Flawed but largely brilliant opener to the greatest TV series of all time. Several of the hallmarks of TZ are in evidence here. The themes of loneliness and identity are obvious, but there is also a satisfying conclusion that neatly makes sense of why the diner, cinema and book-stands but only desolation with regards to human company. Its surprising to notice that most TZ endings are nicely prefigured by events and dialogue when you see them a second time. Some titles even give too much away but happily this title does not. Its clever stuff and there is effective criss-crossing of agoraphobic and claustrophobic moments.
It's commendable that the star, Earl Holliman provided a DVD commentary stating that he could have acted scenes better and that some parts, like the mannequin, don't work. Other actors certainly got to grips with Rod Serling's monologues better, but he does well on the whole. I like that Serling has him quoting the good book ('A Christmas Carol').
A high quality opening for the greatest ever TV achievement.
It's commendable that the star, Earl Holliman provided a DVD commentary stating that he could have acted scenes better and that some parts, like the mannequin, don't work. Other actors certainly got to grips with Rod Serling's monologues better, but he does well on the whole. I like that Serling has him quoting the good book ('A Christmas Carol').
A high quality opening for the greatest ever TV achievement.