Street scene: summer. The present. Man on a sidewalk named Lew Bookman (Ed Wynn, "Mary Poppins"), age sixtyish. Occupation: pitchman. Lew Bookman, a fixture of the summer, a rather minor component to a hot July, a nondescript, commonplace little man whose life is a treadmill built out of sidewalks. In just a moment, Lew Bookman will have to concern himself with survival, because as of three o'clock this hot July afternoon he'll be stalked by. . . Mr. Death (Murray Hamilton, "Jaws").
Though 'The Twilight Zone' is often thought to be focused mainly on science fiction and crazy twists, there are also plenty of tales that focus on paranormal elements that would not be seen in any typical sci-fi yarn. In 'One for the Angels,' Rod Serling brings us, early on in the series, a heartwarming and funny story. Lew, the sweet old man with the heart of gold, is a wonderful character to watch, especially as he hilariously tries to outwit the phenomenally portrayed Mr. Death. As the plot thickens throughout the episode, the depth allows for the spookier elements to rise to the surface, allowing more enjoyment for fans of the darker side of the series (like myself) as well.
Even with the interesting story that satisfies the many levels of the show's audience, the shining achievement of this film comes from Ed Wynn's & Murray Hamilton's performances. They live their roles well, taking their respective characters on the full ride of personality changes that they each go through.
Overall, like most of the series, 'One for the Angels' has a charming story with fantastic performances and enough depth to satisfy the various fans of the 'The Twilight Zone.'
-AP3-
Though 'The Twilight Zone' is often thought to be focused mainly on science fiction and crazy twists, there are also plenty of tales that focus on paranormal elements that would not be seen in any typical sci-fi yarn. In 'One for the Angels,' Rod Serling brings us, early on in the series, a heartwarming and funny story. Lew, the sweet old man with the heart of gold, is a wonderful character to watch, especially as he hilariously tries to outwit the phenomenally portrayed Mr. Death. As the plot thickens throughout the episode, the depth allows for the spookier elements to rise to the surface, allowing more enjoyment for fans of the darker side of the series (like myself) as well.
Even with the interesting story that satisfies the many levels of the show's audience, the shining achievement of this film comes from Ed Wynn's & Murray Hamilton's performances. They live their roles well, taking their respective characters on the full ride of personality changes that they each go through.
Overall, like most of the series, 'One for the Angels' has a charming story with fantastic performances and enough depth to satisfy the various fans of the 'The Twilight Zone.'
-AP3-