Printer's Devil - Twilight-Tober Zone

From the script to the direction and performances, "Printer's Devil" fills out its fifty-two minutes without a problem. Join Walter as he discusses this episode of The Twilight Zone.
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"Printer's Devil" is episode 111 of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone. The title comes from the expression printer's devil, an apprentice in the industry. The initial plot set-up is based in part on the well-known deal with the devil motif: a mysterious, seemingly eccentric man (played by frequent Twilight Zone actor Burgess Meredith) brings success to a local newspaper by working as its reporter and linotype operator, eventually revealing that he wants the editor's soul in exchange. This hour-long episode was written by Charles Beaumont, and based on his 1951 short story "The Devil, You Say".
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[@ChannelAwesome]

Burgess Meredith is AMAZING! Watch the new NC here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbbdJSjp9GsY6ssi=BXyoOQyd2cy9j-le Watch more Twilight-Tober Zone here - bit.ly/TwilightToberZone Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome

[@jessetorres8738]

To repeat something I wrote 3 years ago in The Escape Clause video, my personal theory is every time The Devil appears in The Twilight Zone, it's the same 1 just with a new name & body for that month.

[@melissacooper8724]

The Devil will be back in "Of Late I Think Of Cliffordville." Only next time, he'll be in the form of a woman named "Miss Devilin!"

[@rogue7723]

This and _The Obsolete Man_ are tied as his _best appearance_ in this show. 😊😊

[@rogue7723]

It’s like _Dr. Who,_ after a certain length of time The Devil takes up a new physical form.

[@rogue7723]

I love how the first few minutes of this episode are a twist of _It’s A Wonderful Life_ where the main character is at his lowest point and drives to a bridge to commit suicide but _instead_ of an angel coming to save him, it’s _the Devil_ coming to _take him._ I don’t know if it was intentional, but it’s too similar to me for it to be an accident.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

You make an interesting case-perhaps Beaumont was inspired by the Frank Capra classic.

[@rogue7723]

@@BarryHart-xo1oy Thanks 🙂

[@ChrisMerkelStudios]

I can't believe Rod Serling actually did a "I quit [doing thing] for good, now I do it for evil" joke decades early in his closing narration for this episode. Man was way ahead of his time.

[@drewo.127]

“He’s gone, but not for _good!_ That wouldn’t be like him. He’s gone for *BAD!”*

[@danom3572]

But I thought it was written by Beaumont?

[@shainewhite2781]

Another great Twilight Zone episode with the great Burgess Meredith, 1907-1997.

[@nonnayerbusiness7704]

Another Twilight Zone episode featuring the devil as well.

[@wstine79]

You can see the blueprint of Burgess Meredith's Penguin Persona in his role as the devil. Even the way he holds that cigar in his mouth.

[@anubusx]

Makes you wonder how Rocky Balboa went from an unknown to world champion...

[@wstine79]

​@@anubusxthat would explain a lot.

[@anubusx]

@@wstine79 I'm sure this episode has already been covered.

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

As BATMAN fans know, he was a former smoker who hated using that holder with a lit cigarette at the end. He must have hated that cigar even more.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@anubusxJames Rolfe covered it in a top 10 video a long time ago if I'm not mistaken

[@soren3569]

That twisting cigar is such a brilliant prop concept. It provokes immediate curiosity and wariness.

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

Burgess Meredith was one of the most underrated and versatile actors ever even in shows like Night Gallery he still shines despite his age❤ *edit: see him in an even more demonic and creepy role in "the sentinel" with Chris Sarandon, he OWNS the last main scene!!!

[@mst3KGf]

For such an amiable and mild looking guy (which made him so good at roles like Henry Beemis in "Time Enough at Last", Meredith could be marvelously creepy when needed. Shows to his versatility.

[@derekstein6193]

He is my favorite Twilight Zone actor. His characterizations are impeccable.

[@HattiesVlogs]

He was brilliant in his performance in the film Magic as the agent of the main protagonist, played by Anthony Hopkins.

[@alexconn7473]

Honestly the episodes idea of outsmarting the devil by rewriting the contract that was made by him in a way that works against him is super clever and not something I see very often it's like the person who made a deal with the devil is saying you are as bound to this contract as I am and you're not the only one who can change it to suit their needs

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Good point.

[@louisduarte8763]

Lighting that cigar with his finger must have hurt, even WITH ice-cold water.

[@tremorsfan]

The idea of a typing machine that makes stories come true was also explored in an episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark.

[@combatcarl]

Also explored in a radio play series (coincidentally one owned by CBS as well) "mystery theater" the episode was called "frontier of fear" albeit aside from the type writer that makes whatever typed on it a reality, the similarities end there.

[@artsman412]

So Burgess Meredith plays the Devil himself in this one AND also played the firm believer and martyr in The Obsolete Man. Man, that dude really did have range when it came to his acting. I love his depiction of the Devil here; the way he tries to make Doug doubt the existence of his soul and even the Devil himself reminds me a lot of Screwtape from C.S Lewis. A chilling performance to be sure.

[@soren3569]

And now I want to build a time-machine just to go back and have Burgess Meredith do an audiobook of the Screwtape Letters.

[@artsman412]

@@soren3569 Might not be able to do that, but Andy Serkis did one. He's terrifying as Screwtape!

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

The episode would have ended perfectly, if Meredith jsut revealed at the end that he's not The Devil, but Death, and the moral victory is futile because Douglas already threw himself off of that bridge. This happy ending is both the only hell or heaven that's on the offer, at this stage.

[@F1989C]

Burgess Meredith could do absolutely no wrong with his roles💯💯 what a Legend!!!

[@frostking9685]

I like how as he uses the machine it almost look like he playing the piano. In a high tempo swing style.

[@checkmatekingtwothisiswhit7685]

Many years ago in another life I was a typesetter for a major newspaper. This is my favorite TZ story!

[@shainewhite2781]

His crooked cigar is hilarious!

[@antonmassopust568]

Burgess Meredith is a two-time Academy award-winner I wonder why he is so awesome yes this is probably one of his best performances

[@mst3KGf]

He was a two-time nominee, but he never actually won an Oscar.

[@OurKindofEntertainment]

My favorite part of the episode was the scene where Mr. Smith gets Doug to sign the contract too the little things in the scene make it pop! The tone, Smith luring Doug in with an occasional toast of their glasses to lure him into a false sense of security and poking fun at him for believing in the devil. It was that scene that made me realize he's the same actor as the Penguin from the Adam West Batman series!

[@killeing]

I love devil episodes when the contractor actually manages to outsmart the devil ^^

[@johnmckay1961]

I'm so glad you liked this as it is one of my favourite episodes! Burgess Meredith is awesome, and I think the plot would work just as well today (minus the linotype lol). It's such a great concept.

[@clicky1996]

I wish you were reviewing ‘Number Twelve Looks Just Like You’ this year. It’s one of my all time favourites. A very under appreciated episode.

[@gregorytyson995]

Much better than any season four ep.

[@melissabowers6268]

Lighting the cigar with his finger, classic. Great episode. One of the best hour long episodes. I actually like the hour longs because the first Zone I ever saw was one!

[@mst3KGf]

My favorite line from Meredith is when Doug asks him just WHY he'd want his soul (or any soul, really): "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."

[@evil_smartrising1346]

One of my personal favorite Twilight Zone episodes. My favorite Burgess Meredith performance

[@SpongeyTheEditor]

In general this is a typical but fine deal with the devil plot that is too stretched out given how simple it is but Burgess Meredith really brings it up. He’s a lot of fun with how over the top he is and has some scary moments too. Otherwise, even though it’s a fine story, it just wouldn’t be anything special without that fun performance. Still, it’s fine.

[@miroslavtomic7038]

In his other appearances on TZ, Meredith played outcasts. In his other appearances, Jack Klugman played people who were emotionally down on their knees. In 4th season, they both played characters who were total opposites of their other three characters.

[@johnporter9073]

Absolutely one of my favorite episodes of TZ. Top ten. I love the finger flame lighting the cigar effect. You couldn't see the wire on DVD but you could on Blu Ray. Makes me want to watch the episode again.

[@FreihEitner]

One of the best, if not the best, hour long TZ episode. Great story, great production, and great performances.

[@nicktaber1464]

My absolute favorite episode. You were correct, you can’t take your eyes off Burgess. Fun fact, this episode was not on streaming platforms for years. Not sure why

[@tenzhitihsien888]

Burgess Meredith has been great in every role I've seen him in.

[@fredrikcarlstedt393]

Merediths devil is a cross between the Penguin and the Bookworm in the Adam West Batman show .

[@christiandenault7606]

Meredith also played the Penguin in that series!

[@julieporter7805]

It's weird to see Burgess Meredith play a villain in Twilight Zone but it actually fits because he usually seems so nice that you don't realize how demonic he really is.

[@sarysa]

Insinuating that the devil doesn't exist seems risque for the early 1960s. That has always been the standout aspect of this episode to me, and it is shared by its radio drama counterpart.

[@Nasser851000]

The Devil is too good to be printed ;)

[@richgweil]

The twisted cigar was such a brilliant bit of stagecraft. You can't stop noticing it.

[@silvercrystalrose28]

I can't wait to see a new fanscription Walter makes.

[@sarahsims6164]

Me neither.

[@betamaxblocker]

Burgess Meredith steals the show in this one. A good warm-up for his role in "The Sentinel" a decade or so later, I'd say. Every time I watch that movie I always think back to this episode.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

This month is awesome thanks to You guys 🎃🎃🎃🖤🖤🖤🧡🧡🧡

[@JackKirbyFan]

Loved it as well and I agree, the contract scene was my favorite. This moved like a bullet through the scenes. Total entertainment. There is also a subtle message that can be easily ignored -> notice how his paper got better sales when more and more of it became the crime report. People love drama (I get that) but it subtly pointed out that a newspaper isn't the crime report. It's reporting fresh information about what's going on in your local community. Violence and gore, sadly, sell but that's not what a newspaper should be about. My only beef was the ending. Sure it works in the plot but come on - the devil is that dumb to leave the machine behind that would seal his fate were it to wind up in the wrong hands. Deux Ex-Machina.

[@christopherntambi9990]

My family loves the twilight zone

[@mystical423]

I'm so glad you finally covered this, this is one of my favorite episodes😊

[@bensneb360]

Burgess Meredith in the twilight zone go together like peanut butter and jelly

[@jessetorres8738]

To repeat something I wrote 3 years ago in The Escape Clause video, my personal theory is every time The Devil appears in The Twilight Zone, it's the same 1 just with a new name & body for that month.

[@nataliegray8019]

Yes!! More Burgess Meredith! Every episode he stars in is a home run. :)

[@DairyBastardGOW1]

Been waiting eagerly for this one

[@BlueDog241]

I always love the look of that bent cigar he's chewing on.

[@pikkusaukko]

I really liked this episode. Might have made cool movie.

[@claytonrios1]

Burgess Meredith! Aka Mickey from the Rocky films!

[@melissacooper8724]

Aka The Penguin from the TV show Batman!

[@claytonrios1]

@@melissacooper8724 The Adam West show!

[@Zooumberg]

My favourite episode by far.

[@Spudgonzo]

Love Printers Devil. Love all of Meredith’s performance on the Zone, minus Mr.Dingle. Meredith was a fantastic actor that knew how to do a wide range of characters. I want to rewatch this episode now!

[@graysonchristian2668]

Meredith player 4 unique characters. WHAT A GUY! I had no idea he played all 4 of those.

[@MyelinProductions]

Thank You. Great review & recap! Awesome series with some of the Great & Classic Actors in history. ~ Be Safe out there folks ~ Peace & Health to Us All.

[@RialVestro]

It's hard to see him as 66 Penguin from his other Twilight Zone appearances but I can really see that come across here. It kind of takes me out of the Mr. Smith character a bit when I see some of Penguin's manerisms in his performance here.

[@melissacooper8724]

Burgess Meredith was phenomenal in this episode! Out of all the episodes featuring the Devil, Meredith's was the best!

[@Mr_marston1911]

Nice

[@trainman5675]

This feels like a story where the devil is ejther furious or has a begrudging admiration for his loss. After all. He lost using his own tricks

[@WasabiSniffer]

Burgess Meredith’s devil reminds me of Walter Huston in the Devils and Daniel Webster, dark, charismatic, and yet charming

[@g1xrider13]

Am i the only one thinking that the ending should’ve been he types that Smith gets into a car accident, not knowing she’s in the car with him ultimately causing the threat of her death to come true but only due to his own actions. That is usually the kind of tragic twilight zone ending these devil stories usually get. When have you ever heard of the devil leaving people alone completely unharmed?

[@SuperSongbird21]

That could have been a possible alternative. Mind you, that scene with the gun showed him that Smith couldn't be eliminated by ordinary means.

[@brianfuller757]

When you watch an episode like this, you realise how great an actor Burgess Meredith was. And you realise how good a writer Charles Beaumont was.

[@travisfuller4122]

This episode is in my top 10 for Twilight Zone episodes.

[@Coasterdude02149]

I LOVE this episode. A big favourite of mine. Anything with Burgess Meredith is going to be a good time.

[@slytherinlannister942]

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

[@DanBrizuela]

Burgess was such a versatile actor

[@retromacman620]

Favorite original Twilight Zone Episode involving the devil, and I think second favorite overall! Dealer's Choice is my favorite, but Burgess is just perfect in this! So much fun!

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Love that twisted cigar

[@ShowoutBlowout]

Just when I swore I had seen every episode... How could I have ever missed this one?

[@johnhaladay5541]

Burgess Meredith was simply one of the best actors ever. He could convincingly play any character.

[@musicbrush9231]

Funny. Before turning on my PC to check today's Twilight-Tober Zone, I thought about the Printer's Devil. I couldn't remember it being reviewed until now. I definitely LOVED this episode!

[@theeyeoftheyinyangs]

A damn great episode with a DAMN great actor. Meek, obsolete, or otherwise… Burgess Meredith was simply… One hell of an actor.

[@blakewood8356]

My favorite portrayal of the devil second only to Al Pacino.

[@melissadahl7561]

I need to watch this one more. It looks awesome!

[@Treychik]

great episode for sure!

[@kdusel1991]

This episode is so awesome!

[@Merit2397]

Speaking of which, like the way Meredith lights that cigar. ☝🚬

[@christiankallio8586]

This is my all time favorite Twilight Zone episode

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

Even though it's an earlier show and they really had no choice, I'm glad that what he whispers to her is left to your imagination.

[@CaptainCJ97]

Man what a episode

[@TheCreepypro]

love seeing this actor!

[@thealchemist51]

I have a season four of this is easily, the best one. Using the hour long format to perfection the actors, the story everything just clicked so well

[@miroslavtomic7038]

Actually, I read somewhere that Meredith was actually burnt during one of shootings when light comes out from fingers, but it wasn't bad burning and he continued to act. That shot, however, was not used in the episode itself.

[@eviltom17]

His performance here reminds me big time of Penguin.

[@HarvestStore]

Great video.

[@lewisb85]

Great episode I forgot how good of an actor Robert sterling was as well!

[@TheNotverysocial]

Time Enough at Last is my favourite.

[@mikeburkhart8336]

If you listen,Burgess Meredith used what would become his Penguin voice a lot in this episode.

[@connorthompson8376]

I’d love to see this sort of review done for the twilight zone movie.

[@BelcherKendric-vn7ke]

This episode has a great premise and is one of my favourite season 4 episodes. 3:20 PM Central Time October 18th 2023

[@theresacherco3503]

I think I remember seeing this one

[@DPK365]

Burgess Meredith was one of the all time greats

[@TramiNguyen-oi3kp]

I love this The Twilight Zone episode!

[@jlev1028]

I don't really remember much about this episode and I watched it just yesterday. I like the play on title (a printer's devil was a cheeky way of referring to a printer's assistant), Burgess Meredith plays his most stellar performance in the show, and the ending where the main character dies in a car crash just as a newspaper headline predicts his death was chilling, but the premise doesn't feel as exciting as it should be.

[@melissacooper8724]

His character doesn't die in a car crash. He simply vanished after Doug prints up a story that banished Smith and his contract with Doug is null and void.

[@michaelharrington7656]

Thank you. Printer's Devil is one of my favourite episodes. Yet I am surprised that you have not noticed that it is a brilliant parody of Frank Capra's Christmas classic "It's a wonderful life" with James Stewart which has become a senntimental favourite on Christmas TV all over the English speaking world. The plot is basically the same but the suicidal protagonist is saved not by a guardian angel but by the other fellow. Actually I prefer it to Capra's original version because of its pungent unsentimental flavour.

[@PHXDOG]

Another great TZ episode. Asking which Burgess M. episode is the best is like asking which kid do you love more. They all have this great points and are different yet help together by a Top Tier actor that is so versatile. If I had to pick it would be 1. Obsolete Man 2. Time enough 3. Printer's Devil 4. Mr. Dingle

[@meganshaw1949]

This is similar towards the fairy-tale Rumpelstilskin. In that story the main girl makes a deal being named Rumplestiltskin with supernatural powers. If he can spin straw into gold (something that’s impossible) -which will spare her life -she’ll give him her first born. Using his supernatural powers Rumplestiltskin makes good on his end of the deal and the girl’s life is spared, but when her turn comes for her to stay true, things go a bit differently.

[@owenscott6159]

What if megamind was in monster vs aliens

[@SuperSwordman1]

So...the devil can be beaten by simply rewriting his contract?

[@Vimacone]

I like how Meredith is a literal devil and metaphorical one (with the ladies)

[@nvm9040]

a great episode for season 4

[@animefan25]

Did this episode aired before or after Meredith's stint as The Penguin?

[@ChrisMerkelStudios]

Before. This episode aired in 1963. Batman started in '66.

[@jakeblankenship1408]

There is a certain likeness to a certain Keanu movie in this episode: Speed!

[@Merit2397]

Now we're talking. I just love the HELL out of "Printer's Devil". While I consider season 4 of the Twilight Zone to be the worst due to how the show used up its hour runtime, (usually by dragging it out or padding the length by repeating beats, or in the case of "mute", just plain awful) Burgess Meredith, and the rest of the cast did a great job to deliver of this season's finest. Doug Winter is written to be someone we root for and his interactions with Meredith are just PRICELESS!!! Just devilishly twisted!!!!😈