The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek - Classic Christmas Archive
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"Look, ma, Santa Claus is loaded!"
Absolutely wonderful Twilight Zone episode has a superb Art Carney starring as a pitiable, downtrodden, suffering old drunk employed as a department store Santa who lives on Poverty Row. He just wants the poor kids and elderly to get a gift, something that would make the time of the year worth celebrating for a change. John Fiedler, the very voice of Winnie the Pooh, is the owner of a department store who employs Carney, eventually firing him for his drunkenness in front of kids wanting to sit on his lap, as their grumpy parents, pushy and impatient, demand his full attention. Without a dime to his name, Carney isn't able to purchase anymore booze, but ultimately his main desire is just to deliver presents to the needy just wanting one year where something special will happen to them. Finding a bag in an alley near garbage cans (and a cat), Carney soon realizes that when he reaches inside, a gift is available to all the poor in his urban neighborhood! Magic of the season is alive and well! Despite being shot on video, the material and delightful central performance from Carney rise above the cheapjack presentation. There's a spot-on monologue from a sympathetic Carney as Fiedler takes him to task for his alcoholism in front of the kids, and the reasoning behind his misery is poignant and understandable. Raising awareness to the plight of good people who don't deserve poverty, with the Twilight Zone allowing Carney the chance to provide a small gift to those not used to receiving much at all, "Night of the Meek" is a real treat particularly during the Christmas season. Highly recommended.
Fiedler getting a bottle of champagne from Carney after he's taken to a police station when his bag of goodies is considered stolen, only for the police officer not to find anything but cans, is beautifully done. The Santa Claus twist at the end, fulfilling one wish for Carney (who deeply cares for the impoverished kids and his elderly brethren), is so satisfying.
Absolutely wonderful Twilight Zone episode has a superb Art Carney starring as a pitiable, downtrodden, suffering old drunk employed as a department store Santa who lives on Poverty Row. He just wants the poor kids and elderly to get a gift, something that would make the time of the year worth celebrating for a change. John Fiedler, the very voice of Winnie the Pooh, is the owner of a department store who employs Carney, eventually firing him for his drunkenness in front of kids wanting to sit on his lap, as their grumpy parents, pushy and impatient, demand his full attention. Without a dime to his name, Carney isn't able to purchase anymore booze, but ultimately his main desire is just to deliver presents to the needy just wanting one year where something special will happen to them. Finding a bag in an alley near garbage cans (and a cat), Carney soon realizes that when he reaches inside, a gift is available to all the poor in his urban neighborhood! Magic of the season is alive and well! Despite being shot on video, the material and delightful central performance from Carney rise above the cheapjack presentation. There's a spot-on monologue from a sympathetic Carney as Fiedler takes him to task for his alcoholism in front of the kids, and the reasoning behind his misery is poignant and understandable. Raising awareness to the plight of good people who don't deserve poverty, with the Twilight Zone allowing Carney the chance to provide a small gift to those not used to receiving much at all, "Night of the Meek" is a real treat particularly during the Christmas season. Highly recommended.
Fiedler getting a bottle of champagne from Carney after he's taken to a police station when his bag of goodies is considered stolen, only for the police officer not to find anything but cans, is beautifully done. The Santa Claus twist at the end, fulfilling one wish for Carney (who deeply cares for the impoverished kids and his elderly brethren), is so satisfying.
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|December 21|2015|
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