User reviews

During the American civil war a man teeters on the end of a plank over a river gorge with a rope round his neck - to be summarily hanged for interfering with the railway. When the plank is released he plunges ... and fate intervenes.

Gorgeous looking story with exquisite music. The soldiers and the hangman's preparations are fascinating, and the flight from death into the arms of ... Well, it's exciting and the end is effective. No dialogue.

The version I saw was on youtube, called An Occurrence, so I knew nothing until the title and author came up in the opening credits. I couldn't figure out the production date, and was totally intrigued by the quality of staging and camera. There seems to have been a TV VO at the end, but this was cut off.

It's a very impressive piece of story telling, and now IMDb reviewers tell me it was made in ... France, aired in 1964, as part of the Twilight Zone series. And won an Oscar and Palme d'or!

ps. Just realised the original had dialogue with French accents. And I guess the aspect ratio was cropped for TV. So my rating is just for the youtube version. D'oh.

A man with a heavy mustache is about to be executed by hanging on the Owl Creek bridge. He thinks about his wife and children and cries dreaming to escape from his reality. After the execution, he survives miraculously and runs away. Finally, he comes back to his home and meets his wife again but…

This film was written by Ambrose Bierce, who is an American writer and journalist. He was called "Bitter Bierce" because of his ironical style of writing. This film, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge has twist ending, in other words, surprising ending. I really like this kind of stories because we cannot expect what will happen in the end and I am exciting about it. Also, although this is a monochrome film, scene description is minute and back ground music is used effectively so it is easy to understand and I realized what is happening immediately.

I have heard that this was a European prize winning short and that it is the only Twilight Zone that is not original to the series. It is the story of a man who is to be hanged as a Civil War prisoner. As he is about to drop off a railroad bridge with a noose around his neck, the rope breaks and he falls into the water. Escaping his captors, he makes his way to freedom. Of course, this is the Twilight Zone. This is beautifully shot with interesting music, showing the pain of a man who has been worn down by this bloody war. It celebrates life and its whimsy and ethereal nature. We struggle with him as he tries to begin again and re-establish his existence. Not just a good episode but an excellent short film.

Roger Jacquet plays a confederate spy captured by the union forces who is about to be hanged off a bridge when the rope breaks, and he plunges into the deep river, where he makes a desperate effort at escaping, and returning to his loving wife waiting for him, but then the pull of reality catches up with him... Unique episode in the series was(as Rod Serling points out on screen) the only one ever shot abroad by others. The result is a marvelous episode superbly directed and produced, with haunting imagery and a most startling twist ending. A pity this was the only one of its kind, though it did go on to win the Academy Award for best short subject! It deserved it.

I saw this film about 25 years ago on a reel-to-reel in a class in public school and I remember to this day how great this film is.

I recently watched again on an online site and shed tears at its awesomeness. I knew the ending was coming, but it only led me to watch closer what a beautiful and amazing film this is.

I wish more people had access to this film and would read its namesake by Ambrose Bierce, the short story this was adapted from by these amazing dudes Robert Enrico, Marcel Ichac and Paul de Roubaix and Henri Lanoe's impeccable score.

Two Thumbs way way up.

What a surprise to find this incredible "episode" which I'd never ever seen, though it is actually an extraordinarily well and artistically done short film, produced entirely by a French film team, not CBS. It is a story of true 'escapism' with a poignant twist at the end... thus fitting with typical TZ themes and methods.

This film won an Academy Award and Cannes Festival award.

What's cool is that this story was written and first published in 1890! I'd rank Ambrose Bierce up there with HG Wells and other contemporaries, based on what I see in this story and film. I've since found the text of the original short story online and read it... that was fun after seeing the film version.

The cinematography must be hailed as quite an accomplishment. From the first frame you know that this isn't a CBS produced episode of TZ because of the high production values in the cinematography.

Also, this episode was the last produced episode (they did some editing and stuff back at CBS) of TZ before the series was canceled, though not the last to be aired.

Stealing my sons user name I have to make a comment that I have had in my mind since I saw this magnificent masterpiece many years ago. I had the privilege of talking to the makers of this artistic work some years ago and today I can only but applaud the finesse. As a former Production executive I feel I am in a position to comment with a degree of authority. The art of motion picture making has been slowly but surely become a lost art. I am well aware of contemporary films having value, not everyone resorts to cgi ( OK in its place but think about Ray Harryhausen film art in practice ) and I am pleased that Donnie Darko referenced this film, a film that will be seen - as it is today as, dare I use an overused superlative, as being a classic Ted Wallis and son.

Apparently a couple years after this French film was made, it was shown as one of the later episodes of "The Twilight Zone". I assume this was done less as a tribute to this Oscar-winning short and more of an economizing measure.

The film is a short that was made with French actors playing American Civil War soldiers. However, this isn't a terrible problem, as there is no real dialog in the film--just some things being shouted out as a man escapes the hangman's knot. What I find particularly interesting, though, is they would choose to set the film in the US. Sure, I know that the original story by Ambrose Bierce was set then, but it would have been relatively easy for the film makers to change this to France or any other country.

The film consists of a man about to be hung--you assume for espionage. As he's about to die, you see the rope break and the man runs to freedom. Almost all the film shows him running barefoot back to his true love. But, in a final twist, you see that the story isn't exactly what you'd expect it to be.

My only complaint, and it's very minor, is that I might have done the ending slightly differently. But, I don't really want to say more, as it will spoil the film if you haven't seen it.

There are several reasons why I am just not enthusiastic about this film. It is not made by the makers of 'The Twilight Zone' and was shown as a presentation to save money. It is based on a story by Ambrose Bierce , while for me TZ is about original or fairly recent stories. It is yet another execution story and there was already too many of those ('Shadow Play', 'Execution', 'Dust', 'I Am The Night Colour Me Black' and others I wont name because it occurs late in the story).

The film itself from France is very well made and has a deeply sensitive performance from the lead actor. The heightened sense of nature is impressive and the underwater sequence is first rate. A masterclass in how to make a good film based on a classic tale.

So don't mind me as I would rather TZ had stuck to making original teleplays even if a B-movie star turns out to be a leprechaun.

In 1862, during the American Civil War, a Union troop is ready to hang the prisoner Peyton Farquhar at the Owl Creek Bridge. However, he escapes swimming in the river and running like hell through the woods. When he reaches home, he sees his wife Abby Farquhar and finds what has happened with him.

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is an episode of "The Twilight Zone" overrated in IMDb. The episode is not bad, but becomes boring and predictable when Peyton Farquhar is fleeing from the Union troop. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Uma Ocorrência na Ponte Owl Creek" ("An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge")

Oooh, it was at Cannes! As if that's some badge of honor. That's like saying "This film was the least bad!"

It was just too weird... the stereotypically French looking fella was woefully out of place. What... that was the best they could do? Any of the soldiers looked more American.

And then the super cheesy song - it was totally laughable. Maybe in the 1960's it was what passed for "avant garde" but time has not been kind to this.

It's just peculiar that people still seem to love and revere this episode. I mean, it's an okay story, but it's far to "affected" and I couldn't take it seriously.

Had they used a different actor, more suitable for the part, and ditched that tragically comic song, it would have been so much better.

Oh, but I suppose it does get some extra stars for reminding me of the scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where he keeps running towards the camera and never seems to get there. Maybe they got their inspiration from this scene?

Rod Serling was spot on when he saw how this film fit into his Twilight Zone show. By now, Serling was burnt out, teaching in Ohio, and sending in his scripts by tape recordings. He was probably happy when the end came for the Zone after the hour long season debacle, and relieved when he saw the brilliance of this short. A cost cutting measure and a diamond all at the same time. If you have ever seen ANY show that it turned out to be a dream, thank Ambrose Bierce and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. Dallas, Jacobs Ladder especially, almost every sitcom ever has an episode like this, and of course the horrible Twilight ending. A must see in reductionist cinema, pure storytelling without any real dialogue and the obligatory Zone twist. This one goes to 11.

This believe it or not is my favorite Twilight Zone episode of the show. It's such an simple concept but that's what makes it all the more great. I like the fact this is a story based on Ambrece Bierce which is cool since he's one of my favorite supernatural authors. There is literally next to no dialog but it doesn't need it as it's told though sound and visuals.

Throughout this film we are just in the main character's shoes as we see he is about at the end of his rope, but of course by a miracle or a twist of fate he is able to escape his execution. In a way the whole episode is sort of a chase story as he is constantly on the run while pursued by the army. I remember on the edge of my seat throughout this episode just constantly hoping he would get away.

There are a lot of great moments from the calm moments where he got to enjoy the splendor of nature, the cinematography shots are great as we see the sunlight, leaves, water, along with that John Denver like music playing. It really gives you an appreciation for life and everything it has to offer.

But also there are moments when we see him remember his wife at his home, which makes him all the more sympathetic and constantly hope that he comes back to her because that's where he truly belongs.

And there are moments of suspense and intensity from those gunshots we hear I remember ducking whenever I heard them. Or even the sound of some sort of drumming which sounded as though the army is closing in, I remember almost shouting, "Run!" It really gave the feeling of a world turned against him. It then comes down the final moments which is the big emotional shocker.

As the fifth Doctor once put it, "It's small beautiful moments are what life is all about."; and as an old saying goes "Live life every day as though it could be your last." Rating: 4 stars

The sound, cinematography, thrill ride, images, effects for it's time, and the wtf ending that you won't expect! I loved this show so much and I was very immersed by everything that occurs in it.

i have tried for years to find out the name of the this film and did believe it to be of french origin,because of the uniforms settings,etc.and saw the film as a support(b)film at a cinema. when i read of this site i felt elated that i would finally be able to find full details of it. only to be very frustrated to read these poor to good reviews where the question asked is not answered. what was the name of the film???. also i, and i am sure many other people ,would have had the opportunity to watch the film if the review had included the details of the online site where its available etc. i would be grateful if some one would could kindly provide that info for me.all the best.Mel.

Knowing the twilight zone I was patiently waiting for the other shoe to drop and it hit me right in the feels. Well developed storyline and a heartbreaking but solid ending.

Frenchie (played by Roger Jacquet) is a civilian terrorist who is about to be executed for trying to sabotage a bridge during the Civil War. Jacquet is being hanged from the bridge he was going to blow up. Jacquet imagines that the hanging rope snapped, and imagines himself falling into the water under the bridge.

For the next few minutes, Jacquet is floating in the water under the bridge, looking around, enjoying the moments. We see repeated scenes of leaves, trees, nature, no dialogue. The only sounds are twenty minutes of an annoying acoustic guitar song with a guy named Kenny Clarke moaning about living life.

"A Livin Man" is the song performed by Kenny Clarke that is played over and over again during this episode. The actual song is 4 minutes long, but it is repeated over and over again to fill up the full episode. Same lyrics, same acoustic guitar, same laughter, over and over again, while we watch chubby Frenchie splashing in the water, spider-webs, branches, trees, leaves, etc.

After about thirty seconds of bliss, the troops on the bridge start shooting at Frenchi, and he swims away for several more boring minutes, as he looks around him, at the plants and bugs that he passes. The same stock video of the same spider-webs, leaves, flowers, and trees are shown a few times.

Frenchie gets on land, rolls around on the sand in ecstacy, and starts running. His child-like joy is annoying. Now we get long shots of Frenchie's happy bearded face, hairy chest, and flabby gut (his shirt is torn open) running through the weeds, trees, a road, and eventually finding his imaginary home and wife.

In the background the same acoustic guitar song drones on about a living man. Pictures of nature and spider-webs repeat themselves, while Frenchie runs in pure ecstacy. The unsurprising twist ending blows up Frenchie's fantasy, just as he is about to embrace his wife.

In comes Rod Serling to make his cynical and over-rated remarks about a movie he found by accident at the Cannes French film festival. Serling bought the rights cheap at $20,000, and converted it into an episode of Twilight Zone. Serling saved $100,000.00 from his production budget of $120K per episode, and pocketed the diff. Livin life like a genius.