The Twilight Zone celebrated Christmas in 1960 with one of the few episodes where something good happens to the main character, “The Night of the Meek.” Starring Art Carney as a drunken department store Santa who is depressed that he cannot help the poor children of his neighborhood like the real Santa could. Finding a mysterious bag in an alley, Carney finds it can magically generate gifts and happily begins handing out presents. Arrested by the police on suspicion of theft, the spirit of Christmas and the power of the Twilight Zone combine to save the day and give everyone a Merry Christmas. The episode was shot on videotape, a cost-cutting experiment that makes it look like a cheap soap opera, but the performances and holiday magic still hold up. It was remade for the 1980s version of The Twilight Zone and adapted into a radio play. Thanks to Paramount’s YouTube channel, you can watch the entire episode below.
