The Twilight Zone Episode 131: A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain

General Information

Director: Bernard Girard

Writer: Rod Serling

Cast: Patrick O’Neal, Ruta Lee, and Walter Brooke

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 12/13/1963

Production Code: 2614

 

Overview

Feeling insecure in his marriage to an attractive young woman named Flora (Ruta Lee), Harmon Gordon (Patrick O’Neal) requests an experimental procedureThe Twilight Zone A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain from his brother Raymond (Walter Brooke). After being injected with a reverse-aging formula, Harmon resumes the appearance of a thirty-year-old man—with an ironic twist.

“A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain” deserves praise for its emotional acting and commendable life lessons. Viewers may nevertheless take issue with this episode, which suffers from predictable plot twists, cringe-worthy makeup effects, and underdeveloped sci-fi themes.

 

Pros

The Twilight Zone A Short Drink from a Certain FountainThis offering benefits from the pathos of Harmon Gordon, who, in spite of his awful taste in women, will evoke pity from viewers of a sympathetic nature. Specifically heart-wrenching are the suicidal gestures of Harmon, whose unrequited love of Flora compels Dr. Gordon—an ethical but conflicted scientist—to take drastic measures in order to help his brother.

 

Cons

“A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain” may evoke criticism for its “cellular regeneration” plot device, which, even by the standards of The Twilight Zone, comes across The Twilight Zone A Short Drink from a Certain Fountainas extremely far-fetched. (With a bit of medical jargon, however, Dr. Gordon might have strengthened the credibility of his youth formula.)

Also worth noting is the characterization of Flora, who behaves in an inconsistent manner throughout this episode. Despite initially treating her husband with cruel indifference, for example, Flora later appears deeply concerned over Harmon’s deteriorating health—an unlikely reaction from a gold-digger.

 

Analysis

The Twilight Zone A Short Drink from a Certain FountainBy highlighting the dysfunction of a mismatched couple, this episode rightly indicates that relationships, at least within a normal, healthy context, should consist of two individuals who make a reciprocal effort to love, respect, and provide for one another—much in contrast to the marriage of Harmon and Flora, wherein the latter character offers no attempt to meet the needs of her aging husband.

 

Concluding Comments

For its insightful commentary on human relationships, “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain” may appeal to enthusiasts of The Twilight Zone. That being said, this offering is marred by uneven character development, weak sci-fi/fantasy aspects, and an unoriginal take on the Fountain of Youth trope.

 

Overall Quality: 6/10

 

If you enjoyed this post, please enter your email address in the subscription box to stay tuned for more updates.