Printer's Devil

This was a great episode with great acting all around. But Burgess was definitely channeling The Penguin! He's such a wonderful character actor no wonder he was in several TZ episodes.

"The Printers devil" is one of my favorite hour long episodes of TZ. The another variation on the "selling your soul to the devil" story, this one is made delightful by Burgess Meredith's devil. I think this is my favorite of his 4 characters he did on TZ.. Some of the others were better stories , but the delight of seeing him play the linotype machine with the crooked cigar in his mouth was a delight. By the way, I think the linotype machine was the 4th main character in the episode. Loved seeing one of those old mechanical marvels in action, they are truly incredible machines. After seeing this episode for the first time, I spent many hour researching both the history and the function of these machines of the pre computer era.

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..

One more soul selling. The problem is that we aren't privy to the rules. Burgess Meredith comes upon George Bailey (Oh sorry. That's another movie) as he's trying to commit suicide. This is a man who is the owner of a newspaper that has gone in the tank due to a big money competitor. He is in hock up to his ears and can see no way out. Burgess talks him off the bridge and assures him that given the opportunity, he can turn his life around. He lights his crooked cigar by striking his finger on his pants leg. He tells the young man that he is a top reporter and a master linotype operator (and he is). The bad thing is that while things begin to flourish, it is because the newspaper begins to get scoops almost as the events take place. A series of disasters and scandals take place and the newspapers are already on the streets within an hour. Of course, the devil has snookered the young man. He now takes over the paper, acting as puppeteer for the others. What to do? The conclusion works fairly well and Meredith is a great devil (his cruelty comes to the fore at the end), but things are not presented logically within the rules of the game.

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")