There are not many TV shows form 1955 that end in anything other than "and everyone lived happily ever after" The closing scenes of this anthology TV episode is one of the few as the residents of the apartment building watch the receding earth as they enter space. Perhaps there was some sort of transparent shielding that allowed them to exit the building to the front steps and not be blown into space. That being the major way that I found this exciting. the other way this is exciting, also being a 1955 anomaly, is that there is no "oh, that was her imagination" moments explaining the odd (to say the least) discoveries of Ruth the wife.
Also, i have not seen the name of the original Richard Matheson story but i do see the possible seeds for inspiration of a TOS outer limits episode "A feasibility study" and a Stephen King short story (The House on Maple Street).
I wonder what the dog was being used for but I note that Lorre's character assures him that he will not be harmed.
Also, to remove the taste of the (at this time) other user review out of your mouth you might read the critics review and the praise for Peter Lorre's efforts here.
I find this early TV offering to be recommendable.
2 Reviews
Disappointing
JHC327 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Rick and Ruth are new tenants in an exclusive apartment building. To qualify, they had to be under thirty years of age and provide proof of good health.
Before long, Ruth starts to suspect there is more to the building than meets the eye. The custodian, Mr. Grover, has all sorts of unusual equipment in the basement. Rick discovers him installing a strange antenna and a new "exhaust system" for the air conditioning on the roof. Matters come to a head when Ruth believes she sees a third eye in the back of Mr. Grover's head. They soon start to suspect the building itself is an alien spacecraft and that they are the focus of some strange plot.
This made-for-television movie is comparatively brief and has the feel of a "Twilight Zone" episode. This is natural since the original story was by Richard Matheson, a core "Twilight Zone" writer. "Young Couples Only" is poorly executed and might have better a Zone episode rather than a television movie. Peter Lorre's talents are wasted. His presence seems to be more for name recognition rather than for his skill as an actor.
Before long, Ruth starts to suspect there is more to the building than meets the eye. The custodian, Mr. Grover, has all sorts of unusual equipment in the basement. Rick discovers him installing a strange antenna and a new "exhaust system" for the air conditioning on the roof. Matters come to a head when Ruth believes she sees a third eye in the back of Mr. Grover's head. They soon start to suspect the building itself is an alien spacecraft and that they are the focus of some strange plot.
This made-for-television movie is comparatively brief and has the feel of a "Twilight Zone" episode. This is natural since the original story was by Richard Matheson, a core "Twilight Zone" writer. "Young Couples Only" is poorly executed and might have better a Zone episode rather than a television movie. Peter Lorre's talents are wasted. His presence seems to be more for name recognition rather than for his skill as an actor.
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