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.