"Consequences" - Lena Horne and Eddie Rochester

There's nothing like watching "Cabin in the Sky" to put things into perspective. The simplicity of the plot is designed so that everyone can identify with it. Unlike the symbolism of "Moby Dick", or "Heart of Darkness"; both of which explore the consequences of evil; this film lays it out in plain language.

The story, which centers around the character of Little Joe, is straightforward. Little Joe has been hurt in a fight while gambling and now the Devil has come for him. But an Archangel also shows up at his bedside to claim Little Joe's soul for Heaven.

What follows is an all out battle for Little Joe's soul, with the Devil giving it his all to make sure that Little Joe pays for his sins. But the Archangel has some tricks of his own which he is bound to try before he gives up.

In this scene Little Joe is being tempted; again; by Lena Horne's character. And he tries his best to resist her charms. One of the most remarkable things about this video is the contrast between Eddie Rochester's vocal and that of Ms. Horne's. It juxtaposes the rough and coarse nature of Little Joe's singing; and hence sinful ways; with that of Lena Horne's smooth and sultry performance, kind of seductive, like the Devil would be. In a way it is also emblematic of the difference between Little Joe and Petunia, played by Ethel Waters. Joe has to fight the Devil, while Petunia embraces the Lord. They are as different as night and day; save for one thing. They truly love one another.

And, in the end, the only thing which can save Little Joe from his fate is the love of his woman, Petunia, who who just loves Little Joe so much that she can't even bear the thought of Heaven without him there. Rather than follow her faith into the Heaven she has earned, she turns her back upon God, and her reward, choosing to go instead with Little Joe. Her love and commitment to him impress the Lord so much that he takes them both.

So, ultimately, Little Joe gets to Heaven on a pass from Petunia. And, she is being rewarded for her faith that everything would turn out okay. But, remember, it was really her love that saved Little Joe from "those old devil consequences".

Midnight and the Great Pumpkin

 

Midnight will be celebrating his second Halloween with us this year. He is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the neighborhood children, dressed as ghosts and goblins. He’s not really sure what it’s all about; and I think all the commotion kind of scares him a bit; but he does take an active interest in the proceedings. He will be found; I’m sure; waiting in the bushes, alternately leaping out to frighten someone, or just to check them out. He is especially partial to Princesses and Pirates.

And, when all the tricksters have retreated from the street, you will find him patiently awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin; who will undoubtedly treat him to a can of salmon as a reward for being so brave on a night when black cats generally make themselves scarce.

"Escape Clause" - Twilight Zone (1959)

We all have our favorite episodes of the “Twilight Zone.” Mine is the one named “One for the Angels” with Ed Wynn, which aired on October 9^th, 1959. I was 5 years old and have never forgotten it. Ed Wynn plays an elderly tie salesman, who must cheat death in order to save his own life, which has come to an end. When he refuses to go quietly, Death threatens to take the life of a young girl instead. To prove he is serious, Death has her struck by a car and dying. Unless Ed goes, the young girl will take his place.
 
So, Ed strikes a deal with Death; he has never made the “perfect pitch”; and if he can, and Death will spare the little girl; he will go to his destiny without remorse. When the appointed hour arrives, he has indeed made the ultimate pitch; so strong in fact, that Death has forgotten the little girl, who now gets to live. Angrily, he takes Ed Wynn instead; as previously planned; while Mr. Wynn goes to his fate smiling, knowing that he has indeed made the ultimate pitch. That’s the one I wanted to show, but it’s not available on You Tube, so I chose this one instead.

All of the “Twilight Zone” episodes are prime examples of what great writing and direction can accomplish in less than 30 minutes. And these episodes were made during a time when technology didn’t have all the “bells and whistle” available to the directors of today. But the writing, and acting, were both superb. This episode is no exception.

“Escape Clause”, shown here, is from the first season of “Twilight Zone” and deals with a hypochondriac who is willing to trade his soul for immortality, along with indestructibility. Of course, as in many of the “Twilight Zone” episodes, he gets just what he wants; but is what he wants really what he thinks he is going to get? The lessons in irony; and the tragedy of winning what you think you want; are always evident in these shows.

The format for these shows was very simple; Rod Serling would introduce you; the viewer; to another dimension, one where up could be down, and nothing was ever what it appeared to be; kind of like life.

The full episode ran 26 minutes and aired on November 6, 1959. It was episode 6 of the first season on CBS. They just don’t make them like this anymore.