TWILIGHT ZONE, THE: IN PRAISE OF PIP {SEASON FIVE PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
One in this science fiction/fantasy anthology series hosted by Rod Serling.
In Vietnam, Private Pip Phillips has been severely wounded, and there is little chance for his survival. Meanwhile, back in America, his father Max, a small-time bookmaker, continues to fleece innocent people and drink himself into oblivion. When George Reynold, a young man he duped with a bad betting tip, arrives to plead with him, Max relents and returns George’s money -- much to the chagrin of the boss, Moran.
George is subsequently roughed up by a goon in Moran’s office when Max walks in and tries to explain his actions. Just then, Max's landlady, Mrs. Feeny, calls to read a telegram sent from the Army, stating that Pip is dying. A shaken Max tells off Moran and escapes with George, after throwing George his cash. However, Moran's goon shoots at Max, who sustains a wound in his side.
Arriving at the nearby midway where he often brought Pip as a child, Max pleads with God to let him speak to his son. And to his surprise, ten-year-old Pip appears. Max is overjoyed and the midway springs to life around them. The two have fun until a ghastly expression washes over Pip’s face and he runs away from Max, who chases him into a house of mirrors. There, Pip solemnly announces that he has to leave, that he is dying.
Max, in tears, begs him not to go, promising that he will change his ways and become a better person. However, Pip disappears and the midway shuts down; Max is alone once again. With the last of his strength, Max again pleads with God, offering his own life in exchange for his son’s. He then collapses and dies.
A month later, an injured but now-recovering Pip visits the midway with Mrs. Feeny. At the gun range gallery where he used to shoot targets with his father, Pip remembers Max's words and mourns the loss of his “best buddy.” Commercials deleted.
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Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: September 27, 1963 9:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:24:59
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: B:55459
- GENRE: Drama, fantasy/science fiction
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, fantasy/science fiction; Vietnam War; Religion
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1959-1964
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Bert Granet … Producer
- Joseph M. Newman … Director
- Rod Serling … Writer, Created by
- Rene Garriguenc … Music by
- Lud Gluskin … Conductor
- Rod Serling … Host
- Jack Klugman … Cast, Max Phillips
- Billy Mumy … Cast, Young Pip Phillips
- Connie Gilchrist … Cast, Mrs. Feeny
- Robert Diamond … Cast, Private Pip Phillips
- Russell Horton … Cast, George Reynold
- S. John Launer … Cast, Moran