I can't believe I never got around to reviewing this episode of The Twilight Zone until now, as it's probably in the top five of the best episodes for the show--proving that even the show was on its last gasps (this is one of the last episodes), it still could show signs of great genius.
A very old and sickly rich man is waiting to die. Instead of enjoying his final days in the bosom of a loving family, he is beset by greedy and selfish relatives waiting for him to die like a pack of vultures. Make no mistake about it, the old guy knows exactly what they are like and has no illusions about their intentions. So, in a final gesture of contempt, he makes them spend an entire evening at his home "celebrating" while wearing grotesque Mardi Gras masks--resulting in a wonderful and satisfying twist.
The acting is excellent but what really makes this stand out are the wonderful writing and direction (by Ida Lupino). With such a simple story, they truly make the most of it and the pacing and execution are perfect.
A very old and sickly rich man is waiting to die. Instead of enjoying his final days in the bosom of a loving family, he is beset by greedy and selfish relatives waiting for him to die like a pack of vultures. Make no mistake about it, the old guy knows exactly what they are like and has no illusions about their intentions. So, in a final gesture of contempt, he makes them spend an entire evening at his home "celebrating" while wearing grotesque Mardi Gras masks--resulting in a wonderful and satisfying twist.
The acting is excellent but what really makes this stand out are the wonderful writing and direction (by Ida Lupino). With such a simple story, they truly make the most of it and the pacing and execution are perfect.