"The Return" demonstrates the necessity of struggle and the value of imperfection. It may remind you of the Twilight Zone episode "Number 12 Looks Just Like You" (1/24/1964) but without the emphasis on physical beauty. If you disliked the outcome of that episode, then you will like "The Return" which took the opposite route. The story begins with a freighter arriving at an Arab port. On board is a passenger named Mr. Reecer, a world-weary man seeking an escape from the troubles of mankind. He doesn't really believe there is a place where there is no struggle, doubt, fear, or greed but he asks, rhetorically, "show me the place."
Reecer gets what he asks for by way of a mysterious blind beggar who takes him through a wall to a world of perfection. Upon his arrival he meets the guide who will help him prepare for "The Processing" that will make Reecer a permanent resident of this beautiful community. He meets Angela, his perfect love and then Lar, his perfect best friend. As Reecer soon finds out, struggle has its worth and perfection can be "insidious."
"The Return" was written by screenwriter Kathleen Hite, a writer on the television series Gunsmoke as well as on numerous other shows. It was produced by Norman MacDonnell who was one of the creators of the radio series Gunsmoke. Escape aired this story first on November 9, 1952, and again on April 1, 1954, both with Lawrence Dobkin in the lead role. Here is the first presentation which starred Lawrence Dobkin, Edgar Barrier, Jeanne Bates, Paul Dubov, Tom McKee, and Paul Frees.
Download Escape.1952.11.09.The_Return.mp3
(Image from MorgueFile)
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