Summary
Television is a medium that has always sought to challenge entertainment.
Since its technological dawn, viewers have enjoyed a variety of game-changing programs and genres.
FromI Love Lucys historical run toCheyennesrevolutionary debut, the format has continuously evolved since its inception.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Among the history makers isRod SterlingsThe Twilight Zone.
Over the course of its five-season run, the show produced 156 episodes.
The Season 5 episode An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge boasts the prestigious award.
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.
However, it wasnt because the episode was so outstanding it changed the rules of nomination.
Instead of dying, his noose breaks, and he escapes by swimming up the river.
And no, the first rule was not “You don’t talk about The Twilight Zone”!
Image via CBS
But,An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridgetook homethe prestigious award.
The show was in its fifth and final season and needed to fill its episode order.
Yahoo quotes the bookThe Twilight Zone Companion, where series producerWilliam Frougexplained he suggested licensing the short.
Despite it being aFrench film, Froug said: It was almost entirely silent…
Still, CBS had their doubts.
They were skeptical about airing an award-winning French film on television.
But, in true Hollywood fashion, Froug was able to convince executives with monetary incentives.
…we bought all the TV rights for $10,000, Froug explained.
With that one airing, we immediately took care of the whole years overage.
It brought us out at the end of the year under budget.
Withthe budget for the season coming in smallerthan anticipated, its safe to say CBS was happy.
But beyond financial and award success, the episode is actually a creative height forThe Twilight Zone.
The unsettling nature of the picture is present throughout.
The movie also has an unsettling sound design.
There is little dialogue besides a few English words and a haunting song that plays in the background.
Even during Peytons visions, unsettling sound effects help build the tension of his impending doom.
Buthis closing speech really solidified the films place in the ever-frightening realm of the show.
The Twilight Zonewas certainly ahead of its time.
The Rod Serling-created series changed TV forever and created some of the most iconic stories in the mediums history.
The Twilight Zoneis available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Watch on Paramount+
