IMDb > "The Twilight Zone" The Purple Testament (1960)
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"The Twilight Zone" The Purple Testament (1960)



Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   269 votes
Director:
Writer:
Rod Serling (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Purple Testament on IMDbPro.
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
User Comments:
You See It in the Face more (5 total)

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
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Additional Details

Runtime:
25 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)

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. more
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. more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

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You See It in the Face, 1 October 2008
9/10
Author: Hitchcoc from United States

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.

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Related Links

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