David MacDearmon directed this fascinating episode, and a few others for the series, who later handled many sitcoms, such as BEWITCHED. Definitely a touch of dark comedy at play here, and a story all of us kids back in the day loved -- time travel!
Actually, the story has more of a contemporary slant with scientific theories today and "what if" scenarios. Bottom line, another gem from Rod Serling. Impossible not to watch.
Russell Johnson portrays a character he is so associated with, a scientist, who invents a time machine. He brings a killer from the 1800s into his contemporary lab -- just as he is about to be hung! Incredible, and with shades of FRANKENSTEIN (a criminal brain!), this guy is one desperate character. Had this been a law-abiding denizen of the old west, the results may have been quite different, and not as thrilling.
Albert Salmi is perfect as the bewildered desperado and, in a way, perhaps as Serling may have wanted, ending up with what he ultimately deserved. Never forget Mr. Pip (Sebastian Cabot) who welcomed a killer to his own fate in another classic TZ episode.
Best of the best finds Salmi on the loose in the city, and all the noise and the confusion. A totally different world he would never expect. And to spend the rest of his life there --minus the hangman's noose? Interesting concept.
The ending is a knockout, again leaving all us hungry fans to marvel at imperial writing and acting. One of the final episodes from legendary SEASON 1. Get the remastered dvd box set for your collection.
Actually, the story has more of a contemporary slant with scientific theories today and "what if" scenarios. Bottom line, another gem from Rod Serling. Impossible not to watch.
Russell Johnson portrays a character he is so associated with, a scientist, who invents a time machine. He brings a killer from the 1800s into his contemporary lab -- just as he is about to be hung! Incredible, and with shades of FRANKENSTEIN (a criminal brain!), this guy is one desperate character. Had this been a law-abiding denizen of the old west, the results may have been quite different, and not as thrilling.
Albert Salmi is perfect as the bewildered desperado and, in a way, perhaps as Serling may have wanted, ending up with what he ultimately deserved. Never forget Mr. Pip (Sebastian Cabot) who welcomed a killer to his own fate in another classic TZ episode.
Best of the best finds Salmi on the loose in the city, and all the noise and the confusion. A totally different world he would never expect. And to spend the rest of his life there --minus the hangman's noose? Interesting concept.
The ending is a knockout, again leaving all us hungry fans to marvel at imperial writing and acting. One of the final episodes from legendary SEASON 1. Get the remastered dvd box set for your collection.