A Game of Pool

Bears uncanny resemblance to that year's hit film The Hustler, which would be okay if it were a good rip-off. But it's not. In those days, Jonathan Winters was the funniest guy around-- a brilliant impromptu comic --but he's also a terrible actor, who brings down the whole dramatic premise of a guy playing pool to save his life. Then too, when you think about it, the terms of the wager between Klugman and Winters are implausible from the outset. In fact, the logic of the entire script makes little sense, (without giving away the ending). Did they have to rush production, is that why? Anyway, Klugman gives ace performance as local pool shark, but is wasted in an episode that is almost a total bust.

"A Game of Pool" is one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes, in the top half dozen or so. No need to summarize the episode here, others have done that well, but the reasons I favor this episode boil down to three: 1) It has the same simplicity, focus and intensity that made "12 Angry Men" a great movie. The story takes place entirely in one room - a dingy pool hall, in this case (except for a brief glimpse of a rather cheesy afterlife) - and involves an intense competition between two men. The contest is as much a mind-game as it is a game of pool, and the stakes could not be higher. The writing is excellent.

2) Jack Klugman - who also had a role in "12 Angry Men". Although Klugman was known primarily as a comedic actor, he displays real chops as a dramatic actor. Indeed, Klugman showed off his dramatic skills in four excellent TZ episodes, all favorites of mine: A Passage for Trumpet, A Game of Pool, In Praise of Pip, and Death Ship. The man knew how to act.

3) Jonathan Winters - also known primarily as a comedian, Winters, too, put on a fine dramatic performance in A Game of Pool. Interestingly, the episode was filmed not long after he was released from an eight-month stay in a mental hospital, during which he was treated for manic-depression. I don't know whether that experience informed his acting in this episode, but he displays real intensity in the part of Fats Brown. Mr. Winters was a multi-talented guy.

Sadly, as I write this, news has come out that Mr. Winters has died, joining Mr. Klugman in whatever comes after this life. Who knows, perhaps they're engaging in a throw-down match of their own - comedy, I suppose, rather than pool. They were both fine performers, and I miss them both.

A well written episode with a poignant twist ending. While it lacked any effects, this story had a strong message and was well acted.

Jack Klugman plays an eager but nervous pool player named Jessie, who is desperate to puncture a hole in the legend of deceased pool player "Fats" Brown(played by Jonathan Winters) whom he is convinced he could beat. Jessie will get his chance when Fats hears his call, and comes down from his personal heaven to take up his challenge, though Jessie will literally have to play the game of his life if he expects to win, which he is warned may come at a high price... Two-man play in essence works quite well indeed, with a pair of believable performances, and a genuine pool hall feel, though this may leave non-sports fans a bit cold.

First off, to SOME of the other comments made, they need to step off their "at-home producer's chair" and just enjoy the drama. It is a great episode! Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just pure Twilight Zone. This is one of my favorite "straight forward" Twilight Zone episodes. By this, I mean it is like Five Characters in Search of an Exit, or Little Girl Lost. There is 1 main setting, 1 straight forward plot and it is all unveiled through the acting and dialog. It is the simplicity of the story and plot that makes this episode great. Anyways, watch and enjoy! if you want cheesy production techniques, check out Odyssey of Flight 33, where they go back in time and see giant Claymation dinosaurs. Doesn't get any cheesier than that! (I know, in the early 60's those were groundbreaking special effects)