Fear of death or dying. It's probably the most widely spread fear in the world, and arguably every living creature on this planet suffers from it to a certain degree. But fear of dying shouldn't get in the way of the joy of living, that's a valuable lesson taught in this episode of the magnificent "The Twilight Zone" series ...
Well, look at that, my reviews even begin to sound like Rod Serling's narrated intro-sequences! "Nothing in the Dark" is a top-notch and memorable story, and not exclusively because it stars a young and handsome Robert Redford, but because it's identifiable and genuinely touching without being overly sentimental. The elderly Wanda Dunn has isolated herself in her home and cut all contact with the outside world since many years, simply because she's convinced that "Mr. Death" is following her around. As long as she doesn't let him enter, she is certain that she'll remain alive. Over the years, however, all her neighbors moved away, and the building is so ramshackle that it needs to be torn down. When a young police officer is shot outside her door, and begs for her help, she's confronted with the choice of protecting her own believes or doing the right thing. Since the very first minute, you know exactly where the plot of the episode is going and what the end-twist will be. But it honestly doesn't matter, because the tale remains compelling and enchanting, nonetheless. Good early role for Redford, but the true star of "Nothing in the Dark" is ageing actress Gladys Cooper. Her lines come straight from the heart, and the fear for the reaper in any random disguise seem authentic. I'm happy to see that she lived another good ten years after the release of this episode!