Felt the same way when I was working my professional "career" job - 2-hour commute each way to the office, high stress job, string of lousy managers, life in Hell. I decided enough - retired at 55 with a pension and no debt, last tuition checks paid on kids' grad schools, and a little saved - freedom . Not quite the tranquility of Willoughby but awful close.
😢 if you want to find peace, I won’t give a cheesy speech about hanging on and staying strong. If you really want to find your peace, go find your Willoughby. But don’t hurt anyone in the process with visual imagery.
This episode depicted the ‘fast lifestyle’ of the urban worker of the time(1959-1960 when the episode aired). How quaint it seems now 65 years later that Gert Williams life seemed like a runaway train but compared to the office environment of 2024 he’s standing still, we’re moving at 10x the pace of any office worker from the 50s. Then came computers, the internet and 24/7, always on media and communications(in the 60s tv stations went off air at 1-2am and came on a 5-6am), nothing shuts down or takes Sundays off(stores used to be closed Sundays). Willoughby as a concept and destination is now needed even more than ever before for millions of people trapped like Gert Williams was in his own nightmarish life.
This is one of the greatest shows to ever grace our tv screens. And one of the best episodes of a tv show of all time. Incredible meaning packed in less than 30 minutes
To me it’s simple. Mr Williams “left” this life behind and stepped into a better life. That is symbolized when he purposely left his briefcase behind. I theorize that everyone living in Willoughby had died, one way or another, and had been through Willoughby Funeral Home. That is how they all recognized him. Did you notice? They all greeted him by name. How could they have done that unless they knew he was coming? Mr Williams can now live out eternity in a quiet, pleasant turn-of-the century town. Somewhere in Willoughby there is a woman just his age and she is expecting him! There is no pressure or demanding boss, no deadlines or sales quotas and, above all, no nagging and avaricious, social climbing wife.
@@LesterMoore well of course the fish are dead, they’ve been caught! But yes, I believe all the people in Willoughby died in the past and all of them were interred by “Willoughby & Sons Funeral Home.” That’s how they all knew him by name even though Mr Williams had never met them before. The old conductor on that old train car is how they move from one existence to another.
Romans 10:9-10 KJV That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth that Jesus is Lord and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead- Thou shalt be saved! Jesus is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life!
Williams was dying to go to Willoughby. He jumped to a conclusion and had a falling out with the ground. It wasn't the jump that killed him--it was the sudden stopping. In his dream he was on the right track to go to Willoughby. The dream always had a certain train of thought.
My mother always had a dream that she was on a bus that never stopped. She always talked about meeting her sister again in heaven. One day, she took her last Breath in my arms. I hope her dream came true. Love you and miss Mom. I will see you again.
If this had been extended to an hour, it would have been interesting to see Gart happily adjusting to his afterlife in Willoughby, along with Jane's reaction to the loss of her meal ticket and suburban lifestyle. It also would have been interesting to see Misrell's reaction to Gart's "departure," and the resulting damage to his business because of it.
ECO373 My brother and I could not agree with you more. We both said it should be an hr. And then each segment could have played out equally.. Reminds me when I was a kid, days were longer.. It seems everyone is on a tight scedule.. None the less Rod Serling was ahead of his time again.. The man left us too soon. RIP Mr. Serling
I'm guessing Willoughby & Son was established in July of 1888 and that all of those people in "Willoughby" were all interred at the Funeral Home at one point. Eerie conclusion, but it makes sense.
This is another one of my favorite episodes of the Twilight Zone! Now is it me or does one of the young boys fishing looks like Ron Howard? At least the man died happy. I mean who wouldn't want to go to a simpler time like that? Anyways great job of colorization!👍👏👏
In this rat race life of ours, is full of anxious, frustration, helpless, angrier, hurting, tired and companies that don't care about there employees. ''PUSH ! PUSH ! PUSH ! ''
It’s even worse when you go home to a greedy and avaricious, cold hearted, social climbing wife. You have absolutely no where to go where you can relax.
Going to keep this vague - I was on vacation about 25 years ago in a popular vacation town in MA. I'm related to a (semi)famous man from there, there's a plaque on the house......couldn't sleep so I went for a run at 3 AM. Passed the house - all the lights were on and the from door was open - the house sits only a few feet from the road. I felt the most enormous desire to go in - so I poked my head in the front door. As I said all the ceiling lights were on - very brightly - and all the walls were white like they'd just been painted. No furniture or anything inside. I said 'hello' a couple times but chickened out and went on my way. Came by the next day - just another run down old house, full of furniture and junk from what I could see from the street. Always wonder what that experience was. Probably just proof I'm nuts lol.
I've heard a few accounts like yours over the years.The one that sticks out is two women vacation in Europe go for a walk and end up in a town that looks like the 1800's.They thought it was a reinactment.People dressed in colonial clothes etc..They walked backed to where they started and asked people what the name of the place was....nobody knew what they were talking about about... strange indeed
Why was Twilight Zone in Black & White? Television shows were cheaper to produce in Black & White. Show producers did not really think into the future about there still being a market for a year decades later. Most network shows were being made in color by 1965 but Twilight Zone ended production in 1964. Another consideration was the availability of color televisions. When The Twilight Zone went on the air in 1959, most if not all televisions were Black & White, so it wouldn't have helped to make it in color.
I'm glad he's happy now. My version of "Willoughby" is my home county, but it's the year 2000 in which I'm 16 years old and in high school, my parents are still alive and in their 40s, Bill Clinton is still president, and the places I know and love are still in their prime.
Fun fact: the train man with the dark hat is Jason Wingreen, the original voice of Boba Fett. You can hear his vocal intensity in this scene, even in a passing conversation.
Saw this episode as a bullied teen in the 1970's.Its my favorite episode.I still wish there was a town like Willoughby,I'd be getting off that train too....❤
This last scene, I wonder if it was inspired by, "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." He left his briefcase behind and didn't look back. He passed the test.
“A Stop at Willoughby” is an episode of The Twilight Zone that delves deeply into the human psyche, exploring themes of loneliness, pressure, and the desire to escape in modern society. Through the tragic choices of Gart Williams, it conveys a powerful message about the harshness of the reality we face and the notion that escaping from it is not necessarily a form of salvation.
Probably clinking champagne flutes at the funeral reception. Catered by Willoughby and daughters "Catering for all occasions. Funeral receptions our specialty."
I feel just like Mr Williams with my life right now. What a powerful episode from the best show ever
Felt the same way when I was working my professional "career" job - 2-hour commute each way to the office, high stress job, string of lousy managers, life in Hell. I decided enough - retired at 55 with a pension and no debt, last tuition checks paid on kids' grad schools, and a little saved - freedom . Not quite the tranquility of Willoughby but awful close.
😢 if you want to find peace, I won’t give a cheesy speech about hanging on and staying strong. If you really want to find your peace, go find your Willoughby. But don’t hurt anyone in the process with visual imagery.
This episode depicted the ‘fast lifestyle’ of the urban worker of the time(1959-1960 when the episode aired).
How quaint it seems now 65 years later that Gert Williams life seemed like a runaway train but compared to the office environment of 2024 he’s standing still, we’re moving at 10x the pace of any office worker from the 50s.
Then came computers, the internet and 24/7, always on media and communications(in the 60s tv stations went off air at 1-2am and came on a 5-6am), nothing shuts down or takes Sundays off(stores used to be closed Sundays).
Willoughby as a concept and destination is now needed even more than ever before for millions of people trapped like Gert Williams was in his own nightmarish life.
This is one of the greatest shows to ever grace our tv screens. And one of the best episodes of a tv show of all time. Incredible meaning packed in less than 30 minutes
To me it’s simple. Mr Williams “left” this life behind and stepped into a better life. That is symbolized when he purposely left his briefcase behind. I theorize that everyone living in Willoughby had died, one way or another, and had been through Willoughby Funeral Home. That is how they all recognized him. Did you notice? They all greeted him by name. How could they have done that unless they knew he was coming? Mr Williams can now live out eternity in a quiet, pleasant turn-of-the century town. Somewhere in Willoughby there is a woman just his age and she is expecting him! There is no pressure or demanding boss, no deadlines or sales quotas and, above all, no nagging and avaricious, social climbing wife.
All those folks are dead? Including the fish. Sounds kinda creepy.
@@LesterMoore well of course the fish are dead, they’ve been caught! But yes, I believe all the people in Willoughby died in the past and all of them were interred by “Willoughby & Sons Funeral Home.” That’s how they all knew him by name even though Mr Williams had never met them before. The old conductor on that old train car is how they move from one existence to another.
@@williampaz2092 Okay, much like Charon. Instead of a boat, he uses an old train for his ritualistic duty.
@@williampaz2092 of course He was literally THE CONDUCTOR Interesting take that never occurred to me
@@williampaz2092 Notice how there are no minorities in Willoughby.
The look on Williams dead face in the snow is a look of total contentment as if to say : " I have come to a better place "
And he's in his happy place...far away from his overbearing, slave-driving boss and his status-seeking, shrewish wife.
Some of us should be so lucky ending up that way.
@@tonymazz9912 Amen Tony
Romans 10:9-10 KJV That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth that Jesus is Lord and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead- Thou shalt be saved! Jesus is the Only Way, the Truth and the Life!
Williams was dying to go to Willoughby. He jumped to a conclusion and had a falling out with the ground. It wasn't the jump that killed him--it was the sudden stopping. In his dream he was on the right track to go to Willoughby. The dream always had a certain train of thought.
My mother always had a dream that she was on a bus that never stopped. She always talked about meeting her sister again in heaven. One day, she took her last Breath in my arms. I hope her dream came true. Love you and miss Mom. I will see you again.
This was my favorite episode of the Twilight Zone
I wish I could find a Willoughby. I'd stay there and never look back.
I’ve been looking for a Willoughby for a long time…
Willoughby is his version of peace. The afterlife.
Willoughby is a state of consciousness and it is one that we can obtain on this plane of existence.
Willoughby, where a man can slow down to a walk and live his life full measure.
Can you do valley of the shadow
A Stop at Willoughby is o ne of my all time favorites ❤ James Dalys talent lives on in his children Tyne and Tim 😊
This was one of my favorite shows glad to see it in color
If this had been extended to an hour, it would have been interesting to see Gart happily adjusting to his afterlife in Willoughby, along with Jane's reaction to the loss of her meal ticket and suburban lifestyle. It also would have been interesting to see Misrell's reaction to Gart's "departure," and the resulting damage to his business because of it.
ECO373 My brother and I could not agree with you more. We both said it should be an hr. And then each segment could have played out equally.. Reminds me when I was a kid, days were longer.. It seems everyone is on a tight scedule.. None the less Rod Serling was ahead of his time again.. The man left us too soon. RIP Mr. Serling
@@David-cz4xm Well spoken, brother.
Gart is now living his life full measure……in The Twilight Zone.
Fantastic, need to do full episodes .
Love it
Greatest ending ever.
I'm guessing Willoughby & Son was established in July of 1888 and that all of those people in "Willoughby" were all interred at the Funeral Home at one point. Eerie conclusion, but it makes sense.
Oooooo...nice 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
This is another one of my favorite episodes of the Twilight Zone! Now is it me or does one of the young boys fishing looks like Ron Howard? At least the man died happy. I mean who wouldn't want to go to a simpler time like that? Anyways great job of colorization!👍👏👏
In this rat race life of ours, is full of anxious, frustration, helpless, angrier, hurting, tired and companies that don't care about there employees. ''PUSH ! PUSH ! PUSH ! ''
It’s even worse when you go home to a greedy and avaricious, cold hearted, social climbing wife. You have absolutely no where to go where you can relax.
Greatest Twilight Zone Episode EVER 📣📣📣📣
Perhaps that's what heaven is - something that you want the most ❤️
Closer guess than ya know **wink**
Going to keep this vague - I was on vacation about 25 years ago in a popular vacation town in MA. I'm related to a (semi)famous man from there, there's a plaque on the house......couldn't sleep so I went for a run at 3 AM. Passed the house - all the lights were on and the from door was open - the house sits only a few feet from the road. I felt the most enormous desire to go in - so I poked my head in the front door. As I said all the ceiling lights were on - very brightly - and all the walls were white like they'd just been painted. No furniture or anything inside. I said 'hello' a couple times but chickened out and went on my way. Came by the next day - just another run down old house, full of furniture and junk from what I could see from the street. Always wonder what that experience was. Probably just proof I'm nuts lol.
Sounds like a time slip. I wonder if you saw 100 years ago?
@@michaelearendil6843 Have wondered that. I think I have may inadvertently sent you a reply to another user - please disregard.
I've heard a few accounts like yours over the years.The one that sticks out is two women vacation in Europe go for a walk and end up in a town that looks like the 1800's.They thought it was a reinactment.People dressed in colonial clothes etc..They walked backed to where they started and asked people what the name of the place was....nobody knew what they were talking about about... strange indeed
Why was Twilight Zone in Black & White?
Television shows were cheaper to produce in Black & White. Show producers did not really think into the future about there still being a market for a year decades later. Most network shows were being made in color by 1965 but Twilight Zone ended production in 1964. Another consideration was the availability of color televisions. When The Twilight Zone went on the air in 1959, most if not all televisions were Black & White, so it wouldn't have helped to make it in color.
Like it that way...adds to it
Black & White gave the show that extra creepy edge!
@@benadam7753agree fully. it is the show known by the new generations as "the classic b/w show"
It's better that it was black and white. Sometimes that is the best look.
I wish Willoughby was. Real
I feel the same ; When I die , I want to go to Willoughby !!
So do I!!!!!
See you there :)
Back with the tuberculosis and polio and such...:)
@@MistressGlowWorm You can go fishing with Scott.
There's something oddly sad about the band playing Beautiful Dreamer as he moves on to "Willoughby"
Me and my friends at work always yell push push push to each other because out boss is like the boss in this episode
I'm glad he's happy now.
My version of "Willoughby" is my home county, but it's the year 2000 in which I'm 16 years old and in high school, my parents are still alive and in their 40s, Bill Clinton is still president, and the places I know and love are still in their prime.
We need more videos lile this on TH-cam. Everyone needs to work to make these videos happen. TH-cam is a push push business. Push push.
Fun fact: the train man with the dark hat is Jason Wingreen, the original voice of Boba Fett. You can hear his vocal intensity in this scene, even in a passing conversation.
I know him as the bartender/owner of Kelsey's pub in All on the Family...great show.
He also played the bartender in " Archie's Place" with Carroll O'Connor.
Kelsey was Bob Hastings, Jason Wingren was Harry Snowden the bartender after Archie Bunker bought it.
The train conductor , was also the bar tender in All in The Family .
Saw this episode as a bullied teen in the 1970's.Its my favorite episode.I still wish there was a town like Willoughby,I'd be getting off that train too....❤
I love wiloughby 🙏🏽❤️
If I ever bought a hearse I’d have Willoughby & Son Funeral Home on the back.
So cool seeing the colors on screen it makes it so much more immersive
" Poor fella "
I thought he died of heart attack in seat...its been a looooong time !!!!
There was a time when I could resonate with what Gart was experiencing.
This and " The Hunt" are my favorite twilight zones.
Working on a whole bunch for July 4th (fixing/touching up a few of these clips too). Arranging a list right now. Hunt is high on the list
@@TWILIGHTZONEINCOLOR thats wonderful!!
❤
Perhaps it's about time,we all went fishin'.. before it's too damn late..
I Pray the place Jesus has prepared for me is like Willoby 😊😊😊
This last scene, I wonder if it was inspired by, "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." He left his briefcase behind and didn't look back. He passed the test.
I feel like the Twilight Zone works better in black and white, for some reason.
Superb.
How about doing “Walking Distance”’in color?
True Haven is what you make it forever
thanks for the color
“A Stop at Willoughby” is an episode of The Twilight Zone that delves deeply into the human psyche, exploring themes of loneliness, pressure, and the desire to escape in modern society. Through the tragic choices of Gart Williams, it conveys a powerful message about the harshness of the reality we face and the notion that escaping from it is not necessarily a form of salvation.
Like Mr Miyagi said: “ One to one problem , yes: “ Five to one problem too much ask anyone”
No ultramagas in Willoughby.
As a postscript, I wonder how his overbearing boss and his witch of a wife would have reacted to the news that Williams actually died.
Likely they were exceedingly pleased.
@@beenbeatenbybishops5845 Yeah, they probably wouldn't have been all that crushed by it.
Probably clinking champagne flutes at the funeral reception. Catered by Willoughby and daughters "Catering for all occasions. Funeral receptions our specialty."
Maybe Jane married Mirsrell six months later. 🤣
Awful ending it should have been he really does go back in time and lives happily ever after in the small town where he belongs.
He did. He's just dead to that later time and place.
It’s a great ending! Classic Twilight Zone!
ur n awful ending - i luv willoughby
But he DID! He left his boss and avaricious wife behind and is now living a a quiet turn of the century town.
It's a wonderful ending! He made the dimensional shift to the happy life he truly desired and deserved.
Au moins C clair ici 🙂
I feel there's tons of symbolism here.
Spoilers:
The briefcase. The guy or someone will see papers dated 1960. So he time-traveled or something.