Ep 1. Man from the South

The show Tales of the Unexpected is a classic anthology series that premiered in the late 1970s and continued to captivate audiences for several decades. Each episode presents a unique and unexpected story, often with a twist ending that leaves viewers stunned.

In season 1, episode 1, titled "Man from the South," we meet a mysterious stranger who is willing to bet anything on a game of chance. The stranger, played by the legendary actor Peter Lorre, approaches a young man named Carlos (played by José Ferrer) and asks him to participate in a bet. The wager is simple: Carlos must light his Zippo lighter ten times in a row without it failing. If he succeeds, he will win the stranger's brand new sports car. If he fails, the stranger will take Carlos's little finger as payment.

Carlos is hesitant at first, but the stranger assures him that the game is fair and that there is no risk involved. Carlos's fiancée, however, is much more wary and insists that he not go through with the bet. Despite her objections, Carlos agrees to the wager, seeing it as an opportunity to win a car that he could never afford otherwise.

The game begins, and Carlos manages to light the lighter five times in a row. At this point, the stranger introduces a new element to the game: if Carlos can light the lighter six more times without failing, he will win not only the car, but also $300 in cash. Carlos agrees to the new terms, eager to win the prize.

As the game progresses, tensions rise as Carlos struggles to keep his nerves in check. The stranger continues to add new twists and turns to the game, further complicating matters. Meanwhile, Carlos's fiancée watches from the sidelines, anxious and fearful for her future husband's safety.

What follows is a thrilling and suspenseful game of chance that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the stakes get higher and the tension builds, it becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems. The episode ends with a shocking twist that will leave audiences reeling and questioning everything they thought they knew about the game.

Overall, "Man from the South" is a masterful introduction to the world of Tales of the Unexpected. It showcases the show's signature blend of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists, leaving viewers wanting more. The performances by Lorre and Ferrer are top-notch, and the story is riveting from beginning to end. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller or enjoys being kept guessing until the very end.