The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
7.3/10
1,094
22 user 3 critic

The Encounter 

Post-WWII Hawaii. Two men of once-opposing races stuck in an attic full of war trophies, including a samurai sword waiting to dutifully avenge its slain master.

Director:

Robert Butler

Writers:

Martin Goldsmith (as Martin M. Goldsmith), Rod Serling (created by)
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Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Neville Brand ... Fenton
George Takei ... Arthur Takamori / Taro
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Storyline

A man, Fenton, is cleaning out his attic when a Japanese gardener, Arthur Takamori, stops by asking if he would like his grass cut. Fenton invites him up for a beer but, having served in the Pacific during World War II, isn't quite sure what to make of his visitor. He has his prejudices but wavers as Arthur says he was born in the USA and is no different than any other American. As they discuss their pasts, it's revealed that both men have lied and are haunted by what happened to them. Written by garykmcd

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

attic | japanese | gardener | beer | sword | See All (25) »


Certificate:

TV-PG
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Did You Know?

Trivia

George Takei (Taro "Arthur" Takamori) later played Kanamit #1 in The Twilight Zone: You Might Also Like (2020). He is the first actor to appear in both this series and The Twilight Zone (2019). See more »

Goofs

Arthur's beer is alternately upright and upside-down between shots. Also, the beer cans in the carton are packed alternately upside-down and right side up; and despite having visible pull tabs on their tops, the upside-down cans are opened with a can opener. See more »

Quotes

Taro: Banzai!
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Connections

Featured in To Be Takei (2014) See more »

Soundtracks

Twilight Zone Theme
(theme song)
Composed by Marius Constant
(seasons 2-5)
See more »

User Reviews

 
The Sword Will Avenge Me
8 November 2014 | by AaronCapenBannerSee all my reviews

Neville Brand & George Takei play Mr. Fenton & Arthur Takamuri, two men in an attic ostensibly to clean it up, but in reality are playing out the climax of a twenty year-old curse involving a samurai sword that Fenton brought home as a souvenir from World War II, feeling guilty about it, but unable to get rid of. Arthur harbors guilt about his father's involvement at Pearl Harbor, feeling him a traitor. Both men will settle this dispute at a high cost indeed... Controversial episode is seldom aired, which is a shame as it tells a mesmerizing story of guilt and atonement. Both actors are superb, and it all leads to a stunning, thought-provoking end. In serious need of re-appraisal.


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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Japanese

Release Date:

1 May 1964 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Encounter See more »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
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