Burgess Meredith had a long career as a character actor, but one of his most famous roles came from a part where he could not actually read. In 1959, Meredith starred in “Time Enough at Last,” one of the best episodes of “The Twilight Zone,” according to IMDb. The episode follows Henry Bemis, a bank teller and reclusive bookworm who loves literature, but his boss and wife ridicule him for it.
While sneaking off to the bank’s vault to read in peace, an H-bomb obliterates the city, leaving Henry as the lone survivor. At first, he is devastated by the isolation — until he discovers the ruins of a public library brimming with books. But the real tragedy strikes when his coke-bottle glasses shatter, leaving him blind and unable to read.
The cruel twist has stuck with fans for decades. During a 1984 interview with The Twilight Zone Magazine (via Shadow & Substance), Meredith talked about why the episode struck such a deep chord with viewers. “‘Time Enough at Last’ is the one that haunts people,” Meredith recalled, adding, “I don’t think I’ve ever done any other project that people talk to me more about than that show. Roughly every two or three months, someone comes up to me and mentions ‘Time Enough at Last.'”
The Rushes That Won Him Back
It seems Meredith’s haunting performance also left an impression on series writer Rod Serling. The “Twilight Zone” host and creator was so moved by the early footage that he invited Meredith back for more. Meredith told The Twilight Zone Magazine, “He had just seen some rushes of the show, which made him very enthusiastic. He said, ‘Hey, you’re wonderful. Let’s do more shows with you.'”
Serling kept his word, bringing Meredith back to star in three more outings: “Mr. Dingle, the Strong,” “The Obsolete Man,” and “Printer’s Devil.” But out of all of them, Meredith said “Time Enough at Last” was the episode that “ultimately proved to be the most successful of the ‘Twilight Zone’s I acted in.”
A Career Built on Contrast
Following his journey through the fifth dimension, Meredith continued a long, successful career in both film and TV. Ultimately, he took on the role of the Penguin in the 1966 “Batman” television series and “Batman: The Movie” that same year. During an interview with Thanet Times (via Heroes & Icons), Meredith revealed that he really got to let loose with the comic book role, saying, “Why, it’s more fun than I’ve ever had. It’s a veritable acting holiday. I can forget all those orthodox acting do’s and don’ts and let myself go. It’s difficult to do anything terribly wrong in this part — the hammier I am, the better!”
The irony is rich. Meredith’s most famous acting moment came from a part where he could not actually read, while his most beloved episode was built entirely around a man’s devotion to reading. The contrast is the whole story.
The Four Episodes That Defined His Run
Meredith appeared in four “Twilight Zone” episodes during his tenure with the series. Here is the full list:
- “Time Enough at Last” (1959)
- “Mr. Dingle, the Strong”
- “The Obsolete Man”
- “Printer’s Devil”
Each episode offered a different kind of story, but “Time Enough at Last” remains the one audiences keep coming back to. Meredith’s performance as Henry Bemis, a man whose greatest pleasure is destroyed in an instant, captured something universal about loss and obsession.
Why the Episode Still Works
The episode’s strength comes from its simple setup. Henry Bemis is a man who loves books, but his love is a burden. His boss and wife treat his reading as a vice, something to be ridiculed rather than celebrated. The H-bomb arrives as a release, a moment when Henry finally gets what he wants — solitude and endless books.
Then the twist takes everything away. The shattered glasses remove the one thing Henry needed to access his treasure. The irony is complete: a man who spent his life seeking silence and books now has neither.
Meredith’s Own Take on the Role
Meredith understood why the episode resonated. In the 1984 interview, he spoke directly about the response. The fact that people mention it roughly every two or three months speaks to the power of the story. It is a rare compliment to an actor that a single performance becomes the defining memory people carry with them.
The episode’s success is a credit to the response it generated. The cruelty of the twist is not gratuitous; it is earned by the setup. Henry Bemis is not a villain, just a man whose greatest passion is suddenly stripped from him.
A Long Career of Great Roles
Meredith’s career spanned decades of film and television. He took on iconic roles across genres, from the Penguin in “Batman” to the unforgettable performances in “The Twilight Zone.” His work in “Time Enough at Last” stands as a reminder of his range as an actor.
The episode’s enduring appeal is a credit to both Meredith and Serling. The combination of Meredith’s performance and Serling’s writing created something that has stayed with viewers for more than six decades. That is a remarkable achievement for any television episode.
The Irony of It All
The irony of Meredith’s career is a lesson in itself. His most famous moment came from a part where he could not read, while his most beloved episode was built around a man’s love of reading. That contradiction is what makes the story worth telling.
Meredith’s journey through the fifth dimension continues to inspire viewers. The episode remains a touchstone for anyone who has ever felt their greatest passion threatened.
The irony is rich indeed. Meredith’s most famous acting moment came from a part where he could not actually read, while his most beloved episode was built entirely around a man’s devotion to reading. The contrast is the whole story.
Source material: “One Of The Twilight Zone's Greatest Episodes Starred A Future Batman Villain,” TVLine.
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