"The Twilight Zone" A World of His Own (1960)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Director:

Ralph Nelson

Writer:

Richard Matheson (writer)

TV Series:

"The Twilight Zone" (1959)

Original Air Date:

1 July 1960 (Season 1, Episode 36)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Plot:

A writer demonstrates he can control reality simply by dictating changes. |

Plot Keywords:

Writer | Talk To Camera | Martini | Alternative Reality | Mistress

Cast

Keenan Wynn	...	Gregory West
Phyllis Kirk	...	Victoria West
Mary LaRoche	...	Mary (as Mary La Roche)

Runtime:

25 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Cayuga Productions

Trivia:

This was Rod Serling's first on-screen appearance on the show. Earlier in season 1, all his narration was in voiceover only. He would make many other appearances in later episode in subsequent seasons, though this was the only one where he interacted with the characters.

Quotes:

Mary: [mixing Gregory a martini] You really should be working.
Gregory West: You're nagging me.
Mary: I'm only thinking of posterity.
Gregory West: [tenderly] Think of me instead.
Mary: [smiles] Don't I always?
[They look at each other lovingly. Mary takes a sip from the glass]
Gregory West: Dry enough?
Mary: We'll let the master decide.
[offers him the glass]
Gregory West: [takes sip] Perfect. As always.
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Twilight Zone: Dream Lover (#1.4)" (2002)

I Always Wanted to Be a Writer!

I've always enjoyed this episode. The gift that Keenan Wynn has is remarkable. He can create or destroy characters when he wishes. Whatever he writes on a page comes to fruition. His wife isn't so accepting and pays a price for her actions. This is one of those powers that each of us would love to have. Think of the possibilities. The scriptwriter in the story is arrogant and self centered. He whimsically creates what he wishes. Now, the psychologist in me makes me wonder if these are fantasies that he is living strictly in his mind, but there is nothing in here to suggest that. The episode concludes with a wonderful bit featuring Rod Serling and his writing staff. An apt way to put the first season to bed.