Clever little diversion showing once again why the series lasted as long as it did. The setting is a roistering frontier mining town. Two over-muscled strong men (Arch Johnson & Reed Morgan) have reformed the town's barbaric ways by bringing the message of brotherly love to the local saloon, along with intimidating feats of strength. In short, no one wants to argue with the two Herculean gospel preachers.
Then into their midst arrives an unlikely little man in a top hat speaking in flowery phrases (Norman Lloyd). He's scrawny and anything but physically intimidating, but he's got an imperious manner that is over-awing. So when he throws down smoke and fire from his hand and cackles demonically, we know the preachers have met their match. But how will it play out?
Lloyd is excellent as the demon, totally convincing in a manner that carries the episode. Then too, the audience can't be sure where events will lead since the story and setting are unusual for the series. The ending too is likely to bring a chuckle. All in all an unusual entry, and showcase for a surprisingly effective actor, as well as producer.
Then into their midst arrives an unlikely little man in a top hat speaking in flowery phrases (Norman Lloyd). He's scrawny and anything but physically intimidating, but he's got an imperious manner that is over-awing. So when he throws down smoke and fire from his hand and cackles demonically, we know the preachers have met their match. But how will it play out?
Lloyd is excellent as the demon, totally convincing in a manner that carries the episode. Then too, the audience can't be sure where events will lead since the story and setting are unusual for the series. The ending too is likely to bring a chuckle. All in all an unusual entry, and showcase for a surprisingly effective actor, as well as producer.