One for the Angels

I enjoyed the performances: Ed Wynn was lovable as the friendly pitchman, and Murray Hamilton was perfect as Mr. Death. The Twilight Zone has endured because of inspired writing and has been sustained by the incredible talent that it attracted. Ed Wynn is perfect as the pitchman who loves children. Note that there is nothing at all perverted about this, as we might expect today. That's something to love about "One for the Angels" too. I highly recommend this one to all. It's thought provoking and completely enjoyable. Watch it and try to imagine such inspired TV viewing today. The caliber of talent, Ed Wynn, Murray Hamilton, their performances were first rate, in my opinion. The child actors were fairly typical for the time period. But I think that anyone watching this with an open mind will enjoy it. Please...don't try to put too much into it. Just allow yourself to be drawn into the drama. It's an amazing feeling.

This is exactly the type of stuff I was hoping to find when I purchased the full series of "The Twilight Zone" on DVD! Stories of the macabre that are familiar and rather basic, but nevertheless oddly unsettling and atmospheric. "One for the Angels" is such a typical tale that makes you chuckle but simultaneously gives you goosebumps when you contemplate about the concept more thoroughly. The always optimistic and beloved street vendor Lou Bookman finds himself stalked by a rigid and stoic man in a black suit. When this man also suddenly appears in his home, it takes Lou some time before realizing this man is Death himself and he's coming to announce that Lou's life on earth terminates at midnight. Lou understandably doesn't agree to die and misleads Mr. Death by begging to still receive the time to make one last big sales pitch before dying. When Mr. Death realizes he's been fooled, he sets in motion a very dramatic alternative… I can easily understand why an episode such as "One for the Angels" wouldn't appeal to younger audiences and/or fans of nowadays Sci-Fi and mystery cinema. After all, the plot is quite silly and doesn't contain a lot of action. But for fans of old-fashioned supernatural cinema, this episode is a joy to behold thanks to Rod Serling's ingenious narrative structure and the sober ambiance. This particular episode is also very endearing, but I believe this is largely the achievement of Ed Wynn who fantastically depicts the protagonist Lou Bookman. Personally I'm not too familiar with Wynn's work as a comedian, but his appearance in "The Twilight Zone" here at least proves that he was able to mix his comical talents with genuine drama and mystery. Murray Hamilton, probably best known for his role as the obnoxious mayor in "Jaws", also gives a stellar performance as the stern and (almost) unemotional embodiment of Death. A fabulous episode!

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-

One for the Angels typifies the best in a Twilight Zone episode; a lovely mix of spooky, charming, science fiction, dark twists, and just plain funny. Ed Wynn is brilliant as the Pitch Man and neighborhood avuncular figure who meets the embodiment of death. How he handles both the news and his apparent fate make for an entertaining episode. Our parting lesson is not as grandiose in presentation as in other Zone episodes (which is actually welcomed), and the simplicity of it leaves the viewer with a smile. Justly delightful.

The pitchman Lou Bookman (Ed Wynn) is unexpectedly visited by Mr. Death (Murray Hamilton) that tells him that his time has come. Lou appeals to live more to make a big pitch as he has always dreamed on. Mr. Death accepts the request but tells him that he has to take someone else with him. When he selects the girl Maggie Polanski (Dana Dillaway), who is Lou's neighbor, the old man has to take a decision.

"One for the Angels" is another great episode of "Twilight Zone", with the story of a street vendor that tries to cheat death and finds that it is not easy, bringing a tragic consequence to a little girl. The conclusion is perfect for this tragicomic show. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Além da Imaginação - One for the Angels" ("Beyond Imagination - One for the Angels")

Note: On 25 Mar 2018 I saw this episode again.