MovieChat Forums > Night Gallery (1969) Discussion > To all NG Newbies

To all NG Newbies

posted 7 years ago by Jc1305us (25)
5 replies | jump to latest

From a TZ and NG FANATIC.
HI! If you’re like me, you’re here because you love Rod Serling, and maybe heard about his “other” show, Night Gallery. Welcome! I’ll share my thoughts on the show and some of the best of the series.
There are 3 seasons. The first begins with the 1969 pilot TV movie, separated into 3 stories. “Eyes” “the cemetery” and “the escape route” all excellent segments. Start here.
The first season then starts in earnest. This would introduce the set up for the remainder of the series. Rod, in a dark room, filled with macabre paintings and statues. He introduces each segment with a painting. The paintings have no other significance than to be the introduction. But they are awesome! Some season one highlights include “The dead man” , “certain shadows on the wall” “The doll”, “the house” and “They’re tearing down Tim Riley’s bar” which won an Emmy I believe. Season 1 was a mixed bag as all anthology’s are, but season 2 really got the ball rolling.
1971-72 saw NG season 2. IMO the best the series had to offer can be found here. Here, the series stretched its legs a bit and the results show it. “The boy who predicted earthquakes” “a death in the family”, “since aunt ada came to stay” “Fear of spiders” “the caterpillar” “little girl lost” “camera obscura” “cool air” are all classics, among many more. The creme de la creme of the series are found in season 2. But, there’s a small price to pay. In order to fill out the 1 hour time slot, short comedic sketches were inserted. 99% are awful, with the exception of “phantom of what opera?” Which is charming.
Season 3, splits the series into 2 30 minute segments. There are some wonderful segments, “the other way out” is chilling, “rare objects” “something in the woodwork”, and the season opener “the return of the sorcerer” are great. Please give NG a try, you will like it I think. Also, try to watch the unadulterated segments on dvd or Hulu, as the syndication package is cut with another show called “the Sixth Sense” (awful)
Reach out if you have any questions!

[–] wanton87 (934) 7 years ago

Hi. I’m old enough to remember this show from its original run, even though I was just a kid at the time. I recently watched an episode (link below) after many years, and had forgotten that each episode was a trilogy. I’m going from memory, but I seem to recall an episode featuring John Astin and Phylis Diller, as his wife [spoiler]that came back to confront him after he had murdered her. I also seem to remember an episode featuring an extraterrestrial, that showcased a sort of protective force field, and an earthling that murdered him to have access to this device[/spoiler] (Forgive me if I’m thinking of a different show).

Another favorite as a kid was Creature Features, hosted by Bob Wilkins.

Night Gallery: House - With Ghost/A Midnight Visit to the Neighborhood Blood Bank/Dr. Stringfellow's Rejuvenator/Hell's Bells

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0660791/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_17

[–] Jc1305us (25) 7 years ago

Good morning,
You’re thinking of “Pamela’s Voice”, a first season segment with John Astin and Phyllis Diller. John Astin was in several segments and directed several as well.
Not sure about the second reference though...🤔

[–] wanton87 (934) 7 years ago

Thanks for the info. I must have confused the second reference with a different show.

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

I remember the pilot very well... scared the crap out of me, particularly the story with the great Roddy McDowell.

I have hazy memories of some of the episodes. One that stood out was with Harry Morgan of MASH fame. He's an undertaker and he gets a visit from a woman shopping for a casket for her husband who seems a little vague on what sort of casket she wants. The sudden final scene -- no spoilers -- was a 'holy sh!t' moment.

[–] Jc1305us (25) 7 years ago

Hi! Sorry for the late reply that was a segment titled “The Late Mr Peddington” a wonderful season 2 segment. Merry Christmas!