Gig Young plays Martin Sloan in this. There's a second lead character called Sloan in the Rod Serling written 'On Thursday We Leave For Home' in series four. Other surnames that Serling gave to a vital character more than once in a TZ episode are Horn, Koch, and Beechcroft.
'Walking Distance' explores a subject that Serling touched on several times in TZ and 'Night Gallery', that of a man going back to a happier time in his life. Martin Sloan is first seen honking his car horn and looking agitated. He is the vice-president of an ad agency and at thirty-six finds himself by chance within walking distance of Homewood where he grew up. First he meets a little boy (Ron Howard) who says he cant be Martin Sloan and runs away, but Sloan begins to realize the happy days of his childhood are still happening here.
The story is deceptively simple but the message is strong. You only get one unique stab at life and you must cherish the present. Martin Sloan gains a fantastic perspective by chasing after his eleven-year-old self hoping to tell him to enjoy the 'happiest' part of his life. The essence of a carefree childhood can stay a valuable part of you.
The carousel is a good plot device interestingly filmed for showing the elusive and magical quality of childhood happiness that nonetheless is nearer to you than you think. Walking distance actually.
'Walking Distance' explores a subject that Serling touched on several times in TZ and 'Night Gallery', that of a man going back to a happier time in his life. Martin Sloan is first seen honking his car horn and looking agitated. He is the vice-president of an ad agency and at thirty-six finds himself by chance within walking distance of Homewood where he grew up. First he meets a little boy (Ron Howard) who says he cant be Martin Sloan and runs away, but Sloan begins to realize the happy days of his childhood are still happening here.
The story is deceptively simple but the message is strong. You only get one unique stab at life and you must cherish the present. Martin Sloan gains a fantastic perspective by chasing after his eleven-year-old self hoping to tell him to enjoy the 'happiest' part of his life. The essence of a carefree childhood can stay a valuable part of you.
The carousel is a good plot device interestingly filmed for showing the elusive and magical quality of childhood happiness that nonetheless is nearer to you than you think. Walking distance actually.