The Twilight Zone (TV Series) The Night of the Meek (1960) User Reviews

Carney's finest (half) hour

[meansphene · 9/10 · 13 May 2017]

This is a very uncharacteristic Twilight Zone episode. It's a Christmas themed show that is sentimental and uplifting (and perhaps even a tad schmaltzy), yet which maintains Serling's cutting commentary on the misery of inner city poverty. It also includes one of the finest examples of his signature character type: the noble, sympathetic urban man trapped in the brutality of a mid-century American society with no room for the weak, or the humble, or the poor.

Henry Corwin is a "professional" department store Santa Claus, who ekes out a seasonal living in a tattered and grimy old Santa suit. But Corwin is also a drunkard. He drinks to blot out the grinding hardship of his fellow ghetto dwellers, hardship he cannot reconcile with the free-flowing greed he sees in Christmas shoppers at the store where he has his latest gig. "Just one Christmas" he says to an angry store manager, "I'd like to see the meek inherit the earth". With this, and a rather ordinary looking burlap bag, begins a very unusual night for Corwin: a night of the meek.

Serling's crackerjack writing is only part of this episode's greatness. The rest is courtesy of the inimitable Art Carney. He steps entirely away from his goofy, campy Norton character to provide a remarkable portrait of a besotted, though big hearted, department store Santa. In Henry Corwin he delivers stately dignity and empathy blended with a convincing portrayal of desperate alcoholism. I think it was the best performance he ever gave, and it's a great one.

For me, this is one of those classic 60's TV Christmas shows that has become a seasonal viewing tradition, along with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". But it's good enough to watch anytime of year. 9.0/10.

That's why I drink - and that's why I weep.

[hitchcockthelegend · 9/10 · 27 December 2015]

Christmas comes to The Twilight Zone in this super episode that stars Art Carney as Henry Corwin, an alcoholic department store Santa Claus. Getting fired for his drinking, Corwin is bewildered when he finds what appears to be a magic sack that distributes the exact presents requested by Corwin's friends and the neighbourhood children. But this is just the start of things...

One of the episodes that was filmed on videotape, Night of the Meek is kept to a production value minimum. Yet it really doesn't matter, the feel of a snowy Christmas comes alive as Corwin stumbles and trudges through this little part of Americana. The story is a perfect blend of comedy and drama, with Rod Serling sprinkling his magical whimsy into the pudding mix. And of course we are being led by our hearts to a glorious finale, for this is when the title comes to make sense.

With Carney giving a magnetic two-fold performance to seal the deal, this really should be on everyone's annual Xmas viewings list. 9/10

Santa Claus

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 26 May 2018]

The unemployed drunkard Henry Corwin has been hired by a department store for a temporary work as Santa Claus. During his leisure period, he drinks too much and is fired by the manager. While walking back home, Henry finds a bag of gifts and fulfills his dream of providing Christmas gifts to his neighborhood. Who is the owner of the magic bag?

"The Night of the Meek" is a beautiful Christmas tale with the story of a man with big heart that understands his needy neighborhood. The conclusion is poignant. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "A Noite dos Humildes" ("The Night of the Meek")

An unparalleled classic

[ggrinnell-2 · 10/10 · 1 January 2007]

What a phenomenal performance by Art Carney and Serling. Here is a very early use of video with all its faults (black bloom of highlights, way too much depth of field, general overly enhanced details) yet it almost enhances the piece. The cute children and old folks that looked nearly as destitute as they were asked to look. The incredible Burt Mustin (sp), the less than subtle jabs at the pop psychology of the day. But mostly it was dialog that would seem overly cute or cliché that brings a tear to the eye when delivered by such a pro as the "relic of the past" as Carney. Record it, buy it, gift it, watch it on Xmas Eve and understand the true meaning of not so much Xmas as the goodness in all mankind.

Should be Shown Every Christmas

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 14 November 2008]

I count Art Carney among America's great comedic actors. There is a beauty and kindness in this script, but also a very hard edge. Carney plays a sad, alcoholic department store Santa Claus who sees his job as a hopeless one. He drinks too much and tires of the grasping children who sit on his lap with their over-indulgent parents. The kids he loves are the ones on the street who have the real problems, whose parents are out of work, who have nothing at Christmas time. HIs boss fires him after he expresses his feelings, and as he makes his way home, he spots a bag of garbage and tin cans. Suddenly, the bag is transformed into a sack full of presents, presents that are perfect for anyone that comes along. The police call the store manager who accuses him of stealing the gifts. But love wins out and the spirit of Christmas.

One of the characters is played by Bert Mustin, who played many old men, including Gus, the fireman, on Leave It to Beaver. He had a real kindness. Carney is awesome in this very touching role. See this if you can.

The Night of the Meek was an excellent Christmas episode of "The Twilight Zone"

[tavm · 10/10 · 2 December 2008]

This is my fourth consecutive comment on a Rod Serling-related project and my first this month of December on a Christmas-related one. Having never seen this particular episode when "The Twilight Zone" was airing on Superstation WGN-TV in Chicago on cable during the '80s, I was ecstatic when I found this on joust.com as linked by Google Video. One of six episodes shot on videotape, Art Carney is Henry Corwin, a drunkard who arrives late and inebriated at his job of a department store Santa. When one parent in particular complains, the manager (John Fielder) fires him on the spot but not until Henry expresses his wish to help less fortunate folks, as opposed to the arrogant and spoiled ones in the store, does he leave. Outside as he stumbles into his alley, a cat drops a big bag down in front of him. When he comes to the church of salvation, all the poor souls there miraculously get whatever presents they wanted from that bag (one of those souls is played by Burt Mustin, who I remembered from a couple episodes of "All in the Family"). The organ playing woman there does not approve and gets a cop who takes him in. At the station, Henry's former manager tries to take back what he thinks are his store's stolen goods but sees nothing but tin cans and thinks the cop wasted his time bringing him there. But when Corwin reaches back in the bag, he presents his ex-boss with a bottle of a certain vintage wine that he wished for. I'll stop there and mention how wonderful to discover another great Art Carney performance after years of seeing him as Norton in "The Honeymooners" as well as his Oscar-winning turn in Harry and Tonto. He brings such belief and optimism to his role that when the whimsical turn of events come at the end, you can't help but be happy for him. Not a typical "Twilight Zone" episode, that's for sure, but one worth seeing for anyone who loves the Christmas spirit.

The very best of both worlds

[melikeemovies · 10/10 · 15 August 2007]

Out of all the Christmas episodes of all the TV shows in the history of television, "Night Of The Meek" is the cream of the crop. It's also one of the very best "Twilight Zone" episodes ever. Art Carney is brilliant as a down-on-his-luck drunk who just wants to make people on skid row happy at Christmas time. He gets his wish when he finds a mysterious bag in a back alley on Christmas Eve that has a knack for making a merry Christmas for everyone as long as it's in Carney's possession. The episode shows the depth of the human soul and kindness that the almighty dollar can't give a person no matter what. And it reminds us that we don't have to be rich or to be a big shot to make a difference in this world. Excellent storytelling.

Watch first, read spoilers later. A masterful script, brilliantly told.

[david-thor · 30 November 2018]

Of all the stories from the masterful mind of Rod Serling, this strikes me as easily within the top five. Sensitive, blunt, supremely thoughtful and jpyful amidst the sadness, "The Night of the Meek" harkens to a time when "Christmas stuff" didn't clog stores before Halloween. Twilight Zone survives because of the generations who rediscover its brilliance.

"Seems to me the essence of our problem is that we're dealing with a most unusual bag".

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 13 April 2010]

You don't get a chance to see Art Carney in a role like this too often. In fact the role of Santa Claus here might have been more appropriate for his Honeymooner sidekick Jackie Gleason. Strictly speaking girth of course, but all in all, I'd have to say Carney filled out the big red suit quite nicely. Even with the cheap production values and the shabby set design, there's a richness of character that shows through his performance, pointing to the true meaning of Christmas in a way that contemporary shows often need a couple of hours to get to. You know he means it when his character Henry Corwin states "Just on one Christmas, I'd like to see the meek inherit the Earth". Art Carney was certainly an original, and if I had to guess, he's spent every Christmas since his death in 2003 handing out gifts in heaven to children who might have joined him much too early. Watching this one will put a twinkle in your eye and a lump in your throat.

This is a Heartwarming Miracle of Christmas

[Mysuns · 10/10 · 9 February 2008]

Aside from the style of filming this wonderful Twilight Zone gem, I don't understand anyone not loving it. There were several episodes of the Twilight Zone that were filmed in "live set" style to save money. The show was new and budgets were low. It's funny that Art Carney should be cast in this episode, as "The Honeymooners" had the same appearance on t.v. Art Carney portrays an alcoholic department store Santa who is downtrodden and hopeless except during Christmas. He has one wish. He wants to be Santa. That's all. He wants to give without receiving, without any reward other than the joy that giving brings. In true Rod Serling fashion, Christmas is a time of magic and so is Night of the Meek.

"Santa's loaded"

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 4 June 2021]

I kept waiting for the tragic twilight twist but was pleasantly surprised. Solid storyline and a wholesome message. Acting was decent as well.

Outstanding!!!!

[jisaacs1 · 10/10 · 28 December 2007]

Not only was this one of Art Carney's BEST performances, it was one of Rod Serling's best ever scripts! Art (may he rest in peace) was wholely comfortable in the role, and the script was VERY Rod Serling-ish (may he also rest comfortably), and it was a great, wholesome and very in-the-spirit-of-Christmas story. It also had everything that a solid Twilight Zone script should have - unexpected moments (the great character actor John Fiedler drawing rusting cans out of the bag, followed by Art Carney following that with drawing a wrapped present from the same bag) and an incredibly uplifting ending (with, ironically, a non-standard ending . . . one which didn't end with a reference to the Twilight Zone title).

Anyone who says otherwise is either a Grinch or a Scrooge, and clearly has NO IDEA what goes on as an actor or a producer!!!! (In the words of Gary Trudeau, "A Critic knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.")

sublime

[bimbim14 · 7/10 · 31 March 2021]

Ranks up there IMHO, with the best of O-Henry. This story deserved a lot more $$$$ for production values, but the economy of the production notwithstanding, it is a classic, one for the ages. The bonus is that this one was shot on videotape, giving it an eerie fluid liveness not matched by most of the other episodes. I often wonder, though, what jackie gleason could have done with the Henry Corwin role, even though art carney certainly was well-suited for it.

Only the Easter Bunny would have been worse.

[darrenpearce111 · 4/10 · 26 January 2014]

No one will ever read this review except to glance at the rating and click 'no' to 'useful' as I'm in the heretic position of not liking a mawkish and silly wino-Santa tale. Henry Corwin (Art Carney) is a melancholy department store Santa who wants Christmas to be about the finer attributes of humanity. He finds a magic bag -and you can probably guess the rest. Very little happens and there are no characters to get the viewer feeling the slightest bit involved. Corvin would do well to look further and deeper than the bottom of a bottle to help the needy.

Don't watch this on Christmas Eve, watch 'The Changing Of The Guard' from series three. That was a deeply moving episode with a message.

There's hope somewhere in the Twilight Zone.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 20 April 2019]

The wonderful Art Carney gives much depth to the character of a drunken Santa in this classic Christmas episode of "The Twilight Zone" that is sure to pull the heartstrings as well as Santa's sleigh. a gentleman of the old school, Carney has sunken into drunken depravity, only working as a department store Santa during the holiday season, and snapping as he sees the old world changing around him.

This isn't accepting of Carney's character of a drunkard, and certainly doesn't make excuses, but does its best to show what has led to his current situation. He's disgusted by the lack of love of fellow man in his society and the rudeness in which human beings treat each other year round. he despairs over the poor children in his neighborhood who have no dreams come true on Christmas Eve and desperately wishes he could be the one to give them a Christmas they won't forget. That miracle occurs when he finds a supposed bag of trash in an alley which turns out to be filled with goodies for both needy children and needy adults alike. But when the local law suspect him of having swiped these presents, he is dragged down to headquarters where surprising changes occur, leading to a twist that is sure to put the Christmas spirit in your heart it regardless of what time of year you watch it.

Familiar character actors like John Fiedler (as the pompous, uncaring department store manager, Meg Wyllie as a judgmental Salvation Army worker and Burt Mustin as an elderly man who provides Carney with the desire to continue the way he cares about the down and out add depth and detail two-way unique entry in the Twilight Zone series. For those of us who watch the series all the way through consecutively, this is the one episode to pull out and watch annually over the holiday season to remind us of the humanity deep inside all of us are regardless of how pathetic or down and out we seem. It truly is a Christmas classic, as well as one of the best episodes that "The Twilight Zone" ever put out.

Night of the Meek - A Double-Barrelled Spoiler

[wjs82852 · 8/10 · 22 December 2013]

Look out, now, here it comes – a double-barreled spoiler. I'm not only going to tell you how "The Night of the Meek," that famous Twilight Zone Christmas episode ends, I'm going to give you two different endings, or two ways of seeing the ending, from two people who saw it so differently more than fifty years ago.

My neighbor and I are both old enough so when the episode originally aired, December 23, 1960, we were at the age when we still believed in Santa Claus, barely; we were in the nebulous between, doubtful about him but unwilling to forsake him. At least not until after we got our Christmas loot.

The episode was a nice break from all those scary Twilight Zone episodes, the guy in the diner with a third eye on his forehead, the telephone wire that falls across the grave, the little boy who knows what everyone is thinking and who punishes them for their thoughts. My neighbor and I agreed ─ the Night of the Meek had our favorite Twilight Zone ending, ever. We just couldn't agree on how it ended.

The episode is pure Christmas magic. It's an old time Christmas with Art Carney as Santa Claus and with Burt Mustin as, well, who else, Burt Mustin.

How I always got the episode, Santa wishes the world was a nicer place than it is, especially for the poor, especially for the poor kids. He grieves for them and wants to give them something on Christmas. He can't, though, because he's fallen off the wagon, uh, sleigh. He's a drunk now, the jolliness driven out of him by the hopelessness and misery he sees around himself. He's fallen so far, he doesn't even remember having once been Santa. That is, until he stumbles upon a garbage bag full of empty tin cans and it all turns into a magic bag of gifts. Tell Santa what it is you want, a train set if you're a little boy, a pipe and smoking jacket if you're Burt Mustin, and Santa reaches into his bag and presto! With the help of the magic sack, which must have been his all along, and with the wide-eyed wonder of the poor kids and the skid row bums and with the chiding assistance of a cute little elf, Santa regains his former jolly garrulousness, steps back onto his sleigh and bells jingling, rides triumphantly across the sky.

Not so, said my neighbor. Santa wasn't Santa. He was Henry Corwin, a drunken department store Santa Claus until the magic of Christmas and his own goodness turned him into Santa Claus! That had me scratching my head. Had I got it all wrong fifty years ago? I went back and watched it a few times, pondered it, and it turns out my neighbor is correct. Her version is the real one, although I still like my own version better.

So go ahead, indulge yourself by watching it. It's only twenty-five minutes long and it captures the magic of the season as well or better than anything else and whether you agree with me or with my neighbor, (probably with her,) you'll get a nice warm feeling from it.

Poignant Christmas episode

[Woodyanders · 9/10 · 22 August 2017]

Disillusioned alcoholic Henry Colvin (marvelously played with endearing sincerity by Art Carney) gets fired from his job as a department store Santa. However, Henry finds a mysterious magical bag that enables him to give presents to the poor and needy on Christmas Eve.

Director Jack Smight relates the moving story at a steady pace and ably crafts a pleasant noel atmosphere. Rod Serling's sweet script astutely captures the warmth of generosity of the yuletide season. Moreover, Carney shines in his meaty lead role (his monologue on precisely why he's a drunk is beautifully rendered); he receives sturdy support from John Fiedler as fed-up boss Mr. Dunne, Robert P. Lieb as hearty cop Flaherty, Burt Mustin as a kindly old man, Meg Wyllie as the skeptical Sister Florence, and Val Avery as a cynical bartender. Shot on videotape, this episode has the raw energy and immediacy of a live television broadcast. A lovely and moving show.

Santa Claus Arrives

[AaronCapenBanner · 8/10 · 26 October 2014]

Art Carney plays alcoholic Henry Corwin, who has just been hired and fired as a department store Santa Claus after reporting to duty drunk and despondent about the poor living conditions in his neighborhood, especially concerning the children and the holiday season. Henry will get his wish of being Santa Claus when a mysterious and seemingly magic bag appears, enabling him to give out lots of presents, though his former boss Mr. Dundee(played by John Fiedler) still wants him put in jail... Though videotaped, this doesn't mar it too much, and remains a heartwarming modern fable of a flawed but good man given his greatest wish at Christmas.

A Twilight Zone Christmas Special

[Samuel-Shovel · 7/10 · 20 August 2019]

In "The Night of the Meek" a down on his luck department store Santa with a drinking problem finds a bag that supplies people with anything they desire for Christmas.

This one's one of those rare Twilight Zone episodes with a feel good ending! It's saccharine as hell but I always find that Christmas movies and TV episodes are one of the rare genres that can get away with an air of naiveness successfully.

This episode does look like utter garbage unfortunately. They cut corners on the final product and it shows. I would love to see this one as a remastered version if that's even possible?

One of the best

[GMGoodwrenchGirl · 10/10 · 29 December 2019]

The Twilight Zone is one of the finest shows ever aired. That being said, this may be its finest episode.

Art Carney is simply amazing in his role as a down and out department store Santa...especially if you have only ever seen him portray Ed Norton on 'The Honeymooners'. This actor was far more than a great comic sidekick. John Fiedler (the voice of Winnie the Pooh's Piglet) is also a joy to watch. Great cast overall.

This episode is one of those rare gems that depicts the true meaning of Christmas. Much like 'A Christmas Carol', it is a story of one man's redemption due to a miracle. A true classic, this is one I always have to watch every year.

Sentimental and a magic touching of emotions!

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 28 November 2019]

This "Twilight Zone" episode from season 2 1960 "The Night of the Meek" is a classic and very memorable one and it's touching as the down and out get help. It stars Art Carney as a drunk a down and out alcoholic who gets fired on Christmas Eve because he's again late to work at the local department store to see kids. Now it's hardship for him and all involved only things spin and take on a magical form in this windy cold Christmas Eve night as a bag of gifts come from the heart! Lovable performance from Carney as his heart is so big really this tale has become classic viewing a must during the holiday season.

Supernatural/Sentimental Christmases aren't my thing

[Coventry · 5/10 · 3 April 2018]

I love Holiday Horror, and I was quite ecstatic when first noticing that a Christmas-themed episode was part of the second season of the almighty series "The Twilight Zone". But then, just as quickly, I immediately lowered my expectations because I had a feeling this wouldn't revolve on maniacal killers in a Santa suit or eerie little monsters crawling out of the Christmas tree. I was pretty sure that Rod Serling, clever crowd-pleaser that he is, would use this episode as an opportunity to capture the true spirit of Christmas and narrate a sentimental tale with a dreamy climax. And guess what, that's exactly what happened! Art Carney gives a solid performance as a chronic drunkard who can't even remain sober during the one period of the year when he works, namely as Santa in a popular supermarket. He gets fired after shouting at a selfish and spoiled kid, but then finds a magical bag on the street that allows for him to really become Santa Clause and bring happiness to the people who truly deserve it. Now, sentimental TZ-episodes certainly aren't my favorite kind, but I know this tale has a lot of devoted fans, so I'm sure it's great. Carney gives an admirable performance and Jack Smight was one of the first and sole directors to experiment with shot-on-video episodes of the show, but the results aren't very successful.

Art Carney as the "real" Santa Claus

[chuck-reilly · 10/10 · 3 January 2008]

"Night of the Meek" is not your usual Twilight Zone episode. It's shot in an early use of video which gives the piece an almost "live" feel to it. It's a sentimental and heart-warming story about a down-and-out drunken bum (Art Carney) who dons a Santa Claus outfit at Christmas time and works in a New York City department store. Carney is fired for showing up soused but is soon miraculously redeemed by discovering a magic bag in a nearby alley that gives everyone the gift of their dreams. After handing out all the contents of this wonder bag, Carney muses to himself about this being the best Christmas he's ever had---even though he ends up with no gifts for himself. His only consolation is that, for once in his life, he really WAS Santa Claus for a day. Before he returns to his flop-house, however, he hears a strange jingle in the same alley where he found the magic bag. To his surprise, a familiar sled and some famous reindeer are awaiting his arrival. A mischievous elf suddenly appears and prods him into the contraption. "There's more work to do, Santa," says the elf. "We have to get ready for next year." Carney happily obliges and away they all go. Writer Serling's point in all this is that Christmas and the true spirit of giving is universal and a "state of mind" more than anything else. It's enough to bring a tear to one's eye.

Best Twilight Zone Ever!!

[lenjack-65062 · 10/10 · 15 February 2020]

I'd give this an 11+ if I could. I missed this, when it was originally broadcast, and only found it in reruns 14 months ago. I thought it was excellent, until the ending, which just blew me away, as it so so breathtakingly emotional. I put a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes. I thought I was a pretty tough guy, but maybe not, and I'm not Christian, although my wife is. As always, Rod Serling's writing, is beyond phenomenal, and Art Carney's performance is dazzling, and reminds us of how great an actor he really was. The original Twilight Zone was is/was television at it's best, and this episode qualifies for nomination for the best of the best.

I will rewatch it at least annually.

I feel sad for those who were not able to appreciate the artistry here, especially the reviewer who gave it a 1.

Christmas For All Time Forever Meek

[DKosty123 · 10/10 · 7 December 2019]

Rod Serling by 1960 had been cranking out scripts for the Zone and working long hour days for a long time. When he wrote this script, there was a Christmas magic in the air. It is about even more than the meek, it's about trying to improve us through the ultimate Christmas fantasy. He could not have done it any better, there is even a touch of the script that reminds me of an O'Henry short story.

Art Carney was such a talented actor and how he got this role is one of the greatest accidents of tv history. I can not imagine any other actor who could have brought it off better. Corwins character is cut out of an O'Henry tale. A drunken department store Santa who can't handle reality. That reality is so stark in this black and white world. "Christmas should be something finer" Corwin mutters to the Department store manager when he is fired after drinking too much and taking too long a break on the job.

Can any dialogue ever top this quote - " I can either drink, or I can weep, and drinking is so much more subtle. But as for my insubordination, I was not rude to that woman. Someone should remind her that Christmas is more than barging up and down department store aisles and pushing people out of the way. Someone has to tell her that Christmas is another thing finer than that. Richer, finer, truer, and it should come with patience and love, charity, compassion. That's what I would have told her if you'd given me the chance. I don't know how to tell you, Mr. Dundee. I don't know at all. All I know is that I'm an aging, purposeless, relic of another time, and I live in a dirty rooming house on a street filled with hungry kids and shabby people, where the only thing that comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve is more poverty. Do you know another reason why I drink, Mr. Dundee? So that when I walk down the tenements, I can really think it's the North Pole, and the children are elves, and that I'm really Santa Claus bringing a bag of wondrous gifts for all of them. I just wish, Mr. Dundee, on one Christmas, only one, that I could see some of the hopeless ones and the dreamless ones. Just on one Christmas, I'd like to see the meek inherit the Earth. And that's why I drink, Mr. Dundee, and that's why I weep."

Art Carney as Henry Corwin can only do this and it is so emotional.

This is only in the first half of this episode. From here on this gets even better, as it only can, in the Twilight Zone.