50 reviews
"The Changing of the Guard" an emotional piece
- chuck-reilly
- Feb 20, 2008
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"I would be brave, for there is too much to dare".
- classicsoncall
- Jun 15, 2010
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Wow...Donald Pleasence did a great job...
- planktonrules
- Oct 1, 2009
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I get choked up whenever I see this
I've lost count of the number of times I've seen this particular episode and it always always always chokes me up when I see it. It's worse now that I'm older, but I figure that that's due to our becoming more emotionally incontinent as we age.
I've a teacher from 35 years ago who's still alive who I continue to be close to. The episode is a great reminder to everyone to find the teacher that made a difference to their life and thank them for the ways in which they made your life better. (You have no idea how good it'll make them feel.)
One other great thing about this episode is the pleasure of seeing the late Donald Pleasance doing anything. Honestly, he could've read a phone book on camera for half an hour and it'd be worth watching. :)
I've a teacher from 35 years ago who's still alive who I continue to be close to. The episode is a great reminder to everyone to find the teacher that made a difference to their life and thank them for the ways in which they made your life better. (You have no idea how good it'll make them feel.)
One other great thing about this episode is the pleasure of seeing the late Donald Pleasance doing anything. Honestly, he could've read a phone book on camera for half an hour and it'd be worth watching. :)
We Can Make a Difference
The Best of the Un-Twilighty TZ's
What has always drawn me to the Twilight Zone ever since I was a kid was the surreal twists that screwed some poor sap's fate. Tonight's episode on MeTV was one that I had never seen before, and it was very different from TZ's usual fare, and as a young college professor myself, it inspired me the way few things do. The great Donald Pleasance does a wonderful job learning what it truly means to be a professor and why we do the things we do. Sappy, yes. Sentimental, yes. Tear-jerking, yes. But the tears are tears of beauty at a truly beautiful Twilight Zone.
The central quote of this show (and it's a quote I've bookmarked) is Horace Mann's quote "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." The bane of our profession is the hollowness of what we do, with students going through the motions, absorbing just enough to regurgitate what passes for knowledge on the test, but not really learning anything. Or at least so we think. And, in academia, if we are taught one thing in grad school, it is how to think. How to question and double-think everything, including what we do for a living. We think we have no impact, where our impact is far, far deeper, as Donald Pleasance's character learns. Well worth the watch.
The central quote of this show (and it's a quote I've bookmarked) is Horace Mann's quote "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." The bane of our profession is the hollowness of what we do, with students going through the motions, absorbing just enough to regurgitate what passes for knowledge on the test, but not really learning anything. Or at least so we think. And, in academia, if we are taught one thing in grad school, it is how to think. How to question and double-think everything, including what we do for a living. We think we have no impact, where our impact is far, far deeper, as Donald Pleasance's character learns. Well worth the watch.
- AltairIowa
- May 13, 2012
- Permalink
A bright and old mind has his heart touched when he sees the future of bright young minds!
Really this has to be one of the most touching and better "Twilight Zone" episodes in series history. Donald Pleasence who's such a legend and acting veteran stars as an old college professor, who's becoming angry with his male students at an all boys school. He sees the desire to learn just isn't present, and to make matters worse he finds out that the institution wants him to retire or be fired. So the depression sets in and the worry is starting that no students future will develop into a successful life because he now considers his teaching a failure. Yet that's why you enter the "Twilight Zone"! as his bright mind sees into the future and all of his students have became great success stories! Ending on a happy note, proving that all of us have been touched by knowledge at some point and we always will remember at least one teacher, and take something from them and remember it and use it as knowledge. Great episode that's touching and brings out your emotions.
One Of The Best!
I absolutely love this particular episode,it's probably my favorite of the scores of great TWILIGHT ZONE offerings. It has no real twists or turns as one expects from the show,it's just a sweet,sentimental story that manages to hurt me every time I view it. Forty-two year old Donald Pleasence gives a great performance as Ellis Fowler,an older professor being discharged from his teaching position,which clearly is his entire life,what he lives/loves to do. He learns a little later that his assumed small contribution in the classroom spread much wider than he ever knew. I've read it was Pleasence's first American television appearance.
- mitchyalls
- May 11, 2013
- Permalink
Mr. Chips is shown his worth
- bkoganbing
- May 13, 2012
- Permalink
Well-Done Human Interest
Elegiac entry, tastefully done. Elderly Professor Fowler has taught at boy's school for a half- century. Now the Board of Directors has decided to replace him with a younger scholar. Convinced that his years have failed to reach his students, he contemplates an empty future and suicide.
I like the way Fowler's class of adolescent boys seems remote from his reflections on poetic wisdom. After all, how many hormonally gripped youths will tune into high-falutin' language. Then too, the prof. seems removed from the class as he quotes from pages of the greats. Thus, it appears the two worlds are sliding past one another, fruitlessly. But then we get a TZ reveal showing that things are not always as they seem.
Actor Pleasance manages to avoid a sentimental pitfall—he never gets maudlin. On the other hand, there's no action, nor special effects, or other eye-catchers of the series. I guess, my only reservation is with the crucial visitation scene that seems unduly bland. Anyway the narrative engages with human interest the whole way. And if the half-hour is not exactly memorable, it does remain trans-generational in appeal.
I like the way Fowler's class of adolescent boys seems remote from his reflections on poetic wisdom. After all, how many hormonally gripped youths will tune into high-falutin' language. Then too, the prof. seems removed from the class as he quotes from pages of the greats. Thus, it appears the two worlds are sliding past one another, fruitlessly. But then we get a TZ reveal showing that things are not always as they seem.
Actor Pleasance manages to avoid a sentimental pitfall—he never gets maudlin. On the other hand, there's no action, nor special effects, or other eye-catchers of the series. I guess, my only reservation is with the crucial visitation scene that seems unduly bland. Anyway the narrative engages with human interest the whole way. And if the half-hour is not exactly memorable, it does remain trans-generational in appeal.
- dougdoepke
- Jan 22, 2017
- Permalink
Only took 37 episodes, but nice one!
- bombersflyup
- Nov 11, 2019
- Permalink
Simple but powerful
At a certain level, this episode is so simplistic you could capture the entire plot, with the ending, in a single sentence. A lesser production would have delivered a treacly bit of fluff, padded out to fill the time slot. But Donald Pleasence turns the story into a powerful tale that puts a knot in my throat.
This one's not about the plot. It's about the character. It's about dedication to a purpose even though you may never find out if you were successful.
This episode is among my favorites. Maybe it's all the teachers in my family. Maybe it's the teachers I wish I could tell about their positive impact on me, or the teachers I've been able to tell.
(P.S. If this was written grammatically, it's thanks to Mrs. Prokopik in the 7th grade, and Mr. Carroll on the high school newspaper.)
This one's not about the plot. It's about the character. It's about dedication to a purpose even though you may never find out if you were successful.
This episode is among my favorites. Maybe it's all the teachers in my family. Maybe it's the teachers I wish I could tell about their positive impact on me, or the teachers I've been able to tell.
(P.S. If this was written grammatically, it's thanks to Mrs. Prokopik in the 7th grade, and Mr. Carroll on the high school newspaper.)
Darker Mr. Chips
- cjskama-956-515706
- Jan 1, 2023
- Permalink
A Man Of Consequence
Donald Pleasance is outstanding as Literature Professor Ellis Fowler of the Rock Springs School For Boys, who has been teaching there for 51 years, but now, just before Christmas vacation, is informed by his sympathetic headmaster that he faces mandatory retirement. Shocked and disheartened by this news, Fowler goes into a depression, and considers suicide for what he considers a failed life, but the timely intervention of departed but appreciative former students give him a lesson he'll never forget... Wonderfully realized story is both touching and authentic, with a distinctive holiday mood that distinguishes this exquisite episode. Last of the third season would prove to be ironically titled, since series went on hiatus before returning in a new hour-long format.
- AaronCapenBanner
- Oct 28, 2014
- Permalink
A Christmas Carol in reverse
- joerushhead-1
- Nov 24, 2011
- Permalink
One of the best TZ episodes ever
"Changing of the Guard" was, for me, one of the most moving and uplifting Twilight Zone episodes ever. Donald Pleasence is a fine actor one of the best. I can relate to Prof. Fowler's thoughts and emotions I graduated from college with a degree in Music and taught several students privately but I was never sure if my teaching was working. I taught private voice lessons. I struggled with one student who couldn't understand the mechanics of singing. But I did have a small victory just like Prof. Fowler. A former student, a soprano, called me one evening and thanked me for teaching her. She told me my training helped her become a lead singer in her church choir. For all of you in the teaching profession, keep plugging away and you will all win "small victories for mankind".
- postaldude1013
- Feb 21, 2017
- Permalink
"I gave them...nothing."
"The Changing of the Guard" is the Twilight Zone at its most unabashedly sentimental. A professor at an upper class boys' school is forcibly retired after more than 50 years of teaching. As Professor Fowler reflects on his career, he becomes convinced his lessons gave nothing of value to his students and concludes he has been a failure. With no future to look forward to, and no past to comfort him, he returns to the campus one final time, to commit suicide. Yet, he will find that his past, of which he is so deeply ashamed, is not so easily escaped.
In this installment, Rod Serling once again relied on a formula with which he'd have amazing success throughout the entire run of The Twilight Zone: the transformation of a sensitive, disillusioned man by way of an extraordinary or even supernatural encounter. As I've noted in other TZ reviews, some of Serling's best episodes were based on a character such as this, and in most of these episodes, a brilliantly cast lead actor allowed Serling's writing to reach its full flower. This time, the incomparable Donald Pleasence was front and center as Ellis Fowler in a portrayal that was deeply emotional without being maudlin. It wasn't often Pleasence had the chance to play someone so sympathetic, and it's a real shame another role couldn't have been found for him in the series. His work in "The Changing of the Guard" is easily among the finest performances ever to grace the Twilight Zone.
This episode was originally broadcast in summer, but its tender themes combined with a Christmastime setting makes this an ideal holiday watch. Ably supporting Pleasence are Liam Sullivan and Tom Lowell just before his first big movie appearance in "The Manchurian Candidate". "The Changing of the Guard" sits right alongside "The Night of the Meek" as being an outstanding holiday-themed episode despite its aggressive playing of the heartstrings. 9.0/10.
In this installment, Rod Serling once again relied on a formula with which he'd have amazing success throughout the entire run of The Twilight Zone: the transformation of a sensitive, disillusioned man by way of an extraordinary or even supernatural encounter. As I've noted in other TZ reviews, some of Serling's best episodes were based on a character such as this, and in most of these episodes, a brilliantly cast lead actor allowed Serling's writing to reach its full flower. This time, the incomparable Donald Pleasence was front and center as Ellis Fowler in a portrayal that was deeply emotional without being maudlin. It wasn't often Pleasence had the chance to play someone so sympathetic, and it's a real shame another role couldn't have been found for him in the series. His work in "The Changing of the Guard" is easily among the finest performances ever to grace the Twilight Zone.
This episode was originally broadcast in summer, but its tender themes combined with a Christmastime setting makes this an ideal holiday watch. Ably supporting Pleasence are Liam Sullivan and Tom Lowell just before his first big movie appearance in "The Manchurian Candidate". "The Changing of the Guard" sits right alongside "The Night of the Meek" as being an outstanding holiday-themed episode despite its aggressive playing of the heartstrings. 9.0/10.
- meansphene
- Dec 22, 2018
- Permalink
Literary Quotes in this Segment
- mark-zecca
- Jan 1, 2007
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One of Rod Serling's little victories
A meaningful, emotional,and absolutely life affirming offering from Serling. Rather quietly done with a 42 years old Donald Pleasance brilliantly playing an old teacher who tried to make education an inspiring force for good for boys. His life seems over when he hears it's time to retire. If you take time to think about this story and about the courage of such very young men in who died in WW2 (we owe our freedom today from fascism to them) I cannot imagine a more worthy subject than this. Literature is shown to be a mighty force and the essential message here is how important remain the deep, fine, unselfish words that motivate . A genuinely moving TZ that shows where humanity's hope resides - and it is not in ignorance and dumbing-down.
A tremendous, lovable fantasy-drama that I profoundly recommend you watch.
A tremendous, lovable fantasy-drama that I profoundly recommend you watch.
- darrenpearce111
- Dec 5, 2013
- Permalink
Donald Pleasence shines in this touching episode
- Woodyanders
- Jul 19, 2018
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sweet but insubstantial
- HelloTexas11
- Mar 1, 2009
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Donald Pleasence is absolutely riveting
- callanvass
- Dec 27, 2013
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Superb
After teaching for 50 years at the same school, Professor Fowler is forced to retire. He does not take this well and contemplates suicide, considering his life a failure.
One of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone. This coming immediately after one of the worst, the silly, slapsticky 'Cavender is Coming'. Just when I thought Rod Serling was phoning it in, he comes up with one of the most wonderfully sentimental episodes of all. It reminds me of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Dead Poet's Society', it's that warm and profound.
A great way to end Season 3.
One of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone. This coming immediately after one of the worst, the silly, slapsticky 'Cavender is Coming'. Just when I thought Rod Serling was phoning it in, he comes up with one of the most wonderfully sentimental episodes of all. It reminds me of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Dead Poet's Society', it's that warm and profound.
A great way to end Season 3.
I suddenly feel sorry for all my old teachers...
The last handful of episodes leading up to the finale of the third season "The Twilight Zone" were truly weak and disappointing (especially "I Sing the Body Electric" and "Cavender is Coming"), so I'm utterly relieved the actual last one is again a brilliant one. This is largely thanks to the flawless performance of the downright amazing Donald Pleasence, and the great plot. True, the story is rather sentimental, and I usually don't like sentiment in "The Twilight Zone", but the identifiable "Changing of the Guard" genuinely moved me. Pleasence depicts the ageing teacher Ellis Fowler, who's forced to go into retirement on the last day before the Christmas break. Fowler promptly sinks into a mental depression, because teaching is all he has, and especially because he suddenly realizes that he hasn't made the tiniest difference in any of his former students' lives. He intends to end his own life, but suddenly hears the school bells chime and gets lured to his classroom for a very special type of reunion.
Donald Pleasence, already one of my favorite actors of all times, is truly genius here. He plays an old man, and yet I think it's the first time - ever - I've seen him with hair. His character, Fowler, supposedly has 51 years of experience as teacher. So, that must make him at least 70 years of age, and yet Pleasence was only 42-year-old when this episode got aired on television. Still, I wouldn't want anyone else to play the lead role in this intelligent, thought-provoking and mesmerizing "Twilight Zone" Christmas Carol.
"Changing of the Guard" made it into my personal top five of the third season, at #4, together with "The Shelter" (#1), "One More Pallbearer" (#2), "To Serve Man" (#3), and "Deaths-Head Revisited" (#5).
Donald Pleasence, already one of my favorite actors of all times, is truly genius here. He plays an old man, and yet I think it's the first time - ever - I've seen him with hair. His character, Fowler, supposedly has 51 years of experience as teacher. So, that must make him at least 70 years of age, and yet Pleasence was only 42-year-old when this episode got aired on television. Still, I wouldn't want anyone else to play the lead role in this intelligent, thought-provoking and mesmerizing "Twilight Zone" Christmas Carol.
"Changing of the Guard" made it into my personal top five of the third season, at #4, together with "The Shelter" (#1), "One More Pallbearer" (#2), "To Serve Man" (#3), and "Deaths-Head Revisited" (#5).
Just another reason this is a great show