James Best returns to The Twilight Zone as a good ole country boy, seen back in Season Three as a returned from the dead Jeff Myrtlebank. These kinds of roles seemed to suit him well, he had both the looks and demeanor without falling into a bumpkin stereotype. But the show belongs to Anne-Francis as the sultry Jess-Belle Stone who would do anything to win her man. When she seeks the counsel of mountain witch Granny Hart (Jeanette Nolan), she finds that she must heed the old crone's advice - "You paid the price. Take what you paid for".
I'm wondering what might have been influences for writers Serling and Earl Hamner Jr. in developing this story. I discern elements from a couple of different sources, both reaching back to the Forties. There's 1941's "The Devil and Daniel Webster", in which the protagonist makes a deal with the devil in exchange for seven years good luck. The principal character's name, portrayed by James Craig is... Jabez Stone!
The other flick I'd draw a comparison to is the following year's "Cat People". The similarity here is equally pronounced, the main character is seemingly under an ancient curse that turns her into a sultry panther. While reflecting on these two films, one is struck by the coincidence that actress Simone Simon appeared as an enigmatic femme-fatale in both pictures. By 1963, she would have been too old to portray Jess-Belle here, but wouldn't it have been great if she had the role of Granny Hart? I wonder if Serling might have thought about it.
As far as the story's ending, it might have been more effective to leave the fate of Jess-Belle somewhat dubious. Granted, there was some closure for Billy Ben (James Best) and his new bride Ellwyn (Laura Devon), but the unstated threat of future creepy crawlies would have been more in keeping with the unexpected twist the show was known for. Especially since I got the impression that Ellie was in on Jess's little secret when she warned her about the moonlight witch hunt - "I reckon that cat better stay home tonight if it's smart".
Still, this is a memorable episode with a nice little Americana blend of folklore and horror. The characters are well written and the players are nicely cast. Then when it's over it leaves you with a sense that you'd like to stick around to see how it all REALLY turns out. You know, in that wart toads, and spiders and white rats, oh my! kind of way.
I'm wondering what might have been influences for writers Serling and Earl Hamner Jr. in developing this story. I discern elements from a couple of different sources, both reaching back to the Forties. There's 1941's "The Devil and Daniel Webster", in which the protagonist makes a deal with the devil in exchange for seven years good luck. The principal character's name, portrayed by James Craig is... Jabez Stone!
The other flick I'd draw a comparison to is the following year's "Cat People". The similarity here is equally pronounced, the main character is seemingly under an ancient curse that turns her into a sultry panther. While reflecting on these two films, one is struck by the coincidence that actress Simone Simon appeared as an enigmatic femme-fatale in both pictures. By 1963, she would have been too old to portray Jess-Belle here, but wouldn't it have been great if she had the role of Granny Hart? I wonder if Serling might have thought about it.
As far as the story's ending, it might have been more effective to leave the fate of Jess-Belle somewhat dubious. Granted, there was some closure for Billy Ben (James Best) and his new bride Ellwyn (Laura Devon), but the unstated threat of future creepy crawlies would have been more in keeping with the unexpected twist the show was known for. Especially since I got the impression that Ellie was in on Jess's little secret when she warned her about the moonlight witch hunt - "I reckon that cat better stay home tonight if it's smart".
Still, this is a memorable episode with a nice little Americana blend of folklore and horror. The characters are well written and the players are nicely cast. Then when it's over it leaves you with a sense that you'd like to stick around to see how it all REALLY turns out. You know, in that wart toads, and spiders and white rats, oh my! kind of way.