is the classic TZ one to have. Thomas Harris of "Silence of the Lambs" must have seen this one in his younger days! ... Read more