by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: April 18, 1961

Directed by: Jules Bricken

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: In exchange for riches and fame, neglected artist Hector Vane (Macdonald Carey) accepts a pawn ticket from the Devil (John Emery) in his temporary role of pawn shop proprietor, and agrees to provide a portrait that captures the soul of its subject. After a period of 90 days, if Vane does not redeem the pledge and produce the painting, his own soul is forfeit. To escape eternal damnation, Vane risks a desperate gambit.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Mr. Spengler (Robert Cornthwaite), milquetoast pawnshop owner, receives a couple of visitors after closing time. The first visitor, Spengler’s ginger cat, announces his arrival by ringing the doorbell, and is welcomed into the shop.

The second visitation is by the Devil, come to collect his due from Spengler, and he is not as welcome, his arrival presaged by the cat’s warning display of snarling and spitting.

A pitiable whining Spengler is unable to meet the Devil’s demands, and is shepherded to his doom, while the cat resumes its noisy and determined disapproval.

Final Mewsings: Cats know better than to deal with the Devil!

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