The Messiah on Mott Street/The Painted Mirror

'The Messiah on Mott Street'. A Rod Serling original, this is a Yuletide heart warmer about ghetto dweller Abraham Goldman (the great gangster actor Edward G. Robinson), an aged and sickly Jewish man who dotes on his grandson Mikey (adorable Ricky Powell). Determined to help the old man, Mikey ventures outside in search of The Messiah, and encounters a helpful man named Buckner (Yaphet Kotto) who just might be Him. With Tony Roberts offering strong support as kindly, devoted physician Morris Levine, this has atmosphere to spare, and an excellent Serling script. The characters are appealing and the performances are simply superb, giving lots of weight to this poignant tale about life & death, and the possibility of miracles. The ending may very well bring tears of joy to the viewers' face. Directed by former actor Don Taylor ("Escape from the Planet of the Apes", "Damien: Omen II").

'The Painted Mirror'. Written and directed by series veteran Gene R. Kearney, based on a story by Donald Wandrei. Frank Standish (Arthur O'Connell), a kindly antiques dealer, now has to put up with his crass business partner, an annoying type played to the hilt by Zsa Zsa Gabor. When customer Ellen Chase (Rosemary DeCamp) brings in a mirror that's been painted over, Frank decides to chip away at the paint, revealing something quite unexpected underneath: the perfect means of permanently getting rid of Gabor. While this segment is really nothing special, it's certainly adequately amusing when we see what is contained in the "mirror". Plus, key scenes with O'Connell and DeCamp have a likably wistful quality, and the acting is all on point. O'Connell and DeCamp are appealing, and the viewer does get tired of Gabor in record fashion. Good fun, overall.

Eight out of 10.

This heartfelt Night Gallery episode takes two positions on theological issues. First that the Messiah can be a personal one and that Christmas can happen for Jews.

Edward G. Robinson plays an old man who is the soul support of his grandson, nine year old Ricky Powell. He's also a pretty sick man who worries his doctor Tony Roberts. Robinson has told his grandson of many tales of the Messiah and the angel of death. And tonight the angel of death is camping close by.

Powell takes things literally and brings home Yaphett Kotto who says to him he is in fact the Messiah. After that some strange and wonderful things start to happen.

The whole cast does a wonderful job in this holiday treat of an episode.

The story is fantastic, true horror-mystical-scifi. Stop animation was decent for the day. My only problem is they obviously spent the whole budget on the animation. There are two or three shots of the actors that are recycled MANY TIMES. These shots are usually reused as filler with big gaps in the dialog. It leaves you feeling as if you are dreaming a nightmare!. I was 12 when It first aired, it has stayed with me these 48 years.

'The Messiah On Mott Street' - Edward G. Robinson plays an elderly and ailing bedridden Jewish grandfather whose grandson tries to save his life at the Holiday season by finding the messiah, who comes in the form of a postman(played by Yaphet Kotto), assuming the angel of death doesn't get there first... Moving holiday story can be enjoyed equally by all faiths.

'The Painted Mirror' - Arthur O'Connell plays an antique shop owner who hates his callous new business partner(played by Zsa Zsa Gabor) and plots with a loyal female customer to get rid of her in a strange mirror that leads to another prehistoric world... Amusing tale with grim overtones is at least fun to watch, with a good premise.

Just recently watched this classic episode of "Night Gallery" named "The Painted Mirror" it features the legendary Zsa Zsa Gabor back in the day when she was still a sexy lady. This tale takes a twist as it teaches us bad things can happen to bad people you will like the ending.

Anyway Ms. Gabor plays Mrs. Moore a cold and arrogant not caring owner of a local city thrift store shop she's rude to her owner partner and even her customers. Yet all of that is about to change one day when a woman brings in a special painting which is a little out of the norm. This painting can come to life and be scrapped over and literally jumped into! Wait till you see the clever move that's put on Mrs. Moore by the shop partner and lady paint owner. Mrs. Moore's rude nature is brushed away forever. Good episode with a good twist.