Playing on common fears: isolation, a seemingly benign presence that exudes a menacing vibration, being followed this renown episode is chilling in its very stillness.
For a story where little actually happens there is a great deal of emotion involved. That is provided thanks to the great, under-appreciated Inger Stevens, one of the best young actresses in the early days of television. Possessed of a stunning wholesome beauty, even here where she is simply dressed with a minimum of make-up, it often got in the way of her genuine acting abilities being recognized. She was adroit in comedy but excelled in playing suppressed and slowly mounting anxiety which is a key component of this tale.
There are a few other characters, most prominently Leonard Strong-excellent in an almost wordless role, but the heavy lifting is completely on Inger's very capable shoulders. Pitching the gradual escalation of her fear at just the proper tempo, both in her physical performance and the narration that accompanies it, she makes what could have been a standard episode into a memorable showcase that has become one of the series best known chapters. An added layer of pathos is added to the story if you're aware of Miss Stevens early and tragic death. It makes the subject of the piece particularly haunting.
Along with Nothing in the Dark, The Invaders and a few other episodes this is an essential viewing experience for anyone who is a Twilight Zone fan in the slightest.
For a story where little actually happens there is a great deal of emotion involved. That is provided thanks to the great, under-appreciated Inger Stevens, one of the best young actresses in the early days of television. Possessed of a stunning wholesome beauty, even here where she is simply dressed with a minimum of make-up, it often got in the way of her genuine acting abilities being recognized. She was adroit in comedy but excelled in playing suppressed and slowly mounting anxiety which is a key component of this tale.
There are a few other characters, most prominently Leonard Strong-excellent in an almost wordless role, but the heavy lifting is completely on Inger's very capable shoulders. Pitching the gradual escalation of her fear at just the proper tempo, both in her physical performance and the narration that accompanies it, she makes what could have been a standard episode into a memorable showcase that has become one of the series best known chapters. An added layer of pathos is added to the story if you're aware of Miss Stevens early and tragic death. It makes the subject of the piece particularly haunting.
Along with Nothing in the Dark, The Invaders and a few other episodes this is an essential viewing experience for anyone who is a Twilight Zone fan in the slightest.