One for the Angels (1959) User Reviews (45)

A different interpretation

[Qanqor · 7/10 · 11 July 2009]

A great episode? Maybe not, but Ed Wynn's character is so much fun that I'm willing to cut it a lot of slack. But I'm not going to rehash the obvious here.

I want to instead focus specifically on the pitch itself, which some reviewers here have criticized.

Is the pitch lackluster? Well how great could it possibly be? I mean, really, how could you have made it better, without straining credulity? After all, it's already established that Bookman is no great salesman, just look at his standard of living. He can't suddenly become *too* good, or it's just unrealistic. And his hodgepodge of products pretty clearly isn't likely to include anything that's going to particularly impress anyone. He seems to be working for the same shabby outfit as Ernest Truex, but without the helpful insight of knowing what people need. Frankly, I doubt even Harvey Hunnicut ("Get a honey from Hunnicut!") could do much with that stuff (and if you *did* have a Harvey Hunnicut-type character play the role, he wouldn't be nearly as lovable).

But I think it's fair to say it *was* a great pitch by Bookman's usual standards. He himself says it's the best he's ever done, and we have no reason to doubt him. Which is all that really matters, as far as the plot is concerned.

But as for Death's response to the pitch, his being overwhelmed, and buying all this junk he has no use for... have you considered a different interpretation? Death was no dummy, my read has always been that he was probably playing along; *he* knew that if the pitch was successful, then he'd get to take Bookman after all-- which is really what he wanted all along. Indeed, the threat to take the girl was probably a ruse all along. It would not have served Death's ends for him to have strong sales resistance in this case, would it? Seriously, don't you think Death *allowed* himself to get caught up in the pitch? Notice that Death never has an "aha!" moment about the implications of the pitch, he never does any kind of "oh yeah, that's right, I guess this means I get to take you after all!" kind of revelation. He knew all along.

In short, I don't think Bookman outwitted Death twice. I think he outwitted him once, and then Death outwitted him back.

A fast moving, engaging episode.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 15 June 2015]

Ed Wynn stars as Lou Bookman, a sidewalk salesman who hawks everything from toys to ties. One day, he's visited by none other than Death Himself (Murray Hamilton). Death informs Bookman that his time is imminent, only Bookman doesn't feel that he's ready to go. He decides that he can't die until he's made the pitch of a lifetime. Death agrees to this, only to arrange for somebody else to perish. Bookman had been planning to stall the inevitable, but now he's ready to launch into the biggest sales pitch he's ever made.

First and foremost, this endearing second 'Twilight Zone' episode is an excellent showcase for the talented Mr. Wynn, who was in real life fairly advanced in age though not much older than the character he's playing. You like him immediately; you can understand his hesitancy at shuffling off this mortal coil, and are amused by the way he tries to take advantage of Mr. Death. You also realize that this man has a huge heart, and can believe that he has made something of a difference in the lives of children in his neighbourhood.

Hamilton is lots of fun, matching Mr. Wynn every step of the way. Their repartee is enjoyable. One great touch is that Death tends to disappear and reappear frequently, throwing Bookman for a loop. Young Dana Dillaway is completely endearing without being overly cute in the role of Bookmans' little friend Maggie.

Rod Serling wrote the solid script himself; it's well realized by director Robert Parrish, and the climactic pitch, while mostly just conveyed through brief montage bits, does give the impression that Bookman is truly selling like he has never done before.

Eight out of 10.

One for the Angels, or: At midnight I'll take your soul

[Coventry · 8/10 · 21 April 2016]

This is exactly the type of stuff I was hoping to find when I purchased the full series of "The Twilight Zone" on DVD! Stories of the macabre that are familiar and rather basic, but nevertheless oddly unsettling and atmospheric. "One for the Angels" is such a typical tale that makes you chuckle but simultaneously gives you goosebumps when you contemplate about the concept more thoroughly. The always optimistic and beloved street vendor Lou Bookman finds himself stalked by a rigid and stoic man in a black suit. When this man also suddenly appears in his home, it takes Lou some time before realizing this man is Death himself and he's coming to announce that Lou's life on earth terminates at midnight. Lou understandably doesn't agree to die and misleads Mr. Death by begging to still receive the time to make one last big sales pitch before dying. When Mr. Death realizes he's been fooled, he sets in motion a very dramatic alternative… I can easily understand why an episode such as "One for the Angels" wouldn't appeal to younger audiences and/or fans of nowadays Sci-Fi and mystery cinema. After all, the plot is quite silly and doesn't contain a lot of action. But for fans of old-fashioned supernatural cinema, this episode is a joy to behold thanks to Rod Serling's ingenious narrative structure and the sober ambiance. This particular episode is also very endearing, but I believe this is largely the achievement of Ed Wynn who fantastically depicts the protagonist Lou Bookman. Personally I'm not too familiar with Wynn's work as a comedian, but his appearance in "The Twilight Zone" here at least proves that he was able to mix his comical talents with genuine drama and mystery. Murray Hamilton, probably best known for his role as the obnoxious mayor in "Jaws", also gives a stellar performance as the stern and (almost) unemotional embodiment of Death. A fabulous episode!

Heartwarming, and Spooky - Typical Serling!

[Scooter0123 · 10/10 · 8 September 2009]

I enjoyed the performances: Ed Wynn was lovable as the friendly pitchman, and Murray Hamilton was perfect as Mr. Death. The Twilight Zone has endured because of inspired writing and has been sustained by the incredible talent that it attracted. Ed Wynn is perfect as the pitchman who loves children. Note that there is nothing at all perverted about this, as we might expect today. That's something to love about "One for the Angels" too. I highly recommend this one to all. It's thought provoking and completely enjoyable. Watch it and try to imagine such inspired TV viewing today. The caliber of talent, Ed Wynn, Murray Hamilton, their performances were first rate, in my opinion. The child actors were fairly typical for the time period. But I think that anyone watching this with an open mind will enjoy it. Please...don't try to put too much into it. Just allow yourself to be drawn into the drama. It's an amazing feeling.

What a Zone Episode Should Be

[GunnersMate · 9/10 · 23 April 2018]

One for the Angels typifies the best in a Twilight Zone episode; a lovely mix of spooky, charming, science fiction, dark twists, and just plain funny. Ed Wynn is brilliant as the Pitch Man and neighborhood avuncular figure who meets the embodiment of death. How he handles both the news and his apparent fate make for an entertaining episode. Our parting lesson is not as grandiose in presentation as in other Zone episodes (which is actually welcomed), and the simplicity of it leaves the viewer with a smile. Justly delightful.

The Pitch of a lifetime

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 24 June 2012]

Genial Ed Wynn a sidewalk tie salesman isn't quite ready to give up mortality when Death as personified by Murray Hamilton comes calling. Wynn tricks Hamilton into him making just one more big sales pitch, one that will really put over a good sale.

But Death has his quota and when young Dana Dillaway hovers between life and death, Wynn sees his chance to really make a big pitch.

Ed Wynn after years playing the maniacal perfect fool on vaudeville, the stage and radio proved to be a fine dramatic actor in such items as The Great Man, The Diary Of Anne Frank, and Marjorie Morningstar. Wynn blends both his comic and dramatic gifts in this fine Twilight Zone episode.

He also did another Twilight Zone show and that for fans of Ed Wynn should also not be missed.

The Twilight Zone charm at its best

[insightflow · 12 February 2006]

I have been almost obsessed with The Twilight Zone for years, having collected pretty much all episodes; however, it was "One For The Angels" to truly launch me to the "twilight zone" one night. Perhaps it was Ed Wynn's fine performance to combine with the Storyteller's all-engulfing warmth that made the magic tangible. I remember that night and that episode made me a believer and advocate of art's pretence to Truth, rather than remaining a crippled rationalist. All meaning is suddenly revealed, if only we have the subtlety of senses needed en route for The Twilight Zone. The poetry of this episode, even though much lighter, can compare in its depth and fineness with 1985's "Toys Of Caliban". (Great acting by Richard Mulligan there, too.)

An Episode That Lives Up To Its Title

[chrstphrtully · 8/10 · 27 May 2015]

Death comes to claim beloved door-to-door salesman Lew Bookman, who is beloved by the local children, but Bookman convinces Death to allow him to stay alive long enough to make the pitch of a lifetime. When Death suspects that Bookman is simply playing for time, he decides to take a substitute.

"One for the Angels" is Serling's first great Twilight Zone script, anchoring itself in well- defined characters with believable (under the circumstances) emotional stakes. With a different actor in the lead, the Bookman character might seem too good to be true; in Ed Wynn's hands, however, the character's warmth and bond with the children of the neighborhood is genuine, and his charm at putting off Death is equally believable (again, given the circumstances). Equally impressive is Murray Hamilton (an often-underrated character actor) as Death, taking an otherwise metaphysical figure, and imbuing him with genuine stakes (maintaining the balance of the world) while at the same time adding a bit of subdued sympathy for the plight of his mark.

To be sure, this is not a perfect episode, as the "pitch of a lifetime" does leave a little to be desired. Nonetheless, the balance between the Wynn and Hamilton characters makes the story strangely believable on its own terms, and deeply affecting. In other words, the definition of a classic Twilight Zone episode.

Cheating Death

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 9 January 2014]

The pitchman Lou Bookman (Ed Wynn) is unexpectedly visited by Mr. Death (Murray Hamilton) that tells him that his time has come. Lou appeals to live more to make a big pitch as he has always dreamed on. Mr. Death accepts the request but tells him that he has to take someone else with him. When he selects the girl Maggie Polanski (Dana Dillaway), who is Lou's neighbor, the old man has to take a decision.

"One for the Angels" is another great episode of "Twilight Zone", with the story of a street vendor that tries to cheat death and finds that it is not easy, bringing a tragic consequence to a little girl. The conclusion is perfect for this tragicomic show. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Além da Imaginação - One for the Angels" ("Beyond Imagination - One for the Angels")

Note: On 25 Mar 2018 I saw this episode again.

Ed Wynn wins over your heart.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 18 February 2019]

In this exceptional second episode of "The Twilight Zone", the beloved stage and film comic Ed Wynn delivers a performance that is certainly award worthy. He plays a much-beloved street vendor who entertains the children and gives much of his supply away simply because of his love for them, but his days are numbered due to the appearance of the mysterious Murray Hamilton. it seems that the Grim Reaper wears a suit and tie and has come to claim Wynn due to natural causes which will give him a peaceful and painless exit. But Wynn is not ready to go and I can certainly see why. The adults may pay no attention to him but the children adore him, one little girl in particular. Wynn utilizes great trickery into prolonging his stay, and even though he may have lost, that doesn't stop Hamilton from haunting him and even going out with him his way to claim someone else in a not so peaceful way. Because of his conscience and love for the children, Wynn must think very fast, and that means giving the greatest pitch of his life.

For the second episode of "The Twilight Zone" series comes one of my favorites, an episode I have not seen in many years but remember it in detail as if I had just watched it a few months ago. It is one so big with heart and bittersweet and possibly even tear inducing. Wynn has so many reasons to want to continue to live because even though he is alone, he certainly is not lonely and the children brighten up his life to the point where he is not ready to leave it. The theme is heartwarming, often funny and ironic both in humorous and serious ways. Hamilton, resembling Rod Serling to an extent, is outstanding in the supporting role and while he seems mildly amused by how Wynn schemes to remain alive, he knows it is his duty to either bring back when to his final destination or someone else and with the screech of tires, it is obvious who that someone is. So much detail in a short period of time makes this an excellent episode, with excellent pacing, a brilliant script and performances that will reach deep into your heart. This is what great TV is all about, just proving Fred Allen's claim that TV quality was simply a medium.

A Fine Second Outing!

[Skeeter700 · 7/10 · 2 February 2006]

Ed Wynn does a fine job playing an elderly salesman, who must cheat death twice: Once to save his own life and then later to save that of a young girl. This second episode of the series is another strong entry. The greatest strength of the episode is Ed Wynn's performance. Wynn, who worked on Rod Sterling's TV version of Reqeium For A Heavyweight, was a great choice to play the aging pitchman here. He makes his character likable and engaging in the short time he has available to him. Of course, the writing is strong, as it is in most Twilight Zones. This episode is another example of how a 30 minute T.V. program can present engaging, thoughtful short stories to it's viewers. Overall, I rated it 7.5 out of 10.

Love wins out

[USS_Ranger_Vet · 10/10 · 11 May 2011]

I've watched every episode of Twilight Zone since it was first broadcast. I've always enjoyed watching it many times over. I even put up with some of the stinkers.

"One for the Angels" is my all time favorite. Partly this is because of Ed Wynn in the role of Lou Bookman. He is a pitchman (salesman) who is visited by death and is told it is his time. In a moment of selfishness, he convinces Death that he should be spared. But, Death can not be denied. He must take someone. That someone is a young girl whom Lou is fond of.

As the girl's time approaches, Lou begins a pitch to Death. A pitch to keep Death from realizing the time. A pitch that Lou knows will cost him his life. But, he is willing to make the sacrifice in order to save the girl's life. Lou makes his big pitch, One for the Angels.

A charming, but fairly creepy, installment made special with fine performances

[Shattered_Wake · 7/10 · 18 November 2010]

Street scene: summer. The present. Man on a sidewalk named Lew Bookman (Ed Wynn, "Mary Poppins"), age sixtyish. Occupation: pitchman. Lew Bookman, a fixture of the summer, a rather minor component to a hot July, a nondescript, commonplace little man whose life is a treadmill built out of sidewalks. In just a moment, Lew Bookman will have to concern himself with survival, because as of three o'clock this hot July afternoon he'll be stalked by. . . Mr. Death (Murray Hamilton, "Jaws").

Though 'The Twilight Zone' is often thought to be focused mainly on science fiction and crazy twists, there are also plenty of tales that focus on paranormal elements that would not be seen in any typical sci-fi yarn. In 'One for the Angels,' Rod Serling brings us, early on in the series, a heartwarming and funny story. Lew, the sweet old man with the heart of gold, is a wonderful character to watch, especially as he hilariously tries to outwit the phenomenally portrayed Mr. Death. As the plot thickens throughout the episode, the depth allows for the spookier elements to rise to the surface, allowing more enjoyment for fans of the darker side of the series (like myself) as well.

Even with the interesting story that satisfies the many levels of the show's audience, the shining achievement of this film comes from Ed Wynn's & Murray Hamilton's performances. They live their roles well, taking their respective characters on the full ride of personality changes that they each go through.

Overall, like most of the series, 'One for the Angels' has a charming story with fantastic performances and enough depth to satisfy the various fans of the 'The Twilight Zone.'

-AP3-

A poor choice for second episode

[phantom_tollbooth · 3/10 · 21 February 2007]

Pilot episode 'Where is Everybody' was a good script hampered by a poor performance. 'One for the Angels' features some very good performances but is hampered by just about everything else.

This light and fluffy, child-friendly fantasy was an odd choice for a second episode. Serling should have been trying to grab people at this point, hook them with a more dramatic offering. Instead he plumped for this lightweight fare, which did serve the purpose of showing an audience the diversity of which the series was capable but risked alienating new viewers who took the tone of the episode to be representative of the entire series. The lighter episodes of 'The Twilight Zone' were often genuinely sweet and ingenious but 'One for the Angels' collapses under the weight of its own ridiculous premise. Lew Bookman, an aging pitchman convinces Death to spare him until he has made a truly great pitch, "one for the angels". But when Death tires of waiting and decides to take the life of a neighbourhood child in place of Bookman's, it is left up to the hapless pitchman to save the child.

The two main performances are both fine. Ed Wynn is extremely lovable as the quirky Lew Bookman and Murray Hamilton is determined and business-like but basically sympathetic as the deadpan Death, a figure not unlike Serling's narrator character. The highlight of the episode is the pair's initial meeting and Bookman's pointless attempt to evade Death by running away, only to find him waiting at every turn. Unfortunately, these scenes are spoiled by the necessary inclusion of the plot in which Death allows Bookman to slip through a gaping loophole in their deal.

It is possible that the episode could have worked if the final pitch had been truly inspiring. Unfortunately, having awaited it for the whole episode, there can be few viewers who don't feel disappointed when it comes. Ed Wynn's kooky, deliberate way of speaking prevents the necessary fast talking charisma of a great pitch from surfacing and so we are presented with little snippets of the pitch interspersed with images of the dying poppet that Wynn is trying to save. Death, for some reason now looking desperate and bedraggled, ends up coming across as the sort of guy who'd pass up crucial duties if the fabric store was having a sale. He is duped into buying items he'll never need with ridiculous ease. It's in sharp contrast with the authoritative character Murray Hamilton has created earlier in the episode. Sadly, this final scene crushes the two enjoyable performances which were the only thing keeping the show together.

'One for the Angels' is an attempt at a charming comedic fantasy about self-sacrifice but it emerges as a badly fumbled, inconsistent and basically ludicrous episode. Its flashes of charm come courtesy of the actors but they can do little to save the script and in the end the episode's failure is entirely down to Serling.

Mr. Death can't resist a bargain.

[BA_Harrison · 13 August 2011]

Murray Hamilton plays a surprisingly genial personification of death, who appears to ageing pitchman Lou Bookman (Ed Wynn) with the unfortunate news that his time on Earth will be up come the stroke of midnight. After a successful appeal, Lou stating unfinished business as his reason to be allowed to live a while longer, Mr. Death agrees to postpone the time of departure until the street trader has made one last truly great pitch—one for the angels. Of course, Lou's intention is to immediately retire, thereby cheating death indefinitely, but the old man finds himself having to go through with the pitch of a lifetime after all, in order to save the life of a little girl.

Although Wynn is far from convincing when eventually required to deliver his supposedly spell-binding pitch, his performance as a whole is thoroughly captivating and very moving; Hamilton also plays his part extremely well, conveying just the right balance of affability and menace. On the whole, this is an excellent episode, a touching yet still eerie tale of self-sacrifice that could only have taken place in The Twilight Zone.

Didn't Fool Death For A Second

[comcc · 8/10 · 17 May 2012]

Much has been debated over whether Lou fooled Mr. Death once or twice. I say none. The first time we see Mr. Death, he is watching Lou. It is apparent that he is Lou's death guardian (he is not fierce but and kind being) and that he wants to make this as easy as possible (hence, his watching and his advance notice, not just barging in and saying "You come with me NOW"). I suggest that he give Lou a out with full knowledge of what he will do with it and is not tricked. Of all the people he could take has a substitute, he picks a child Lou cares about. He knows full well that Lou will make "A Pitch For The Angles". It's so obvious that death is playing along during Lou's lackluster pitch, almost having organisms before the words are out of Lou's mouth. He's sweating at the end of the pitch, as soon as Lou agrees to go with him, he is all cleaned up and composed. No, I don't think death was fooled for an instant.

You can't get away from death

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 29 March 2017]

Affable and wily street vendor Lou Bookman (marvelously played with great charm and warmth by Ed Wynn) tries to use the tricks of his trade to prevent the no-nonsense Mr. Death (an excellent performance by Murray Hamilton) from claiming his life at midnight.

Director Robert Parrish keeps the engrossing story moving along at a snappy pace and ably crafts a gentle tone that's an ideal blend of drama and humor. Bookman's verbal sparring with the extremely precise and businesslike Mr. Death are a delight to watch while Bookman's ultimate one for the angels pitch proves to be quite zesty and finally moving due to its element of self-sacrifice. It's also a hoot to see Mr. Death disappear and reappear at will throughout. Most importantly, Rod Serling's sweet script not only has a touching message about the desire to do one substantial thing with your life, but also makes a valid point that every choice one makes in life comes with some kind of repercussion (Mr. Death threatens to take the soul of a little girl after Bookman persuades Mr. Death to give him an extension on his life). A lovely show.

"Mr. Bookman, you are a persuasive man".

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 27 February 2010]

I recall seeing many of the Twilight Zone episodes back during their original run on TV, and I can say with a good degree of certainty that any single one of them had enough of a hook to keep you coming back for more. The tone and tenor of "One For The Angels" was definitely in marked contrast to the series opener, "Where is Everybody?". It's a tribute to Rod Serling's vision and creativity that he could craft such disparate stories back to back, not only once, but time and time again with thought provoking and insightful tales that actually took you to the boundaries of imagination. This one doesn't have the type of twist ending that you often found with TZ stories, as the setup pretty much gave you an idea of what the outcome would be. So you had to have the twist in the middle of the story, a sleight of hand distraction with young Maggie as the pawn in Mr. Death's (Murray Hamilton) purposeful mission to claim Heaven's newest arrival. It's intriguing how 'The Twilight Zone' stories often dealt with the subject of death, but in a way that neutralized fear and terror, replacing it with a rational approach that eased the path to the eternal. "One For The Angels" struck that balance with a steady hand, even if Lou's one great 'pitch' didn't quite seem to fit the bill in the final analysis. By the time it's over, and in keeping with Ed Wynn's erratically comic demeanor, Lou Bookman is no longer in dread of shuffling off to his final reward. He even brings his wares because "You never know who might need something up there".

FAKING OUT MISTER DEATH?

[tcchelsey · 10/10 · 14 July 2023]

No one else but goofy, mugging Ed Wynn (a radio prioneer and comedian in his day) could play this role. An incredible episode, and gets you kind of thinking about your own life.... and the day it all ends??? Only in this case, will it end on time?

Wynn plays a kindly sidewalk vender who has a date with death --his time has come. Murray Hamilton is perfect as MR. DEATH, who comes into Wynn's life, prepping him for what's to come. What a gentlemanly thing to do!

As idealistic Rod Serling would have it, it gets a little more complicated as the story goes along. Wynn befriends a neighborhood girl (who may also die) and bargains with Mr. Death. OR should we say, tries to fake him out big time! Wouldn't that be nice.

It's also campy fun as to the way Mr. Death breaks down the exceptions to the rule; Should you be a scientist on the the brink of a major discovery, or a person with a family who needs your support, or UNFINISHED business that needs to be finished? Those three footnotes in death may keep you alive awhile longer! OMG.

Absolutely incredible, if not insane. One of the very best from SEASON 1, EPISODE 2. Creative writing 101.

Fooling Death

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 25 October 2014]

Second episode of the TV series stars Ed Wynn as street corner pitchman Lou Bookman, who finds he must deliver the pitch of his life in order to fool death(played by Murray Hamilton) who has come calling for Lou, who succeeds in fooling him, but Death is crafty, and selects a friendly neighborhood child in his place. Horrified, Mr. Bookman decides he must risk everything to reverse this, save the girl, and take his original place with Death... Nicely acted tale is fairly obvious and predictable, and surely Death cannot be this gullible to be taken twice by the same mortal(!) but this still works as a cautionary tale of the price one may have to pay for avoiding fate.

A pitch for the angels

[Calicodreamin · 8/10 · 24 May 2021]

A pitch for the angels that makes death late for a deal, what a wild concept that really works. Characters are well cast and the acting is great for only a 20 minute segment.

Well made but a bit dull

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 9 September 2007]

The Angel of Death (Murray Hamilton) is coming for Ed Wynn but Wynn makes a bargain with him that he wants to first make one last final "big pitch". Oddly, Hamilton agrees and just when it appears Wynn has won, a sad twist occurs that forces Wynn to accept his own mortality.

I am very happy that this second episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE was not the first one, as the first was the pilot episode and if ONE FOR THE ANGELS had been made first, I doubt if CBS would have bought the series--as it's pretty dull and forgettable. Sure, it's written pretty well and Ed Wynn and Murray Hamilton did a good job, but the suspense and strangeness that the series was known for are just not there. Instead, it's a watchable drama with a bit of a twist at the end and nothing more.

Don't fear the reaper

[nickenchuggets · 8/10 · 12 October 2021]

One For the Angels is one of the earliest Twilight Zone episodes to be broadcast, airing back in 1959. It is similar to another episode called Long Distance Call in which an elderly woman speaks to her grandson from beyond the grave using a toy phone she gave to him. That episode is legitimately creepy, but One For the Angels has a more happy tone to it, despite focusing on death. The episode is about an old man named Lew (Ed Wynn) who comes face to face with death, quite literally. He appears not as a stereotypical grim reaper, but as a well dressed man in a tie who is well-mannered. Death tells Lew he is entering the final hours of his life, and it will end at 12 AM flat. Lew doesn't want to leave earth before he makes his biggest sales pitch of his career, so he tries to persuade Death to let him stay alive until he does. Little does Death realize, Lew never plans to sell things ever again, and is just using this as an excuse to live forever. Death decides since Lew refuses to die, someone else has to die for him. He alters fate and lets a car hit a little girl named Maggie. As her health dwindles away, Death plans to go to her house at midnight to kill her. Lew knows what is about to happen and makes the biggest pitch of his career outside of Maggie's house. It proves so captivating that he makes Death miss his appointment. Knowing that Maggie is now going to stay alive, Lew willingly walks off with Death, who tells him "you made it." This is a pretty sad episode, but also has a happy theme to it. Lew doesn't want his life to end at first, but after seeing how a young girl whose life has barely started is dying in his place, he changes his mind for the greater good. Ed Wynn as Lew is a kindhearted old man who plays his part well. He sells toys and likes to see kids happy, which explains his actions later on. By the end of the episode, Lew is ready to leave with Death since he finally made his big advertisement. It might seem jovial, until you understand the ending means Lew is now dead. It's a bittersweet feeling that only this show could pull off.

Lou Bookman's Greatest Pitch

[StrictlyConfidential · 7/10 · 22 June 2021]

"One For The Angels" (episode 2) was first aired on television October 9, 1959.

Anyway - As the story goes - A salesman cleverly eludes Death. But if he lives, a little girl must die in his place. Only the salesman's greatest pitch can save her.

Is Serling Taking a Shot At Madison Avenue

[dougdoepke · 28 November 2016]

An angel of death, looking like a corporate executive, notifies an elderly pitchman that his time has come, unless, that is, he can qualify for an extension. In the salesman's case, the extension involves making a career topping big pitch.

Slightly whimsical entry. Perhaps that's to lighten a storyline that deals with the possible death of a sweet little girl. Of course, there are no laughs, but Wynn plays sidewalk pitchman Bookman in somewhat whimsical style, while even Mr. Death (Hamilton) softens up toward the end. My guess is the producers wanted to follow up the white-knuckle first episode "Where Is Everybody" with a softer second entry. Note too, the implied references to heaven and hell, which suggests a respect for standard Christian theology, a not irrelevant concern given the series concentration on metaphysical themes. Anyway, Wynn's charming, Hamilton's well-dressed, and little Dillaway is cute.

On the whole, the script is well thought out, with a good ironical ending. And though the 30-minutes may have helped build an audience, it's not particularly memorable, at least in my book.