After reading a comment on SH from “LisaTheDragonLady” saying that she was watching “The Twilight Zone” marathon on the SyFy Channel, I decided to take a break from these moronic Housewives and their NON-reality shows and also watch the “Twilight Zone” marathon. The marathon was a much-needed step back in time to when TV shows were well-written, well-acted and kept your attention… WITHOUT any of the players screaming or threatening each other. Each “Twilight Zone” episode was a mini play; each was captivating in its consequence; each was delightfully whole… all done in a 22-minute time span.
The SyFy Channel did a great service to the viewing public by airing every episode of the of “The Twilight Zone” series… to present what television was and really should be today. There were no actors on any of the episodes who were forced to demean another… in fact, the people who were cast in the roles on each episode were SAG-card-carrying actors! REAL actors/actresses!
A huge difference in that “reality” show “actors” now get their SAG cards AFTER they’ve been on their perspective “reality” shows. Therefore, “reality” cast members are cutting their teeth and getting their acting chops on the viewers dime; unlike the very talented spectrum of actors and actresses who appeared on “The Twilight Zone,” who honed their acting talent by many hours of instruction and accepting bit parts to better themselves as actors/actresses.
The majority of the TZ episodes were written by the prolific genius mind of Rod Serling… who, in the early episodes presented each show with a cigarette dangling from his fingers (that was before the cigarette-police “explained” to him how bad tobacco was!). However, besides Rod Serling, there were additional writers of many of “The Twilight Zone” episodes who went on to establish themselves as premiere authors of novels… and their own television series.
Little trivia facts about TZ writers is that “The Waltons” creator/writer, Earl Hamner wrote many early scripts for the TZ. Another little trivia fact is that Ray Bradbury only wrote one script for the TZ, “I Sing The Body Electric”… would have thought that Mr. Bradbury was responsible for more than ONE episode!
There were also many directors who started out directing TZ teleplays. Richard Donner stands out among them. Richard Donner directed a very young William Shatner in ”Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” in which Shatner saw a gremlin on the wing of his airplane. Richard Donner went on to direct The Omen, Superman, and Lethal Weapon.
The list of now well-known actors and actresses seen on the TZ marathon were an unexpected surprise! Every time a familiar face turned up, it was like another little Christmas present!
When a young Dennis Hopper showed up, he was literally unrecognizable…. Cliff Robertson, Fritz Weaver, Burgess Meredith, Jack Klugman, Elizabeth Montgomery, Janice Rule, Claude Akins, Charles Bronson, Jack Weston, James Whitmore, Suzy Parker, Jonathan Winters, Ivan Dixon (Hogan’s Heroes), Jack Albertson, Richard Deacon are just some of actors/actresses who took roles for the TZ. Certainly there are many more!
The TZ marathon was a refreshing relief from the absolutely NON-reality of the very obviously producer-induced scenarios which viewers are forced to believe are these moronic grown women’s actual lives.
A 1970 interview with Rod Serling…
NOTE: Still have about twenty more TZ episodes on DVR, which are saved for anytime a quick diversion is necessary from being weighed down by the crapfest being shoved down our throats by the Housewives shows. The twenty TZ episodes will be used up quickly, as every Housewife episode is a total crapfest!!!
Almost forgot… while watching the episode “The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street,” it was a reminder of how all these DoomsdayPreppers are gonna turn on each other! AND… speakin’ of DoomsdayPreppers, years back was actually into prepping; however, decided that the world left after whichever monstrous calamity was to hit, would not be worth living in; therefore, prepping is pointless. Here’s another thought: why are the people featured on these “reality” dumbass “pickers” shows NOT called what they really are: HOARDERS! What delineation is made to determine that these people who are “picked” are ‘collectors’ and not what they really are: HOARDERS!
Wow, there used to be a real intelligence in the production of television. It’s a shame that 40 years later the medium is so “dumbed down” and people like the Kardashians, the Jersey Shore buffoons, and the Housewives dominate the airwaves.
Perhaps its time to put down the remote and pick up a book.
I am just about always on my laptop while the “boob tube” is on. I have memorized most of the TZ from childhood so tv pickings are slim. Just about everyone I know does the same. And these reality “Dance Moms” and “Cheer Moms” and beauty queen moms make me sick. Done, done, done with so-called reality; tired of getting played for a chump.
The Twilight Zone marathons are the #1 reason why I enjoy holidays!!! SyFy will usually put them on for 12-24 hours during every major holiday… The 40-some hour marathon this NYE was unexpected but greatly appreciated since I’m under the weather & stuck at home. Anyway, if your DVR missed any good episodes, check back at Easter or Independence Day
I remember watching this with my sister. Jiffy pop on our lap and huddled so close together you couldn’t slide a piece of paper between us. We were prepared to be scared. What’s funny is what was frightening was what we didn’t see and was left for us to imagine for ourselves. I miss every show having a moral story to tell. Right and wrong weren’t mixed with shades of gray.
Our world nowadays is mostly gray. If you want to see more than just a few narrowly defined issues as black and white, you’re persona non grata.
I’m very comfortable with black and white as ling as you have a big dose of compassion.
Ditto, Cyn. Compassion, and grace, and mercy, but no wavering on right and wrong.
Loved the Twilight Zone…damn I missed the marathon…didn’t realize it was on. Rod Serling was genius. The reality shows exist because there is a proven market for them…WE need to turn the tide and tune out….there seems to be an endless supply of them on various channels.
While we’re nostalgic…I miss those variety shows too…I remember the explosion of “Laugh In” such a different format when it came out…I loved Carol Burnett too. Those were the days!!!
Did you know Earl Hammer the producer of THE WALTONs wrote for TZ he and Rod were friends.
Opps MS SH SAID that Forgive me Ms SH,.
Cant quite get into TZ but Im all about “Finding Bigfoot”. Love it
twilight zone..nothing in the dark. Robert Redford.. What is more devine than Robert Redford!
Guys! you can watch TZ online: Enjoy
http://www.1channel.ch/index.php?search_keywords=the+twilight+zone&key=01459c649b39c886&search_section=2
I love the Twilight zone, I dont remember what i said so forgive me if i repeat it. I like thos eold episodes becaus eit shows us as a society and what we were afraid of during that time frame space invasion,nuclear war and the outcome, life on other planets ect,mind control
its a comment on our society and its fears the question is Are we as a society still afraid of the same things.
My favorite episode is the Old man and his dog that goes hunting and dies and he wont enter Heaven(which ends up being hell) without his dog so he continues down the road till he sees the real heaven.
I never saw that episode. It sounds GREAT!
That one is mine as well, Lisa.
I also love the hysteria in the one with Anthony and the cornfeild!
OMG, my sister texted me and told she was watching the marathon all weekend! I was a fraidy cat, the one episode that really got me was the one with the guy in the plane and saw something or someone on the wing; but now I am twisted cause I watch American Horror Story/Asilum the one where Kyle stole the wardrobe from.
I agree with you about the episode with William Shatner and the monkey dressed up in a costume on the wing of plane every time he looked out the window. I saw it as a pre-teen on late nite summer re-runs and every time I’ve flown, I’ve thought of it.
Another old show I LOVED was called “I Married Joan.” It was kind of a rip-off of the old “I LOVE LUCY” shows, but hilarious nonetheless. Every once in a while a network will start showing the re-runs.
Lisa, I just found at least part of that episode, called The Hunt, on Youtube. I immediately recognized the actor as the same man who played a similar character with a similar hound dog as his sidekick on a great Bonanza episode around the same time. Sounds like people are saying this is one of the best TZ episodes ever. Will watch.
Okay, Lisa, that episode was great, and even a tear-jerker. I’m looking forward to being reunited with all my pets in heaven.
I love Twightlight Zone. I like the old fashiony stuff like phone numbers that have letters in them and sometimes if you watch enough you recognize the same living room in different episodes. I love it when they did “futuristic” episodes. And also the fashions fascinate me back in the day when people got to wear their own tts on tv.
Its funny when they did the futuristic episodes it was 1974 and the world was recovering from Nuclear war.
Yeah very much nuclear threat was in front of everyones’ minds when these were being filmed. That and space travel.
Duck and cover drills in school. So silly now to think your desk was going to spare you from a nuclear attack.
Earthquake to..liek a desk is gonna help when the ceiling comes crashing down.
Door jams for earth quakes. Desks for nuclear attacks. Geeze, didn’t they teach you that in school.
I live in California earthquake country, where we were always taught to run to a door jam. However, there’s a method called the “Triangle of Life” that they don’t teach or publicize, but makes some sense to me. It talks about how door jams and duck and cover are not the way to go in case of an earthquake. You basically want to curl up into a fetal position and get into a “safe void” next to something that won’t totally flatten. Pretty interesting if anyone’s interested.
Hers, yes, that’s the newest thing for earthquake safety and I agree with it 100%.
One easy way to achieve it is to crouch by the side of your bed. Gives you the triangle and a pocket of air, in case you are trapped.
If you seek shelter under a heavy table or such, if the roof comes down, you are pancaked along with layers of debris.
Californians and others in earthquake country, look for The Triangle. Thanks for bring it up, Hers.
I grew up in CA and that was the standard in the day. When all was said and done it was your basic bend over and kiss your A** good bye theory!
I once saw a Government rep interviewed about the hiding under the desk, etc. It was just to give you something to do.
LOL, that’s funny.
why yes its important to have something to do while you are being vaporized by the A bomb
No i think it was just desk for school, door jams for home.
I like the old-timey phone numbers, too.
And when they call the local operator whom they know by name.
The Monsters episode was a part of the 7th grade curriculum when I taught middle school! The teleplays were a great read also!
I was watching the marathon when I checked into SH and saw that “Lisa” had commented she was watching the marathon Lol!
The days of Real writing, Real Acting and directing of television use to leave us captivated. It use to be getting a SAG card was a wonderful thing…..Actors worked Hard and were dedicated to their work. It use to be about “Method or Madness” NOT Hocus Pocus.
It’s funny remembering being just a little kid watching the Twilight Zone. I remember “Kick the Can” and “The Dummy” and “Time Enough at Last” all had a profound influence on me.
It’s the quality of Real Writing, Acting and Directing that keeps me from refraining from calling Reality TV “Scripted TV.” I guess it’s a respect thing. Yes, Reality TV IS producer-induced and story line provoked (Just like ‘The Hills’) but they don’t deserve an iota of recognition as writers or actors. It’s “Pseudo-Reality” Lol. Now that would be a cool episode for Twilight Zone….caught somewhere between time and space, between Reality TV and the land of Television their are human beings that live and
exist somewhere outside of reality…..somewhere in The Twilight Zone.
If you have Netflix Streaming they have 100 + original episodes available. I occasionally bounce over there for some real escapism (is that even a word? lol). Watched a lot of TZ and some other old TV shows or have second helpings of Mad Men, Downton, Masterpiece classics or other current series and great older movies.
Thanks for the tip. I tried the Netflix streaming, but didn’t think there was as much to choose from, or it was hard to find what was available, so I cancelled it and stuck with the DVDs. This might be worth the $8/month.
When they raised their prices I considered canceling, but later re- thought it. I’m older, retired, widowed with lots of free time. SH and C-Span are my morning companions while SH, FRE & TV Gasm and their commenters are searched continuously after lunch Lol. So my Netflix is great to have especially on weekends. I’m an Anglophile and they have lots of British sitcoms, series and movies. The UK original versions of “Shameless” and “The Office” are far superior to the U.S,series I think. Yes, I’m a Downton Abbey fan or many period movies or series. Oh they also have the Upstairs Downstairs series.
I love the UK Shameless series!!! I knew the US version wasn’t going to be as good as the British…there is no comparison!! I’ll have to check our Anglophile…thanks!!
I miss intelligent shows, too. Or shows that were different like the X files (my favorite TV series for sure). I would be pissed if I was a legitimate actor and along comes these untrained, unthinking, and unprofessional people destroying your craft. These reality “stars” didn’t put in the work yet they’re getting all the perks of being “famous”. This blog is all the housewives I can take anymore. I cancelled my cable over 2 years ago and no longer watch TV because there’s nothing to watch and I got tired of paying for the crap!
And I miss shows that are actually FUNNY. People keep telling me watch this show, it’s funny, watch that show, it’s so funny, but I don’t find them funny. (I won’t name names — don’t want to offend anyone in case we have a different sense of humor.) I’ve seen every Seinfeld episode about a million times and I Love Lucy about 2 million. Need to find some Jackass reruns.
That is So true Maynard. I have Zero interest in watching blavo’s new ‘Sur’ just because of that reason. I think the ‘staff’ in this restaurant are all going to be a bunch of famebee’s looking for a short-cut! They’re just a part of the endless droves of a generation wanting ‘fame’. The Real actors and writers are still out there struggling and working, doing character work, and or writing… that respect the Art. These days SO many seem more interested in the ‘fame’ then they are in the art of acting or writing. I Do think there are a few housewives that got into reality TV that, at least, didn’t pretend to be someone they weren’t (Actors) and those are the ones I still like.
One of my girls told me she wants to get a job at SUR when she’s old enough. I told her NO WAY!
Hers, If one of your girls has the desire or passion to act…I will Always say GO FOR IT!! Most struggling actors do work at restaurants and even some grocery stores as they study acting and take classes, some even do extra work…looking for that ‘Taft Hartley’. Some do luck out and get their SAG card that way, but union fees are SO high–so you need to keep working while you’re waiting for an acting job. The reason restaurants work for so many is because the hours are flexible, and working in an atmosphere of social customer service just works. The thing is most don’t make it, but I really Hate to say that because I don’t think anyone should Ever be discouraged if their truly passionate about getting into acting or writing. Musicians and writers often do similar work. If she keeps her feet grounded and she works hard at her craft (if that’s what she wants to do) she’ll do alright. I think most dedicated actors are happy, and grateful, doing character work. It’s probably the least appreciated actor, but if your good and you love what you do, you can make a good living and be happy. It’s the “I wannabe Famous Now!”
types–just for the fame….that might actually have 15 minutes of fame But burn out faster then the time it took to light the match. If your daughter has your sense of humor..Lol,it would be Great to see her study at ‘Groundlings’ one day. Now THAT’S improv!
KTgirl — no way — she has no desire to act, far from it. She just thinks the waitstaff at SUR looks cool and hip, and she wants in on the action, LOL. But yes, I agree with the bulk of your comment that if my kids have a true passion for something, I encourage it all the way.
Hi Hers, LOL I just figured that was why, but I wasn’t really sure. I get it…makes sense, I remember feeling that way
. AH… to be a teenager again!
I think you’re right about “SUR.” I got the acting vibe from the sneak peek of Lisa “reprimanding” Stassi, it was like some type of improv going on.
me too. Poor improv if that’s what it was. Typical Blavo crap, but this crew may be more about… having taken a class or two, but their banking on their looks to carry them. Sad really, unless of course, their banking on Pseudo-Reality having any longevity and I say ….tick-tock to that!
I don’t get why the people who come up with these new shows like SUR don’t realize that the viewers are mainly older people watching tv these days. I don’t want to watch a bunch of young twenty year olds acting like trash. The twenty years old group of people are out doing the same thing these people are doing,,,just not being filmed while doing it. There’s no way my grandkids parent’s would let their kids sit and watch this mess, nor do I see them wanting to watch these type shows…they like shows like George Lopez! The rest of the time they are on the blasted phones texting, or watching sports, or playing games on xbox. I think they have forgotten exactly who really watches tv these days. I like Burn Notice(now that I know it’s not about fires), it’s really an interesting show with likeable characters, I also like White Collar, but I only watch the reruns, I don’t watch it on the regular channels on the first airing. Now, I need to check out for Honey Boo Boo and Goldrush that I hear about on here.
Yes, intelligent shows are rare. The shows that are meant to be funny often aren’t & the ones that aren’t meant to be end up being some of the funniest stuff you can watch. Say for example : the HW shows. Watching the meltdowns , to me , very funny. I would rather go back & watch old episodes of funny shows than watch some of the junk on today. Man that makes me sound old
but it’s true.
It’s one of my favorite things to look forward to on New Years Day. I remember watching them in the 60s.
I’ve never watched the Twilight Zone. I don’t think it aired here. I have however been on the tower of terror & have a mug to prove it.
I just finished watching Arrested Development in its entirety for about the 5th time.
LOL
.
The Cosby Show…I long for the wholesome hilarious talent of bill cosby as he doles out advice to his kids. I love how they would tell him something, and he would say…”Do you own this house…do you pay for this?” I brought you into this world and I can take you out! Loved it. Now your kids would call CPS if you said that.
There was always one episode that bothered me
and that was the one where Theo brough thome a joint and his parents believed him right off the bat it wasnt his..If I joint fell out of my book my parents would have flipped and not believed me right off the bat. Serious question to those with teenage kids would you believe your kid if they had the evidence on them and claimed it wasnt theirs?
On the same token my mom did believe the pot my brother was growing wasnt pot it was his final for his horticulture class. But my brother was her favorite. Humm.
I see your point. I’d have to evaluate that on the trustworthiness of the kid and the situation. Great show, though. And Family Ties, too.
I am a roseanne fan
Another great show. Love the reruns.
Wouldn’t believe it for a second.
We were watching it, too. Sounds like a lot of SH readers enjoy TZ.
That’s a good looking band in the background picture.
hahaha! I’ll just keep my fever to myself from now on.
Tee hee they sure nuff did do thangs a bit different back then
I love the Twilight Zone! The episdoe, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”, actually scares me.
I’m a baby because most of the series still scares me!
Hey yall. Take this quiz If you answer most of them then you are just like me grew up watching ENTIRELY too much tv and um still do I reckon
HI made. Boy, I thought I would do So..much better then I actually did LOL!! I did pretty good, but I thought I’d get every one of them. Watched a whole lot of TV growing up but I guess with 6 of us my Mom had us running out the door a lot too
.
Yeah I didnt get all the “boy” ones like A-team n stuff. I had a good time looking through those videos last night they have movie ones too. Guess the soundtrack kinda thing.
Oh that was the one I knew I knew, but I couldn’t place it — The A Team!
tee hee. I will try to find more of those and post them every now and then.
I love me some Idiot Box.
Me too. And because of DVRs commercials will be a thing of the past very very soon. What the heck is wrong with me that I love these vintage commercials so much?
http://youtu.be/iH8au4ckD0Y
made I thought you made up that whole quiz! I was thinking boy am I gonna be a big failure on this….there’s that ‘C’ grade again; with a duly noted “does Not work up to level of ability.” Sigh of relief knowing you didn’t know all of them.
At my grandparents I didn’t get to watch anything but soccer (football) and the news. Bless my father’s heart be refurbished a big ole bar TV and put it in the garage so we could pretend we were at the drive inn (and out of my mother’s hair). I nearly pooped my pants watching the original KING KONG and cried hugging my sister watching little women. I miss those days and how innocent we were of the world. Ignorance is bliss!
Awe how sweet. Only thing we watched at Granny’s was HeeHaw , Lawrence Welk and The Barbra Mandrell Show. Oh yeah and Y&R and Guiding Light in the summer as we was breakin beans. Granny would give us a nickel for every red one we found.
I lived with my grandparents most of the time.We never broke beans but we did build a waterfall. Going to my parents was a big treat. That might explain why I love TV now.
Wow a waterfall. So neat. We built a vineyard once. Well a trellis and daddy let us stomp the grapes that come from it. That was fun. Gardening and canning and freezing is a HUGE thing at my Granny’s. All Granny’s kids have a plot of land to have their own garden on the property.. well used to anyways, now only dad keeps a garden going .Dad lives right up the hill from them so I was there a lot during my summer visits. Granny kept a room for me (the only granddaughter) to spend the night any time I wanted.And papaw would take me all over the land pointing out each fruit tree he planted. I should have them memorized by now but I dont. But those are very good memories. I cherish them.
MP: I still watch Y&R! Watched it from the beginning!
Hi done. When did you get home? How was New York, have a good time with family and friends for Christmas? Did you get to that bakery you wanted to? I hear it was quite cold. Glad you’re back safe and sound….just wanted to say Hi!
Hey ktgirl! Got home on Wednesday. Both my husband and I caught the flu, as did almost 20 family members while we were there!! It was unreal! We’re still dealing with feeling horrible. All plans kept getting re-routed, but at least I got to see my entire family (no friends, no bakeries…….). Thanks for asking. How were your holidays?
Nikki amazes me.
Why do they both look younger/better now? LOL. Great footage, MP!
Made, I feel a special connection with anyone who has memories of watching Lawrence Welk with their grandparents. Good night, sleep tight, and pleasant dreams to you….
My mom watched Lawerence Welk, she even went to a taping once,
I use to watch Emergency ..randy mantooth and kevin Tighe were both Hotties and they have aged well still hotties but with grey hair.
Yes!! Emergency — another good one. Also Chips.
i got back home about an hour ago made and I was all smiles to see this. Total movie buff here!!! I love movie soundtrack and ‘scores.’ Still, I missed out on three. Two of the three I didn’t know….I knew them, but I just couldn’t place. One had me completely stumped! I was going to print the 3 I missed but I just realized that not everybody has seen this yet. This was SO much fun! #1 brings tears to my eyes every time. I think my Grandmother probably looked very much like ….. in this move, in her youth and as portrayed in this flick. Thanks made.
There is two I dont know on this one. I am surprised Chariots of Fire was not included in ths list. I think its pretty recognizable. The last one is driving me nuts because I KNOW I have heard it on a different movie as well.
Hi made, I don’t know if your still around this thread. I seem to always miss you and the friends I first connected with on SH. My timing seems to always be just a little off from those I feel most comfortable with. Speaking of which…i miss Aint Pittypat. One of my first friends on SH. Anyway, please forgive me….I seem to be a little blue lately. I have to keep deleting before submitting.
. Thanks made, I really needed this. It’s the little things in life, at least in my life 
that help keep me afloat.
Back to the movies, the last one drove me nuts also. My final guess LOL was maybe “Independence day” I was wrong, but dang it was driving me crazy. When you see I’ll
bet you go “Oh I knew that.” Truth: I didn’t, but in my defense it WAS the only one I was TOTALLY stumped on. Hard to believe, considering I’ve watched the movie a dozen times.
wellbefor theother day. On Jan ! 2013ic sets the tone for films so it has a a special place ia
Omg. I love the tz. I remember one where a guy wanted to be the only one on the planet so he could read every book in the library. Then it comes true and he breaks his glasses. So many I loved. A very brilliant show. I also sneak old Roseanne shows. I am guilty.
Yeah and that guy that played that was good ole Burgess Meredith.
As a bibliophile, this is one of my favorites and heartbreaking as well!
I liked the TZ episode where people received a black box with a button on it. If they ever pushed the button they would become rich, but it would put another unknown person in peril.
They finally pushed it – then box was taken back and given away again-putting THEM in danger.
:}
That sounds like a great one.