Twilight Zone episode "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" airs 1964

A bit of a departure from the usual Twilight Zone fare, Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge was a short film presented at a French film festival, in which Rod Serling was in attendance. It is reported that he hunted down the producers and bought it for a one-time showing on the Twilight Zone.  The film is based on a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, originally published in 1890. The film won the Academy Award for Best Short Subject.

The story, set during the Civil War, a Confederate prisoner is due to be hanged.  French actor Roger Jacquet plays the prisoner Peyton Farquhar.  The Twilight Zone episode aired February 28, 1964. 

I've only seen it a couple of times but it is one of my favorites.

Twilight Zone, Rod Serling win Emmy Award 1961

Rod Serling won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Drama for The Twilight Zone at the 13th ceremony, held May 16, 1961.  The Twilight Zone was also nominated for Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Drama.

My 10 favorite "Twilight Zone" episodes

The Twilight Zone premiered October 2, 1959 so I decided I would post my favorite 10 episodes of the awesome show.  They don't make them like they used to!

In no particular order (Warning: some clips contain spoilers):

1. Ring-A-Ding Girl


2. Twenty-two


3. The Invaders (starring the incredible Agnes Moorehead)


4. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street


5. I Am the Night - Color Me Black


6. And When the Sky Was Opened.


7. After Hours


8. The Shelter


9. Passage on the Lady Anne


10. Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (iconic episode starring William Shatner).

Twilight Zone episode "I am the night, color me black" airs 1964

Probably one of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone, not because of its creepiness, but because its message is still relevant today, over five decades later.  Have we learned anything since then?

I am intrigued by Rod Serling's choice of Ivan Dixon as the priest.  The only non-stereotypical role was given to a black man.  Certainly interesting given the premise of the episode.  Also, Serling's choice to cast George Lindsey, ever lovable Goober, as the hate-filled deputy.

This is one to watch over and over.  And take a lesson.

Happy National Twilight Zone Day!

I just found out that May 11 is the unofficial holiday where people celebrate by watching episodes of the popular television series.  The show was created by Rod Serling and was on the air from 1959 to 1964. 

My favorite episodes are "Twenty-two" (which was one of the very few to be filmed on videotape) and "Ring-a-Ding Girl".  Of course, I like everyone's favorites "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" with William Shatner"Living Doll" with Telly Savalas, the one with Ellie Mae Clampett, etc.

What is your favorite episode?

The Twilight Zone premiered in 1959

The first episode of "The Twilight Zone" aired October 2, 1959.  Earl Holliman starred in "Where is Everybody?" as an Air Force pilot, who finds himself alone in a small town.  As he desperately searches to find another human being, his mental stability begins to fray.