This episode earns a 9--not because of a complicated or bizarre plot but because the show manages to have a level of poignancy you rarely find on TV--even on episodes of "The Twilight Zone". It's well acted and quite compelling--especially in the second half.
The show starts with the main character (Barry Morse) coming into a very cluttered antique shop in search of a present for his young wife's birthday. The owner of the place is a total misanthrope and seems to have the social skills of Attila the Hun! However, oddly, when a player piano is activated, the nasty man becomes jovial and even friendly! And, when the piano is turned off, he returns to his former nasty self! Morse buys the piano but still isn't sure about its powers.
Later, at home, the piano is once again activated by Morse and suddenly his very dower-looking servant begins laughing and telling his deep feelings about working for him. Now Morse realizes--the piano has the power to bring out the hidden soul of the person for whom the piano is played. As a result, Morse, himself a cruel and awful man, decides to have fun with this truth-revealing instrument.
At the party, Morse delights in watching people expose their deepest secrets in front of others. When a very obese lady has the piano played for her, she begins dancing and talks about her fantasy life. At first, the guests all laugh but soon it becomes too painful and no one is enjoying this...except for Morse--who is a bit of a monster.
What happens next when his wife (Joan Hackett) is sick of this makes the show especially worth seeing--with a terrific monologue by Morse himself. Fascinating and hard to watch...but well worth it. A rather seldom-seen gem.
The show starts with the main character (Barry Morse) coming into a very cluttered antique shop in search of a present for his young wife's birthday. The owner of the place is a total misanthrope and seems to have the social skills of Attila the Hun! However, oddly, when a player piano is activated, the nasty man becomes jovial and even friendly! And, when the piano is turned off, he returns to his former nasty self! Morse buys the piano but still isn't sure about its powers.
Later, at home, the piano is once again activated by Morse and suddenly his very dower-looking servant begins laughing and telling his deep feelings about working for him. Now Morse realizes--the piano has the power to bring out the hidden soul of the person for whom the piano is played. As a result, Morse, himself a cruel and awful man, decides to have fun with this truth-revealing instrument.
At the party, Morse delights in watching people expose their deepest secrets in front of others. When a very obese lady has the piano played for her, she begins dancing and talks about her fantasy life. At first, the guests all laugh but soon it becomes too painful and no one is enjoying this...except for Morse--who is a bit of a monster.
What happens next when his wife (Joan Hackett) is sick of this makes the show especially worth seeing--with a terrific monologue by Morse himself. Fascinating and hard to watch...but well worth it. A rather seldom-seen gem.