Old-School TV: One Step Beyond- 'The Devil's Laughter'

As we're halfway through October, it is time to take...

In 'Laughter,' a convicted Felon in London is facing an appointment with the Gallows.

Thankfully, it is not the Film of the same name- that's worse!

His time finally comes and...the rope snaps, sparing his life.

After he recovers, they vow to do it again...but more problems come up.

They literally test the trap door before trying to use it with him.  When they do, it won't open.

They decide that he has 'suffered enough' and let him go, which he brags about.

Oh no- did they just inspire the Uwe Boll Film Seed?

Now free, he brags about how he made a bargain with the devil and can only die in one way.  This is proven when a man comes for revenge and his gun misfires...five times.

However, fate is fickle and he taunts it so much until he dies in a way that fulfills his devil's bargain.  The End.

An interesting, if wholly-unverified story.  Unlike most of the ones I've seen, they don't do much to convince you that this happened to a real guy.  They give you very few names and dates to 'verify' it.  This is more like what you get from a Twilight Zone Episode.  Is that a bad thing?  Nope.  This is a solid, if somewhat-one-note Story.  The Criminal is portrayed quite well, going from scared to calm to cocky over 20+ minutes.  He thinks that he is above any and all things by the end and it costs him.  His whole Arc- from scared of death to laughing at it- is neat to see.  Outside of this Arc, there's not much here.  We briefly see some law enforcement befuddled by this and a Reporter who rebuffs an offer to pay for his secret.  If you're expecting follow-up, you don't get it.  The hook of the Story- that he's obviously going to set up his death via hubris- is obvious, but enjoyable.  Remember- this and Radio were all you had in 1959!  It's a good Episode and I don't have to point how none of this makes sense.  I mean, I just did, but I didn't have to.  Speaking of making sense, why did that collar ever make sense to wear?

Next time, another tale of mystery and possibly-ESP.  Will it ever convince me?  See you then...