First off, to SOME of the other comments made, they need to step off their "at-home producer's chair" and just enjoy the drama. It is a great episode! Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just pure Twilight Zone. This is one of my favorite "straight forward" Twilight Zone episodes. By this, I mean it is like Five Characters in Search of an Exit, or Little Girl Lost. There is 1 main setting, 1 straight forward plot and it is all unveiled through the acting and dialog. It is the simplicity of the story and plot that makes this episode great. Anyways, watch and enjoy! if you want cheesy production techniques, check out Odyssey of Flight 33, where they go back in time and see giant Claymation dinosaurs. Doesn't get any cheesier than that! (I know, in the early 60's those were groundbreaking special effects)
32 Reviews
"You'll never make the grade at anything by playing it safe".
classicsoncall12 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
There was a line in the story by Fats Brown spoken to Jesse Cardiff that made me chuckle, because I was almost certain it played havoc with the casting of the characters. "Why when I was your age I would have jumped at the chance" was Fats' (Jonathan Winters) way of challenging Jesse (Jack Klugman) to put it all on the line in a billiard battle showdown. Trouble is, Klugman was actually older than Winters, and it showed. I'm surprised Serling actually went along with it.
Not that it mattered much, because the story itself was the attraction more than the actors (although in hindsight that might not necessarily be the case). In another genre, this would have been your classic 'fastest gun in the West' picture, with the good guy being challenged by the rowdy punk upstart. In that situation, the stakes would really have been life or death, but in a game of pool? And by the way, what was Fats going to give up if he lost the match? We find out, but it wasn't such a bad trade-off. Had Jesse known Fats would have gone fishing for an eternity, he might have held out for a better deal.
I liked this episode, and was surprised to read the naysayers coming in at about half the reviews on this board. It kept the suspense up pretty well, and you never really had a good idea who was going to get to three hundred first. If I didn't know better, I'd say maybe Fats missed that last shot on purpose. You can just take so many challenges before your stamina or luck runs out; I'd say Fats went out in style and right on cue.
Not that it mattered much, because the story itself was the attraction more than the actors (although in hindsight that might not necessarily be the case). In another genre, this would have been your classic 'fastest gun in the West' picture, with the good guy being challenged by the rowdy punk upstart. In that situation, the stakes would really have been life or death, but in a game of pool? And by the way, what was Fats going to give up if he lost the match? We find out, but it wasn't such a bad trade-off. Had Jesse known Fats would have gone fishing for an eternity, he might have held out for a better deal.
I liked this episode, and was surprised to read the naysayers coming in at about half the reviews on this board. It kept the suspense up pretty well, and you never really had a good idea who was going to get to three hundred first. If I didn't know better, I'd say maybe Fats missed that last shot on purpose. You can just take so many challenges before your stamina or luck runs out; I'd say Fats went out in style and right on cue.
"To Be The Best You Got To Beat The Best"
bkoganbing14 May 2014
I doubt there's anyone who has ever seen this Twilight Zone episode and not thought it was inspired by the Paul Newman classic The Hustler. But the brash and confident pool shark that Paul Newman plays in his film is light years different from from the one Jack Klugman plays here. Klugman has a king size inferiority complex because people keep saying no matter how good he is, he could never beat the legendary Fats Brown who has passed on from this life.
But we're playing this one in the Twilight Zone and Fats Brown played by Jonathan Winters shows up in a deserted pool room that night and the two play a game for some interesting stakes.
I do love this episode because of the fine characters that Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters create here. I think those who view it will feel the same.
But we're playing this one in the Twilight Zone and Fats Brown played by Jonathan Winters shows up in a deserted pool room that night and the two play a game for some interesting stakes.
I do love this episode because of the fine characters that Jack Klugman and Jonathan Winters create here. I think those who view it will feel the same.
The game of choice
eroticnights6 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Enough has been said about the episode, as far as the story goes. But I have yet to see anyone make note of the technical aspects of this episode.
First, I am a pool player, not just a fan of TZ. So when I saw they had an episode about pool, I had to see it. I was surprised they put as much detail as they did in this one. It's not just about pool, it's about a specific game, 14.1 rotation or straight pool.
When Fats asks Jesse what game he wants to play, he says "lets see how good you really are", and decides on 14.1 pool to 300 points. For the uninformed, 14.1 pool is one of the most difficult games in pocket billiards. Jesse really picked a game that would test Fats skill. And it is certainly one of the longest games, with championship matches lasting several hours. Make no mistake about it, a game to 300 points can easily clock in at 3 hours. That is at least 15 racks, assuming one person runs out the game without his opposition ever making it to the table.
Considering toward the end of the episode, both Fats and Jesse are almost tie at about 295, that means they have played about 40 racks. Which would probably take somewhere between 5 and 6 hours. Hell, I have a straight pool match on DVD (Eberle vs Hohmann,2006) that clocks in at 3.5 hours, and that's just to 200 points! Bare in mind, we are talking about a single game of pool!
Also, another thing I would like to point out is the opening break at the beginning of the match. Fats states that the man who shoots first is at a disadvantage as he will break the rack open. Which Fats, then plays a safety shot which knocks two balls toward the rail and then back to the rack. That shot was a textbook example of an opening break shot in 14.1. I hope to get that good! Who ever did played pool for a long time.
Anyhow, I don't know who acted as a technical adviser, but their expertise can be appreciated by anyone who is knowledgeable about pool.
First, I am a pool player, not just a fan of TZ. So when I saw they had an episode about pool, I had to see it. I was surprised they put as much detail as they did in this one. It's not just about pool, it's about a specific game, 14.1 rotation or straight pool.
When Fats asks Jesse what game he wants to play, he says "lets see how good you really are", and decides on 14.1 pool to 300 points. For the uninformed, 14.1 pool is one of the most difficult games in pocket billiards. Jesse really picked a game that would test Fats skill. And it is certainly one of the longest games, with championship matches lasting several hours. Make no mistake about it, a game to 300 points can easily clock in at 3 hours. That is at least 15 racks, assuming one person runs out the game without his opposition ever making it to the table.
Considering toward the end of the episode, both Fats and Jesse are almost tie at about 295, that means they have played about 40 racks. Which would probably take somewhere between 5 and 6 hours. Hell, I have a straight pool match on DVD (Eberle vs Hohmann,2006) that clocks in at 3.5 hours, and that's just to 200 points! Bare in mind, we are talking about a single game of pool!
Also, another thing I would like to point out is the opening break at the beginning of the match. Fats states that the man who shoots first is at a disadvantage as he will break the rack open. Which Fats, then plays a safety shot which knocks two balls toward the rail and then back to the rack. That shot was a textbook example of an opening break shot in 14.1. I hope to get that good! Who ever did played pool for a long time.
Anyhow, I don't know who acted as a technical adviser, but their expertise can be appreciated by anyone who is knowledgeable about pool.
One of the Best
deitrichp1 May 2008
Jonathan Winters gives a spectacular performance as the ghost of the greatest pool player who ever lived forced to play pool against all challengers (a concept introduced immediately and not a spoiler). Winters had literally just been released from a mental hospital and his sweat and nervous energy can been sensed through the screen. His character plays the pleasant professional, but is masking a deep anger -- whether from Winters, the character, or both.
Jack Klugman gives a strong performance: partially a sympathetic loser, but also part narrow-minded bully. Rod Serling was at his best writing about gritty settings like a pool hall and about characters that were in life's losers. The episode also gives food for thought on the worth of struggling to be the best at anything, no matter what the cost.
Jack Klugman gives a strong performance: partially a sympathetic loser, but also part narrow-minded bully. Rod Serling was at his best writing about gritty settings like a pool hall and about characters that were in life's losers. The episode also gives food for thought on the worth of struggling to be the best at anything, no matter what the cost.
Outstanding Episode
iveedw12 April 2013
"A Game of Pool" is one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes, in the top half dozen or so. No need to summarize the episode here, others have done that well, but the reasons I favor this episode boil down to three: 1) It has the same simplicity, focus and intensity that made "12 Angry Men" a great movie. The story takes place entirely in one room - a dingy pool hall, in this case (except for a brief glimpse of a rather cheesy afterlife) - and involves an intense competition between two men. The contest is as much a mind-game as it is a game of pool, and the stakes could not be higher. The writing is excellent.
2) Jack Klugman - who also had a role in "12 Angry Men". Although Klugman was known primarily as a comedic actor, he displays real chops as a dramatic actor. Indeed, Klugman showed off his dramatic skills in four excellent TZ episodes, all favorites of mine: A Passage for Trumpet, A Game of Pool, In Praise of Pip, and Death Ship. The man knew how to act.
3) Jonathan Winters - also known primarily as a comedian, Winters, too, put on a fine dramatic performance in A Game of Pool. Interestingly, the episode was filmed not long after he was released from an eight-month stay in a mental hospital, during which he was treated for manic-depression. I don't know whether that experience informed his acting in this episode, but he displays real intensity in the part of Fats Brown. Mr. Winters was a multi-talented guy.
Sadly, as I write this, news has come out that Mr. Winters has died, joining Mr. Klugman in whatever comes after this life. Who knows, perhaps they're engaging in a throw-down match of their own - comedy, I suppose, rather than pool. They were both fine performers, and I miss them both.
2) Jack Klugman - who also had a role in "12 Angry Men". Although Klugman was known primarily as a comedic actor, he displays real chops as a dramatic actor. Indeed, Klugman showed off his dramatic skills in four excellent TZ episodes, all favorites of mine: A Passage for Trumpet, A Game of Pool, In Praise of Pip, and Death Ship. The man knew how to act.
3) Jonathan Winters - also known primarily as a comedian, Winters, too, put on a fine dramatic performance in A Game of Pool. Interestingly, the episode was filmed not long after he was released from an eight-month stay in a mental hospital, during which he was treated for manic-depression. I don't know whether that experience informed his acting in this episode, but he displays real intensity in the part of Fats Brown. Mr. Winters was a multi-talented guy.
Sadly, as I write this, news has come out that Mr. Winters has died, joining Mr. Klugman in whatever comes after this life. Who knows, perhaps they're engaging in a throw-down match of their own - comedy, I suppose, rather than pool. They were both fine performers, and I miss them both.
God rest you and keep you, Mr. Winters...
A_Different_Drummer19 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The other reviews here are among the best and most articulate I have seen in the entire IMDb, although why anyone would give this episode less than a 10 is beyond me, because to do so implies that it can be "improved on" or made better in some way...? Which is pretty much impossible. The real secret of Twilight Zone, easily one of the most remarkable series ever produced in TV ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE TECHNICAL TOOLS AVAILABLE AND THE ODD SENSITIVITIES OF THE ERA, is that the fair episodes were good, but the good episodes were simply spectacular. This is my favorite, and where there may possibly be episodes with a more imaginative story, or a more spectacular "reveal", I doubt there is any single episode with better acting. And by that I am referring of course to the late, great, Mr. Winters, a man who did very few (if any) dramatic roles in his incredible career; but in this remarkable episode, directed by the renown Buzz Kulik, steals scenes from other, more seasoned, actors, including Klugman (who although superb as well, gets lost in the "wake" that Winters leaves behind). I will note for posterity that when Robin Williams was still in diapers, and long before the TV censors were willing to unleash Rickles onto prime time, there was Winters, possibly the da Vinci of spontaneous intelligent comedy. I will also note that the man suffered a variety of medical issues in his lifetime, which was the reason for his early retirement, and why, even into the 2000's, stories would "leak" to the press about a small town in the middle of nowhere where the locals would go to get dry goods, bump into Mr. Winters, and get an impromptu 10 minute comedy "set" that they would later tell their grandchildren about. If, kind reader, you stumble across this review and are not entirely sure what I am talking about, I urge you to type the Winters name into Youtube, but not after a heavy meal, because you will laugh so hard you may do yourself damage.
The Price Of Success
AaronCapenBanner27 October 2014
Jack Klugman plays an eager but nervous pool player named Jessie, who is desperate to puncture a hole in the legend of deceased pool player "Fats" Brown(played by Jonathan Winters) whom he is convinced he could beat. Jessie will get his chance when Fats hears his call, and comes down from his personal heaven to take up his challenge, though Jessie will literally have to play the game of his life if he expects to win, which he is warned may come at a high price... Two-man play in essence works quite well indeed, with a pair of believable performances, and a genuine pool hall feel, though this may leave non-sports fans a bit cold.
An Exercise in Subtlty
docdespicable9 July 2006
Given the general nature of "The Twilight Zone", and the fairly broad array of genres that it includes in its repertory, it's easy to miss the point of this episode and dismiss it as a failure - but I think to do so would be a mistake. In some ways, it paraphrases "The Hustler", but then it has some original observations of its own to make. Essentially it boils down to "what's important in life" for any of us, and "will success really bring fulfillment". It's the old apocryphal story about the gunslinger (or fighter or card-sharp or whatever) finding himself faced with the new kid, who happens to be spoiling for a fight. The old pro has seen it all and become god-awful tired of it, but these people keep turning up to try him out. Of course, the Kid wins in the end, but is left with the feeling, "What just happened here? Why don't I feel like the king?" Serling usually does pretty well with old apocryphal stories, and this is no exception. Klugman is dead-on, and Jonathan Winters is a real surprise. Why, I don't know - in that era it was quite the thing to do to give comic actors a chance to demonstrate their dramatic chops, radio did it on a regular basis (if you haven't heard Red Skelton's or Milton Berle's guest appearances on "Suspense", do so at once!), and the funnymen invariably showed what they were made of. Under the heading of "Dying is easy - comedy is hard", a lot of pain and suffering goes into creating all that hilarity, and would be pointless without the inherent communications skills that express what has us rolling on the floor.
In any case, this is a reasonably well-known (and certainly well done!) episodes of TZ. There are better, and there are certainly more famous episodes - but there are rewards here for the attentive viewer.
And if you don't agree, you can always go to the cornfield...
In any case, this is a reasonably well-known (and certainly well done!) episodes of TZ. There are better, and there are certainly more famous episodes - but there are rewards here for the attentive viewer.
And if you don't agree, you can always go to the cornfield...
That's one heck of a game!
TheEastCoastPoet17 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Klugman is a wonderfully intense young man named Jesse who is trying to prove that he is the best at something. The unfortunate circumstance is that the man he needs to beat in order to go from #2 to #1 is dead. After muttering the words that he would do ANYTHING to win. Winters is the deceased man who comes back from the dead and challenges Jesse to the game of his dreams, the price is his own death if Jesse should lose. I love the intensity between these two characters and the solemness captured in this very serious scene. Jesse ultimately learns that even being a legend has its price when he wins the game only to find that after his own death he must constantly prove how good he is by playing the living wanna be's, like himself, for the duration of his eternity as a kind of a sentence. After only having seen Jack Klugman in goofy roles like that of Oscar in The Odd Couple it's hard to imagine him so young and fierce, but this is by far my favorite role of his. If you have not seen this episode you should! I think it's now one of my top 5 favorite Twilight Zones!
All it's cracked up to be?
kellielulu22 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
To be the best at something has it's price. Jesse Cardiff ( Jack Klugman )finds out there is always someone who's ready to dethrone you. He definitely likes winning better than playing. He was one of them too he knows if he can beat the legendary Fats Brown ( Jonathan Winters) he will be considered the best of all time. It's the Twilight Zone so Fats being dead isn't a barrier. He appears and after some doubt over the situation Jesse is ready to battle. Fats however recognizes that Jesse talks a lot . He also doesn't get real joy from the game or anything else for that matter. He tells Jesse that but Jesse only thinks of beating the legendary Fats Brown and he does. Fats warns him of the burden but Jesse thinks it's sour grapes. Jesse learns what the price is he will have to answer every call like Fats did after his death. Meanwhile the pressure is off Fats . It's an interesting episode in that the main character gets exactly what he wants and without any real drama too it . It's the burden of being the best until your not anymore and that might be a relief. The episode is made memorable by the actors more known for comedy. It's the most restrained you'll ever see Winters.
It's a two person showcase and has an interesting moral too it about being the best. It never stands and carries it's own burden. Find joy in other ways and don't make it the only thing you care about.
It's a two person showcase and has an interesting moral too it about being the best. It never stands and carries it's own burden. Find joy in other ways and don't make it the only thing you care about.
Take your best shot
nickenchuggets15 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
When it comes to the Twilight Zone, episodes don't get much more entertaining or tense than this one. A Game of Pool might seem like an uninteresting premise to anyone who's not an avid fan of billiards, but once again, good acting, dialogue and writing save the day. When compared to other episodes in the show's lineup, this is one of the most simple on offer which might be why it's so good. Much like another one of my favorite episodes, The Encounter, it only involves 2 characters and takes place entirely in one area (technically). I say that because one of the locations featured isn't even a physical place. This episode is about a pool player named Jesse (Jack Klugman) who aspires to be the best player the game has ever known, but in order to accomplish this, he has to test his skills against "Fats" Brown (Jonathan Winters), the man generally acknowledged to be the best pool player. The only problem is that Fats is dead, and Jesse can't really prove to anyone he's better than him. Meanwhile in heaven, Fats hears Jesse's plea to be given a challenge, and materializes in the pool hall where Jesse is. Fats tells Jesse that if he accepts his challenge, he must bet his life, and losing the game means dying in reality. The showdown between Fats and Jesse begins, and Jesse seems to be hopelessly outclassed. After much difficulty, Jesse manages to turn the tide of the game against Fats and only needs to sink one more ball to win. Fats tells him he might win something that he doesn't really want, and lets him know he doesn't need to win the game if he doesn't want to. Jesse disregards this warning and hits the ball into the hole. Once Jesse dies though, he finally understands what Fats meant by warning him: now it's Jesse's responsibility to answer all the calls from pool players on earth who want to be seen as the best. This is a great episode and a definite must see, and should absolutely be shown to people that believe tension in tv can't exist without police chases or machine guns onscreen 24/7. It manages to be very dramatic because Jesse's life itself is at stake here, and he knows that losing the game will cost him it. It doesn't help he's up against the best pool player the world has ever seen. Speaking of which, Jonathan Winters was actually quite nervous about appearing in this episode, since he viewed the rest of the cast as being more professional at acting than he was. He also had to play pool for real in the episode itself, so understandably, he made quite a few mistakes before the final thing was finished. It's also worth noting that this episode was originally supposed to conclude with Jesse losing the game. In that ending, Jesse misses his final shot and expects Fats to kill him, because that was the bet. Fats instead tells him he will die on his own anyway, and nobody will remember Jesse because he was a mediocre pool player. In my opinion, this ending is even more sad than the one we got. Whichever ending you think is better, you can't say that A Game of Pool didn't leave an effect on you after watching it. It shows how really good players (at anything) are made through adversity, and you'll never get better at something unless you play against someone better than you.
Watchable, should have been better though.
bombersflyup24 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In A Game of Pool Jesse Cardiff believes he's the best, but a man long gone will always be considered the greatest, so he wagers his life to find out. The concept's good, but it doesn't carry any weight or have much to offer. The true indicator's how you are perceived by your peers. Fun should also be in the mix too, since to be one of the best, you're going to spend an inordinate amount of time doing it.
A Great Episode still relevant today
nofrills7925 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Acting, scene setting, intensity, character. Just amazing.
But it seems a lot of people don't watch sports here. It is not about a gunslinger directly challenging a great, in the present. And the 'old Great' guy being cursed by being constantly challenged by a young up and comer (see the episode "Mr. Denton on Doomsday" for that).
This is about someone great today constantly being challenged by the legacy of the ghost of someone no longer around or active. Some modern day examples:
1) Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. They can't directly compete, but for so long, whenever Tiger Woods won, the ghost of Nicklaus was always there. As much as Woods hides it, it haunts him. Nicklaus on the other hand is constantly being hounded by Woods in the present chasing him. It's a burden on Nicklaus' legacy.
Woods is at a crossroads. His physical health is ailing him. If he really wants to be the Greatest, he has to will himself above his injuries and go out and get it. He can't be scared like Klugman's character is.
Nicklaus when he was considered 'over the hill' overcame age and injury to win his last major when no one expected it. That is what Fats is talking about in one of the scenes when Klugman is about to take that shot, about doubt creeping in and that the real greats go for the 'kill'.
2) Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant (and some degree LeBron). Kobe is desperately chasing Jordan's legacy. Kobe, whenever is presented with a accomplishment, he is reminded of Jordan's past accomplishments. Just like how Klugman is reminded of Winters. Kobe like Klugman in the beginning really inside believe he could take Jordan in his Prime and wants that challenge.
Jordan's legacy is constantly hounded by the following generation (Kobe and LeBron) where he's always called upon to 'demean' the following generation's accomplishment. As Fats took the title of the Greatest, Jordan took that Torch from Magic Johnson. MJ had 'IT' and the willingness to risk everything for greatness. Just like Fats had.
Similarly, if Jordan didn't directly take "IT" from Magic, Magic's legacy would have taken the burden, constantly being hounded. But since MJ took that crown from Magic, Magic can relax and go fishing like Fats, not having to carry the burden of the legacy of being the greatest, and that legacy constantly being challenged by the next generation.
Kobe like Tiger now is at that crossroads too. He's nearing one measuring stick of MJ of total career points. But his body has broken down, and needs one more good year. Will he risk everything, enter uncharted territory to go for that goal? That's the challenge and mindset Fats talks about.
Another way to look at it is Nicklaus and Jordan, with their professional playing careers are dead, the death in the episode is a metaphor for the death of active competition since one could play pool till you're much older but not something like basketball. When Jordan and Nicklaus go to sleep, the ghosts of their legacies, including themselves have in their minds, that they're the greatest. But the constant challenge and reminder of always trying to be dethroned (nowadays, usually through the media or fans) is always there and must be tiring. Just like how Fats felt at the end.
Guys like Nicklaus, MJ and 'Fats' aren't that egotistical statistics and glory hounds,where they're always defending and being insecure of their title. They truly enjoyed the game and art of it. It just so happened greatness came along with it. Greatness for the future to try to aim to.
3) Boxing is similar. At one point, it was Ali and Tyson. But given all the different weight classes, it's harder to pick that one great example. Maybe Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard or Robinson.
But it seems a lot of people don't watch sports here. It is not about a gunslinger directly challenging a great, in the present. And the 'old Great' guy being cursed by being constantly challenged by a young up and comer (see the episode "Mr. Denton on Doomsday" for that).
This is about someone great today constantly being challenged by the legacy of the ghost of someone no longer around or active. Some modern day examples:
1) Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. They can't directly compete, but for so long, whenever Tiger Woods won, the ghost of Nicklaus was always there. As much as Woods hides it, it haunts him. Nicklaus on the other hand is constantly being hounded by Woods in the present chasing him. It's a burden on Nicklaus' legacy.
Woods is at a crossroads. His physical health is ailing him. If he really wants to be the Greatest, he has to will himself above his injuries and go out and get it. He can't be scared like Klugman's character is.
Nicklaus when he was considered 'over the hill' overcame age and injury to win his last major when no one expected it. That is what Fats is talking about in one of the scenes when Klugman is about to take that shot, about doubt creeping in and that the real greats go for the 'kill'.
2) Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant (and some degree LeBron). Kobe is desperately chasing Jordan's legacy. Kobe, whenever is presented with a accomplishment, he is reminded of Jordan's past accomplishments. Just like how Klugman is reminded of Winters. Kobe like Klugman in the beginning really inside believe he could take Jordan in his Prime and wants that challenge.
Jordan's legacy is constantly hounded by the following generation (Kobe and LeBron) where he's always called upon to 'demean' the following generation's accomplishment. As Fats took the title of the Greatest, Jordan took that Torch from Magic Johnson. MJ had 'IT' and the willingness to risk everything for greatness. Just like Fats had.
Similarly, if Jordan didn't directly take "IT" from Magic, Magic's legacy would have taken the burden, constantly being hounded. But since MJ took that crown from Magic, Magic can relax and go fishing like Fats, not having to carry the burden of the legacy of being the greatest, and that legacy constantly being challenged by the next generation.
Kobe like Tiger now is at that crossroads too. He's nearing one measuring stick of MJ of total career points. But his body has broken down, and needs one more good year. Will he risk everything, enter uncharted territory to go for that goal? That's the challenge and mindset Fats talks about.
Another way to look at it is Nicklaus and Jordan, with their professional playing careers are dead, the death in the episode is a metaphor for the death of active competition since one could play pool till you're much older but not something like basketball. When Jordan and Nicklaus go to sleep, the ghosts of their legacies, including themselves have in their minds, that they're the greatest. But the constant challenge and reminder of always trying to be dethroned (nowadays, usually through the media or fans) is always there and must be tiring. Just like how Fats felt at the end.
Guys like Nicklaus, MJ and 'Fats' aren't that egotistical statistics and glory hounds,where they're always defending and being insecure of their title. They truly enjoyed the game and art of it. It just so happened greatness came along with it. Greatness for the future to try to aim to.
3) Boxing is similar. At one point, it was Ali and Tyson. But given all the different weight classes, it's harder to pick that one great example. Maybe Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard or Robinson.
Champions live as long as people talk about them
darrenpearce11111 November 2013
This game of pool is a very good analogy for any ambitions of becoming the best at anything. The bulk of this episode is such a game, but the characters of Jesse Cardiff and Fats Brown keep it widely interesting. The afterlife aspect featured here from which Fats Brown is called is often criticized. However, I think it's just a spooky fun way to present a story that could elsewhere have been about calling on a retired champion to play the current number one. The afterlife that this episode is really concerned with is one of fame continuing in the memory of the living. Death, it would appear, has made Brown philosophical in contrast to the single-minded Cardiff. What sort of mind game is Brown playing? When Jonathan Winters materializes in the pool room it's classic Zone stuff. Well played by four-time TZ actor Jack Klugman too.
I will say nothing of the ending except to say there's an interesting feature on DVD where Jonathan Winters reads the alternative ending that the writer, George Clayton Johnson, wanted.
I will say nothing of the ending except to say there's an interesting feature on DVD where Jonathan Winters reads the alternative ending that the writer, George Clayton Johnson, wanted.
Pool Hall Gunslinger
Hitchcoc21 November 2008
Remember all those Westerns about the gunslinger who wants to hang up his guns, but is constantly being approached by some young guy who want to draw on him. This is the same story with pool cues. Jack Klugman is the young guy. Jonathan Winters is the old gunfighter. It's about an existence that has little meaning, so focused on one thing, that life has little other meaning. The episode is about the game. If you win you pay a very dear price. But because of the way you're wired, you have to win--there isn't any choice. The acting is good, the game is good, and the conclusion is in doubt. This is one of the more memorable Zones. I think The Hustler may have borrowed a little from it.
One of Rod Serling's best.
big-gun18 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Jesse Cardiff is an arrogant and frustrated pool shark. He's beaten everyone whose ever entered the pool hall. But he suffers the inevitable comparisons to the legendary Fats Brown. Fats, however, had died 15 years prior. Jack Klugman made his second appearance on the Twilight Zone in the role of Cardiff. He does an excellent job showing the anger and frustration of Jesse Cardiff, a man whose let his life pass him by in order to prove himself the best.
However, that's not good enough. Alone in the pool hall, he says aloud that he would give anything to play Fats Brown. Enter the man himself. Jonathan Winters shows that he's much more than a comedian in the role of Fats. He agrees to a game with Cardiff, but the stakes are very high. Namely Jesse's life. All the while Fats tries to convince Jesse there is more to life than pool. He also warns him to be careful what he wishes for. He just might get it.
Rod Serling made it one of his trademarks to include a moral message in his episodes. He put a good one in this episode.
However, that's not good enough. Alone in the pool hall, he says aloud that he would give anything to play Fats Brown. Enter the man himself. Jonathan Winters shows that he's much more than a comedian in the role of Fats. He agrees to a game with Cardiff, but the stakes are very high. Namely Jesse's life. All the while Fats tries to convince Jesse there is more to life than pool. He also warns him to be careful what he wishes for. He just might get it.
Rod Serling made it one of his trademarks to include a moral message in his episodes. He put a good one in this episode.
Well acted and good--just not among the very best
planktonrules29 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is a totally bizarre episode, though being The Twilight Zone, being bizarre shouldn't be that unusual! Jack Klugman plays a cocky young pool player who has ambitions to be the greatest pool player ever. However, a long-dead pool hustler is always considered just a bit better and Klugman wishes that he could somehow have a chance to prove that he, and not this dead legend, is the greatest. Naturally, being The Twilight Zone, the dead man appears as if from nowhere to accept this challenge--but winning may not be all it's cracked up to be in this case of winner take all pool.
Because this episode has such an amazingly simple plot, it was important that the actors playing the only two characters be strong and up to the challenge. Fortunately, Klugman and Jonathan Winters showed that they were up to the task and as far as acting goes, this is one of the very best episodes. Both deserved high praise for making such a potentially forgettable episode come to life.
Because this episode has such an amazingly simple plot, it was important that the actors playing the only two characters be strong and up to the challenge. Fortunately, Klugman and Jonathan Winters showed that they were up to the task and as far as acting goes, this is one of the very best episodes. Both deserved high praise for making such a potentially forgettable episode come to life.
Winning isn't everything
Woodyanders13 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Frustrated pool champion Jesse Cardiff (a terrific performance by Jack Klugman) has defeated every last major player in the game, but keeps hearing that he could have never beat deceased legend James Howard "Fats" Brown (smoothly played with laid-back assurance by Jonathan Winters). Cardiff gets the surprise of his life when Brown appears in person to put Cardiff's prowess at pool to the ultimate test.
Director Buzz Kulik makes the most out of the single claustrophobic pool hall setting and maintains a tense serious tone throughout. The two leads both do sterling work: Klugman astutely nails the anger, anguish, and underlying insecurity of a brash hotshot who wants to be the best in the worst way while funny man Winters proves he could handle a meaty dramatic role with considerable skill and conviction. George Clayton Johnson's inspired and intelligent script offers a profound statement on what it takes to be a legend and the bitter spiritual price one must may to retain one's legendary status. A bang-up episode.
Director Buzz Kulik makes the most out of the single claustrophobic pool hall setting and maintains a tense serious tone throughout. The two leads both do sterling work: Klugman astutely nails the anger, anguish, and underlying insecurity of a brash hotshot who wants to be the best in the worst way while funny man Winters proves he could handle a meaty dramatic role with considerable skill and conviction. George Clayton Johnson's inspired and intelligent script offers a profound statement on what it takes to be a legend and the bitter spiritual price one must may to retain one's legendary status. A bang-up episode.
A character study at best with two terrific performances.
mark.waltz30 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
They say that behind every comic is a great tragic human. For Jonathan Winters and Jack Klugman, their presence in a very dramatic "Twilight Zone" episode is a far cry from Maudie Frickett (Jonathan Winters' old lady character) and Oscar Madison (Klugman's "Odd Couple" stage and small screen role) as they play pool players who meet up in a mysterious setting where Winters, as a supposedly deceased pool champion, is challenged by the envious Klugman. Having spent his entire life focusing on nothing but becoming the best pool player, Klugman is admittedly angry about his lack of a life in trying to surpass Winters' records. Winters is more introspective, telling Klugman that you have to still have a life while striving to be the best in whatever you do, and it becomes very apparent that Klugman has lost the fight with reality in his obsession with overtaking Winters.
This episode was released on the tail of "The Hustler" where Jackie Gleason's Minnesota Fats showed that comics could be serious when given the right part, and strangely moving as well. This episode features the challenge of a game of pool between the two as Klugman's aggravation becomes very apparent as Winters shows everything that he is made of. It is mainly interesting for their performances and the aspect of each of the character's performances, yet there's not much to get out of this other than the fact that these two troubled men are facing their demons in different ways. Winters gets to be subtle and introspective, while Klugman is tense and ready to explode at any second. It is a contrast of temperaments, a ghost story, and a parable about how obsession can destroy. Not every episode can be a complete gem, but there's much to enjoy and learn from those that simply comment on the human condition.
This episode was released on the tail of "The Hustler" where Jackie Gleason's Minnesota Fats showed that comics could be serious when given the right part, and strangely moving as well. This episode features the challenge of a game of pool between the two as Klugman's aggravation becomes very apparent as Winters shows everything that he is made of. It is mainly interesting for their performances and the aspect of each of the character's performances, yet there's not much to get out of this other than the fact that these two troubled men are facing their demons in different ways. Winters gets to be subtle and introspective, while Klugman is tense and ready to explode at any second. It is a contrast of temperaments, a ghost story, and a parable about how obsession can destroy. Not every episode can be a complete gem, but there's much to enjoy and learn from those that simply comment on the human condition.
A GHOSTLY VERSION OF THE HUSTLER!
tcchelsey28 April 2023
I do agree with the last reviewer; this story is very similar.... albeit creepy.... to THE HUSTLER. Jonathan Winters replaces Jackie Gleason (as Fats) and Jack Klugman plays Jesse, replacing Paul Newman.
Both actors are fantastic, especially Klugman as the desperate pool player who wants to make it big -- playing against an iconic "dead" champion? Written by George Clayton Johnson, whose style was quite similar to Rod Serling, writing a total of seven episodes for the series, including the cult 1983 TZ movie.
The table scenes are super entertainment, and if you love the game, you are hooked from the start. Production notes say Jonathan Winters was chosen due to the fact that he had not done any dramatic roles, so his portrayal would be fresh and original. He did the job. For that matter, both actors make tremendous competitors.
The ending A MUST in glorious black and white. SEASON 3 EPISODE 5 remastered dvd box set.
Both actors are fantastic, especially Klugman as the desperate pool player who wants to make it big -- playing against an iconic "dead" champion? Written by George Clayton Johnson, whose style was quite similar to Rod Serling, writing a total of seven episodes for the series, including the cult 1983 TZ movie.
The table scenes are super entertainment, and if you love the game, you are hooked from the start. Production notes say Jonathan Winters was chosen due to the fact that he had not done any dramatic roles, so his portrayal would be fresh and original. He did the job. For that matter, both actors make tremendous competitors.
The ending A MUST in glorious black and white. SEASON 3 EPISODE 5 remastered dvd box set.
The best of the best
Calicodreamin14 June 2021
Not one of the best, But Klugman is as usual
crazmo1 January 2007
Jack Klugman as usual gives a terrific performance. The one thing I noticed is the last shot of the game (not mentioning who takes it) In between takes the cue ball and the object ball change positions. Yes Johnathan Winters may not be the best actor, but he is a very funny man. To appreiciate the shows of the time, you have to take into account, budgets, TV era, and studio attitudes of the time for this new medium. There was not the sponsorship money like today. Rod Serling was a pioneer, and we wouldn't have some of the Sci-Fi we have today if not for the efforts of men like Serling, Roddenberry, Bradbury just to name a few.
Some basic logic holes.
fedor84 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well acted and with mostly solid dialog, but there is dubious logic at play.
First off, if Fatso is sent from Heaven, then how can he possibly wager a bet that might end up killing an innocent human?
If Fatso intended to lose all along, then this must be his first game of pool played out of Heaven, because we have to assume that Heaven doesn't murder pool players - hence Fatso didn't have to "sit around" a pool table fighting off challengers and getting bored, as he implied. This is a contradiction.
Another thing that makes little sense is Fatso dropping his stick on purpose to distract Klugman - just moments before losing on purpose. In fact, we're not even sure whether Fatso lost on purpose or not. Hence the entire story stands on shaky ground.
Nevermind the fact that parts of the episode is just two guys playing pool, which is hardly in the spirit of TZ.
First off, if Fatso is sent from Heaven, then how can he possibly wager a bet that might end up killing an innocent human?
If Fatso intended to lose all along, then this must be his first game of pool played out of Heaven, because we have to assume that Heaven doesn't murder pool players - hence Fatso didn't have to "sit around" a pool table fighting off challengers and getting bored, as he implied. This is a contradiction.
Another thing that makes little sense is Fatso dropping his stick on purpose to distract Klugman - just moments before losing on purpose. In fact, we're not even sure whether Fatso lost on purpose or not. Hence the entire story stands on shaky ground.
Nevermind the fact that parts of the episode is just two guys playing pool, which is hardly in the spirit of TZ.
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