Escape Clause
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“Escape Clause” is an episode of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone.
[edit] Details
- Episode number: 6
- Season: 1
- Production code: 173-3603
- Original air date: November 6, 1959
- Writer: Rod Serling
- Director: Mitchell Leisen
[edit] Cast
- Walter Bedeker: David Wayne
- Mr. Cadwallader: Thomas Gomez
- Ethel Bedeker: Virginia Christine
[edit] Synopsis
A mean-spirited, abusive hypochondriac sells his soul to the Devil in exchange for immortality, adding enough conditions to keep him out of Satan's clutches forever. He is puzzled when the Evil One doesn't put up much of a fight, only stipulating an escape clause which allows the man to die if he so wishes, but doesn't worry too much about it.
He uses his newfound invulnerability to collect insurance money and cheap thrills by hurling himself into life-threatening accidents. Soon growing bored with this game, he confesses to the murder of his wife (who actually died by accident), hoping to experience the electric chair. His lawyer is too good, however, and he is sentenced to life in prison. In the last scene, the Devil shows up and reminds the man of the escape clause. Facing eternity in jail, the man nods and suffers a fatal heart attack.
[edit] Trivia
The following is an excerpt from Rod Serling's pitch to potential sponsors of his new show, The Twilight Zone. It was included as an extra on "Twilight Zone's" DVD release, and was transcribed by Matthew Cregg.
Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has a reference to this episode in the basement, the elevator has a plaque that says the last time the elevator was checked. It was checked on October 2, 1959 (the date The Twilight Zone first aired) and was checked by Mr. Cadwallader.
[edit] Critical response
“Here was a little gem. Good work, Rod Serling. This little piece about a hypochondriac who gets tangled up with an obese, clerical devil ranked with the best that has ever been accomplished in half-hour filmed television.” —Excerpt from the Daily Variety review.
[edit] References
- Zicree, Marc Scott: The Twilight Zone Companion. Sillman-James Press, 1982 (second edition)
