The Twilight Zone Diaries, episode 2

One For The Angels

originally aired: October 9, 1959
written by: Rod Serling
starring: Ed Wynn, Murray Hamilton

"Street scene, summer, the present. A man on the sidewalk named Lew Bookman, age: sixtyish, occupation: pitchman. Lew Bookman, a fixture of the summer. A rather minor componant to a hot July. A nondescript commonplace little man whose life is a treadmill built out of sidewalks, but in just a moment, Lew Bookman will have to concern himself with survival. Because, as of 3 o'clock this hot July afternoon, he'll by stalked by Mr. Death."

classification: drama/Mr. Death

story: After tricking Mr. Death out of taking his life, Lew Bookman must deliver the pitch of his life in order to save the life of an innocent neighborhood child.

my summary: A good story, one a family could probably enjoy. Mr. Death stories are always intriguing, this one is subtle and sly. Street scenes and 1950s New York apartments are pretty realistic, July heat seems to be portrayed effectively. My favorite parts were Death introducing himself by wilting the flower and Lew affirming his afterlife, "up there?" "Up there, Mr. Bookman, YOU MADE IT." Walking down the street with Death. Very nice.

"Lewis J. Bookman, age: sixtyish, occupation: pitchman. Formerly a fixture of the summer, formerly a rather minor componant to a hot July but throughout his life a man beloved by the children and therefore a most important man. Couldn't happen, you say? Probably not in most places, but it did happen.....in the Twilight Zone.