Twilight Zone: The Obsolete Man (1961)
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Reviewed by Melissa McGahee
“No man is obsolete!”-Romney Woodsworth (Burgess Meredith)
An old librarian, Romney Woodsworth (Burgess Meredith) is brought forward to defend himself to the reigning government known as The State. To survive he must prove his worth by having a skill or quality that can be utilized. The man presiding known only as The Chancellor (Fritz Weaver) demands Romney to disclose his profession. When he answers that he is the librarian, he is deemed obsolete. The state insists that there is no need for books or libraries, therefore there is no need to keep Woodsworth alive. Romney attempts to debate the Chancellor, but he remains unmoved and claims that just as The State has proved there isn’t a God that they’ve shown librarians are unnecessary. Outraged Woodsworth insists that there is a God but it falls upon deaf ears.
The outcome now known, Romney is allotted the same privilege as those that were found obsolete before him. He can choose the hour of his death as long as it is within 48 hours, and the method of execution. He decides that he would like the event televised at his home and that only the assassin be aware of his choice. The Chancellor happily agrees satisfied that moments before his demise, Romney would beg for his life thus becoming an example to those who dare question The State.
A camera is installed in Woodsworth’s wall to televise the death. An hour prior to the event, The Chancellor is beckoned to the home. He shows up only to prove that he and The State fear no one. Assuming the librarian would perhaps attempt to exact revenge for the trial, he makes it clear that he remains unafraid.
When Romney makes it evident he has no intention of violently attacking the man before him, The Chancellor starts to demand that Woodsworth show his real feelings. He wants him to beg for his life, and to show the audience the torture he is enduring. Instead, he walks over to his safe, removes his Bible and begins to read which is generally a crime punishable by death. He also informs The Chancellor that he has chosen a bomb to be the way in which he is executed. At exactly midnight, his house will explode. When The Chancellor tries to leave he realizes that the door is locked. Romney then insists that The Chancellor admit to his true feelings and fears to the audience. Now facing his own demise, The Chancellor is placed in the position of either keeping the reputation of the fearless state intact or to collapse under the pressure.
Meredith does magnificently in the role as the librarian. His strength though defied by his appearance is made believable by the sheer force that the dialogue was spoken with. Weaver also is cast well. The hypocritical and nonsensical methods of The State are relayed through him and the delivery could not have been done better.
The tale itself is done expertly and, like many episodes of “The Twilight Zone,” is as relevant today as when it first aired. The existence and power of a totalitarian state is depicted in a realistic and frightening way that sits with the audience long after the show is over.
RSR Rating: 10/10