Customer Reviews

The Outer Limits (1963)

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"Somewhere south of the Mongolian border and north of the Tropic of Cancer, in that part of the world we call the Orient, a slumbering giant has shaken itself to wakefulness. Passed over in most histories as a nation forgotten by time, its close-packed millions, in the short span of twenty years, have been stirred to a fury by one man : Li Chin-Sung. A benevolent despot in his homeland, Sung stands as an irresponsable threat to peace in the eyes of the rest of the world. William Lyons Selby-candidate for the Presidency of the United States; predicted by every poll, survey and primary to be a certain winner in the forthcomming election..." This is not science-fiction but a political-fiction story with an assassination-substitution plot. Sydney Blackmer is just fabulous as the two presidents. It's amusing to watch every bogus president's moves and reactions. Thanks to Conrad Hall, the opening scene, with the entry of the military and the mask gimmick, is exemplary. I like the use of leafs as a lighting effect when you see the face of Li Chin-Sung. A solid thriller directed by Byron Haskin, written by "Mission : impossible" Allan Balter and one of the best Dominic Frontiere's score for the series. A word to the wise, watch "The Manchurian candidate" with it. "For Theodore Pearson, not even so monstrous a crime as the assassination of William Lyons Selby justifies an act of war, because there is no war as we know it-only annihilation. A great American has been killed in the service of his country. Now it is the job of those who continue to serve to carry on guarding our freedom with dignity and unrelenting vigilance."

First off, great title. "The Hundred Days of the Dragon" is not only catchy, but correct to the episode. The funny thing is, "100 Days.." is more in style with the second season outings. Limited budget, no special effects (other than the props) and a more earthly threat. Yet the music is top notch and the use of light and shadows, particulary in the lab shown early in the episode is stellar. Good performances all around help make this one a keeper.

Not to be picky, but this is also the first episode of the Outer Limits tradition of NOT GUARDING ANYONE that's so critical to the bad guys plan. It's rather hard to believe that a presidential candidate or the vice president would have no guards around. But still, that is a minor nit that does crop up in several episodes.

Worthy of your collection, "The Hundred Days of the Dragon" lives up to it's title and more.