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The Trouble with Templeton

"The Trouble With Templeton"
The Twilight Zone episode
Pippa Scott Twilight Zone 1960.jpg
Episode no. Season 2
Episode 9
Directed by Buzz Kulik
Written by E. Jack Neuman
Featured music Jeff Alexander
Production code 173-3649
Original air date December 9, 1960
Guest appearance(s)
Episode chronology
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"The Trouble With Templeton" is episode 45 of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone. It originally aired on December 9, 1960 on CBS.

Aging Broadway actor Booth Templeton is at home, watching his current wife, Diane Templeton, flirt at poolside with a gigolo. Booth's servant, Marty, comes in with his daily medication, and Booth half-jokingly wonders about what will happen when his pills stop working. Booth notes that he hasn't achieved any contentment, and Marty suggests that he tell the director of his current play that he can't make rehearsal that day. Booth insists on going, however, and admits he can't remember when he ever loved his current wife. He fondly remembers his first wife, Laura, who died after seven years of marriage. Booth reminisces over his happiness with Laura and claims that he is all right.

Booth goes to the theater at noon for the first rehearsal of the new play and meets Sid Sperry, the play's unctuous financial backer. Sperry informs him that the director has been replaced by up-and-comer Arthur Willis. Booth goes in to find Willis declaring to everyone in no uncertain terms that he is in charge. Willis sees Booth entering late and delivers a miniature lecture about the importance of being on time and ready for the first day of rehearsal, ending with a pointed question at Booth about his commitment to the success of the play. Pressured, Booth runs out of the theater, and suddenly finds a crowd of admirers warmly applauding him for his latest performance. Their attire, nearby vehicles, and a play poster inform him that he is inexplicably in 1927, over 30 years in the past.

The play of 1927, The Great Seed, was written by Booth's best friend, the late Barney Flueger. A stagehand tells Booth that his wife is waiting for him with the cast and crew at their usual speakeasy. Hopeful that he will soon see Laura again, Booth runs to the speakeasy, and the owner, Freddie, lets him in. Laura is drinking with Barney and assumes Booth is wearing aging makeup. He wants to talk to her in private about the phenomenon he is experiencing. She refuses, insisting that she just wants to have a good time. As she fans herself with a script, Booth tries to explain what is going on and how his best friend and wife are dead in his time and have been only memories to him for years. They treat him as though he were joking and insist on partying. When Booth professes his love, Laura casually dismisses him and bursts out laughing. When Booth tries to force her into leaving, she slaps him and tells him to go back where he came from. Angry, hurt, and puzzled by Laura's uncharacteristic actions, Booth storms out with Laura's script in hand. As soon as he leaves, the music ceases and everyone is still. Laura and Barney watch his departure with sadness, and the world of the speakeasy goes dark.


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