Chilling episode of Twilight Zone features a platoon lieutenant burdened with the ability to look at his soldiers, knowing that they will die because of a light that glows over their faces. When he tries to tell others, they question if the war with Japan is taking its toll on his psyche. The last scene is especially disturbing as it pertains to him. A lot of familiar faces (before they became stars) populate this particular episode. The horrifying thought of seeing the fate of men, realizing that you have this unwanted gift, is at the heart of "The Purple Testament", grim in tone, the mood somber. Terrific central performance by William Reynolds as the tormented Lt. Fitzgerald, the strain of his disturbing gift evident on his haunted face and demeanor. Early performance for Dick York (Bewitched) as Captain Phil Riker, worried about Fitzgerald's state of mind, told that he will die (Fitzgerald sees the "death glow" on Riker's face as well). TZ regular Barney Phillips (Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?) has a role as Captain EL Gunther, Riker's superior who the Captain informs about Fitzgerald's "episodes". The great Warren Oates has a small part as a jeep driver who considers himself quite a careful man behind the wheel, with the likes of film director Paul Mazursky (Down and Out in Beverly Hills; Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice) and television actor Rob Masak (Murder She Wrote) also turning up in little roles.
Review of The Purple Testament
