The recent passing of Robert Redford, who died on September 16 at the age of 89, has left a profound impact on the film industry and his legions of fans. Redford’s illustrious career defies simple categorization, making it a challenge to pinpoint one signature role that encapsulates his talents. However, many admirers have found themselves reflecting on one of his early performances—his striking portrayal of Death in the classic television series The Twilight Zone.
The episode, titled “Nothing in the Dark,” first aired on January 5, 1962, and stands as a hidden gem in the anthology series’ third season. Although it may not receive the same recognition as iconic episodes like “Time Enough at Last” or “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,” it remains a significant staple, earning a commendable rank of 18 out of 156 in IMDB’s user-voted ratings.
In this poignant story, Redford plays a character named Harold Beldon, a police officer who finds himself wounded and seeking refuge in the home of an elderly recluse named Wanda Dunn, portrayed by Gladys Cooper. Wanda, terrified of the unknown and convinced that any unfamiliar face could be a harbinger of death, initially hesitates to help him. However, her nurturing instincts prevail, leading her to nurse Harold back to health.
As the narrative unfolds, a pivotal mirror scene reveals the unsettling truth: Harold is, in fact, Death personified, who has cleverly gained her trust. Yet rather than conform to the traditionally menacing depiction of Death, Redford’s character is warm and compassionate, surprising viewers and the character of Wanda alike.
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In a heart-wrenching final scene, Wanda confronts Death about his deception. Redford’s portrayal shines through as he softly reassures her, stating, “I had to make you understand… What you feared would come like an explosion is like a whisper. What you thought was the end is the beginning.” This gentle dialogue dispels the fears surrounding death, emphasizing trust and acceptance. As the two characters exit her shadowy apartment into the embracing sunlight, the moment emerges as a powerful visual and emotional finale.
In the wake of Redford’s death, this climactic sequence has gained renewed attention, going viral on social media platforms like Reddit. Fans have lauded not just Redford’s nuanced performance but also the brilliance of the writing by George Clayton Johnson. Comments from viewers highlight the unique balance Redford struck—his charisma lending a soothing element to the otherwise ominous theme of death.
Reflecting on this experience years later, Redford remarked on the 2014 Santa Barbara International Film Festival about the script and his partnership with Cooper, stating, “I loved the idea of playing that character because he had to be absolutely the opposite of what you would think of as Mr. Death. He had to be kind and compassionate.”
Redford’s remarkable ability to redefine a traditionally fearsome figure has contributed to the enduring legacy of his work. His portrayal in The Twilight Zone not only captures the complexities of mortality but also encapsulates a warmth that continues to resonate with audiences long after his departure.
