I felt sad for Fowler when he was told that the trustees were putting him out to pasture. I also got emotional when the ghosts of his students told Fowler how his lessons impacted their lives. Like George Bailey, he truly had a wonderful life!

If anyone suggested this was the best episode of the whole series, I wouldn't argue. My father was a teacher so it means a lot to me.

DONALD PLEASANCE IS SUPERNATURAL AS PROFESSOR ELLIS FOWLER IN THIS CLASSIC!! Of all the episodes of the Twilight Zone, this is easily the most poignant. The brilliant writing of Rod Serling and the fabulous performance of Donald Pleasance are a high point in television history. The Changing of the Guard. A singular masterpiece.

This was one of my all time favorites

Great episode! Donald Pleasance was a great actor, and Rod Serling’s script at one of his best.

One of my favorite episodes, along with What You Need.

My all-time favorite. Genius Donald Pleasence!

Definite 'It's a Wonderful Life' vibe.

It drew on the movie "Goodbye, Mr. Chips". Not only is it an outstanding Twilight Zone episode, Ellis Fowler is IMHO the best role of Donald Pleasance's career. There's a reference to Roanoke, VA. I live near there.

In a further comment, one viewer compared The Changing of the Guard to Its a Wonderful Life. While James Stewart is more famous than Donald Pleasance, the latter's performance in this gem leaves Jimmy in a snowbank!! There is an angst and heartfelt desperation by Pleasance that only the greatest actors attain. He plays an older character than George Bailey. In a flash, he is made to feel as out of date and insignificant as an old phonograph to an IPod. His seventy plus years seem squandered in obsolescence. Then, in his last moment of desperation, the class bells ring as if by divine intervention. Unlike in Its a Wonderful Life, Fowler sees an entire classroom of young men whose lives he molded in a noble fashion. A testimonial like no other as to his true worth. Arty Beachcroft says, "We have to go back now, professor. But, we wanted you to know that we were grateful. That we were forever grateful that each of us has taken with him something that you gave him." This final scene is rivaled only by Alistair Sims Ebenezer Scrooge in A Chrismas Carol for reformation. Thanks to Serling and Pleasance, Changing of the Guard has a singular place in Television history.

Great review. In the years before WW2 college boys were wearing 3 piece suits!

This is very reminiscent of "The Browning Version" starring the wonderful Sir Michael Redgrave - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iK18lbR5r5apnJs.html

Great stuff. Can you show the full episode?

Im here due to a tiktok clip. wow.