Printer's Devil

Yes, Robert Sterling was my cousin. I may be a bit biased, but I don't think so. I won't go through the new take on the oft used Faustian plot, because every review details it. I'll focus on acting.

Burgess Meredith is always good. He was a high quality actor. But let's also face the fact that his part was the easiest of the three. Like Tom Cruise, who had the tougher role in "Rain Man," (and no less than Helen Hayes agreed), the less flashy, more ordinary humans are the hardest to play. Robert Sterling gives a fine performance here (so does Crowley in a smaller role). He takes us through the nuances of change regarding his character, Doug Winter, and that's where the acting challenge comes. He was perhaps best known for TV's "Topper," with his talented wife, Anne Jeffreys. He also appeared in Greta Garbo's final film, "Two Faced Woman," among many other screen credits.

Robert Sterling was a handsome and competent actor. In fact, he gave his first wife, Anne Sothern, credit for increasing his acting knowledge and ability. Bob was not the greatest actor who ever lived (a la Olivier for example), but he was every bit as good as most and I am proud of his performance here.

When the powerful newspaper The Gazette arrives in the city, The Dansburg Courier goes near bankruptcy with many debts. The editor Douglas "Doug" Winer sees the end of his newspaper when the experienced printing-press operator Andy Praskins quits his job to work at The Gazette. Doug's secretary and lover Jackie Benson is the only employee that stays with him. After drinking a bottle of whiskey, Doug promises anything to save his newspaper but is ready to commit suicide jumping off a bridge. Out of the blue, the mysterious Mr. Smith arrives and asks for a ride to him to the city. Doug drives Mr. Smith to the city and offers a drink to him. However, he has no more credit but Mr. Smith pays the bill. Then he says that he is an efficient reporter and a printing-press operator. Doug tells to him that his debt is almost US$ 5,000.00 and Mr. Smith lends the amount to him. Soon Mr. Smith prints several scoops and The Dansburg Courier becomes successful. What is the secret of Mr. Smith?

"Printer's Devil" is a great episode of "The Twilight Zone', with a storyline based in Faust and told many times in movies. Burgess Meredith performs a witty and funny devil, with many cruelties. The way he convinces Doug to sign his contract is hilarious. As usual, tragedies sell more newspaper than good news; therefore, the adequate work for the devil. The conclusion, with Doug saving his girlfriend and calling off his contract is excellent. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Emissário do Inferno" ("Emissary of Hell")

Printer's Devil benefits hugely from being an hourly episode. Characters are more defined, there's a nice build-up in suspense (though mainly for the paper's employees, rather then the viewer, who's already into Mr Smith's secret.) Meredith is a delicious little Satan, but it really is Robert Sterlings acting that supports the narrative. I knew his face, but had no idea he was such a good actor. Printer's devil has stood passing of time a lot better than most - shorter - episodes and is still hugely enjoyable. The climax could have been a bit better though..

Burgess Meredith is excellent in this Twilight Zone "Printers Devil" Episode. His Academy Award Worthy performance is only upstaged by the Printers Linotype Machine. This is of special interest to me as decades ago I ran Printing Presses AND a Linotype Machine exactly like the one in this TV episode

True, it's an old scenario- accepting help from the devil to turn one's fortunes around at the risk of damnation. Still this is a lively and enjoyable hour-long TZ. Robert Sterling runs The Courier, a newspaper about to go out of business until Mr Smith, or the devil(Burgess Meredith-in his last of four TZ's) intervenes and provides all the scoops. Patricia Crowley blends well with Robert Sterling, playing his much less gullible secretary/girlfriend. There are morals to the story which become confirmed as the pace builds brilliantly towards the end. Charles Beaumont's scripting and Meredith's playing of the devil are amusing. He gets close to being charming then reminds you he's a right mischievous little thing.

Good fun.