Mean-spirited theater critic Fitzgerald Fortune (Barry Morse, Lt. Gerard from "The Fugitive" TV Series), purchases a haunted player-piano from an antique shop as a birthday gift for his long-suffering young wife Esther, played by Joan Hackett. Fortune soon discovers that the piano has magical powers which he can use to further his own evil ends. He learns that when someone listens to the accompanying rolls of music intensely, the person will inadvertently expose their inner-self and reveal their own darkest secrets and ambitions. Being the nasty fellow that he is, Fortune decides to use the device on his friends and associates (and particularly on his wife) at one of his cocktail parties. He suspects she's having an affair with a handsome actor and now he's sure he'll find out the truth.
Morse is excellent as the contemptible theater critic who ends up singing his own sorry tune to all in attendance. Although Earl Hamner Jr. wrote the original story, it's obvious that creator Rod Serling wanted to throw a few jabs of his own with this episode and lambaste some of his detractors in the industry. Others in the cast include Ms. Hackett, who exudes just the right touch and sensitivity as Esther. Old-time character actor Cyril Delevanti plays Fortune's butler, and he gets to deliver the final well-deserved punch line to his hypocritical boss.
Morse is excellent as the contemptible theater critic who ends up singing his own sorry tune to all in attendance. Although Earl Hamner Jr. wrote the original story, it's obvious that creator Rod Serling wanted to throw a few jabs of his own with this episode and lambaste some of his detractors in the industry. Others in the cast include Ms. Hackett, who exudes just the right touch and sensitivity as Esther. Old-time character actor Cyril Delevanti plays Fortune's butler, and he gets to deliver the final well-deserved punch line to his hypocritical boss.