"Twilight Zone companion" barely tosses this CLASSIC episode a bone. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes, and I've watched it countless times. When the big "reveal" goes down, at the end, "Pip" begins laughing aloud with demonic glee. Still chills me to the bone.
What makes Sebastian Cabot so effective is that he’s affable, friendly and helpful throughout the episode UNTIL the reveal he suddenly goes to menacing and dangerous. Somehow I suspect that if there’s a devil that’s how he’d be
Typically when people are lying in their death bed, the only thing they realize that really mattered were the people they loved and the people who loved them back. That’s it. Material things are all left behind when we go, but love is forever. Mr. Valentine was missing love.
However, make no mistake, we need God's love. Earthly love is not eternal. It has to be true, UNCONDITIONAL. If you CLING to earthly love, in the spiritual life it is called ATTACHMENT & earthly, carnal, physical attachment keeps one from rising up to Heaven. One stays in Purgatory until they leave behind all attachments. This is the teaching of the saints of many disciplines, Christian, Yoga & Egyptian Book of the Dead. Most people's love on earth is CONDITIONAL.
I dig that Beaumont named his demonic character “Pip”. It sort of reflects his specialty in tormenting his charges. Although, I couldn’t ever understand why Serling himself named little Billy Mumys character the same damn thing when he was jerking tears with Klugman 4 seasons later. Also... If I had to pick a form of Hell, this would definitely be it.
In the beginning, we see a man who, through his own actions, doesn't deserve peace and serenity in the afterlife. Then we meet this sweet, amusing man, dressed in white, who gives the main character everything he's ever wanted...and more! Is there truly complete forgiveness after death? Or....is there a catch? We're not sure. In my opinion, the lesson learned here is: Be careful what you ask for. Love this episode for the simple fact the beautiful Sebastian Cabot plays someone completely opposite of his usual sweet roles.
One of the most memorable viewing experiences of my childhood. How Pip went from friendly to fiendish gave me chills. This episode also “spoiled” the season one reveal of The Good Place for me. Watching that was Deja Vu all over again for me.
To me it says that we can't put a price on inner peace/serenity/happiness. It can take a lifetime to achieve, some never find it. That's the sad part here. He never found it. I used to wonder how a celebrity, or a Rock star could possibly be depressed or worse yet, commit suicide. As I got older, I understood. One episode that stands out in my mind is a stop at "Willoughby". Ahhhhhh to go back to a simpler time, and an easier way of life. That man went to Heaven in that episode. Rod Serling and the Twilight zone will Always be YEARS ahead of it's time. I still watch it on Netflix.. You Rock 👊
It was a good one. My favorites are "One for the Angels" & "Nothing in the Dark" with the final episode, "Bewitchin' Pool" as the absolutely worst. "Eye of the Beholder" is the most impactful and the one that leaves you thinking long after watching it. The price to free a man held against his will by a cult only to discover you have released evil upon the world.
Hey Rick, I agree that this was a great episode! Rod Serling was brilliant, he really was able to provide a deep message & get you to really think!! Thanks for sharing another great video! 😷
@@ricknineg hey rick im obsessed with the twilight zone, ive studied all 157 episodes by name. Would love to to chat with you about the show, 217-433-2938 ask for Base. Take care.
Rick, Thanks once again for the review of this TZ episode. I like this episode, too. Blyden's performance was fine, especially in this unique genre of television, which was still in its infancy in the early '60's. That's what I liked about TZ. It used supernatural stories as the backdrop to motivate viewers to be introspective on natural moral issues. In this case, materialism and worldliness... Blyden was versatile too. He hosted "What's My Line" and appeared in Chayefsky's "The Bachelor Party." Rick, as always, love your platform and content. Best regards, Paul
Thanks for the shout-out, man! This is a great Twilight Zone episode. Rod Serling was a genius writer, somehow mastering 'subtle' and 'in-your-face' at the same time. I really need to revisit this one. Actually, I need to revisit them all and really figure out what my personal Top 10 episodes are. (I think 'One for the Angels' might be my #1... I think.) Love these breakdowns, excited for more.
Oh absolutely! How could I not? You guys inspired me to start on the show again. It’ll be so tough to get a Top 10 list. One for the Angels makes me tear up as well as the one where the old woman gets visited by Death (Robert Redford)
This is my second favorite TZ (My first is A World Of His Own, Season 1, Episode 36). For what it's worth, my take on it is that Rocky's only problem was a profound lack of imagination.
Two things stuck out for me in this episode. The first is when Rocky asks Pip if he can see some of his old friends who have died. Pip explains that this is not possible, because the world he is in exists for him alone. It is at that point that Rocky realizes that, despite being surrounded by people, he really is all alone. Second was the question of what really had Rocky trapped. He is trapped because his interests are so incredibly narrow and simple. He could, in theory, make things more bearable (for awhile at least) by using his imagination. He doesn't, because he can't imagine that wine, women and winning might not be what life is all about.
Hi Rick. I never saw this episode but it looks so intriguing!!!! Super cool and yes so thought provoking.!! Rod basically was saying then and it still rings true today...... that greed, money , over indulgence...basically “having it all’ will not make you a happy person..... you have to be happy from within..... money and materialistic things do not bring happiness ..... Yes, of course, always strive to do better......but be a good person, be grateful and appreciate your life and what you have personally accomplished there are many others with so much less and guess what ..... they may also be happy campers.... they may have a great family and love but not the biggest bank account and thats ok too. Its all in the the individuals perception of their life and how they accept it .....whatever that may be.
I love the gorgeous blonde, her dancing, the dazzling smile, wish she had lines of dialogue! Sebastian Cabot is excellent as the "guide", Larry Blyden's character gets bored way too quickly, but that's simply because they only have around 20 minutes or a little bit more to convey the story! Then there's the maniacal laugh when the GUIDE says what's REALLY going on there! FABULOUS EPISODE!
I remember watching this episode, and thought it was really good, I guess the lesson to this episode is be thankful that you don't win all the time and if you did, you might be bored! 🙂
i like the setting of this episode, the fancy comfortable looking hotel suite and the costumes and jewelry the women wore.. all the cast was great in this one
Sebastian Cabot played the part of a very convincing devil in A Nice Place to Visit. He also played the part of the Devil in Escape Clause. He was given the role of Mr. French in a T.V. series from the 60’s along with Brian Keith, who played the part of Buffy and Jody’s father. I can’t remember the name of the program. If anyone knows, please leave the answer in the comments section. Also, does anyone know whatever happened to Sebastian Cabot ?
This has long been one of my favorite episodes, too, and I was telling some of my friends about it last month. When I saw it the first time, I understood the premise---it isn't rocket science---although now, knowing there is no such thing as an "afterlife," I see it as just the philosophical entertainment it's meant to be. I believe Rod Serling was pretty much using the "Be very careful what you wish for....you just might get it" idea to make his statement.
This is what happens all the time in real life. You see it since time has been recorded. “What’s next”. Eventually there is no “next”. Especially with silver spoon kids. I’m definitely going to look up this episode! Thanks!
Removing the uncertainty in life also removes one's validity. There is no chance for making a difference in the outcome of events. There is no reason for existence.
Mr. Valentine's character was too likeable. I think he should have been a little meaner. Larry Bliden is a likeable guy. Cabet's character was spot on. Great impression of Serling, Rick! Keep the TZ's coming. My favorite show besides I Love Lucy! Take care buddy.
I agree with you. I think Sterling was trying to say that money Fame and Fortune are not everything. Once you have everything then what? It's a sort of well I wanted these cookies and now I've eaten the whole bag of cookies will now what? There's no excitement there's no Thrill of the chase I believe you mentioned something to that effect. I've not seen this episode but I like the Twilight Zone as an adult because it does make you think and I like that. I miss that show it was so good.
This seems to be an uncredited remake of a one-act play called "A Morality Play For The Leisure Class" by John Balderston. It was reprinted in a one-act play anthology textbook at my high school. Short summary: well-off businessman arrives in the afterlife and is greeted by an "angel" who tells him anything he wants is his for the asking. It's hinted that he wasn't very moral or ethical during his life, and although his wife predeceased him he's not exactly eager to see her because he was very detached from her. You know the drill: having everything he wants without ever having to work for it begins to wear on him, until finally he loses his temper and screams at his servant that he wants to go to hell. The servant--not an angel after all but a demon--says with genuine surprise: "But where did you think you WERE, sir?"
Oh my god!!! This particular episode IS one of my absolute favorite from THE TWILIGHT ZONE. And, because this is still America as far as the constitution describes everyone is entitled to his opinion. My next favorite like this one is the one with Julie Newmar where she plays the devil. For some odd reason it’s not included on Netflix.
Serling did a repeat of the boring hell theme with John Astin in his Night Gallery. The theme of a boring afterlife is threatening if you're religious. Having anything you want for all eternity isn't living; just existing. Which is why saints and angels have jobs to make eternity bearable. Vampires have the same problem: "I'm immortal, now what?" In Star Trek, Q showed Captain Picard what the Continuum was: a bunch of bored old people in rocking chairs. This is why he visited Picard so much: he just wanted relief from his boredom.
"Oh, Mr. Valentine, I dropped that fire and brimstone crap CENTURIES ago! Do you know how BORING that gets? I've pulled this trick maybe a million times now, and it STILL hasn't gotten old! BWAH HA HA!" And this compounds the irony, because ultimately, Pip WILL get bored with it, and he'll have to dream up some other trick, and eventually HE'LL run out of tricks--and then face the boredom which is just as hellish to him, as it is to Rocky Valentine.
@amrak63: Which means that eventually "Rocky" will go the "Daniel Webster" route and figure out a permanent way to outstrategize his diabolical companion!😂😏🎤📺B.W.
At the risk of Over Simplifying or seeming Condescending,,, it's about Post WW2 American's OBSESSION with Materialism. A phrase became extremely popular in the nomenclature of the time: "Keeping up with The Jones's." Thank you for your work.
@zoperplex: And not to be confused with David Q. Lewis who Played the visiting "Reverend Harrison Breen, from New York City" on the "Sermon for Today" Episode of "The Andy Griffith Show."🤔🎤👮♂️👮♂️📺B.W.
I have a special relationship with that episode (as well as a few others but for different reasons). During its first run, I was too young to stay up late enough to watch the Twilight Zone. More than a decade after this episode aired, a friend told me about it and it stuck with me all these years. A few years ago, I saw it for the first time. After a 40-year buildup, I still thought it was great, especially Sabastian Cabot, one of my favorite character actors, whom I wasn't expecting to see in the show. BTW, the role of Rocky Valentine was originally written for Mickey Rooney, who would have been perfect for it.
Mickey Rooney eventually played a gangster in the “Night Gallery” episode “Rare Objects” ( Oct.15,1972 ) written by Rod Serling. Rooney’s character ( August Kolodney ) is very much like Blyden’s “Rocky” Valentine, and he suffers a similar fate, but with slightly different consequences ...
Correction: Night Gallery’s “Rare Objects” first aired Oct. 22, 1972 starring Mickey Rooney and Raymond Massey as Dr. Glendon, a sort of Sebastian Cabot-type character ( Mr. “Pip” ) who is a “collector” of “Rare Objects” ...
Great minds think alike! 😀 I love his tough guy Exterior! And I love how Pip makes Rocky is in heaven! P.S. if you haven't done this other episode can you please do "Prime Mover" 🎲🎲 please. Thank you God bless you 🙏 ❤️ And can you do the bank robbers who sleep for 100 yrs and wake up. ⏰️ with Gold bars but end up dying of thirst! 💰 🤑 "Be hopeful" My daughter & I favorite show of All-time! "I Love Lucy" 🏆
Reminds me of the old joke where St. Peter meets a dying man on Earth. Tells him that He's going to Heaven. He can bring one thing and one thing only with him to Paradise. Dying man has amassed a nice bankroll over the years. He gets to Heaven and opens up a giant bag of gold bars. St. Peter: (after He stares intensely at The Streets of Gold) "Pavement?! Why in the World would you bring Pavement?"😂😇💰💲🛣📺B.W.
I want to add a couple of tidbits about Rod. A couple of years ago I saw an interview on UA-cam of Rod as a guest was expressing his concern over how the public would respond to his new show "The Twilight Zone" he related that he put his production company together with little support or resources. A very interesting detail he expressed was.. " if all goes well and we don't get cancelled we might clear $150,000 for the season and that would be a great success". Good grief Rick, today principal stars get $ 1,000,000 an episode like Ray Romano did. A whole season to profit $150,000! The next item is I've got a friend who's wife worked as a critical care nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital since the 70's. She is currently retired but told me it was common knowledge but kept confidential that various staff had seen the ghost of Rod Serling in the hallways of the floor he passed away on. For obvious reasons the management made it clear it was never to be discussed in public.
Sounds like that would’ve made a good “Twilight Zone” episode !!! Rod Serling’s spiritual essence appears along the hospital corridors where he passed away ...
I have never seen this episode but based on your commentary about the episode and your excellent re-telling of the story, I feel I have enough information to provide my personal take on it. I feel the entire story is similar to a parable, as the listener (or in this case where it's acted out, the watcher), interprets and applies the meaning in a such way that it has a purposeful affect upon that individual's life. There truly is no one correct moral being given. Again, based on this R9G video alone, I see Rocky as a man accustomed to making choices for his life albeit good or bad. His quest for "the good life" was based upon his need for survival and his desire for instant gratification was a means of false security against adversity. The one thing Rocky had overlooked was his free will. He made his life choices, no one made them for him. Once he was in "the other place" his free will was gone and all choices were no longer his own. Thus his realization of what he once had and what he lost forever was brought to light in this dark place and the true condemnation began. Hopefully I can catch this episode in the future as your video brought life to it in my eyes. Plus your Rod Serling impression wasn't bad either! :) Keep up the great work! PS: Don't know if the backstory to the other characters in Rocky's tale was ever given, but it'd be interesting to see how and why everyone involved became interconnected.
His acting was a little over the top, but I still liked the guy ( even though I was a cop and he was a crook ) 👮♀️🤣 Sebastian Cabot, though, was great and really made the episode !!! I’ll ever forget that maniacal laughter at the end ...
What if Rocky asked Pip for a typewriter, some writing talent and paper? What if he asked for true love or a French tutor? What if he tried to be something besides a murderous burglar?
I think he still would have been unhappy because he would not have needed to work hard for those things or work or grow towards those goals. Pip would have granted his wishes instantly. So there would have been no satisfaction or sense of accomplishment in the end 🤷♀️
This episode played a large roll in my becoming an atheist and abandoning my belief in an eternal afterlife. This episode made me realize that such a thing would be terrifying. Think about it. In the cassino Valentine will never lose a bet in the cassino. Anyone down stairs is eager to go yo bed with him. And not just the women. Though it's not even hinted at for a TV show from 1960, everyone would include the guys, even if Mr. Valentine is not gay. There are a limited number of ways he could amuse himself. Even though it is literally everything he wanted in life, it is limited to those things he wanted in life. But even if the other place allows for emotional growth, there would still only be so many things you could do. So even if it takes a googolplex to the power of a googolplex to the power of a googolplex... (continue this as much as you like) there will some day be a time when you have done it all so many times that there is nothing else you can do. Infinite time is not just a "very long time" it is much longer that. Consider a googolplex. This is 10 to the power of a googol. Even a googol (10 to the power of 100) is a number much larger then the number of sub-atomic particles in the entire universe. Consider the number of atoms in a single glass of water. There are more atoms in a single glass of water than there are glasses of water in all the seas, lakes, rivers and clouds on the entire planet. And that is just the water. And that is the number of atoms. Each atom is made of a collection of protons, neutrons and electrons. And every neutron and proton is composed of quarks. It is these, quarks and electrons that we are counting. The number of these partials (along with some other weird particles) is "only" about 10 to the power of 89. That would be the largest number you would need to count all of the objects that exist in the entire universe. So just a googol of years would be a long time indeed. A googolplex is a googol orders of magnitude larger still! Trust me, you want your existence to come to an end at some point. If you don't properly think about it, it's a terrifying prospect. But this fear is *NOT* rational. Like many fears, it is not based on any real thing. It is a trait you have inherited from a long like of ancestors, just as you good eyesight and big brain is inherited. These things gave your ancestors a better chance of survival, long enough to reproduce. The contemporaries of our ancestors, even long before they were recognizably human, who did not fear death, did not run away as fast as possible or fight as hard as they could to survive and thus they did not live long enough to reproduce. If you think about it, eternal existence is the true terror. And we already know what it's like to not exist. You have already gone through 13 billion years of it. If you don't agree with this, please present a *RATIONAL* argument to support your claims. I have been considering this for more that 45 years, and to be honest, I kind of hope I'm wrong. I'd very much like to look forward to seeing my loved ones who have passed before me. I understand that it may not be scary to think I'm not wrong and just reject my point of view outright. But I very much believe that if you can't be honest with yourself then it is not possible to be honest with others. And I can't believe in a thing unless I can support it rationally. Do do any different would be dishonest.
I think its not about money and fame, more about love and be loved, for real. In the end, you can have all the money, but are you really happy, are you loved?
Rick - good impersonation of Rod S.
I want to go to the other place!!. But Mr. Valentine , this is the other place!!!.
'The other place??? This IS the other place.' One of the coolest reveals ever!
I still get goosebumps hearing that line....hell is never mentioned, the tone and music instantly change....so timeless
@@ricknineg I wish he said Hell instead of “Other place”. Idk, that’s just me.
@@ricknineg yeah those trombones
Awsome ending. Classic
@@ricknineg you rite the mood alone gives you that unsetteling feeling.
Larry Blyden who played the role of Rocky died in a car accident June 1975 while on vacation in Morocco . He was 49 years old.
"Twilight Zone companion" barely tosses this CLASSIC
episode a bone. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes,
and I've watched it countless times. When the big "reveal"
goes down, at the end, "Pip" begins laughing aloud with
demonic glee. Still chills me to the bone.
Yes, I really disliked what little he had to say about it. So short, very little of substance just negativity on the episode
@@ricknineg I agree. The author completely missed the brilliance of Larry Blyden's performance.
What makes Sebastian Cabot so effective is that he’s affable, friendly and helpful throughout the episode UNTIL the reveal he suddenly goes to menacing and dangerous. Somehow I suspect that if there’s a devil that’s how he’d be
Yes, that's how he'd be, laughing a crazy, evil laugh.
He doesn't go dangerous.
Talk about being wrong! LOL
Valentine's completely safe and completely pampered.
Typically when people are lying in their death bed, the only thing they realize that really mattered were the people they loved and the people who loved them back. That’s it. Material things are all left behind when we go, but love is forever. Mr. Valentine was missing love.
He gave and received no love. You’re right
True!
However, make no mistake, we need God's love. Earthly love is not eternal. It has to be true, UNCONDITIONAL. If you CLING to earthly love, in the spiritual life it is called ATTACHMENT & earthly, carnal, physical attachment keeps one from rising up to Heaven. One stays in Purgatory until they leave behind all attachments. This is the teaching of the saints of many disciplines, Christian, Yoga & Egyptian Book of the Dead. Most people's love on earth is CONDITIONAL.
@@GuruRasaVonWerder there is no such thing as purgatory.
I dig that Beaumont named his demonic character “Pip”. It sort of reflects his specialty in tormenting his charges. Although, I couldn’t ever understand why Serling himself named little Billy Mumys character the same damn thing when he was jerking tears with Klugman 4 seasons later.
Also... If I had to pick a form of Hell, this would definitely be it.
You've never been married then.
Larry Blyden perfectly played Valentine as a wannabe Dutch Schultz.
A classic episode! Sebastian Cabot was great in this!
Sebastian Cabot had to bleach his hair and beard for this episode. It took a long time to get his hair color back.
what a great actor
In the beginning, we see a man who, through his own actions, doesn't deserve peace and serenity in the afterlife. Then we meet this sweet, amusing man, dressed in white, who gives the main character everything he's ever wanted...and more! Is there truly complete forgiveness after death? Or....is there a catch? We're not sure. In my opinion, the lesson learned here is: Be careful what you ask for.
Love this episode for the simple fact the beautiful Sebastian Cabot plays someone completely opposite of his usual sweet roles.
One of the most memorable viewing experiences of my childhood. How Pip went from friendly to fiendish gave me chills.
This episode also “spoiled” the season one reveal of The Good Place for me. Watching that was Deja Vu all over again for me.
To me it says that we can't put a price on inner peace/serenity/happiness. It can take a lifetime to achieve, some never find it. That's the sad part here. He never found it. I used to wonder how a celebrity, or a Rock star could possibly be depressed or worse yet, commit suicide. As I got older, I understood. One episode that stands out in my mind is a stop at "Willoughby". Ahhhhhh to go back to a simpler time, and an easier way of life. That man went to Heaven in that episode. Rod Serling and the Twilight zone will Always be YEARS ahead of it's time. I still watch it on Netflix.. You Rock 👊
Purpose in life. That is what each of us needs.
That's what Serling ALWAYS did - he made us think and reflect on our human condition.
It was a good one. My favorites are "One for the Angels" & "Nothing in the Dark" with the final episode, "Bewitchin' Pool" as the absolutely worst. "Eye of the Beholder" is the most impactful and the one that leaves you thinking long after watching it. The price to free a man held against his will by a cult only to discover you have released evil upon the world.
There are so many great ones. I have to dive into more 😎
“The Howling Man” ( Nov.4,1960 ) also written by Charles Beaumont
I have seen a lot of Twilight Zone episodes. This is one of the few I remember very distinctly, and always has been one of my favorites.
My favorite is Walking Distance , from Season 1. Wow, great episode.
Rod Serling’s closing remarks, on that episode, “Walking Distance” ( Oct.30,1959 ) are among the series best ! Meaningful, haunting, and poignant ...
This episode has given me a lifelong fear of tall filing cabinets, just standing there like the monolith from 2001.
This IS the other place!
Sebastian Cabot was wonderful in this, love episodes ending 👍
Hey Rick, I agree that this was a great episode! Rod Serling was brilliant, he really was able to provide a deep message & get you to really think!! Thanks for sharing another great video! 😷
Thank you! 😷
@@ricknineg hey rick im obsessed with the twilight zone, ive studied all 157 episodes by name. Would love to to chat with you about the show, 217-433-2938 ask for Base. Take care.
Feel free to message me on Facebook or IG. Info is in video description
@@ricknineg whats your fb name.
Info in video description
Rick,
Thanks once again for the review of this TZ episode. I like this episode, too. Blyden's performance was fine, especially in this unique genre of television, which was still in its infancy in the early '60's.
That's what I liked about TZ. It used supernatural stories as the backdrop to motivate viewers to be introspective on natural moral issues. In this case, materialism and worldliness...
Blyden was versatile too. He hosted "What's My Line" and appeared in Chayefsky's "The Bachelor Party."
Rick, as always, love your platform and content.
Best regards,
Paul
I second the comment of Ms. Backstager. You provided a great imitation of Rod Serling's voice!
I’m glad you think so. I hope I can improve it even more with time and listening to him more and more
Yes, I third it. Excellent imitation of Sterling.
I don't care what anybody says, this is the best episode I ever saw.
One of my favorite episodes 😁
👍"Are you feeling lucky kid?" Great line. This one is the best IMO, great, classic Twilight ZONE. Love it!
Great analysis! Twilight Zone is my all-time favorite TV show and it still holds up very well in 2020. 👍
Glad you liked it
One of the best shows ever.
Thanks for the shout-out, man! This is a great Twilight Zone episode. Rod Serling was a genius writer, somehow mastering 'subtle' and 'in-your-face' at the same time. I really need to revisit this one. Actually, I need to revisit them all and really figure out what my personal Top 10 episodes are. (I think 'One for the Angels' might be my #1... I think.) Love these breakdowns, excited for more.
Oh absolutely! How could I not? You guys inspired me to start on the show again. It’ll be so tough to get a Top 10 list. One for the Angels makes me tear up as well as the one where the old woman gets visited by Death (Robert Redford)
He was missing the process of life journey , the road blocks- the brick walls-the short comings....etc
This is my second favorite TZ (My first is A World Of His Own, Season 1, Episode 36). For what it's worth, my take on it is that Rocky's only problem was a profound lack of imagination.
Great job...Definitely a top 5, “ Time Enough at Last” was always my favorite.
Two things stuck out for me in this episode. The first is when Rocky asks Pip if he can see some of his old friends who have died. Pip explains that this is not possible, because the world he is in exists for him alone. It is at that point that Rocky realizes that, despite being surrounded by people, he really is all alone.
Second was the question of what really had Rocky trapped. He is trapped because his interests are so incredibly narrow and simple. He could, in theory, make things more bearable (for awhile at least) by using his imagination. He doesn't, because he can't imagine that wine, women and winning might not be what life is all about.
Hi Rick. I never saw this episode but it looks so intriguing!!!! Super cool and yes so thought provoking.!!
Rod basically was saying then and it still rings true today...... that greed, money , over indulgence...basically “having it all’ will not make you a happy person..... you have to be happy from within..... money and materialistic things do not bring happiness ..... Yes, of course, always strive to do better......but be a good person, be grateful and appreciate your life and what you have personally accomplished
there are many others with so much less and guess what ..... they may also be happy campers.... they may have a great family and love but not the biggest bank account and thats ok too. Its all in the the individuals perception of their life and how they accept it .....whatever that may be.
He was missing the challenges of life.
Could you do an episode about Sebastian Cabot?
Thank you for your work.
Sebastian C. had to bleach out his hair and beard for this ep.
Many big time lottery winners turn out unhappy and sometimes broke. You have to do some good with your windfall and keep challenging yourself.
Do more on twilight zone please
Nothing like winning at everything to make you understand how nice it can be to lose. 😉
*"What's a game if you never lose?"*
A line from the song "Jackie Blue", by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, 1974.
Very interesting Rick. Thank you for the information. Have a great day!
It's not gambling if you can't lose
Purpose. Everyone needs purpose. Can't put a price tag on it. What one has to offer to others. One grows spiritually.
I wasn't aware people fell that way about this episode. I loved it!
Great video Rick. Very interesting. I never saw this episode before. Thank you for sharing. Blessings - Judith
I love the gorgeous blonde, her dancing, the dazzling smile, wish she had lines of dialogue! Sebastian Cabot is excellent as the "guide", Larry Blyden's character gets bored way too quickly, but that's simply because they only have around 20 minutes or a little bit more to convey the story! Then there's the maniacal laugh when the GUIDE says what's REALLY going on there! FABULOUS EPISODE!
Always wished there was more about her. Was she a succubi and this was her role??
@@3piper, the guide (Sebastian Cabot) says that the ladies are "props" to help entertain Henry Francis "Rocky" Valentine (Larry Blyden)
You do a good Rod Serling! I agree with your analysis. You are spot on.
Thanks for your kind words
This was a fantastic episode. Great writing and character development within 30 minutes.
This is one of my favorite episodes too!!!
Heaven has much more to offer than what Rocky got. Heaven doesn't have gambling, drinking alcohol, or anything our world has to offer.
Excellent video. Great episode and a great vocal impression of Rod Sterling on your part Rick. Excellent reveal at the end
Rick Nineg is a good for something!
I have all of the TZ eps.
Me too👍
I remember watching this episode, and thought it was really good, I guess the lesson to this episode is be thankful that you don't win all the time and if you did, you might be bored! 🙂
A niceR place to visit is the Rick Nineg videos!
Hilarious Rod Serling impression, Rick!😆
Was a great episode. Do more Twilight Zone breakdowns. So many good ones to choose from. Nice work, Rick
If people want it, I’ll do it. 😎
I love Mark, but disagree with him,too. Great episode!
'Time Enough At Last'........just saying
Love your channel :-)
i like the setting of this episode, the fancy comfortable looking hotel suite and the costumes and jewelry the women wore.. all the cast was great in this one
I loved this episode cause when I first saw this episode, my philosophical questions began, mostly about life and happiness 👍
I totally love this episode too. Have the entire Zone on DVD and love watching them. YOU ARE THE BEST as usual.
Sebastian Cabot played the part of a very convincing devil in A Nice Place to Visit. He also played the part of the Devil in Escape Clause. He was given the role of Mr. French
in a T.V. series from the 60’s along with Brian Keith, who played the part of Buffy and Jody’s father. I can’t remember the name of the program. If anyone knows, please leave the answer in the comments section. Also, does anyone know whatever happened to Sebastian Cabot ?
Motto: Be careful what you wish for.
This has long been one of my favorite episodes, too, and I was telling some of my friends about it last month. When I saw it the first time, I understood the premise---it isn't rocket science---although now, knowing there is no such thing as an "afterlife," I see it as just the philosophical entertainment it's meant to be.
I believe Rod Serling was pretty much using the "Be very careful what you wish for....you just might get it" idea to make his statement.
Just out of curiosity, how do you know there is not an afterlife?
LaurenceJones-Cabot died in 1977 at age 59.
This is what happens all the time in real life. You see it since time has been recorded. “What’s next”. Eventually there is no “next”. Especially with silver spoon kids. I’m definitely going to look up this episode! Thanks!
Removing the uncertainty in life also removes one's validity. There is no chance for making a difference in the outcome of events. There is no reason for existence.
Your first line is true wisdom.
Mr. Valentine's character was too likeable. I think he should have been a little meaner. Larry Bliden is a likeable guy. Cabet's character was spot on. Great impression of Serling, Rick! Keep the TZ's coming. My favorite show besides I Love Lucy! Take care buddy.
"This IS the other place." And we are all there.
I have favorite episodes that are not among the top tier, like A Hundred Yards Over the Rim, The Last Flight, Back There, and Probe 7 Over and Out.
Great episode.. Saw it last nite!
This is a great episode!
CONSEQUENCE comes after this world.
Because there is none in this world, humans do whatever they want without thought until this eventuality
Top 10 episode for me as well! I love the original look at the concept of Hell (as well as the reveal).
Rick, you are so great....TY for posting these...I love your channel!!
Larry Blyden was quite underated. So sad that he was murdered at a very young age.
It was a car accupident, not murder.
I agree with you. I think Sterling was trying to say that money Fame and Fortune are not everything. Once you have everything then what? It's a sort of well I wanted these cookies and now I've eaten the whole bag of cookies will now what? There's no excitement there's no Thrill of the chase I believe you mentioned something to that effect. I've not seen this episode but I like the Twilight Zone as an adult because it does make you think and I like that. I miss that show it was so good.
This seems to be an uncredited remake of a one-act play called "A Morality Play For The Leisure Class" by John Balderston. It was reprinted in a one-act play anthology textbook at my high school. Short summary: well-off businessman arrives in the afterlife and is greeted by an "angel" who tells him anything he wants is his for the asking. It's hinted that he wasn't very moral or ethical during his life, and although his wife predeceased him he's not exactly eager to see her because he was very detached from her. You know the drill: having everything he wants without ever having to work for it begins to wear on him, until finally he loses his temper and screams at his servant that he wants to go to hell. The servant--not an angel after all but a demon--says with genuine surprise: "But where did you think you WERE, sir?"
Man, they weren't kidding, you do make a great impression of Serling! Nice! Do you know the episode the Howling Man? Is it good?
Oh my god!!! This particular episode IS one of my absolute favorite from THE TWILIGHT ZONE. And, because this is still America as far as the constitution describes everyone is entitled to his opinion. My next favorite like this one is the one with Julie Newmar where she plays the devil. For some odd reason it’s not included on Netflix.
Serling did a repeat of the boring hell theme with John Astin in his Night Gallery. The theme of a boring afterlife is threatening if you're religious. Having anything you want for all eternity isn't living; just existing. Which is why saints and angels have jobs to make eternity bearable. Vampires have the same problem: "I'm immortal, now what?" In Star Trek, Q showed Captain Picard what the Continuum was: a bunch of bored old people in rocking chairs. This is why he visited Picard so much: he just wanted relief from his boredom.
Sebastian Cabot is great in this episode and set the stage for Family Affair years later. Life with kids? Clearly the other place.
"Oh, Mr. Valentine, I dropped that fire and brimstone crap CENTURIES ago! Do you know how BORING that gets? I've pulled this trick maybe a million times now, and it STILL hasn't gotten old! BWAH HA HA!"
And this compounds the irony, because ultimately, Pip WILL get bored with it, and he'll have to dream up some other trick, and eventually HE'LL run out of tricks--and then face the boredom which is just as hellish to him, as it is to Rocky Valentine.
@amrak63: Which means that eventually "Rocky" will go the "Daniel Webster" route and figure out a permanent way to outstrategize his diabolical companion!😂😏🎤📺B.W.
At the risk of Over Simplifying or seeming Condescending,,, it's about Post WW2 American's OBSESSION with Materialism.
A phrase became extremely popular in the nomenclature of the time:
"Keeping up with The Jones's."
Thank you for your work.
It's on METV everyday
I always got Larry Bleden confused with Robert Q. Lewis.
Me too.
@zoperplex: And not to be confused with David Q. Lewis who Played the visiting "Reverend Harrison Breen, from New York City" on the "Sermon for Today" Episode of "The Andy Griffith Show."🤔🎤👮♂️👮♂️📺B.W.
I have a special relationship with that episode (as well as a few others but for different reasons). During its first run, I was too young to stay up late enough to watch the Twilight Zone. More than a decade after this episode aired, a friend told me about it and it stuck with me all these years. A few years ago, I saw it for the first time. After a 40-year buildup, I still thought it was great, especially Sabastian Cabot, one of my favorite character actors, whom I wasn't expecting to see in the show. BTW, the role of Rocky Valentine was originally written for Mickey Rooney, who would have been perfect for it.
Mickey Rooney eventually played a gangster in the “Night Gallery” episode “Rare Objects” ( Oct.15,1972 ) written by Rod Serling. Rooney’s character ( August Kolodney ) is very much like Blyden’s “Rocky” Valentine, and he suffers a similar fate, but with slightly different consequences ...
Correction: Night Gallery’s “Rare Objects” first aired Oct. 22, 1972 starring Mickey Rooney and Raymond Massey as Dr. Glendon, a sort of Sebastian Cabot-type character ( Mr. “Pip” ) who is a “collector” of “Rare Objects” ...
@@charlesmartel5907 Thanks. I'll see if I can find it.
@@charlesmartel5907 Thanks.
It’s the Risk.
I STILL think I could make it work! 🙂
Shame we didn't get to see the older Rod Serling's works...... died too young🤔
Died at 50. Sad
Fantastic. I’m interested to know how you analyze pleasure island in Disney’s”Pinocchio
Great minds think alike! 😀 I love his tough guy Exterior! And I love how Pip makes Rocky is in heaven! P.S. if you haven't done this other episode can you please do "Prime Mover" 🎲🎲 please. Thank you God bless you 🙏 ❤️ And can you do the bank robbers who sleep for 100 yrs and wake up. ⏰️ with Gold bars but end up dying of thirst! 💰 🤑
"Be hopeful" My daughter & I favorite show of All-time! "I Love Lucy" 🏆
🎲
Reminds me of the old joke where St. Peter meets a dying man on Earth. Tells him that He's going to Heaven. He can bring one thing and one thing only with him to Paradise. Dying man has amassed a nice bankroll over the years. He gets to Heaven and opens up a giant bag of gold bars. St. Peter: (after He stares intensely at The Streets of Gold) "Pavement?! Why in the World would you bring Pavement?"😂😇💰💲🛣📺B.W.
Hey I liked this episode not my favorite episode but I still liked it. Also Rod sterling really made us think.
I want to add a couple of tidbits about Rod. A couple of years ago I saw an interview on UA-cam of Rod as a guest was expressing his concern over how the public would respond to his new show "The Twilight Zone" he related that he put his production company together with little support or resources. A very interesting detail he expressed was.. " if all goes well and we don't get cancelled we might clear $150,000 for the season and that would be a great success". Good grief Rick, today principal stars get $ 1,000,000 an episode like Ray Romano did. A whole season to profit $150,000!
The next item is I've got a friend who's wife worked as a critical care nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital since the 70's. She is currently retired but told me it was common knowledge but kept confidential that various staff had seen the ghost of Rod Serling in the hallways of the floor he passed away on. For obvious reasons the management made it clear it was never to be discussed in public.
Remember INFLATION. In 1960 $150,000. is today $1,361,427.
Who is Ray Romano?
Sounds like that would’ve made a good “Twilight Zone” episode !!! Rod Serling’s spiritual essence appears along the hospital corridors where he passed away ...
Fats acting was perfect for this episode
I have never seen this episode but based on your commentary about the episode and your excellent re-telling of the story, I feel I have enough information to provide my personal take on it.
I feel the entire story is similar to a parable, as the listener (or in this case where it's acted out, the watcher), interprets and applies the meaning in a such way that it has a purposeful affect upon that individual's life. There truly is no one correct moral being given.
Again, based on this R9G video alone, I see Rocky as a man accustomed to making choices for his life albeit good or bad. His quest for "the good life" was based upon his need for survival and his desire for instant gratification was a means of false security against adversity.
The one thing Rocky had overlooked was his free will. He made his life choices, no one made them for him. Once he was in "the other place" his free will was gone and all choices were no longer his own. Thus his realization of what he once had and what he lost forever was brought to light in this dark place and the true condemnation began.
Hopefully I can catch this episode in the future as your video brought life to it in my eyes. Plus your Rod Serling impression wasn't bad either! :)
Keep up the great work!
PS: Don't know if the backstory to the other characters in Rocky's tale was ever given, but it'd be interesting to see how and why everyone involved became interconnected.
This is a classic. Some of us create our own living 🔥👹😉👍🏻
Didn't care much for Larry Blyden, but the story was excellent.
His acting was a little over the top, but I still liked the guy ( even though I was a cop and he was a crook ) 👮♀️🤣 Sebastian Cabot, though, was great and really made the episode !!! I’ll ever forget that maniacal laughter at the end ...
I don’t know about Rocky, but these past 40 years have been my heaven and Kathy’s hell.
What if Rocky asked Pip for a typewriter, some writing talent and paper? What if he asked for true love or a French tutor? What if he tried to be something besides a murderous burglar?
I think he still would have been unhappy because he would not have needed to work hard for those things or work or grow towards those goals. Pip would have granted his wishes instantly. So there would have been no satisfaction or sense of accomplishment in the end 🤷♀️
This episode played a large roll in my becoming an atheist and abandoning my belief in an eternal afterlife. This episode made me realize that such a thing would be terrifying. Think about it. In the cassino Valentine will never lose a bet in the cassino. Anyone down stairs is eager to go yo bed with him. And not just the women. Though it's not even hinted at for a TV show from 1960, everyone would include the guys, even if Mr. Valentine is not gay.
There are a limited number of ways he could amuse himself. Even though it is literally everything he wanted in life, it is limited to those things he wanted in life.
But even if the other place allows for emotional growth, there would still only be so many things you could do. So even if it takes a googolplex to the power of a googolplex to the power of a googolplex... (continue this as much as you like) there will some day be a time when you have done it all so many times that there is nothing else you can do.
Infinite time is not just a "very long time" it is much longer that.
Consider a googolplex. This is 10 to the power of a googol. Even a googol (10 to the power of 100) is a number much larger then the number of sub-atomic particles in the entire universe.
Consider the number of atoms in a single glass of water. There are more atoms in a single glass of water than there are glasses of water in all the seas, lakes, rivers and clouds on the entire planet.
And that is just the water. And that is the number of atoms. Each atom is made of a collection of protons, neutrons and electrons. And every neutron and proton is composed of quarks. It is these, quarks and electrons that we are counting. The number of these partials (along with some other weird particles) is "only" about 10 to the power of 89.
That would be the largest number you would need to count all of the objects that exist in the entire universe. So just a googol of years would be a long time indeed. A googolplex is a googol orders of magnitude larger still!
Trust me, you want your existence to come to an end at some point. If you don't properly think about it, it's a terrifying prospect. But this fear is *NOT* rational. Like many fears, it is not based on any real thing. It is a trait you have inherited from a long like of ancestors, just as you good eyesight and big brain is inherited. These things gave your ancestors a better chance of survival, long enough to reproduce.
The contemporaries of our ancestors, even long before they were recognizably human, who did not fear death, did not run away as fast as possible or fight as hard as they could to survive and thus they did not live long enough to reproduce.
If you think about it, eternal existence is the true terror. And we already know what it's like to not exist. You have already gone through 13 billion years of it.
If you don't agree with this, please present a *RATIONAL* argument to support your claims. I have been considering this for more that 45 years, and to be honest, I kind of hope I'm wrong. I'd very much like to look forward to seeing my loved ones who have passed before me. I understand that it may not be scary to think I'm not wrong and just reject my point of view outright. But I very much believe that if you can't be honest with yourself then it is not possible to be honest with others. And I can't believe in a thing unless I can support it rationally. Do do any different would be dishonest.
I think its not about money and fame, more about love and be loved, for real. In the end, you can have all the money, but are you really happy, are you loved?