One for the Angels story

tz1959e1x02 · 1959-10-09

A pitchman talks Death (Murray Hamilton) into sparing his life until he makes one last great pitch, but threatens the life of a little girl in the process. Directed by: Robert Parrish. Story by: Rod Serling.

8 total · 6 major · 2 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
death incarnate major Death appeared as an impeccably dressed American man.
facing death major Lew was informed of his impending death.
human self-sacrifice for another major In the end Lew gave his life in exchange for that of a little girl.
the art of salesmanship major Lew showed his craft as a peddler of trinkets when he made such a captivating pitch that Death himself became late for an appointment.
the need to prove one's self major Lew had never made a truly successful big pitch in his life, and he expressed a desire to do so before he completed it.
the quest for immortality major Lew came up with a clever scheme to cheat death and live on indefinitely because he was quite happy to be alive.
ironic twist of fate minor Lew cheated death only to learn that a young girl would die in his place.
kindness minor Lew was notably kind to children.