In a cruel twist of fate, the most ominous and tragicTwilight Zone-like scenario occurred in real life.
An explosive was to be detonated adjacent to the helicopter, which was operated by Vietnam War veteranDorcey Wingo.
“over the radio.
Image Via Warner Bros.
It appeared evident that Landis and Folsey were recklessly negligent with the safety of the set.
Landis, Folsey, Wingo, Allingham, and explosives specialistPaul Stewartwere all acquitted on charges of manslaughter.
Co-director ofTwilight Zone: The Movie, Steven Spielberg, broke off his friendship with Landis following the accident.
Image via AP
He took the on-set calamity personally, stating that"no movie is worth dying for.”
He continued to direct films for years following, notably a major box office hit inComing to Americain 1988.
Directors have been sentenced to the proverbial “director jail” for way lesser wrongdoings.
Image via AP
but not for involuntary manslaughter.
In 1982, when the film was shot, New Hollywood was at its tail end.
This incident showed that directors have a much greater responsibility while directing movies beyond realizing their artistic vision.
For thisTwilight Zonesegment, cast and crew safety ought to have been priority #1.
