One of the most heartwarming, if a touch bittersweet endings to the Twilight Zone. What I found endearing was when Bookman first started his pitch, Mr. Death has that faint smile, and you could tell that not only he knew what Bookman was gonna do, but that he had grown fond of him by then. And in the end, it's touching how Bookman succeeds with the deal he made from the start, only that he did something even greater: he sold his soul to Mr. Death, to save the life of the little girl he loved. Those final words, "Up there, Mr. Bookman. You made it." They really showed just how he earned it well with his selfless sacrifice. Rod Serling, you were a writing genius for your time!
Very thoughtful analysis, never really noticed that part. I very much liked the part that the Robot that he gave to her comes alive next to her to symbolize the life that he gave her. A very touching scene that me very emotional 😢. The direction was most creative I have ever seen. It was so good that I believe that it was used again in the movie Close Encounters. ❤
This is my favorite episode in the series. It was the first of two appearances Ed Wynn made in The Twilight Zone. In the other, he plays a kindly grandfather who is obsessed with maintaining a grandfather clock. With the help of his family, he actually overcomes this addiction in order to live, even after the clock stops working. Ed Wynn was one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood, and Rod Serling did not have the heart (thankfully) to make Wynn suffer the usual tragic ending of main characters in The Twilight Zone.
The ending makes this my favorite Twilight Zone episode. "You never know who might need something up there. Up there? Up there, Mr. Bookman, you made it." Bernard Herrman's score, "Starlight," helped elevate this scene.
I like to believe that Mr. Death knew what Lou was doing the whole time he was listening to his pitch. In the end, Lou got to perform his greatest Pitch, Maggy survived, and Mr. Death finally claimed Lou's soul, and with no resistance this time. Everybody wins.
I was sure of that when I first saw this as a teenager. Mr Death smiled when he sat down on those stairs. He gave Lou Brookman the chance to do what he always wanted to do, make a “Pitch for the Angels.” Very much, in a sense, like Brad Pitt in “Meet Joe Black” Mr Death was not Evil, or Cruel. He is a very necessary part of Life.
It's called talent. Something as rare as full solar eclipses these days. That is also why an hour of "Twilight Zone" is better than two hours in a movie theatre nowadays.
My favorite episode of Twilight Zone. Others might make you think more, examine some facet of reality closer, but this one just felt good. And sometimes, that's just what you need.
@ashleybrooke2087: Was also a jerk in "No Time For Sergeants" the Movie that brought Andy Griffith to Comic Stardom. And Murray Hamilton Played "Blanche Deveraux's" Daddy on "The Golden Girls."😂👮♂️💃🎥📺B.W.
This was always my favorite episode. While I don't think it's the best I just love the message and I think the acting was great and the whole episode was beautiful and touching. I'm 20 though this was a 50's show I still think it is better than most content made today.
I love this, it was such a great episode. There was a similar episode with Robert Redford who played the angel of death. I hope some people watch this great series and get a good moral out of it.
I can't get over how much the music affects me, it's so bittersweet yet innocent, it truly feels like the entrance music to heaven, it's so rapturous🥹❤
Murray Hamilton was one of those great character actors who excelled at being unlikeable, even though he was very likeable in real life. His friends included many of the big names: Matthau, Robards, George C. Scott.
I'm so glad he went to heaven. As soon as he heard the girl had to die in his place, he tried to immediately forfeit his agreement, but was denied, and had to trick Death into missing his appointment with her instead
Ohh Ed Wynn you really made me smile and laugh when I was sad or miserable.You absolutely helped me get through the tough times in my life as a little kid.A true clown that made me smile in the 90's.You are severely missed😢😢
I'm a huge Murray fan, though I love it when he plays a curmudgeonly cowardly guy: Jaws, Seconds, The Graduate, and If It's Tuesday It Must be Belgium. He was hilarious
I always figured this was Death's plan to get Lou to accept his death and also give him that "one for the angels" pitch. He just played along. Also, I've always loved this play on Death as being a no-nonsense functionary just trying to do his job and getting exasperated at the pesky mortals who keep hindering him. Another example on "TZ" is in the 80s version's story "Welcome to Winfield."
Not one of my favorite TZ episodes, but Murray Hamilton ("Mr. D" here) has always been one of my favorite character actors, at least from that era. He was great in "The Graduate."
The first season of the Twilight Zone was amazing. It contained many of my favorite episodes. Walking Distance, And When the Sky was Opened, The Monsters are due on Maple Street, Long Live Walter Jameson.
It probably would have been a little esoteric at the time, but there was room for an SNL sketch where Bookman returned to try to convince the mayor to not open the beaches. 😃
When I first watched this episode I misunderstood the meaning when Bookworm said he wanted to make a pitch for the angels. I thought he meant like pitching a baseball. I didn't realize until the end that he meant sales pitch because he is a salesman and all! I thought it was touching that he kept his end of the bargin for the girl's sake and went with Mr. Death as intended.
yeah..this episode is right up there with when the trumpet player gets a second chance at life by Gabriel himself. "joey...no more stepping off curbs." No judgement (not his job) but good advice and a bit of help..... one musician talking to another.
Mr. Bookman: You seem like a swell guy Death: You've caught me in a good mood. I usually perfer methods that involve planes exploding or logs falling off 18 wheelers Mr. Bookman: 😳
its the melancholy music coming in when he is ready to go, when i first saw this episode, i nearly cried. the actors face expressions during this one sequence, just made me feel so sad and happy for him. hes an adorable old man. what a show.
Great, endearing episode. A good-hearted, smooth-talking salesman manages to delay Mr. Death’s original plan of taking the little girl with him. And, yes, the salesman did earn his way to heaven. 👍❤️😊
One of the most heartwarming, if a touch bittersweet endings to the Twilight Zone. What I found endearing was when Bookman first started his pitch, Mr. Death has that faint smile, and you could tell that not only he knew what Bookman was gonna do, but that he had grown fond of him by then. And in the end, it's touching how Bookman succeeds with the deal he made from the start, only that he did something even greater: he sold his soul to Mr. Death, to save the life of the little girl he loved. Those final words, "Up there, Mr. Bookman. You made it." They really showed just how he earned it well with his selfless sacrifice. Rod Serling, you were a writing genius for your time!
reading this comment made me cry, I know mr. bookman's a fictional character but it's so good to know he made it😭💕
Very thoughtful analysis, never really noticed that part. I very much liked the part that the Robot that he gave to her comes alive next to her to symbolize the life that he gave her. A very touching scene that me very emotional 😢. The direction was most creative I have ever seen. It was so good that I believe that it was used again in the movie Close Encounters. ❤
Not just for his time, but for all time!
An excellent analysis, kudos!
And all time. Speaking of death, why'd you go so soon?
He does not sell his soul, but he was about to mention it. The clock stops him for saying it this saving him and allowing him to go to heaven
Up there? Up there Mr Bookman. You made it.
Ed Wynn’s smile after being told that brought a smile to my face as well 😀
@@jacechretin4597 I agree 100%. The inscription on his resting place says, simply, "Dear God: thanks." Fitting :)
This part makes me tear up sometimes
I’m not a religious man but that dialogue gets me every time. It’s just a feel good moment.
@@Deadman3913 It's not religion it's a relationship that he wants.
As long as life has been lived with purpose, it is a whole life, no matter the duration.
😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
Ed Wynn once said he wanted to be remembered by his grandchildren for being fun.
They certainly did well by having him sing "I Love to Laugh" in "Mary Poppins."
And he always was along with Ray Bolger,
Dennis O'Connor, and so very many more.
A man, who spent all day trying to cheat death, no longer hesitates. He fulfilled his life's work. "I'm ready." Poignant.
Lou Bookman may not have died a rich or famous man, but he lived a life worth remembering
Bookman was rich beyond anything money or material wealth could possibly buy.
If only the little girl ever knew what Lou had done to save her life!
@@melissacooper8724 I'm sure she'll find out one day, many decades later, when Mr. D pays her a visit 🙂
He DID live a life worth remembering, and he WILL be remembered. By the children. And they will tell their children…
"Formerly another component to a hot July...but throughout his life a man beloved by the children, and therefore, a most important man."
Beautiful episode, and Serling's closing monologue is sheer poetry.
This is my favorite episode in the series. It was the first of two appearances Ed Wynn made in The Twilight Zone. In the other, he plays a kindly grandfather who is obsessed with maintaining a grandfather clock. With the help of his family, he actually overcomes this addiction in order to live, even after the clock stops working. Ed Wynn was one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood, and Rod Serling did not have the heart (thankfully) to make Wynn suffer the usual tragic ending of main characters in The Twilight Zone.
The ending makes this my favorite Twilight Zone episode.
"You never know who might need something up there. Up there?
Up there, Mr. Bookman, you made it."
Bernard Herrman's score, "Starlight," helped elevate this scene.
I like to believe that Mr. Death knew what Lou was doing the whole time he was listening to his pitch.
In the end, Lou got to perform his greatest Pitch, Maggy survived, and Mr. Death finally claimed Lou's soul, and with no resistance this time. Everybody wins.
That was always my takeaway too. This was Mr. Death's way of bending the rules to let Bookman do his thing before he went.
I was sure of that when I first saw this as a teenager. Mr Death smiled when he sat down on those stairs. He gave Lou Brookman the chance to do what he always wanted to do, make a “Pitch for the Angels.” Very much, in a sense, like Brad Pitt in “Meet Joe Black” Mr Death was not Evil, or Cruel. He is a very necessary part of Life.
"Throughout his life a man beloved by the children - and therefore, a most important man."
Mr. Bookman was always pitching for the angels.
Chokes me up every time. Ed Wynn was an amazing actor.
I love how Serling could do judgment and sentiment equally well.
For a really jolting example of "judgement", see the TZ episode "Judgement Night", also from Season #1.
It's called talent. Something as rare as full solar eclipses these days. That is also why an hour of "Twilight Zone" is better than two hours in a movie theatre nowadays.
@@57highland I believe that is the very first episode.
The first episode is where is everyone tho.@@odysseusrex5908
I've always loved this episode
Ed Wynn, one of vaudeville talents that went through all mediums and was very successful. Theater, film, radio, & television.
One of the very best episodes. "One for the Angels"
My favorite episode of Twilight Zone. Others might make you think more, examine some facet of reality closer, but this one just felt good. And sometimes, that's just what you need.
Love the closing music and monologue here soooo much.
Came to say this!!
Ed Winn was a wonderful character actor. His son Keenan Winn was a terrific actor too.
Best description of Keenan Wynn ever? Irascible!
LOL! And we LOVED watching him perform.
When you realize that the Mayor of Amity wouldn't close the beach because he's literally Mr. Death.
@ashleybrooke2087: Was also a jerk in "No Time For Sergeants" the Movie that brought Andy Griffith to Comic Stardom. And Murray Hamilton Played "Blanche Deveraux's" Daddy on "The Golden Girls."😂👮♂️💃🎥📺B.W.
Twilight Zone always felt like Greek fables to me . A good story containing an important life lesson. When entertainment was responsible.
This was always my favorite episode. While I don't think it's the best I just love the message and I think the acting was great and the whole episode was beautiful and touching. I'm 20 though this was a 50's show I still think it is better than most content made today.
I'm 20 and love this show too! have loved it since 2017😄
You are a very discerning individual with excellent taste.
Always my favorite too.
I'm 20 also and I have loved this show since I was a young child.
I love this, it was such a great episode. There was a similar episode with Robert Redford who played the angel of death. I hope some people watch this great series and get a good moral out of it.
That one is one of my favorite episodes; I always get a lump in my throat at the end. So beautiful.
One of my favorite episodes. Ed Wynn was a delight to watch.
I really really love this episode.
One of my favourite scenes from the twilight zone. ❤
“Couldn’t happen, you say? Probably not, in most places. But it *did* happen…in the Twilight Zone.” 😎
I can't get over how much the music affects me, it's so bittersweet yet innocent, it truly feels like the entrance music to heaven, it's so rapturous🥹❤
Glad he made it to "up there". I want to go there too.
Heaven is for Heroes, Amen.
Old man dies...young girl lives...fair trade.
-Sin City
Ed Wynn and Murray Hamilton was a great combination.
Murray Hamilton was one of those great character actors who excelled at being unlikeable, even though he was very likeable in real life. His friends included many of the big names: Matthau, Robards, George C. Scott.
@@daveconleyportfolio5192 Wow. So he kept good company both on and off screen.
I'm so glad he went to heaven. As soon as he heard the girl had to die in his place, he tried to immediately forfeit his agreement, but was denied, and had to trick Death into missing his appointment with her instead
And Death, sly old angel that he was, let Bookman make his pitch, knowing perfectly well what he was up to.
Ohh Ed Wynn you really made me smile and laugh when I was sad or miserable.You absolutely helped me get through the tough times in my life as a little kid.A true clown that made me smile in the 90's.You are severely missed😢😢
I love how the petray death not scary trying to explain things my fave death
This one always chokes me up. I love this episode of "Twilight zone"!😉
You made it
The finale reminds me of Bogie & Rains at the end of Casablanca.
This episode was on MeTV,today, 5-16-24.
One of my very favorite episodes with a legend captured for all time to enjoy.
The Twilight Zone was a pretty amazing series. Great writing, great acting. Mostly very simple sets. It still holds up well so many years later.
My favorite eps of all Murray Hamilton ❤
I'm a huge Murray fan, though I love it when he plays a curmudgeonly cowardly guy: Jaws, Seconds, The Graduate, and If It's Tuesday It Must be Belgium. He was hilarious
@@nicholasschroeder3678AND an unlucky lookout in the ferris wheel in "1941"!!
This is a great episode, I urge you watch the whole thing.
Ed Wynn - ALWAYS a gem.
I always figured this was Death's plan to get Lou to accept his death and also give him that "one for the angels" pitch. He just played along.
Also, I've always loved this play on Death as being a no-nonsense functionary just trying to do his job and getting exasperated at the pesky mortals who keep hindering him. Another example on "TZ" is in the 80s version's story "Welcome to Winfield."
Great analysis! 100% agree!
My own view is that Lou succeeded even though Mister Death knew exactly what he was trying to do. Lou really did make a pitch for the angels
The urban backdrop made me think that "Lou Bookman" was also a huge Baseball fan. Hence, a true "Pitch for The Angels!"😂⚾️😇😇😇❤B.W.
Not one of my favorite TZ episodes, but Murray Hamilton ("Mr. D" here) has always been one of my favorite character actors, at least from that era. He was great in "The Graduate."
I really liked this episode.
The twilight zone should a required course for college graduation.
One of My Favorite Episode of TZ with a Happy Ending. (smile)
One of the Greatest Episodes !!!
And now Mr. Valentine has an annoying new neighbor who keeps trying to sell him stuff.
😂🤣
One of my favorites
This show is hard to beat.
After all the years it's still relevant today and just as good. Original always best
Ed Wynn. I heard somewhere he loved to laugh.
The first season of the Twilight Zone was amazing. It contained many of my favorite episodes. Walking Distance, And When the Sky was Opened, The Monsters are due on Maple Street, Long Live Walter Jameson.
Rod raised more kids than you know.
lol the mayor from jaws
It probably would have been a little esoteric at the time, but there was room for an SNL sketch where Bookman returned to try to convince the mayor to not open the beaches. 😃
Also the father in ‘The Graduate’ with Dustin Hoffman!
Was that Death in the black suit?
Yes.
Injusto esse episódio só ter 7,6/10 no IMDB
Ed Wynn is so underrated.
"Up there Mr. Bookman, you made it."
Excellent Story
When I first watched this episode I misunderstood the meaning when Bookworm said he wanted to make a pitch for the angels. I thought he meant like pitching a baseball. I didn't realize until the end that he meant sales pitch because he is a salesman and all! I thought it was touching that he kept his end of the bargin for the girl's sake and went with Mr. Death as intended.
A devout man in Thailand told me. Commit no sin, collect only good deeds and love one another. Seems simple enough.
This is one of several TZ episodes in which children play a pivotal role. Wynn and Hamilton turn in fine performances .
Murray Hamilton (Death) was 60-ish when he died.
Music really sounds familiar
Murray Hamilton did a great job as Mr. Death.
My favorite Twilight Zone episodes are the ones where the big twist is "human beings are actually decent."
🥰🥰🥰
yeah..this episode is right up there with when the trumpet player gets a second chance at life by Gabriel himself. "joey...no more stepping off curbs." No judgement (not his job) but good advice and a bit of help..... one musician talking to another.
The question is... Who outwitted who?
God outwitted them both.
One day ❤🙏
Not me crying after recently watching the episode.
Mr. Bookman: You seem like a swell guy
Death: You've caught me in a good mood. I usually perfer methods that involve planes exploding or logs falling off 18 wheelers
Mr. Bookman: 😳
its the melancholy music coming in when he is ready to go, when i first saw this episode, i nearly cried. the actors face expressions during this one sequence, just made me feel so sad and happy for him. hes an adorable old man. what a show.
Never saw a bad Twilight Zone and I think I saw them all
One for the angels Bookman, infact, you had one right Infront of you.
Rhubarb ...who eats rhubarb unless it's in a pie, with strawberries 🍓 like my mother 👩 used to bake
Rhubarb with cherries in a pie is my favorite 😋
The actor sho played the Angel of Death would eventually play the mayor in the movies Jaws and Jaws2.
This episode is One For The Angels.
Was this Mr. Bookman related to the Mr. Bookman from New York City Public Library? You Know. the investigator chasing Jerry for outstanding book.
Serling could do endings as sweet as this and as Dark as episodes like "The Other Place".
Death aka Murray Hamilton aka Mayor Vaughn from Jaws.
That sounded like Big Ben from London chiming in the back ground.
Aaron...
Ed Wynn from mary Poppins 😊
Talk about cheating Death. 😅
Terrica
Great, endearing episode. A good-hearted, smooth-talking salesman manages to delay Mr. Death’s original plan of taking the little girl with him. And, yes, the salesman did earn his way to heaven. 👍❤️😊
P
This episode was on MeTV, today, 10-16-24.