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"The Twilight Zone" The Purple Testament (1960)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Rod Serling (writer)
TV Series:
Original Air Date:
12 February 1960
(Season 1, Episode 19)
Plot:
A U.S. army lieutenant serving in the Philippines during WWII develops a harrowing ability to see in the faces of the men of his platoon, who will be the next ones to die. | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Lieutenant
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WWII
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Doubt
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Reflection
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Loss Of Friend
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User Comments:
You See It in the Face
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Cast
(Episode Complete credited cast) | Rod Serling | ... | Narrator (voice) |
 | Dick York | ... | Capt. Phil Riker |
| William Reynolds | ... | Lt. Fitzgerald |
| William Phipps | ... | Sergeant |
| Barney Phillips | ... | Capt. E.L. Gunther |
| S. John Launer | ... | Lieutenant Colonel |
 | Michael Vandever | ... | Smitty |
| Paul Mazursky | ... | Orderly |
| Marc Cavell | ... | Freeman |
| Warren Oates | ... | Jeep Driver |
 | Ron Masak | ... | Harmonica Man |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
25 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The night of the planned air date, a plane carrying Richard L. Bare and William Reynolds crashed in the Carribean Sea, injuring both (though not seriously). It is believed that during their swim to land, they discussed the episode that night and Bare requested Reynolds not to look at him. He later admitted that he commended Buck Houghton's decision to reschedule rather than use the incident for publicity.
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Goofs:
Factual errors: Capt Riker and Lt Fitzgerald are wearing their insignia, which is incorrect. Officers serving in front line units did not wear their insignia because it identified them as high priority targets for Japanese snipers.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "The Twilight Zone: Into the Light (#1.30)" (2003)
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FAQ
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This is a very nice episode. It is about a curse. A World War II platoon leader is able to see a light in the face of those who will die that day. It is a true curse because he is responsible for them in battle. This puts him in a very difficult position. He can't eat. He can't sleep. He also can't convince others that he is not crazy. Much of the episode is about his efforts to be listened to. He sees the light in the face of his best friend and fellow officer, played by Dick York. This is a human story with a supernatural element. The acting is very good. The war is presented. The faces of the men show the incredible strain of battle. Of course, Serling sets us up for a classic Twilight Zone moment.