The star of this "mechanical" episode is appropriately Robbie the Robot, more of a sci fi fixture than a dramatic character, but nevertheless excellent window dressing, and standing at nearly 7 feet TALL.
I agree with many of the reviewers, a story way ahead of its time, and kind of frightening at that.
Man Versus Machine, the experiment being tried at Whipples factory, where hundreds of workers are all suddenly out of a job -- replaced by a computer. The acting carries this through, particularly Richard Deacon, taking over the plant for his father who built the business, only to deconstruct the company, putting lots of dedicated workers in the street in the name of technological advancement.
Applause for Ted de Corsia as Dickerson, one of the last surviving workers, who has some final thoughts for Whipple. Ted, usually cast as gangsters, should have been nominated for an Emmy, he is that memorable.
A sobering story in many ways, topped off with a special appearance by Robbie, the computerized cherry on top. At the time of this episode, Robbie was nearly a decade old, having been made for the classic film, FORBIDDEN PLANET. According to notes, Robbie did not always work right, frequent problems with wires and lights, but make no mistake he was one impressive presence.
Incidentally, Rod Serling grew up in Binghamton, New York, and borrowed the names of local places, such as a lumber yard called Whipples. Thanks to this cult episode, the name (perhaps) found its way into tv history, used in many other shows, also the famous bathroom tv commercial series.
A must see -- 60s style -- look into the future, relatable to this very day. The closing scene with Richard Deacon is a gem. SEASON 5 EPISODE 33 remastered. The Definitive dvd box edition.
