The Twilight Zone (TV Series) The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (1962) User Reviews

'I'm getting' sick and tired of the way everyone's treatin' me like a vampire'.

[darrenpearce111 · 7/10 · 9 January 2014]

Writer-director Montgomery Pittman wrote three TZ stories, all for series three and all fairly good ('Two' and 'The Grave' being the others), and all dealing with something beyond death or destruction. Pittman was a very short time away from death from cancer when he made this entry about a young country man who sits up in his coffin at his own funeral service.

Jeff Myrtlebank (James Best) is a much liked but undistinguished member of an unsophisticated community that starts jumping to a bizarre conclusion over his resurrection and character transformation. Odd things are happening around Jeff. Clearly an allegory addressing superstition, prejudices, and ignorance, this is a timeless, gentle tale well told.

"The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" is a clever concept

[chuck-reilly · 8/10 · 20 May 2008]

In the 1962 entry "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank", James Best stars in the title role as a hillbilly who rises up from his casket just in time before his inadvertent burial. The stunned doctor who pronounced him dead (Edgar Buchanan) is totally confounded by the occurrence and he's not alone. The local townsfolk including Mr. Myrtlebank's parents and his good-looking girlfriend Confort (Sherry Jackson) also believe that something supernatural has happened to him. "He just don't have the same appetite he once had," says his mother, played by Ezelle Poule. Even old Pa Myrtlebank (Ralph Moody) can't understand why Jeff seems to have transformed into a workaholic since his return from the dead. Although never much of a fighter before, the newly-rejuvenated Myrtlebank has no trouble whipping the town bully. Finally the locals (led by veteran character actor Dub Taylor) decide to confront Myrtlebank and force him to leave the county. They're more than convinced that he's either possessed by the devil or a demon himself. Their actions are for naught, however, as Myrtlebank threatens them with a nasty variety of biblical plagues if they don't treat him with respect. Knowing a winner when she sees one, Comfort immediately chooses to become Myrtlebank's bride-to-be. Thereafter, the townsfolk decide to let the loving couple live in peace for the good of everyone---and especially themselves.

James Best had a penchant for playing fellows like Jeff Myrtlebank and was perfect for this role. He's still a working actor to this day and has amassed one of television's broadest bodies of work. Sherry Jackson, unfortunately, has been seen far less through the years. That's too bad because she was a one-of-a-kind beauty with plenty of talent. Edgar Buchanan was one of Hollywood's familiar faces for decades and no one could portray a country doctor better than he. Dub Taylor also does a fine job as a skeptical hick who learns that discretion is certainly the better part of valor. Creator Serling's wry commentary at the end of this episode is also worth noting. It seems that Jeff and Comfort are still alive today and have brought forth a son who's now a well-regarded and very shrewd U.S. Senator.

Well, that explains a lot.

"Who in tarnation put me in that coffin?"

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 1 June 2010]

This one blew me away when I was a kid watching The Twilight Zone. Not so much that Jeff Myrtlebank sat up out of his coffin; heck, he just wasn't dead yet. It was that smooth ending when the match lights by itself and Jeff gives Comfort (Sherry Jackson) the old razzle dazzle about her imagination running away with her. It was one of those endings when my Dad and I looked at each other and just started laughing. Very cool.

This was also the first time I ever saw James Best, and for some odd reason, I never forgot him. He appeared in a ton of TV Westerns along the way back in the Sixties, and I still keep my eye out for him in television shows and movies of the era. If you're up for a hoot, get hold of one of his few starring roles in 1959's "The Killer Shrews". You won't be the same again.

Aside from the ending, I thought it was clever the way Jeff Myrtlebank put the townspeople over a barrel. Either they had nothing to worry about, or he could turn loose all the bad luck they could handle. You have to get a kick out of old Doc Buchanan, er Bolton. He was perfect for the part, and I'm surprised it took Rod Serling so long to put him in one of his stories. But it was worth the wait just to hear him say "Epso suspendo animation".

Waiting for the clincher

[xtine445 · 6/10 · 1 January 2012]

Although this episode is presented in flawless Twilight Zone style, it left me waiting for something a little bit more. It was almost like anticipating a punchline at the end of a 30-minute joke that never quite materializes. Yes, every square inch of this well produced episode screams bizarre, yet it lacked that final thought-provoking mental punch that most TZs dish out so very well. The acting is superb, although I kept expecting Edgar Buchanan to slip into his Petticoat Junction persona. The two leading characters mold themselves into the perfect country bumpkin characters, right down to the last shred of hillbilly "reckoning" that they portray.

Is That You Jeff?

[AaronCapenBanner · 9/10 · 28 October 2014]

James Best plays Jeff Myrtlebank, a young man who was believed to have recently died, but while his family and friends attend his wake, are stunned to see him sit up in his coffin, and get out, seemingly no worse for wear, and confused about how anyone could have thought he was dead! He recovers, but seems to be a different person, as he is no longer lazy and meek, but a hard-working man who has somehow learned advanced boxing skills. He still loves his girlfriend Comfort Gatewood(played by Sherry Jackson), but her family and the whole community are not sure that Jeff isn't in reality some kind of a ghost... Highly entertaining episode has a most wry sense of humor, authentic feel for its period, and fine performances, with a gem of an ending.

Finnigan's Wake in the piney woods

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 24 January 2019]

I think that this Twilight Zone story was inspired by the James Joyce work Finnigan's Wake. Only instead of Ireland this takes place in an area where the Clampett family came from before they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly.

James Best is in the title role and it seems like he's passed on as Dr. Edgar Buchanan pronounced the verdict. But then during his funeral Best suddenly sits up in his coffin and wants to know what he's doing there.

His resurrection has startled his rustic community and a whole lot of familiar character players known for these kind of parts are in the cast. Sherry Jackson who was his fiance before his temporary demise still loves him, but ain't quite sure what to make of him. Best downright scares some folks.

This twist on James Joyce is a Twilight Zone winner.

He ain't dead yet

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 22 May 2018]

Simple country boy Jeff Myrtlebank (a fine and lively performance by James Best) wakes up and climbs out of his coffin after he's been declared dead. While everyone in town is happy that Jeff is still alive, Jeff just isn't himself anymore.

Writer/director Montgomery Pittman ably crafts a flavorsome backwoods atmosphere and relates the intriguing story at a steady pace. Moreover, Pittman's clever script presents an enjoyable assortment of colorful characters and has fun with the offbeat premise, with some especially amusing reactions from the superstitious townspeople and a sly little stinger at the end. The excellent acting by the sturdy cast rates as another substantial asset: Sherry Jackson as Jeff's loyal, but scared girlfriend Comfort, Edgar Buchanan as the rascally Doc Bolton, Dub Taylor as the peppery Peters, Lance Fuller as the belligerent Orgram, Ezelle Poule as Jeff's concerned mother, and Ralph Moody as Jeff's indifferent dad. A nice episode.

Perhaps not brilliant, but quite enjoyable.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 17 May 2010]

This episode starts off oddly--something that isn't too unusual for this series! The setting is the deep South and a man is about to be buried--the only problem is, he just woke up and has no intention of allowing this! As for the people in the community, they are freaked out to say the least, but they're also a very superstitious group and don't think it's right that he won't cooperate with their plans! However, the man (James Best) soon realizes that he doesn't have to put up with their prejudices and fears and sees that he can use this to his own advantage. Naturally, being "The Twilight Zone", there is a cute twist at the end that wraps it up very well.

While will readily admit that this is not among the best episodes, it is very good and holds up well over the years. A clever twist and a nice light comedic aspect of the show make this one a winner.

Wow

[deadringer22000 · 10/10 · 25 September 2007]

A great example of one of the best shows ever, at least one of the best written one's. While maybe not the best episode, this is my personal favorite. At his funeral, Jeff Myrtlebank comes out of his coffin and complains to the people who put him in there. The doctor is baffled, his fiancé curious, and the townspeople shocked. Even though there was no autopsy, the doctor was almost positive he was dead and he does not seem like the same person he was before. Finnally the townspeople decide to confront Jeff. The acting is good. The direction fast paced. A great example of small town paranoia & black humor. Holds up well today. Love the ending.

Let Jeff's Sleeping Corpse Lie

[Coventry · 7/10 · 4 October 2020]

I realize I often repeat myself when reviewing "The Twilight Zone" episodes, but that's because so many of them are incredibly good! The premise of "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" is, once again, a genius one! During the funeral service of a young man, the coffin suddenly opens, and a visible amazed but alive Jeff Myrtlebank steps out. You think you've seen this before, but no. This isn't a dream sequence. This isn't another dire tale about a restless dead spirit stepping out of its body. It isn't the type of tale where one, or maybe a few persons, sees the deceased. Actually, this isn't even a story about "The Undead", but a clever mix between psychological and supernatural fear for the utter unknown. The power of this tale, written and directed by Montgomery Pittman, lies in the slow-brooding tension and the rising paranoia. The growing fear amongst the people in a little town for own of their own. There isn't much happening in this episode, but that's - strangely enough - the strength of it.

Saw this last night on KDOC!

[greencardink · 8/10 · 27 September 2007]

Like one reviewer put it, the twilight zone is just magical. James Best does an excellent job with this character and the reactions from the townspeople are right on. This episode is open to interpretation, but I'm sure after viewing it you'll ponder what has become of his soul.

Although the narration leads us to the conclusion that he is a demon who has gained the power to become a senator, one still may have doubt to what has happened in this hick town.

Great Show! I'm interested in purchasing this whole se to show this to my soon to be kids. There is nothing decent on television anymore, and I'm afraid the imagination that the Twilight Zone offered will never exist again. Shows these days focus too much on sex.

Welcome to The Comfort Zone.

[BA_Harrison · 7/10 · 3 April 2022]

The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank is a light-hearted, somewhat inconsequential tale from The Twilight Zone - charming and amusing, with likeable performances.

In the American mid-west in the '20s, the funeral for Jeff Myrtlebank (James Best) - cut down in his prime by a bad case of influenza - comes to an abrupt end when the coffin lid opens and Jeff sits up, very much alive. Naturally, those present are shocked and more than a little scared, local physician Doc Bolton (Edgar Buchanan) adamant that Jeff was dead.

In the following weeks, Jeff's parents notice that their son is behaving differently, and the locals begin to gossip, some believing that an evil spirit has taken over the young man's body. Jeff acts as though nothing has happened, working hard and continuing his courtship of local beauty Comfort Gatewood (Sherry Jackson).

Eventually, a fearful mob approaches Jeff and ask him to move away - but Jeff's answer soon sends them packing. The episode closes with a fun gag which suggests that Jeff possesses supernatural powers and perhaps the locals weren't so wrong after all.

6.5/10, rounded up to 7 for total babe Sherry Jackson.

Early for his own funeral.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 3 September 2019]

Pop goes the weasel as James Best arises out of his own coffin and shocks the town with his return from the great beyond. Doctor Edgar Buchanan is especially indignant, and girlfriend Sherry Jackson is truly perplexed. The townspeople begin to think that he's now some sort of vampire. It takes Best to confront them to wake them up, but is he still normal, or a beast? This isn't a great episode, nor one that really left any type of impact on me, but it's not all bad, with some humor making it enjoyable in an ironic way. I only really had issues with the pacing and Serling's somewhat outlandish denouncement at the end. In short, it really has no point even if Serling tries to make the audience tank top for some reason it's based on fact.

He's gotten weird lately

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 16 June 2021]

Not terribly exciting but an authentic and enjoyable episode. The characters were well acted and the storyline flowed well.

The Return of Jeff Myrtlebank!

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 2 December 2008]

Another episode set in hillbilly country. Jeff pops out of his coffin as the minister is doing the eulogy. He is hale and healthy and quite a happy guy. It really freaks out the rest of the townspeople and his family who realize that he isn't the same Jeff they remember. He pretty much goes about his business, doing what he does. He has trouble with roses (he kills them), but otherwise most of his problems come from the outside. Now mixed in here is the fact the he is, indeed, not the guy people knew. He was formerly lazy and not totally likable. He was bullied and pushed around formerly--now he sticks up for himself. The townspeople would like to run him out of town but are forced to rethink things. Suffice it to say, he has a few cards up his sleeve. The conclusion is very satisfying.

Director Wrote This Script

[DKosty123 · 8/10 · 23 January 2019]

This is a good episode written by the director, not Serling. Sadly this fine writer who wrote plenty of good tv shows died young at age 45, not long after this episode aired. It is set in the 1920's.

James Best is excellent as the man declared dead by Doctor (Edgar Buchanan) and then rises up out of his coffin during the funeral service and spooks everybody in town. Dub Taylor and the rest of the town want to throw him out. Luckily for him his younger sister, and then his girlfriend Comfort break the shock after the funeral and then Confort decides to marry him.

Spoiler - Sterling at the end announces in his post script that the man who rose from the grave and married and had children with Comfort, claims that one of their children is now a US Senator who has powers that some folks think come from a place not of this planet. So is it based on a true story? This is a mystery of power from the Twilight Zone.

Great episode

[mlh1963 · 10/10 · 27 February 2019]

In today's political climate--or probably every era's political climate--this episode really resonated with me. The ending alone is worth the entire episode. It goes from somewhat cheesy, golly-gee old fashioned acting to a spin that I didn't see coming. I have about a half dozen favorite TZ episodes--this is one of them.

Very good and old fashioned

[richspenc · 10/10 · 1 July 2017]

Very good and old fashioned, and old fashioned is a good word to me. A simple 1920s small southern town where the locals genuinely feel that when a body dies and comes back, it means a roaming spirit took over the body. The locals fear it was a bad spirit in this ep. Jeff Myrtlebank shocks everybody when he comes back to life, even back then, people knew once a body died, it couldn't come back. I don't mean a soul, that does not die, I mean a body. A soul cannot take over a body unless the body itself is capable of coming to life (meaning an embryo or newborn) or else souls would be able to take over deceased bodies all the time. Anyway, Ma and Pa and little sister and Jeff's girlfriend Comfort (who initially did not feel equivalent to her name when she first saw Jeff come back) were shocked. After the initail shock, they were blessed and happy about it, that is until they noticed some new changes in him. Jeff now becomes a hard laborer (Ma: "he is always fiddlin with things now, he never rests anymore") and a good fighter now (Townsmen to Comfort's brother after Jeff whoops him: "Jeff never got the better of you before!"). Pa pays attention to details about how many eggs he eats at breakfast, even little details stop looking so little next to bigger ones I reckon. Jeff's little sister blabs to a couple of other kids her age about Jeff, who then tells their family, who gets on the phone and passes it on to others. Comfort loses comfort when realizing Jeff touching roses causes them to immediately perish. I suppose that detail might've been what caused the locals to think it was a bad spirit that took over. Just think in TZ ep "Pitch for the angels" when the devil touches those flowers and they immediately died when he was trying to convince Ed Wynn he was death. I like when right after the locals gang on him to leave town, and Jeff puts them in a corner, he says if they're not nice to him, he will bring a swarm of locusts to their crops or burn their barns. Very good old time watching.

Not bad but no classic

[kellielulu · 5/10 · 19 May 2023]

I remember the first time I read about this episode in the Twilight Companion I was surpised by the pages dedicated to it and the endless praise .What was I missing ? I still don't know and the ending raises more questions than answers .There does seem to be something super natural about Jeff Myrtylebank . They could have just made it about the power of his personality to win people over despite waking from the dead .Not actually being dead after all but thought to be especially in earler times is not unheard of couse it's the Twilight Zone but they could have made it more uncertain it left on the note that he has powers but just moments before he makes a pretty effective case for why people should or shouldn't have reason to fear him that was probably the most effective part of the episode. No real explaintion of what happened to him and what changed .

Witty Story

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 25 July 2023]

In the 20's, during the funeral of Jeff Myrtlebank, the youth awakes and leaves his coffin. Family and friends, including his girlfriend Comfort Gatewood, are afraid of him, believing it is an evil spirit, but Doctor Bolton gives a silly explanation about his case since he had signed the death certificate. But soon there are gossips and the locals believe Jeff Myrtlebank is a fiend.

"The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" is a highly entertaining story of "The Twilight Zone". The plot is based on ignorance, superstition and gossips of a group of rednecks in the 201s, in the center south of the USA. The plot is witty and Jeff Myrtlebank fortunately is a smart man and gives a checkmate in the townsfolks. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "A Extrema Unção de Jeff Myrtlebank" ("The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank")

This ain't a comic strip in the newspaper, some effort would be nice.

[bombersflyup · 2/10 · 21 October 2019]

The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank is pointless, as many other episodes left open and unexplained. Comfort's impossible not to like, but what's the episode suppose to be?