Customer Reviews

The Twilight Zone: The Grave/ The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank [VHS]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to concur with the previous reviewer. Lee Marvin is very good in "The Grave", although the script is a bit flawed. However, in comparison to "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank," it is a superb episode. The problem with the latter lies in the casting, with James Best giving yet another of his agonizingly wretched performances as an oafish hillbilly who looks and sounds as if he needs to go to the bathroom. A skilled actor could probably have made this work, but in this role (as in most of the rest of his roles), Best is the worst! Three stars for Marvin, but none for James (Worst) Best.

I have to agree with the previous reviewer; "The Grave" had a promising premise, but was undermined by a weak ending; however, it is worth watching the typically strong performance by the great Lee Marvin. Unfortunately, however, this episode is paired with "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank", a silly episode with James Best delivering a typically overwrought portrayal of his usual annoying cornpone clown, the sort of half-witted hayseed character which has long been his trademark. So, for optimum viewing pleasure, enjoy Lee Marvin, and fast-forward through James ("aw, shucks") Best.

The brilliance of writer-director Montgomery Pittman enhances the first episode, which could've really soared if it hadn't bogged down in a weak finale. A twist it is but a shock it is not. "The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank" is a joke for the Zone, a poorly plotted and only intermittenly successful twist on funerals. If you enjoy Lee Marvin, by all means buy it. But if you don't, don't say I didn't warn you! Collectors will be the only ones interested.