Ann Blyth never looked better than when she played the enchanting and thoroughly wicked "Queen of the Nile" in this last season Twilight Zone episode. The "Queen" is an old-time actress whose career dates back to the 1930s, but somehow she's retained her youthful appearance. Lee Philips plays a Hollywood reporter who visits Ms. Blyth in her mansion and falls under her spell, believing her when she tells him that she was "very young" when she made some of her more famous movies. Along comes someone (Celia Lovsky) who appears old enough to be Ann's mother and her unsettling demeanor is disturbing to both Ms. Blyth and her guest. Philips hangs around long enough to discover that the old lady claims to be her DAUGHTER. That should have been the big hint to tell him that something was terribly wrong. Since this is the Twilight Zone, Philips instead proceeds with his newfound relationship with Ms. Blyth at his own risk and to his utter detriment. You might say that Ann needs some fresh blood to enliven her moribund career and Philips has plenty to provide her with.
"Queen of the Nile" has some twists and turns that will keep viewers interested until the final curtain. Ann Blyth, more noted for playing nice girls (except for her turn in "Mildred Pierce"), does a fine job as the wicked lady and she exudes just the right amount of sensuality to give the role some much-needed life-blood (no pun intended). Philips, a veteran of a catalog full of television performances, is his usual competent self in the role of the bewildered and star-struck reporter. Old-time actress Celia Lovsky is perfect as Ms. Blyth's "young" daughter. What can you say? Some people just don't age as graceful as others.
"Queen of the Nile" has some twists and turns that will keep viewers interested until the final curtain. Ann Blyth, more noted for playing nice girls (except for her turn in "Mildred Pierce"), does a fine job as the wicked lady and she exudes just the right amount of sensuality to give the role some much-needed life-blood (no pun intended). Philips, a veteran of a catalog full of television performances, is his usual competent self in the role of the bewildered and star-struck reporter. Old-time actress Celia Lovsky is perfect as Ms. Blyth's "young" daughter. What can you say? Some people just don't age as graceful as others.