[Eerie music]
(Narrator) You unlock this door with the k e y of ima Gina t/on.
Beyond it is another dimension...
A dimension of sound,
a dimension of sight,
a dimension of mind.
You're moving into a land of both shadowand substance,
of things and ideas.
You've just crossed over into the twilight zone.
Yes, sir.
Yes, I'll send you a check first thing in the morning.
Right.
[Sighs]
[Muttering]
[Thud]
(Female voice) Need some help?
No, thanks.
I enjoy kicking around broken-down chairs.
It's good for the circulation.
Oh? Yours or the paper's?
Very funny.
Come on, now, Doug, things aren't that bad.
Don't be such an old gloom cookie.
I am not now,
nor have I ever been a "gloom cookie."
Thanks.
[Knocks]
Oh, hi, Andy.
I'd like to talk to you, Mr. Winter.
He's tired, Andy.
Can't it wait till tomorrow?
It's all right, Jackie.
What's on your mind, Andy?
Well, sir, the...
[Clears throat]
The fact is, I...
Well, I...
Tha t help, and y?
Yeah, thanks.
Mr. Winter, I... I hate to have
to tell you this, but I'm resigning.
All right.
When?
Right away.
I mean, I know it ain't your fault,
but it's eight weeks since I've been paid.
Oh, I understand.
I really hate to do it, Mr. Winter, but...
But a man's got to eat.
Andy praskins, you ought to be ashamed of yourself!
Jackie...
The best boss a man could work for.
Who said that, and y? Who said it?
I did, miss Benson, and I meant it.
And this is the way you repay
the best boss a man could work for?
By quitting him just when he needs you the most?
I said I hate to do it.
Well, then why do it?
Just because of a little setback...
It ain't just a little setback,
and you know it.
And so does Mr. Winter.
This paper is finished, miss Benson.
It was finished the minute
the gazette moved into town.
How you gonna buck a syndicate like that?
They can pour thousands of dollars into that operation,
lose every penny and still not feel it.
They've gota half dozen reporters,
a morning edit/on, a night edit/on.
I ask you, how you gonna lick that?
You're not.
Right. So I say, join 'em.
You mean you are going to work for them?
Yes, miss Benson, beginning tomorrow.
And if you're smart...
Get out of here, Andy. Just get out of here.
Andy.
Yes, Mr. Winter?
Good luck.
Thank you, sir.
I still say you're the best.
Goodbye.
Oh, boy!
That's gratitude for you.
After all the times you've stayed up until midnight
correcting his mistakes.
Jackie...
The days off you gave him.
Can't you ever get mad
at anything around here except chairs?
That was andyprask/ns who walked out.
Our linotype operator.
Don't you realize that?
I know.
Then why didn't you do something?
Do something?!
I'd do anything I could to save this place,
anything. But Andy's right.
It's too late. I'm through.
Oh, no.
Oh, don't say that.
Please don't say it.
Why, this was your dream, Doug.
Well, right now, I'm... I'm awake.
Miss Benson, why don't you go home?
I've got a lot of work to do.
Oh, Doug, let me just stay.
You heard me. You go on home.
I'm a very busy man.
(Jackie) What are you gonna do?
Right now, I'm gonna see you to the front door.
[Chuckles]
Will you be all right?
Yeah, sure.
It's not the end of the world, you know.
Call me if you need me, will you?
[Splashes]
[Bird crying]
Young man!
Might I trouble you for a match?
[Frogs croaking]
Yeah. Sure.
It's a lovely night, isn't it?
Lovely spot, too.
[Inhales]
Smell the pines.
It's a pity you have to leave it all.
What do you mean?
Well, you were about to commit suicide, weren't you?
That's none of your business.
I agree.
If a man wants to do away with himself,
I say that's his decision, nobody else's.
But I do think you ought to make a good job of it.
This looks very uncertain to me, frankly.
You might end up with nothing more than a head cold.
I certainl y wouldn't want to risk it.
By the way, did you find a match?
No, I... I don't have one.
Well, doesn't matter.
[Sniffs] Good night.
Aren't you going to jump?
Why, do you want to watch?
No, heavens no.
But I was just thinking,
if you aren't going to,
perhaps you wouldn't mind
giving me a lift into town?
Now, I don't want you to change your plans
on my behalf, you understand.
[Catching breath]
[Laughs]
Yeah.
Come on.
Well, thank you.
Wait a minute.
I found a light.
(Narrator) Takea wa ya man's dream,
fill him with whiskey and despair,
send him to a lonel y bridge,
let him stand there all byh/mself,
looking down a t the black wa ter,
and try to imagine the thoughts
that are in his mind.
You can't, I can't... but there's someone who can,
and that someone is seated next to Douglas winter right now.
The car is headed back toward town,
but its real destination is the twilight zone.
Thank you very much.
Young man,
I hope you're not planning to drink alone.
I was...
Unless, of course, you'd like to join me.
I'd be delighted. Delighted!
[Big band music playing on jukebox]
Well...
Feeling better?
Not yet.
Hi, Mr. Winter.
Oh, hi, Molly.
Uh, give me a Martini, will you?
Make it a double.
The same.
Uh, Mr. Winter,
could I see you for a second?
What about?
Well, um...
Oh, yes. Yes, the tab.
I'm sorry, but...
Mr. Foster says that from now on,
it's got to be cash.
Please, allow me.
Now, Molly, run and get those drinks, will you?
And tell Mr. Foster to make them strong.
Will you do that?
Run, girl, run.
Mm!
That's a lush one, isn't it?
Full of fire, too, I'll wager.
I wouldn't know.
You wouldn't? Pity.
Uh, thank you very much for the drink, mister, uh...
Smith.
Um, my name is Douglas winter.
The Douglas winter, the editor?
[Scoffs] Ex-editor.
Wait, why "ex"?
It's a long, sad story, Mr. Smith.
You wouldn't be interested.
Oh, but I would. I would indeed.
You see, you are the reason that I've journeyed to dansburg.
You must be a creditor.
[Laughs]
No, not yet, anyho w.
No, the fact is, I'm a newspaperman.
I was hoping to secure a position with your paper.
I'm sorry.
If you'd have called, I'd save you a trip.
Why?
The courieris dead, Mr. Smith.
I-I-I don't understand.
There's not much to understand.
The bragg syndicate opened a paper here
called the gazette, and they murdered us.
Ah, I see.
No, uh, keep it, my dear,
in payment for your lovely smile.
Thank you, sir.
She moves fast for a big one.
Mr. Winter...
Do you suppose the gazettecould use
a good linotype operator?
I doubt it.
They just grabbed my best man today.
Why?
That's my specialty, along with the reporting.
You mean you're a reporter and a linotype operator?
Absolutely.
If I may dispense with false modesty,
I'd count myself among the best in both fields.
Perhaps the best.
You were about to sa y something.
Well, then I'll say it.
You put me to work at once,
I think we can save the courier.
How can I put you to work?
I can't even pay my bar tab.
Well, that's simple.
I'll waive salary until you're in the black.
That's crazy.
I might never be in the black.
Well, it's a chance, but it's better
than anything you have now.
Are you sure you know how to operate a linotype machine?
Mr. Winter, that's like asking paganini
if he can play the fiddle.
I'm a virtuoso.
Show me.
With pleasure.
Good night, Molly.
Good night, Mr. Winter.
[Humming]
Doug!
Jackie.
Doug, where have you been?
I've been calling your home all Eve... ning...
Oh, uh, Jackie,
I'd like you to meet Mr. Smith.
Uh, this is miss Benson,
my most valuable employee.
Second most valuable, Mr. Winter.
Second most valuable.
Very good, Mr. Smith.
Let's see how long it takes you
to copy this lead story.
Right over there.
Certain ly.
Who is he, anyway?
I don't know.
Well, it's not the latest model, but it's a good one.
Now...
Ah! Listen to it hum.
Kindly hold that cigar for me.
Keep it burning.
Well, if he doesn't play chopin's polonaise,
I'll be disappointed.
[Iinotype machine whirring]
[Clanking]
May I have my cigar back?
Oh... yes.
Put it in my mouth, please.
I may have to make a few modifications,
but on the whole, it's in finecondition.
A little stiff, perhaps.
[Whirring stops]
What's the matter?
Matter?
Why did you quit?
Finished.
That's impossible!
See for yourself.
Mr. Smith...
Why would a man with your talent
want to work for a hick paper like the courier?
Call it a challenge.
Well, miss Benson, are you impressed?
No. I'm amazed.
It's understandable.
Well, I must confess
that this is not my true vocation.
It isn't?
No. I'm a reporter.
Some people have a green thumb.
I have a green nose.
Wherever there is news, this old nose smells it.
I'm afraid there isn't much news to smell
around dansburg, Mr. Smith.
There will be.
Well, am I hired?
You would be, if I had a paper.
But I haven't got one,
and there's no use kidding myself.
This all belongs to the banks
and the finance companies,
and they're ready to collect.
Aw. How much would it take to pay them off?
[Scoffs]
Oh, roughly $4,861.23.
Oh... I might be able to manage that.
You want to make us a loan?
Perhaps.
Would you excuse us for a minute, please?
What do you think?
If he'd made that offer ten minutes ago,
I'd have thought he was kidding or crazy,
but now I-I don't know.
I mean, what's in it for him?
Beats me.
But I'm gonna give it a go.
But there's something...
It's a chance to stay in business!
After all, what have I got to lose?
That's right.
What have you got to lose?
Gives you a funny feeling, doesn't it?
"Paid in full." "Paid in full."
Who but that old rooster
would carry $5,000 cash around in his pocket?
[Knocking at door]
Well, speak of the devil.
Excuse the interruption,
but how long would it take you
to get an edition onto the streets?
We're not due out until 4:00.
I mean, an extra edition.
A couple of hours on a short run.
Be a hassle, though.
Would it be worth the hassle
if you could beat the gazette to a scoop?
Depends on the scoop.
Here.
Holy...
[Chuckles]
10:20?
That was only a half an hour ago!
I'll check it out.
You doubt my veracity, hmm?
It's standard operating procedure, Mr. Smith.
You ought to know that.
Uh, let me speak to Mr. Underwood, please.
Never mind. Maybe you can help me.
We just had a report of a robbery...
Thank you. Okay, let's go to work!
Yes, sir!
I told you I had a nose for news!
Hey, extra! Big bank robbery today!
Extra! Read all about it!
Extra!
(Boy) Read about the big stick-up!
Robbers take $75,000!
Read about it! Extra! Extra!
Robbers take $15,000!
Here you go, sir. Thank you.
Get your extra! Read about today's bank robbery!
Read about... thank you, sir. There you are.
Read all... there you are.
Read all about today's bank robbery!
There you are, sir.
Follow me.
[Humming]
I don't believe it.
I'll check it.
I don't think she trusts me.
Of course, it isn't much,
but it sells papers.
How did you find this out?
Hmm?
How did you find this out?
I told you I had a nose for news.
You like it, don't you?
Mr. Smith, I can't think of anything I like better.
Harold j. Swanson!
"For 13 years,
"principal of dansburg high school
"confessed to police today
"that he is married to two women
[and is a bigamist." Uaughs]
I just talked to Mr. Swanson.
And?
It's true!
He has two wives.
High school principal exposed as bigamist!
Hey, the late paper's out!
Read all about it!
Subscriptions!
You're kidding.
I am not kidding.
Do you realize that in two weeks,
our circulation has tripled?
Beautiful!
Well, well, well, Mr. Franklin.
How are things at the gazette?
That's exactly why I'm here, Mr. Winter.
Miss Benson.
I'm not a man to beat around the bush,
but you're giving us trouble.
Now, th/s quick success
that you've had just can't last.
You've had a few lucky breaks. That's all.
But I'll admit, we're hurting.
How does it feel, Mr. Franklin?
I'm authorized to make you an offer,
and if you're a smart young man...
I understand that you are... you'll take it.
An offer for what?
The courier.
We buy it; You and your staff go to work for us.
Now, how does tha t sound?
Sorry. The courier isn't for sale.
Not at any price?
Not at any price.
Now, you certainly don't think that you can fight us, do you?
Oh, we can try, Mr. Franklin.
Then you're not quite as smart a young man
as I thought you were.
But I will leave that offer open until 7:00 tonight.
If I don't hear from you by that time,
you better lay in yourself
a good supply of tin cups.
[Singing and humming]
(Doug) Thank you.
How much do you think he'd give you?
If they're as worried as Franklin looks,
I imagine around $100,000. Why?
I was just wondering.
Honey, what's the matter?
Things have never gone better, have they?
[Sigh] I'm not so sure.
Here we are.
Oh, hi, Mr. Smith.
I have a little surprise for you.
I don't think I can take another one.
You'll take this, all right.
Happens to be the biggest scoop of them all.
You read it, and I'll get things going.
Almost afraid to look.
[Sirens blaring outside]
(Male presenter) Twilight zone will continue after sta t/on ident/f/ca t/on.
Look, I don't blame you for being upset,
but that gives you no reason to toss allegations around!
Allegations? Facts.
You started that fire, and you're gonna pay for it.
I told you, I didn't start the fire!
How many times do I have to tell you?
I don't care how many times you tell me.
Your newspapers were out on that street
exactly one half hour after it happened,
that means only one thing:
You knewit was gonna happen.
All right, I'll explain it to you one more time.
Our new man was walking by your building,
he saw the smoke, and he came in...
Yeah, and then back here,
and in one half hour, he wrote the complete story,
ran off 5,000 copies on that dilapidated equipment of yours,
delivered it to the corner newsboy,
you expect me to believe that?
Wha t kind of a stupid idiot do you think/am?
Well, let's not get into that, shall we?
It just so happens I have witnesses
as to my whereabouts for the whole day.
Now, will you get out of here?
We have a lot of work to do.
You haven't heard the last of this.
[Slams]
Doug?
Yeah?
How did we hit on the street so fast?
I don't know.
Well, do you believe him?
Who?
Mr. Smith!
Do you believe he just happened to be passing by?
[Door opens and closes]
Well, boss, what can I do for you?
Answer a question.
Did you start the gazette fire?
You.
I'm afraid I don't understand the question.
I don't see why not. It's very simple.
Did you start the gazette fire?
It was started by a faulty electrical system.
Are you sure?
I never write up anything I'm not sure of.
It's a question of ethics.
[Spits cigar butt]
Oh, by the way...
Andy praskins called.
He's the linotype operator I told you about.
I think I'll hire him back and put you on full-time reporting.
No, no, no, tha t wouldn't do.
Now, I've made certain, uh, modifications to this machine.
I wouldn't want anybody else to touch it.
Would spoil everything.
Besides, it breaks up the day for me.
You can hire him back, by all means, but, uh,
give him another job.
I insist.
Okay.
Hey, come on, now, you still haven't told me.
Exactly how did you meet Mr. Smith?
Oh, brother.
You don't give up very easy, do you?
Well, I want to know.
I told you, I just ran into him that night.
That's all.
Where?
Pine trail.
What were you doing there?
Shooting butterflies.
What else would I be doing there?
You don't have to get so sarcastic about it.
I was only asking.
Well, I told you.
I just met him...
And I hired him, and he put us back in business.
What's wrong with that?
I smell trouble.
Trouble?
We just picked up 1,500 new subscriptions.
We're selling out every day.
I've been dreaming about that kind of trouble all my life.
Hey, what's the matter with you?
There's nothing the matter.
Yes, there is. You're different. You've changed.
"You're different. You've changed."
You're beginning to sound like a wife!
Well, I'm not your wife, and I never will be, at this rate.
Well, that's okay with me, too.
[Door opens and closes]
[Mechanical whirring]
Mr. Smith?
[Whirring stops]
What's on the machine?
I was hoping to surprise you with it later.
"E.j. Macleod wins $250,000 on sweepstakes ticket."
[Chuckles]
"Macleod, for 16 years
clerk at the dansburg water and power comp..."
Uh, Mr. Macleod?
This is Doug winter down at the courier.
I'm sorry to disturb you.
I was just wondering, have you heard anything
on your sweepstakes ticket?
I see.
Oh, no, no, sir, i-i haven't heard a thing.
Sorry to bother you. Right. Good night.
Mm?
I hate to tell you...
But I'm afraid this time, you pulled a boner.
Macleod doesn't know anything about it.
I didn't say he knew anything about it.
I said he wonit.
What are you talking about?
How can you win $250,000 and not know about it?
By not bothering to look under the door
for a telegram.
[Phone rings]
Courier. Winter speaking.
Congratulations.
[Chuckles]
You see?
Now, boss, would you have a chair, please?
I think that the, uh...
Time has come when you and I should have
a little chat, hmm?
I think the occasion calls for a touch
of "the creature," if I may say so.
Sorry. I'm fresh out.
I think you'll find you're mistaken.
Right there in that top drawer, hmm?
With my compliments.
You think of everything, don't you?
Now, first of all...
I should like to ask
whether or not you are happy
with the way things have been going.
Just what are you leading up to, Mr. Smith?
A simple proposition.
I hereby guarantee...
You understand... guarantee...
That you will become the most successful newspaper editor
in the world, if...
You will affix your signature
to this little document.
"I, Douglas winter, agree to relinquish
"my immortal soul to the bearer upon my death
in exchange for his services."
"I, d..."
[Chuckles]
What?
[Laughing]
Huh?
You're the devil!
Oh, Mr. Winter.
As a sophisticated, intelligent 20th-century man,
you know that the devil does not exist. True?
True.
But you also know
that the world is full
of eccentric, rich old men...
Crazy old men who do all kinds of things
for crazy reasons.
Now, why don't you think of me like that?
Here's a pen.
This is ridiculous!
Yes, isn't it?
Could I, uh...
Trouble you for another drink?
Uh, you don't really believe
that I'm the devil, do you?
Well, then, why don't you put it this way:
You're humoring me.
After all, what? t good is the soul, anywa y?
It's sort of like an appendix these days,
particularly since it doesn't exist in the first place.
Well, just for the sake of argument,
why do you particularly want mine?
Well, for the sake of argument,
let's say I'm something of a connoisseur,
and you have a very choice soul,
and as the vintners say, it's a good year.
Well, then again, uh,
just for sake of argument...
Yes?
Why don't you just take it, huh?
Now, if you're the devil,
as you say you are,
why, you can do everything.
No, unhappily, not everything.
I am bound by certain rules,
and I do have my limitations.
[Both chuckle]
You're nuts.
[Chucang] Yes.
Let's drink to that, huh?
Here you are.
I think I should warn you, however,
that if you do not sign this,
then the certain gloomy predictions you've made
about the courier's future will certainly come to pass.
Yes, I'll have to resign, and...
Well, let's not even consider such a proposition.
After all, you don't want to go visiting
that bridge again, do you?
Hardly.
[Softly] No. Yeah.
Now...
Why not humor an old man?
It'll mean such a lot to me.
And if you don't sign it,
it'll be admitting fear and belief.
You're not afraid, are you?
Fancy that!
A grownup man who believes in the devil!
Give me that stupid thing!
There.
Now, let's not hear any more about this, shall we?
[Humming]
Good morning, miss Benson.
[Curtly] Good morning, Mr. Smith.
Doug?
Doug, wake up.
Hmm?
Wake up!
Hmm? Oh.
You sleep here last night?
What happened?
Here, have some coffee.
Oh. Yeah, I worked late last night.
Guess I fell asleep.
Thanks.
Have you seen this?
Ah. What?
[Whispering] Oh, no!
Doug, what is going on?
What is the matter?
Why, these papers were on the news stand
less than an hour after it happened.
Who ran them off?
Who delivered them?
Ask Mr. Smith.
I'm asking you.
Leave me alone, will you?
[Door slams]
Lovely dress you're wearing, miss Benson.
What do you want?
A bit of fire, hmm?
[Softly] Ah, yes.
Hmm?
Keep them.
Thank you.
You and I are gonna be great friends, my dear.
[Singing undecipherable]
[Continues singing]
(Boy) Extra, extra!
Honeymooners drown in lake Bundy!
Read all about it!
Thank you, sir. Extra, extra!
Extra! Banker murders wife!
Read all about it! Extra!
Get your late papers here!
Doug, I'm scared!
These things just can't be happening!
You've got to fire him.
I can't.
Why not? You paid back the loan.
You don't owe him a thing.
I know, I know, but I can't, that's all!
Now, believe me, I can't!
Why? Just kick him out!
On what grounds?
I don't know... incompetence.
Oh, come on, now, you know
he's a very competent linotype operator
and a great reporter.
Do you want him around?
It isn't a question of wanting him around.
Then what is it?!
He's running the newspaper now.
Not you, him!
He's doing a pretty good job of it, too, isn't he?
We're selling out every edition!
Oh, you're selling out more than that.
A lot more.
Goodbye, Doug.
Jackie?
Aren't you being a little hasty?
Would you mind you own business?
This is my business.
I have a proprietary interest
in everything connected with the courier.
Well, I am no longer connected
with the courier, Mr. Smith.
I wish you'd reconsider.
The fact is, I've developed
a very special fondness for you.
Will you please get out of my way?
[Whispering]
You'll be sorry you did that!
Where's Jackie?
Love's labor lost, my friend.
She's gone, vanished.
But don't worry...
We can do without her.
[Machinery clicking]
The person we can do without is you.
That's an ungrateful thing to say to a friend
who pulled you out of bankruptcy
and turned the courier
into the hottest journal in the state!
Let me tell you something, Mr. Smith.
It's not worth it.
I had a nightmare about a weird little man
with a crooked cigar
who caused terrible things to happen
so he could get scoops for my paper.
Well, I'm awake now, and I want you out of here!
Not so fast! What about our contract?
What about our contract?
You said you'd do anything
to make your paper a success.
I heard you. That's why I came.
Well, I've carried out my part. You are a success.
If you're not a nightmare, then you're something even worse
because somehow you've madethese things happen.
You've caused tragedy.
You've destroyed life and property.
I didn't bargain for this!
Oh, yes, you did, but you put it out of your mind.
You thought you'd get everything for nothing.
That's not the way life works.
Well, don't worry about it.
You're not the first editor I've helped.
I don't want your help.
I want you out of my life!
Can't do that now.
We have an obligation between us.
There is no way out.
Hold it!
There's one way, of course.
And what's that?
You can pay up, right now.
I suppose that means that you can't take
my immortal soul while I'm alive
and walking around, is that it?
Something like that.
Now, wait, wait.
[Sniffs] This old nose smells a story coming in.
May solve everything.
Ah!
A shame... poor miss Benson.
What about miss Benson?
"At 11:30 tonight, miss Jacqueline Benson,
"former secretary to Douglas winter,
"editor of the courier,
"suffered grave injuries...
"Suffered grave injuries
"resulting from a head-on collision between her car
"and that of James Edward slocum,
"returning from a skiing trip.
The accident took place on bascomb road."
That won't stop it.
You still think I'm a nightmare, do you?
You change it.
I can't change it.
The little modifications I made
altered this machine quite a bit.
Whatever it writes comes to pass.
But why Jackie?
What did she ever do to you?
She slapped me.
And you'd destroy her for that?
Of course not!
You're an intelligent man,
but you keep missing the point.
Don't you see I've spent
too much time with you already?
I have other clients waiting.
I want to move on.
I figured this story about your girlfriend
would hurry things up.
Let me point out
that the item did not say
that she died of her injuries...
Not yet.
I can add a few lines either way.
Whether she lives or dies depends on you.
Now, if you decide to conclude the contract,
you'll find this a lot surer than the bridge.
Quicker, too.
[Laughs heartily]
Tha t Lea ves you three.
Where you going?
There's got to be some way to stop you,
and I'm gonna find it!
That's the spirit. Never give up.
But remember, you only have 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Jackie.
Jackie?
Jackie!
(Female voice) Hush!
You want to wake up the whole building?
Where's miss Benson?
She ain't in.
Well, where did she go?
That's none of my concern.
When did she leave?
What's the matter?
When did she leave?!
Oh, a-a-about 15 minutes ago, ithink.
But what's the... what's...?
[Door closes]
[Approaching footsteps]
Mr. Smith, I want to talk to you.
Oh?
First, I want to apologize for slapping you.
Tush, it's nothing at all.
Second, I want to ask something of you.
What might that be?
I want you to go away.
I know you've done a great deal for the paper.
We appreciate that.
But I love Doug.
I want to marry him.
But the way he's been acting ever since you came...
I don't even recognize him anymore.
He's a different person!
You think that's due to my influence?
Yes, I do...
And I am going to get you out of this town,
away from this paper, away from Doug, or, so help me...
Hold it, hold it!
Don't become hysterical.
Well, I mean it. I really...
No need to say another word,
because... I'm leaving of my own free will.
[Quietly] You are?
Of course! I never stay where I'm not wanted.
I have other offers, you know.
In fact, I'm quitting this very moment.
You are?
Certain ly.
My only request is that you drive me.
I have no car, you know, to drive me to the airport.
Well... certainly. I'd love to.
Very well. I'm ready.
Well, what about Doug?
Oh, I think he can take care of himself, hmm?
Would you like me to drive?
All right.
We'll go by the bascomb road.
(Molly) Hl, Mr. Winter.
Have you seen Jackie?
Oh, miss Benson? No.
She hasn't been in since lunch time.
What's the matter? You look terrib...
Can I get you something?
[Motor revving higher]
[Muffled] Too fast!
[Machine whirring]
Why, this is too fast!
Too fast!
[Gasps]
Oh, look out!
[Tires screeching]
Mr. Smith?
Mr. Smith?!
Doug!
Oh, Doug!
(Doug) Ja ck/e!
Oh, Jackie!
Doug, Mr. Smith... He tried to kill me!
I know.
We were in this car, and he kept going faster!
And there was this other car coming at us,
and he headed straight for that car!
It's all over.
He was sitting next to me,
and then he was gone!
What's going on?! What happened?!
[Wailing] Tell me!
Listen to this:
"Mr. Smith, former star reporter
"and chief linotype operator
"for the courier resigned his position
"and left dansburg for his home
"at 11:29 this evening.
"His contract with Mr. Douglas winter
"was declared null and void
"owing to Mr. Winter's incomplete understanding
of the terms of the document."
Contract? What contract?
It means that he's gone!
Gone?
And he won't be back.
Did he say so?
No, but...
He never goes anyplace he's not invited.
What do you mean, invited?
Did you invite him here in the first place?
Well... in a way, I did.
In a way, I did.
And I'm gonna spend the rest of my life
making up for it, too.
The first thing we do is get rid of this machine!
Why?
Then we're gonna take on the gazette!
Will you please explain this? I don't know...
I will, I will, I will.
I'll tell you... maybe tomorrow.
Right now, let's get out of here.
[Sigh of relief]
(Narrator) Ex/ t the infernal ma chine,
and with it, his sa tan/c majesty,
Lucifer, prince of darkness... Otherwise known as Mr. Smith.
He's gone, but not for good.
That wouldn't be like him.
He's gone for bad.
And he might be back...
With another ticket to the twilight zone.
For our next show, Mr. Dana Andrews
makes his first visit to the twilight zone
in a show called no time like the past.
You'll see him as a discontented inhabitant
of the 20th century who goes back in time...
Back to what we assume to be the inviola te past...
And viola tes it.
A walloping performance, a strange and oddball theme,
and an ending most unexpected
in the tradition of the twilight zone.
You and I both share this dubious distinction
with several million of our peers
who inhabit the 20th century.
And you don't care for the 20th century?
I do not.
[Gun clicks]
(Female voice) How did you know?
You did, didn't you?
Yes, I knew.
I knew there'd bea fire.
But what I didn't know...
I didn't know that I would cause it.