Paul Savage's script was (apparently) nominated for a Writer's Guild award, and it certainly deserved it. True, there's a bit too much "cute" in the opening scenes (like "see how poor but happy we are"), but the performance by J. C. and the unusual plot are so strong that I feel this episode merits a full "10" rating.
Jay C Flippen and Andrea Darvi look NOTHING alike...not the slightest bit of physical resemblance (that would be scary), but otherwise they are very well cast. Jay C, who usually plays such slightly off-beat, sometimes sadistic weirdos, is really very appealing in this role.
I don't disagree with a few of the other commentators here, who feel the elements of conflict in this show (the sudden appearance of the Aunt and Uncle and their custody hearing, the rather quick, ruthless double-murder of the young couple, etc), but the OVERALL script is continuously engrossing, well-structured, and the direction nicely paced. In fact, the script veers off in a couple of novel, unexpected directions, which keep it that much more interesting.
We USUALLY get a plot where the nasty aunt/guardian challenges the loving, but lower-class relative for custody of the innocent young child (Heidi, anyone?). Much heartache and tension ensues, while the loving parent must fight the system to be re-united with the child.
Well, this one KIND OF went in that direction...but you'll have to see for yourself how imaginatively the standard plot set-up was handled by writer Savage.
And there's a sad, wistful, philosophical realization in the final scene that is very moving. LR.
PS #1-- I'm not one to look for too much "meaning" through MOTIFS, but it's cool that Amity's DOLL ..used 3 times in the story....reflects the changing relationship of Owney and Amity. 1.) The primitive cloth doll in the opening scene...simple, natural, like their life together 2.) When Owney's prospects are looking up, it's a "store-bought" doll to reflect the ongoing improvement in their status 3.) When Amity arrives off the stagecoach, she's carrying a shiny new, "high-class" city doll, again reflecting the change not only in her status, but her relationship with dad as well.
PS #2--Check out young Andrea Darvi's performance in the great episode of "COMBAT" (1st season): "No Trumpets, No Drums" .. the big starring episode in the series for actor Pierre Jalbert; very touching, almost dream-like in its beauty and heartache. LR.
Jay C Flippen and Andrea Darvi look NOTHING alike...not the slightest bit of physical resemblance (that would be scary), but otherwise they are very well cast. Jay C, who usually plays such slightly off-beat, sometimes sadistic weirdos, is really very appealing in this role.
I don't disagree with a few of the other commentators here, who feel the elements of conflict in this show (the sudden appearance of the Aunt and Uncle and their custody hearing, the rather quick, ruthless double-murder of the young couple, etc), but the OVERALL script is continuously engrossing, well-structured, and the direction nicely paced. In fact, the script veers off in a couple of novel, unexpected directions, which keep it that much more interesting.
We USUALLY get a plot where the nasty aunt/guardian challenges the loving, but lower-class relative for custody of the innocent young child (Heidi, anyone?). Much heartache and tension ensues, while the loving parent must fight the system to be re-united with the child.
Well, this one KIND OF went in that direction...but you'll have to see for yourself how imaginatively the standard plot set-up was handled by writer Savage.
And there's a sad, wistful, philosophical realization in the final scene that is very moving. LR.
PS #1-- I'm not one to look for too much "meaning" through MOTIFS, but it's cool that Amity's DOLL ..used 3 times in the story....reflects the changing relationship of Owney and Amity. 1.) The primitive cloth doll in the opening scene...simple, natural, like their life together 2.) When Owney's prospects are looking up, it's a "store-bought" doll to reflect the ongoing improvement in their status 3.) When Amity arrives off the stagecoach, she's carrying a shiny new, "high-class" city doll, again reflecting the change not only in her status, but her relationship with dad as well.
PS #2--Check out young Andrea Darvi's performance in the great episode of "COMBAT" (1st season): "No Trumpets, No Drums" .. the big starring episode in the series for actor Pierre Jalbert; very touching, almost dream-like in its beauty and heartache. LR.