Rod Serling frequently developed stories that delved deeply into man's psyche and the constant struggle with conscience. In opposition to Serling's usual formula, "Dr. Stringfellow's Rejuvenator" introduces a protagonist who is virtually without conscience, and the struggles depicted are not of the lead character, but instead the unfortunate souls who find themselves crossing paths with a con man who measures success only by the amount of misery and anguish he leaves in his wake.

A fan of the genre, Serling recognized the dramatic possibilities of staging his character plays in the old west. Using dusty, somber, rundown little towns, the writer's stories of human conflict became more sharply defined and, at times, agonizingly realistic. His characters are salt-of-the-earth, common people struggling just to survive -- in place of Hollywood's usual depiction of lightning-fast gunplay and colorful characters. Serling peoples his western towns with depressing sameness, lethargy, and a bleakness bordering on hopelessness.

Rod Serling began writing this teleplay on March 29, 1971, and completed his final draft on May 24, 1971. In keeping with Night Gallery's dark vision, and the writer's moral sense, there is no redemption for Dr. Stringfellow, only otherworldly justice -- continuing themes previously examined in The Twilight Zone episodes "Dust," "The Grave," and several episodes of his CBS television series, The Loner (1965-66). With this effort, Serling delivers a heart-wrenching tale in "Dr. Stringfellow," the story of a traveling man who chose the wrong road in life and discovered much too late, that he could never turn back. Presented for the first time, "Dr. Stringfellow's Rejuvenator." Drink hearty.

(NOTE: For the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the original source material, all typographical errors made in this script have been left intact.)

NIGHT GALLERY #34302

Air Date: November 17, 1971

DR. STRINGFELLOW'S REJUVENATOR

Written by Rod Serling

Directed by Jerrold Freedman

Music: Gil Mellé

Director of Photography: Lionel Lindon

Time: 21:16

Cast:

Dr. Stringfellow: Forrest Tucker

Snyder: Murray Hamilton

Rolpho: Don Pedro Colley

Man: Lou Frizzell

Daughter: Geri Berger

Undertaker: Matt Pelto