The first of four TZ's to star Jack Klugman is very much of the mid-twentieth century idiom. This is a dreamy and reflective story about the despair of a has-been trumpet player. The supernatural element, the respect for talented trumpet players, and the emotional qualities here all belong to a by-gone era. I cant help preferring the deeply human essence of TZ to today's drama. A Passage For Trumpet is one of those tales were the value of life is affirmed by showing a life heading for ruin. There were lots of shadowy states of being in the old days in movies like 'It's A Wonderful Life', 'The Devil And Daniel Webster', and 'A Matter Of Life And Death', followed by TZ's like this one.
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darrenpearce11123 November 2013
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classicsoncall27 March 2010Jack Klugman offers a wonderful performance here as the down and out trumpet player who can't catch a break after derailing into alcoholism. If you're used to his Felix Unger character from 'The Odd Couple', he may surprise you in this one with his depth as a performer. The same could be said for John Anderson, who appears at least once in just about every TV series of the Fifties and Sixties, most notably in Westerns. It's hard to say which actor is playing more against type, as each finds himself in an atypical role.
Unlike many characters who find themselves on the 'other' side, it was curious to see Joey Crown (Klugman) reacting to his 'death' so nonchalantly - "I'm dead. That's it. I'm just plain old deceased". Most of the time there's some incredulity involved, but Joey seems to take it in stride. What he learns from Gabe (Anderson) though, is enough to set him back on an Earthly path where he can embrace and enjoy the good things along the line that don't involve blowing a trumpet. It's an almost tearjerker story, but for Joey's excitement at the prospect of playing once again and finding someone to share it with. A very heartwarming ending that didn't go for irony as many of the episodes did.
Nothing to do with the story per se, but I'm wondering now why this show would offer theater posters for 1953's "Big Leaguer" and 1957's "Edge of the City" in the lobby scene. Could be they were in re-release, though I'm not familiar with how that works. Maybe that's something that could be answered by the Archangel Gabriel. -
meansphene6 August 2018"A Passage for Trumpet" is a Twilight Zone episode that's not usually considered to be among the best of the series, but it has a thoughtful, moving story that's excellently written and acted, making it easy to recommend. Writer Rod Serling imbued the same pathos into alcoholic jazz-man Joey Crown as he did with the boozy Henry Corwin from the outstanding "The Night of the Meek". No one could capture the sense of the downtrodden urban man like Serling, and his most personal and effective scripts always seem to center on a character of this sort. Joey Crown is indeed downtrodden, run under by his own sensitivity and the liquor he uses to drown it. Only his music makes the world tolerable, but Crown has sacrificed even that to the bottle.
Jack Klugman as Joey Crown turns in the best of his four TZ appearances, though only barely edging out his fine work in "In Praise of Pip". I think it's the best performance he ever put on film, alongside his role in the film classic "Twelve Angry Men". He doesn't just wear his shabby tuxedo, he becomes it, wrinkles, stains and all. His propensity to go way over the top is well controlled, and he gives a mostly restrained and appropriately melancholy turn as the sad drunkard Crown. The only other actor with more than a few lines is the great John Anderson. Usually menacing, here he is uncharacteristically amiable and cool as a mysterious, goateed horn player who carries an important message for Crown.
This episode doesn't have any of the Twilight Zone's more famous twists, and the end is even predictable, but the story is lovely and the characters are sympathetic and likable. Be sure to catch Klugman's monologue about why Joey Crown drinks, and likewise the heartfelt advice that Anderson's character delivers to a repentant Crown -- it's classically great Serling prose, and really wonderful stuff. 8/10. -
dougdoepke14 June 2006Entry is really more of a human interest story than anything else, although occult does play a role. Actually, the episode is distinguished by a truly exquisite performance from Klugman, whose down-and-out jazz musician remains a beautifully shaded study in urban despair. It's a low-key masterpiece. Lordly John Anderson also adds strong presence as mysterious goateed stranger. Message is uncharacteristically uplifting one for series, but not inconsistent with Klugman's desperate effort to express himself in jazz riffs. Episode also includes strong series feature: the use of stylized urban sets to heighten prevailing mood, especially nighttime mood. However, it's the human interest dimension that carries this delicately wrought entry.
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bkoganbing12 December 2019Jack Klugman makes the first of four appearances on the Twilight Zone in this episode. He plays a has been trumpeter who back in the day we learn played for Tommy Dorsey for a bit. But too much carousing has left him a shadow of his former self. His playing skills have left him and one day he just walks in front of a truck.
He wakes in a world where he hears praise from the only person who can see or hear him. And that he can hit a good high note, but that's not the only thing in life of value.
Klugman and that music critic John Anderson are a good matched pair in this nicely written Twilight Zone story. -
robert-259-2895429 July 2016How do I love thee, Jack? Let me count the ways. From your clown face, to your soulful, down and out eyes, you are simply perfect. The consummate actor who puts 110% into each and every one of your performances, and this one is certainly no exception. You don't only ACT the character, you LIVE the character. I know several jazz musicians, and you captured the attitude of the horn players I know with such depth and accuracy that, well, you seem just like a real horn player. I only wish I could have met you personally, to tell you how much your masterful performances formed the core of Twilight Zone's heart and lasting impact and value to society. In this episode, kudos to his superb co-star, John Anderson, who chiseled features and substantial gravitas rounded out this memorable episode to a "tee." RIP, Jack Klugman, you will be sorely missed.
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Calicodreamin2 June 2021A well acted episode with an interesting episode and a strong message. Life can be beautiful if only you know where to look.
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safenoe27 February 2016This is a moving episode of the classic Twilight Zone and you really feel for Jack's character, the struggles (some self-inflicted) with for instance alcohol, that have stunted his musical career and ability to have meaningful relationships.
One of the things that impressed me about this episode was Jack Klugman's acting, especially his ability to convey emotion without saying a thing! Two scenes in particular: a. where he reluctantly hocks his trumpet at the pawn store. Acting students...look at his anguish as he hocks the trumpet. Amazing. b. where he with much relief gets his trumpet back and redeems himself. This stuff should be shown in all acting schools, and Jack trumps (pardon the pun) it big time. -
mark.waltz22 February 2019Just fresh off Broadway from "Gypsy", Jack Klugman gives a moving performance as a talented trumpet player who can't play unless he's bombed. This leads him to a suicide attempt and a meeting with a very special visitor when he thinks he has passed on to the other side. But the learns from this visit are more than just profound, Joey and someone comes out good can be rich of this learning that indeed, it is a Wonderful Life, if you strive to make it one.
Assisting Klugman in making this a memorable episode are Ned glass as a pawn shop Clark and John Anderson as the mysterious visitor comes along just in the nick of time. This is the Twilight Zone and Serling at their most spiritual, and it is an important lesson that is taught here that manages to be moving but not preachy. Subtle writing and nice twists helps this become another memorable episode from the first season. -
chrstphrtully28 July 2007While "The Twilight Zone" had many memorable episodes, few can touch this one for its subtlety and beauty. This is a prime example of what Rod Serling could do when he wasn't trying to be preachy or commercial.
An alcoholic trumpeter, sensing all of his chances are used up, attempts to kill himself, and runs into a seeming kindred soul. Within this seemingly simple plot, Serling's script comes up with some incredibly moving language (Klugman's monologue at the beginning is still one of my favorites), and the actors don't disappoint. Jack Klugman is magnificent as the lost soul, and John Anderson (as the kindred soul) is low-key but equally effective in his own way. Take these and some lovely direction (love the framing of Anderson's exit shot), and you'll find one of the series' best episodes.
If you get the chance, don't miss this one! -
ericstevenson17 July 2018This seems to be one of the more pleasant episodes. That far from makes it one of the best. It features a jazz singer who commits suicide. He then becomes a ghost, but meets someone who can see and hear him. He looks like Abraham Lincoln. No, he isn't Lincoln, but someone named Gabe.
You know, short for Gabriel? He tells him that everyone else is dead and he's alive. Well, he's in Purgatory so I admit that was worded pretty poorly. He gets another chance. I just thought this was a little predictable. It's still nice to have a more upbeat episode. *** -
searchanddestroy-16 February 2020What an amazing story here, pulled by a tour de force performance by a so moving and terrific Jack Klugman at his best. Watch out for his monologue, at the beginning of the story, when he talks about his distress and the meaning of his dependance of alcohool. we learn many things when you see this episode. A love story of a man with his music, a love story with a man with his horn, but not only. Thank you Mr Sterling for your brillance, your intelligence, your sensibility. You helped us to open eyes and understand so many things. Thanks.
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"A Passage For Trumpet" (episode 32) was first aired on television May 20, 1960.
Anyway - As the story goes - After committing suicide, Joey Brown (an unsuccessful trumpet player) is given a second chance at life. But first he must learn what it means to be dead in a world full of life. -
AvionPrince1627 February 2023An episode where we follow a man who will realise that he become nothing and feel useless. He think that also dont have womens who are interested by him. But an accident will make him realise how he enjoyed his own life and the little things: stay in a bar, talk to people. I dont really know whats the morality behind it but i think its to make us realise that life can be enjoyable even if we have simple life. At the end, the man will even have a girl who is interested by him. I think it want to make us feel that we still can have a great life even if we dont have everything we want. But that man and his passion for music will feel alive again. An episode also to make us feel alive and aware of the little things that can make us happy.
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Jack Klugman plays unemployed/alcoholic trumpet player Joey Crown in this 1960 episode. Down on his luck and starving for a gig, he drinks away the hours and lets his playing disintegrate along with his miserable life. After seemingly giving up all hope and selling his trumpet to a pawn dealer, he attempts to kill himself by jumping in front of a moving truck. He quickly enters the "Zone" when he awakens and finds that he's in a kind of netherworld. He can see people moving about but can't communicate with them as no one acknowledges his existence. He soon concludes that he's dead and sinks into more depression. One fellow does respond to him, however. Another trumpet player (John Anderson) finally appears on the scene and both musicians have a lot to talk about. Anderson informs Joey that he's not dead after all but merely in limbo. He also persuades him to take up his instrument again when he returns to the real world and convinces him that he has a lot to live for. As Anderson begins to make his exit, Joey asks him what his name is. Anderson replies "Gabe. Short for Gabriel," and strolls back into the darkness of eternity. Within a few moments, Klugman is picking himself off the pavement, but unscathed from his brush with death. The distraught truck driver hands him some money to placate him and it's just the right amount for Joey to buy back his trumpet. He resumes his musical career and his life with a new enthusiasm and appreciation for the gifts he possesses.
"A Passage for Trumpet" is all about getting a second chance at life and making the most of it. Klugman (as always) is perfectly cast as the lonely soul, desperate to prove his self worth, but needing a push over the edge for his final motivation. Anderson's "Gabe" is obviously meant to be the Archangel Gabriel. Writer/creator Serling has upgraded him to a contemporary of Miles Davis and he's the hippest spirit this side of heaven. The dialogue is quite moving in this episode and both actors do a fine job of conveying what's really a simple story into a poignant lesson for the living. -
vitoscotti21 April 2023Always wonderful to see anything with Jack Klugman (Oscar Madison from The Odd Couple TV version). The first half is fairly commonplace. Jack Klugman is on the verge of overacting portraying an alcoholic at his wits end, with his life spiraling downward out of control. The story up to here is borderline unbearable how depressing it is. Veteran actor Ned Glass as the pawnbroker in an outstanding performance. It picked up quite a bit when archangel Gabriel (John Anderson) appears to recharge Joey Crown's appreciation for life. The appearance of airhead Nan (Mary Webster) out of the blue was very sappy. Average story but still better than any TV show made today.
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ratssaidskinner12 June 2015Indeed, this is one of the best episodes of TZ. Klugman (God rest his soul), was such a fantastic, natural actors of all time. I can't imagine any other actor in this role and still maintaining this high quality of the episode. Of course, at least as I see it, the trumpet is symbolic for ANY talent or gift that each of us in born with. It also shows the impact of choices and consequences. I do feel the explanation given by "Gabe" about everyone else being dead was a bit too contrived. I'd rather the others be thought of as being dead INSIDE, yet I don't believe that's what was meant....perhaps it was; who knows? Serling's message on the outro was spot on. Brilliant!
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Woodyanders30 June 2017Down on his luck alcoholic jazz musician Joey Crown (a fine and touching performance by Jack Klugman) attempts suicide by throwing himself in front of a truck. Crown awakens in an alternate limbo world in which fellow horn player Gabriel (an excellent portrayal by John Anderson) informs Crown that it's up to him to choose life over death.
Director Don Medford relates the engrossing and affecting story at a constant pace as well as adroitly crafts a strong brooding atmosphere of quiet despair and aching melancholy. Klugman astutely captures the deep depression and raw desperation of his pitiable sadsack character. Mary Webster makes a nice impression as sweet new girl in town Nan. Rod Serling's thoughtful script delivers a spot-on profound and moving central message about the need to appreciate the good things in life and not let life's hardships get the best of you. A lovely show. -
This particular episode of the Twilight Zone has always been a big-time favorite of mine and touches me on a very deep level. More than once I have gotten teary-eyed while watching Klugman's amazing performance. He brings a certain life and spirit to the character that is both mesmerizing and all his own. And the story itself is about having that one last second-chance and making everything you can out of it and experiencing the joy and beauty and life that you once knew but somewhere along the way just simply forgot. This is one of those episodes that I break out once in awhile to watch in order to energize myself and to remind myself to make the most out of everything in my life.
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wiluxe-25 May 2020It's simply amazing how tight and perfect so many Twilight Zone episodes were, considering it was (with some exceptions) a half-your show. In the case of this particular episode the standout is the performance by Jack Klugman as a talented, but lonely and seriously depressed jazz musician. Every word Krugman speaks is authentic and profoundly real; every movement he makes is absolutely right. And Serling's script is concise, deft, and keenly intelligent; he's taken on a subject that might have been written very differently by someone else, lacking the quiet sentiment behind this sad man's story that Serling provides.
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Coventry17 July 2017Of the 32 "Twilight Zone" episodes I watched thus far, this is only the second one that really disappointed me. I guess I certainly can't complain about this ratio, especially because the other 30 vary from really good to downright genius. Also, the reasons why "A Passage for Trumpet" and "The Big Tall Wish" (the other letdown) didn't appeal to me are quite personal and very much related to my preferences in cinema. Both stories are overly melodramatic and talkative, don't feature any sardonic (supportive) characters and shove forced happy endings down your throat. Joey Crown is a down- on-his-luck trumpet player. Because to his uncontrollable alcoholism, and after facing another rejection to play at the club of his former friend, he decides to step out of life by throwing himself in front of a truck. When Joey awakens he learns that nobody can see or hear him, so he assumes that his suicide attempt was successful. But then Joey meets a fellow trumpet player who can interact with him, and he – Gabe, short for Gabriel – encourages him to return to the real world and see the beauty of it. This tale may very well have enchanting and hopeful messages (second chances in life, believing in yourself, have passion for what you do, etc ) as well as symbolism (Gabe the archangel?) to share, but these aren't exactly the aspects I'm looking for in The Twilight Zone. I like my Sci-Fi / Cult gems dark, desolate and depressing, otherwise I might just as well watch "Happy Days". Still, the masterfully intense and plausible performance of Jack Klugman certainly does deserve to be mentioned.
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BA_Harrison17 December 2017It's a Wonderful Life with jazz, A Passage For Trumpet stars Jack Klugman as alcoholic horn player Joey Crown, who believes that life has dealt him a bad hand. After selling his instrument and getting drunk, a despondent Joey throws himself in front of a moving truck, only to wake up in a world where no-one can see or hear him. He's a ghost, or so he thinks, at least until he meets a fellow trumpet player called Gabe (John Anderson) who tells him that he is in limbo, and that he can decide which way to go.
A tale of second chances, and finding an appreciation for the good things in life, A Passage For Trumpet is one of The Twilight Zone's more sentimental stories, helped immensely by a fine central performance from Klugman, and a cool jazzy atmosphere that positively reeks of the era. Like the aforementioned James Stewart Christmas staple, this episode is a heartwarming classic designed to leave the viewer in a positive self-reflective mood, Rod Serling doing his bit to help the depressed and lonely. -
Hitchcoc20 October 2008This is a homage to music. This is about a man who has given up but has the soul of the sweet refrain of the trumpet in him. He tries to end his life, but a kindred spirit comes and teaches him why he can't die, that the music in him must continue. This was the first time I realized who Jack Klugman was. He brings out depression and sadness in this episode, but in this "loser" is more than there is in most of us. There is a wonderful narration by Serling to begin this episode and then he carries it off for us. Often seen a high point for the series, this episode is more about the spirit of a man than about the supernatural--although those elements coincide.
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Samuel-Shovel26 March 2017This episode is a 1st season rarity in the sense that it's conclusion results in a happy ending. Joey's brief visit to purgatory results in a transformation from a bumbling drunk to a man who appreciates his music, his friends, & the littler things in life. It's all very "A Wonderful Life"-esque. The allegorical addition of Gabriel and his trumpet was a nice touch and did a fine job rounding out the story. It's difficult to have an entire full-fledged character arc for a story like this in a 20 minutes span but TZ always does a fantastic job of not wasting a second of air time. One of my favorites from Season 1 and a true classic.
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ABOUT: Joey Crown, a trumpet player whose view of his self is very low relies too much on the bottle, consequently, this makes it hard for him to be hired to perform and earn his living.
REVIEW: A Passage for Trumpet belongs with the other great episodes of The Twilight Zone that I have watched. I was on the brink of calling it so-so when I thought it was going to be another outing in which another version of the afterlife will be shown. But the show's tradition of the unexpected twists and turns saved it for me. I was surprised and was pleased.
The story is very familiar, it is reminiscent of that popular movie they show during "that" time of the year in terms of how it builds up, the moral lesson it imparts, and how it concludes (which makes it a fresh entry to the series that has seen many characters meet their comeuppance/ fate harshly).
FINAL WORD: A Passage for Trumpet is one of the best episodes of this terrific show. If you are having a feeling same as mine when I was watching at start, give it a chance and watch until the end. You won't be let down. Apart from the standard great writing, the moral of the story is one to be heard and learned. Go see it!