Hocus-Pocus & Frisby - Twilight Zone Episode REVIEW

Next up on our #TwilightZoneMarathon of REVIEWS we're checking out 'Hocus-Pocus and Frisby.' Andy Devine stars as Somerset Frisby, a guy who loves telling tall tales. However, Frisby's so called accomplishments may have finally caught up with him.
Watch More Classic Twilight Zone Reviews Here: • Twilight Zone REVIEW M...
#andydevine #rodserling
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00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Episode Breakdown / Commentary
05:07 - Episode Review / Trivia

[@humps678]

This episode was a good reminder on why the boring truth is better than an exciting lie and the consequences of constant fibbing. As some once said: Known liars are not known for the truth.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

💯 agreed Franco.

[@Finnigan9]

I LOVE this episode, all the veteran actors, the authentic store layout, the story, all of it! Knowing of Andy from the cowboy westerns and Andy's Gang when I was a kid just makes this episode even better.

[@betamaxblocker]

My father grew up watching The Twilight Zone (when it was new), and this has always been his favorite episode of all time. I would say this is probably my favorite of all of the comedy episodes as well. It just has a certain quirky charm that is so silly and fun that you can't help but smile.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Ah, very cool! That's nice to hear. You never know which episode is someones fav. I was pleasantly surprised by this one, it achieved a perfect balance of sci-fi and comedy. It was way better than I expected and the aliens were great.

[@rawbacon]

I think the most lighthearted and fun episode, Andy Devine as Frisby absolutely makes this episode shine.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Raw Bacon, I agree, Devine was excellent here and it was just a fun little story. It's an episode so out there and well worth a watch.

[@kellie8468]

Underrated episode. It’s interesting the tone could have been much darker but it goes with a lighter one.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Kellie. Agreed, this is an underrated entry & it certainly could have gone in a darker direction. Frisby could also have ended up getting the classic Twilight Zone punishment. I can't help but wonder about that alternate direction. Anyway, thanks for watching! Have a good day.

[@ScofieldStudios]

It's interesting to see The Twilight Zone try something different from time to time, and this seems like one of those episodes. Great review! I also never realized how many different types of aliens are in TTZ: the emotionless ones in this epsiode, the ones in To Serve Man, the 3-eyed one, the ones shown at the end of The Monster on Maple Street, etc.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Oh no doubt, I think the aliens from To Serve Man were probably the most popular. And yeah this was different than what we would typically see in the classic series. I think there were only maybe 6-7 lighter / comedy episodes. Much thanks for checking in Scofield, have a good day!

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

Don't forget the human monsters in the episodes revolving around the Nazi's.

[@jamesdrynan]

Interesting side note: This episode was shown on April 13, 1962. Nine days later, the John Ford western, " The Man who Shot Liberty Valance, " was released. Devine co-starred with John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart as Marshal Link Appleyard. He provided great comic relief in the picture.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey James, hitting us again with the cool trivia. Thank you man.

[@cyb5761]

Funniest episode for me when he played his harmonica and it was like a death sound to the aliens so they had to let him go.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I haven't gotten to this one yet in my big Twilight Zone rewatch, but I do remember being quite amused with it. I always enjoy the light and comical episodes. And great trivia here. Always appreciate a Lost in Space mention. But I didn't know about the ship being shared with Forbidden Planet. And you are quite right about the aliens. Very unique, almost Outer Limits quality. Great review/retrospective as always, Ant-Man.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

I think this one is right up your alley Rob. It's just such a pleasant little story and the fact that it features classic sci-fi elements, those superbly dressed aliens and the classic ship is almost like a bonus. Thanks as always for stopping by Mr. Gray!

[@spirit_green]

2:13 he's actually playing a real song in that scene. That song is like a Twilight Zone Trademark

[@terencemiguana]

Hi Anthony. Thank you so much for coming by and participating in last nights live stream

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

No prob! As always, it was a great discussion. I highly recommend everyone check out your spot.

[@tomjones2202]

Also in this episode was Dabbs Greer and Howard McNear both famous actors too! :) Dabbs in The Green Mile plus many more and Howard McNear was Floyd the barber on Andy Griffith. Fond memories of both of them.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Ah yes, good catch! There's so many familiar faces of the great working actors from this time. Thanks Tom!

[@JudymaeCollins]

That was pretty cool those aliens were kind of strange. Yep the boys cried wolf. Great narration

[@spiritsnscreams]

This looks fun, I’ll have to watch it. Love the alien reveal. Oh yah Friar Tuck omg that flashes me back I loved that Robinhood. He did have a great voice. Sounds like a bit more of a happy ending type of deal. I think it’s good for us to watch more silly stuff now and then. I really enjoyed this review Anthony!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Yeah the lighter ones are certainly a break. The majority of these deal with heavier subject matter, and I love that. But sometimes a breather is nice too. Thanks for watching Karen!

[@billbright1755]

That was a lot of Hocus Pocus.

[@jackmusic5994]

Another thing to note is that this episode actually has a happy ending Think about it how many times do you see that in the twilight zone? The only other instant I can think of is in little girl lost

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Jack, yes that's true. I feel like I can count on one hand how many episodes had a happy or upbeat ending. Thanks for watching!

[@gamesgonenuts]

it is so cool that you are reviewing these remember staying up late to watch these in the early 90's

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Very cool, that's about when I used to catch them on marathons too. Good times. Thank you for watching, be well bro.

[@mr.danandhorror4230]

This is a fun episode! I thought you might mention Galaxy Quest. Great video Anthony!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Ha ha, I had almost forgotten about that one. I was going to note the bit in Guardians of the Galaxy too where Drax couldn't grasp metaphors. All of those types of misunderstandings make for good comedy. Thanks for watching as always Mr. Dan!

[@grandesgraveyard]

Awesome review I love this one. While the tone is silly I think the message is important keeping in the classic TZ vein. The design of the aliens is cool too I think they have figures available for them now. Rock on brother

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Grande, thanks for checking in man. I've seen those figures in comic shops in Manhattan...my TZ collection is actually seriously lacking right now. Yeah as for this episode, I'm not a fan of the comedy ones overall so this was a pleasant surprise.

[@bowwowbuddy]

New fan/subscriber. Just found you yesterday, but already I've watched almost all of your Twilight Zone reviews. Love your writing and narration and the nods you give to actors' and writers' careers outside of TTZ. Insightful and interesting. You've got a gift!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Scrabbler Holic, that's absolutely awesome to hear. I truly appreciate it, thank you. 🙏I'm aiming to have a new review up soon for 'On Thursday We Leave For Home'. So I'm glad you found the channel and I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the future. Have a good week ahead! Be well.

[@bonesandthenecrozoo]

Nice... although this is a more free-floating episode..with a light feel.... That alien punch scene was horrifying!!!!! 😆💀

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

🤣 Same here, that moment shocked me the first time I watched this. We are lure lured into a simple little goofy story and then out of nowhere there's a creepy / face shattering moment that would fit in a horror movie. Good stuff. Thanks for watching Bones, have a good one.

[@Bretkane]

This is a lesser known episode but I really loved it

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Bret, Same here, Frisby is a likable lead with his endless stories. These lesser known episodes are hidden gems for some.Thank you for watching, have a good one.

[@LisaLoves]

Gawd my frustration until you told me where I’d heard that voice before! Robin Hood!!! It was killing me! This sounds like fun. I love the look of the performance of the main character. I’m just imagining a ‘cry wolf’ type trying to explain aliens 👽 😂

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Lisa! Ha ha, what's strange is I think this is the second time I have watched a random episode and it ended up featuring someone who voiced a Disney character. I think the last one (Hitch-hiker) featured the voice of Lady Tremaine as well as Maleficent. Thank you as always for watching. Hope that you have been well.

[@humps678]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater The great Eleanor Audley was the voice on the telephone who told Nan that she had died a few days ago.

[@MarvelandDC379]

Such a fun episode. It's a good modern take on the boy who cried wolf. We know at least one person who lies or at the very least exaggerates when it comes to telling stories. Another excellent analysis, Anthony my friend!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Great point this one is very relatable. We all have a friend or family member or know of someone who can rattle off a ton of stories and it is tough to tell how much of it is even true.🤣 Be well Charles & have a good weekend!

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

They want to remake this into a feature film with Trump playing Frisby.

[@fortheloveofmovies.]

Death by harmonica, I can see why the aliens don't like that instrument lol. I though I recognised his voice straight away as frier tuck.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

ha ha, you know what's funny. I actually have a harmonica and it's a death instrument in my hands too. 🤣 Thanks for watching Mark, have a good day man.

[@standardofexcellence]

They did this with the aliens in Mars attacks too but it was old style country or yodeling music, I thought it was hilarious

[@samus88]

I almost hated every single "comedic" or "light-hearted" episode of TWL, but this one is the exception. I just love the scene where he admits to the aliens that he's the biggest liar. And his friends lovingly celebrating it is hilarious.

[@cirespeedreviews]

Sup Anthony😎 oh this one seems like a fun episode. Haven't watched it but love when aliens just don't understand human behavior, just like you mentioned.. The aliens from Galaxy Quest, it broke my heart on Galaxy Quest when they finally understood it to be deceptions, and not true. This one looks like one i'll enjoy.. I didn't know this actor did the voice for Friar Tuck from animated Robin Hood .. Very cool. He has a very distinguished voice. Great video Anthony 💯💯💯

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeey Cirespeed, yeah some episodes just have fun similarities to other movies/tv or really interesting trivia, this is certainly one of them. Have a good weekend & thanks for checking in!

[@debbieanne7962]

Great review! I'll give this episode extra points for the lead characters name, Somerset Frisby!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

ha ha, Mr. Frisby ...He's quite the character. 🤣

[@strangemonkey90]

Once again, you continue to knock these flawless reviews out of the park! Well done.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey SMR, dude thank you! Much appreciated!

[@WelcomeToTheDarkside]

Hey Anthony! I hope you are having a good week. Great deep dive review as always.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Selina, thanks for checking in! Much appreciated. : ) Have a nice weekend.

[@ECO473]

Ol' Archimedes Frisby!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

😆 🤣

[@ECO473]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater Hey friend, could you do a review of "A Nice Place to Visit?"

[@MoreMovies4u]

Another fantastic episode Anthony! Really enjoyed this one, thanks!

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey fellas, thank you as always & glad you enjoyed it! Be well & have a good week ahead.

[@Galantski]

I've enjoyed this episode over the years. I'm not going to chase it down to watch, but if it's on and there's nothing better, I'm like "Why not visit with the amazing Somerset Frisby for a little while?" (I notice that his harmless bluster extends to the signage of his general store, which promotes it as "The Gimbel & Macey's (sic) of Pitchville Flats": 2:27) You mentioned the tie-ins with _Forbidden Planet_ in this episode as being the spaceship and its navigational instrument. There are four other tie-ins with that film, Robby the Robot was one, as he had an important part in "Uncle Simon". (I find the twist at the end as darkly humorous. The elderly title character, who has a hate-hate relationship with his niece, Barbara, invented a robot. She's not-so patiently waiting for him to die, so she can collect the inheritance. He has a fall that kills him, but has somehow managed to put his consciousness into his creation. Soon afterwards, the robot starts walking with a cane like Simon did and speaks with his vocal inflection. And the robot also has Simon's tastes and grumpiness: When it goes so far as to channel one of Simon's nit-pick detail of demanding that his tea is inly served in the expensive bone china, his niece realizes she must comply, as it is her duty to service the machine or else have the money taken from her and given to someone else. Her final dialogue with the robot is satisfyingly bleak for her: *Barbara:* I'll fix it for you, now. *Robot:* You'll fix it for me now, _what?_ *Barbara:* I'll fix it for you now... _uncle..._ tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/TheTwilightZoneS5E128UncleSimon Oh, by the way, you'll find the three other _T. Z._ connections with _Forbidden Planet_ at the end of this comment. See if you can get the answer before reaching it below. (Hint: The tie-in cans be found in three Twilight Zone_ episodes.) Andy Devine steals every scene he's in and when he does the "whoosh" to describe how he was lifted off the ground, his gravelly voice is perfect for the likeable character. To me he slightly resembled John Candy (Uncle Buck's uncle?). The rest of the cast is solid, too, as I recognized Milton Seltzer--the lead alien--for his role in "The Masks", a decidedly darker episode than this one. The cracker barrel gang that comprised Frisby's audience is made up of actors, like Dabbs Greer, recognizable for their roles as country yokels. The best known of them was probably Howard McNear, a regular on _The Andy Griffith Show_ as the addlebrained Floyd the Barber. Someone put together this spoof video that's a kind of mashup between Sweeny Todd and Mayberry's resident clipper. I find it fairly amusing, and the lyrics demonstrate a knowledge of both the show and McNear's: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipyXmmqFgLyGgNk *Tie-in Answers:* Anne Francis ("The After Hours", "Jess-Belle") , James Best ("The Grave", "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank"", "Jess-Belle"), and Warren Stevens ("Dead Man's Shoes") were all in the cast of _Forbidden Planet._

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Galantski, good to hear from you as always! Those are some fantastic tie-ins and further bits of trivia. As I work my way through these I continually find (or rediscover) all of these fun connections to other movies and tv. These were the hard working actors of the day, so it makes sense they got around. It's interesting you brought up 'Uncle Simon', that's another one I mostly like but it's not an episode I'd chase down to watch either. Nevertheless, no matter where any given episode ranks, these are all interesting to breakdown, comment on, review and die into some trivia. Anyway, thank you for the comment, be well & have a nice weekend!

[@Galantski]

​@@FeverDreamlandTheater Thanks for getting back with me. When one starts looking for tie-ins or "six degrees of" type research, the rabbit hole can sometimes go very deep with burrows all over the place. What I like about "Uncle Simon" (besides the great ending) are the venomous exchanges between Simon and Barbara. Cedric Hardwicke and Constance Ford are excellent at delivering their acid insults back and forth to corrosive effect. Initially, I sympathized with Barbara as she was so badly treated, but then, when it became clear that she wasn't staying there as an act of kindness for her aging uncle, but solely for avarice, it became clear that she was just as unlikeable as Simon . And that weakens the episode a bit for me, because there's no one to root for. One of the most strikingly good touches (along with great intro and outro by Rod), is when out nowhere the robot's voice changes from the typical electronic one associated with automata back then to that of Simon's! Poor Barbara. She must slavishly do Simons bidding even after death, and can't in any way damage Uncle Robot or she loses her inheritance and gets kicked to the curb. I do admit to having just a little pity for her when she becomes resigned to her fate: "Okay, I give up. You win, Uncle Simon. Checkmate." I don't know if you've seen her turn on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, but it's worth a watch. "The Creeper" is an episode that deals with a serial killer who strangles women. Her character Ellen is fearful of being his next victim, and to make matters worse, she starts getting paranoid about the men she encounters. It's from all the way back in 1956, but still packs a punch today. Hitch has a bit of gallows humor in his outro. It's an hilarious one-liner that has 21st century feminists throwing things at the television. There really isn't anything terribly misogynistic about it; it might be a bit dated, but Alfred was an equal opportunity quipster who made no gender distinctions when he unleashed his drolleries. dailymotion.com/video/x4tetzj I hope you have a great weekend, too, and look forward to your upcoming reviews.

[@Galantski]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater Oh, by the way. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the masks. When Old Stonewall Frisby bopped the alien in the nose causing its human mask to crack open, that a shocker the first time its seen, but on repeated viewings it doesn't look so good, nothing like the actor's face Granted, allowances must be made for a show from the 1960s. I find the actual faces of the aliens interesting. Given budget constraints, they were forced to make due with very little. On the downside, they look a bit like sock puppets, however, more positively, the design is pretty creepy. That Frisby's harmonica is described as a death ray is also a nice touch as is his . inability to convince the more he tries to convince them by adding details, the more tickled they are that he's gone far beyond any of his imagined adventures with one about an how he escaped an alien abduction. Among the nicknames Frisby pretends was given to him by his admirers is _Old Rear Engine Frisby,_ which reminds me of a nickname from "The Final Flight", where a British officer in World War I's Royal Flying Corps actually was called by others: _Old Lead Bottom._

[@rainbowFRIGHT]

Lol, "death sounds" is a pretty accurate description for the sound a harmonica makes. Buuut I don't mind it in a good blues song. "Hocus Pocus & Frisby" seems like a weird title for this story. However, us human do be doing some hocus pocus when we be lying to each other, especially when our leaders lie to us, so I guess it makes sense. 😝 And Big Fish has gone right at the top of my non horror watch list.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Rainbow! That reminds me, the next time we do a collabo, remind me to bust out my harmonica. I am fantastic! Fantastically bad that is, 😂😂😂 Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Big Fish if you get a chance to check it out. It's a fun / whimsical little ride and it has all of the classic Tim Burton elements. For non-horror I've been meaning to either dive into the Rocky movies or some gangster movies myself. We'll see. Anyway, be well!

[@rainbowFRIGHT]

Lol, you had me worried for a second like, does he actually play the harmonica? 😅 I love gangster movies, so that'd be my vote. Although, I'm proud of Sylvester Stallone in what he accomplished with those movies.

[@jefflewis5546]

One of the best episodes

[@PoppingThePopcorn]

Hi Anthony, I hope your doing well my friend. This is one of my favorite episodes. Great review my friend. Have an awesome week.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Katie! That's cool, it's great when I hit on someone's favorite. Even better if it happens to be an episode I like too. 😂 Thanks for watching! Be well!

[@PoppingThePopcorn]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater You're so very welcome my friend. It's a great episode. I hope you have an amazing week

[@calmmusicforsleep]

Thanks for sharing! Have a great day

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thank you! Have a great day as well!

[@SciFirstMovieTalk]

Sounds like a real quirky episode! Awesome review! :)

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

No doubt, it was! Thanks as always for coming by SciFirst, have a good week ahead man!

[@carlyoung8657]

My favorite one.

[@PaxPanic]

So my boyfriend and I watch different stuff on KZbin but get this....I recently found out he watches you too 😆 he was talking about this "cool twilight zone channel" and I was like "oh I know one too!" ....come to find out..... 🤣

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeeey...🤣 that is really cool to hear. Best wishes to both of you & thanks of course for watching. Much appreciated!

[@terencemiguana]

Another one I have never seen. I hang my head in shame. 🤣. All ad played right through. I don’t mind spoilers but not when it comes to Mr Serling. Best wishes Anthony

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Terence, no prob! You have to order that Blu ray set if you get a chance! I think you'll enjoy these. Thanks for checking in! Be well!

[@terencemiguana]

@@FeverDreamlandTheater right on.

[@GODemon13]

Frisby reminds me of L Ron Hubbard

[@KenbismoimaginatioN]

good work, thanks for sharing

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thank you Kenbismo!

[@HaveCheetahWillView]

This was one of the better comedy episodes....Mr.Dingle was slightly funnier but both are pretty good.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Patrick! Always glad to hear from you. I think I agree, Mr.Dingle went straight for the laughs, this one was a bit more subtle and also had a more serious tone. Thanks for watching!

[@HildaDC]

Heyyyy Anthony so nice to see you how are u?

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Heeey doing well. Thanks! I'm in the mood for some 🍕 thanks to your latest vid. 😄

[@youripy]

good twilight zone video

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Thanks!

[@kevincurry8350]

Excuse me sir, I just wanted to know if there is a episode about a huge flood? I remember watching a old school show that I thought was the twilight zone, about a big flood, but I can't find it so I wondered if you knew if there was such a episode. Thankyou.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Kevin, that does not sound like any of the classic Twilight Zones I can think of. It may be from another anthology series from that era. Unfortunately I'm not too sure which one. If anyone reading this knows though, feel free to let us know. Thanks.

[@ElmoUnk1953]

Good Job 👍

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

👊 Thanks Andrew!

[@Sleigh]

💛💛💛

[@bettyschneider5268]

Old rear ended that's what they call me! 👴🏻👨🏻👦🚖⛽🎭 $10.00 is that what it is? 💵 Lol 😂 the Aliens didn't know what money 💰 was? 👽👽👽👽👽📀📀📀💿💿

[@arthurwatt5162]

Those aliens are called trump supporters. Lol😅

[@napleswolverine7189]

You know thank you so much for this remembrance it is very better to tell the truth that I lie because if you tell the truth you only have to tell it once but tell a lie everybody will know you as a liar and you have to change your story to cover up ✍🏻the writer spun a good yarn that was genius and thanks again