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Home , Night Gallery, Rod Serling, Walking Distance

DIMENSIONS OF IMAGINATION The Official Newsletter of the Memorial Foundation

AS I KNEW HIM UPDATED! Details inside! SPRING 2021 FOUNDATION NOTES FROM NICK An Update from RSMF President Nick Parisi

Hello everyone and welcome to work. Guy has been a professional hope you will let us utilize your work our spring 2021 newsletter! There’s illustrator for over 30 years and in other fundraising efforts. We’ll be lots going on in our little corner of has drawn every major character in touch! the Serling-verse to cover this time and worked with every big name around. in the comics industry imaginable. Since our prior newsletter, a few He’s also a passionate Rod Serling interesting Serling items have In our previous issue, we fan and generously offered to surfaced: mentioned our plans to erect a donate his time and talent to us for statue in Rod Serling’s honor in this project. Thanks, Guy! Check Season one of Betty White’s 1972 Binghamton, New York. By the out www.guydorianart.com for series, PET SET, was recently added time you read this, we will have samples of Guy’s incredible work. to Amazon Prime, and episode started or will soon our online 20 features a guest appearance campaign to raise funds for this When we initiated this project, one from Rod and his adorable “son,” ambitious project. One of the of our newest board members, Michael, the family’s Irish Setter. many fantastic items that we plan Shelley McKay Young, put out If you had any doubt of Rod’s to offer in exchange for donations a call for artwork and several affection for animals – and dogs is the first official Rod Serling talented artists responded with specifically – check this out. Memorial Foundation Calendar. original pieces of work for us. A documents the story behind this Despite popular demand, this huge thank you to Wendy Brydge, For decades, one of the more project elsewhere in this issue. calendar will not include glamour Kevin Ennis, Scott Kawczyinski, sought after and mysterious pieces shots of Foundation board Kevin Yozviak, Michael DeCarlo, of Rod’s voiceover work has been That’s all for now. Till next time, members. No, our calendar will and Daniel Cottrell for your a 1975 radio event called “ include all original artwork created generous contributions. Though Park.” Rod’s demo recordings Nicholas Parisi by renowned illustrator Guy Dorian, we will not be able to use your were recently posted to YouTube President, The Rod Serling Sr., inspired by Rod’s vast body of submissions in our calendar, we and RSMF board member Gail Flug Memorial Foundation

FOUNDATION OFFICERS Nicholas Parisi, President RSMF ARCHIVE Kate Murray, Vice President Tony Albarella, Secretary / Archivist A Collection of Items from the Release Andrew Polak, Treasurer of the Rod Serling Postage Stamp Helen Foley, Founder by Andrew Polak several panels of the 44 cent first BOARD OF DIRECTORS class stamps, we have the rubber All officers, and… After over a decade of stampers for the October 2nd and Joe Bardales campaigning for a Rod Serling 3rd stamp cancellation event held Amy Boyle Johnston postage stamp, in 2009 we were during the TZ@50 celebration here Mark Dawidziak finally rewarded by having Rod in Binghamton. To make them Gail Flug included in a collection of 20 more special, the stamper images Mark Olshaker commemorative stamps: “Early TV were designed by our webmaster, Carolyn Price Memories.” Stephen Schlich! The stamp itself OUR PLEDGE Steve Schlich was designed by Carl T. Herrman Rod Serling’s achievements in Anne Serling In our Archive, we have the who has designed over 400 playwriting, speech making and Jeff Serling framed dedication to the images for the USPS. broadcasting are considerable Douglas Sutton Serling family from the and important. As members of The Gordon C. Webb Binghamton Post Office Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, Shelley McKay Young that was presented to Rod’s we dedicate ourselves to promote daughters, Anne and Jodi and preserve this great man’s ADVISORS Serling and donated to the contributions to the Arts and Brian Frey Foundation. We also have Humanities. Robert Keller a giant size poster image of Jodi Serling the Rod Serling We pledge to educate the public Jackie Stapleton stamp that you may have about Rod Serling’s genius and seen on display at many of his passion, hoping that they will WEBMASTER our functions. In addition to understand and appreciate his Steve Schlich mastery of the creative arts, his unique understanding of human NEWSLETTER EDITOR relationships, his esteem as a Gordon C. Webb writer, his generosity as a speaker in and around Binghamton, and NEWSLETTER DESIGNER his uncompromising commitment Gail Flug to quality. Rod Serling Memorial Foundation Box 2101, Binghamton, New York USA 13902-2101 www.RodSerling.com

NON-PROFIT PLEDGE The Rod Serling Memorial Foundation is operated exclusively for the above and other non-profit purposes, and is registered with the IRS as a non-profit entity. No part of any net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private member. ON THE COVER: The last photo of Anne, age 21, and her dad. FOUNDATION RSMF PROFILE Mark Dawidziak - Board Of Directors, Member Mark Dawidziak is the author or years as a television, film and the- of works by celebrated editor of about 25 books, including ater critic at such newspapers as Twilight Zone contributor three studies of landmark televi- the Akron Beacon Journal and the , who sion series: THE COLUMBO PHILE: Cleveland Plain Dealer. In 2015, he mentioned Mark in the A CASEBOOK, THE NIGHT STALKER was inducted into the Press Club dedications to of his COMPANION, and EVERYTHING I of Cleveland Journalism Hall of books. NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN THE Fame. , his lightheart- In 2002, Mark and his wife, ed 2017 tribute to Rod Serling’s He also is the author of the 1994 actress Sara Showman, classic . He also horror novel GRAVE SECRETS, as founded the Largely is an internationally recognized well as such non-fiction books as Literary Theater Company, Mark Twain scholar, and five of his THE BARTER THEATRE STORY: LOVE dedicated to promoting books are about the iconic Ameri- MADE VISIBLE, THE BEDSIDE, BATH- literature, literacy and live can writer. He has been portraying TUB AND ARMCHAIR COMPANION theater. Their repertoire in- Twain on stage for more than 40 TO DRACULA and, most recently, cludes works by Mark Twain years. No less an authority than THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and . Ken Burns has said, “Nobody gets REVEALED: HOW ONE STORY KEEPS Mark Twain the way Mark Dawid- HOPE ALIVE, a 2019 deep-dive We’re pleased to have ziak does.” look at the beloved film based Mark as one of the newest mem- Mark poses with his TZ book at on a novella by Stephen King. He bers of the Serling the carousel in Recreation Park, Born in New York, Mark spent 43 also is the editor of three volumes Foundation’s Board of Directors. Binghamton, NY SPEAK YOUR MIND Share Your Serling Scenario by Steve Schlich fans of Rod Serling reveal how behind the intimidating Twilight wonder and the invaluable he reached them personally and Zone icon that we all know so well. guidance he received while My favorite corner of the Twilight helped them through life. I love creating a short film for the United Zone that is this website is our these stories because they let you We encourage readers just like Fund with Rod Serling. SPEAK YOUR MIND page, where see the sensitive and caring man you to share their own Serling stories with the world, and we’ve Tales Told Twice: My own Rod received some enchanting tales. Serling encounter, as a freshman I’ll point you to a few of them in a cafeteria. below, but please go to the RSMF MERCHANDISE SPEAK YOUR MIND page and look YouTube Videos for yourself. There’s lots to like (on our MEDIA:VIDEO page) The RSMF has teamed up with there, and a way for you to tell Muckles Ink - a retail & commercial your own tale. Here’s a primer… Twilight Zone in Death Valley: screen-printed apparel company a true labor of love, this video owned and operated by The Twitter Zone: compares sixty-year old shots Binghamton University Alumni - to New York Times columnist from the series with the same print and distribute our official Maureen Dowd muses about territory today. Enchanting and shirt! Proceeds will benefit the Rod the Twilight Zone’s continuing spooky! Serling Memorial Foundation. It’s a appeal and relevance, and why great conversation starter to meet she watches the annual July Blues for Rod Serling: Guitarist Phil fellow fans and a rewarding way to marathon again and again. deGruy pays musical tribute to show your support for Rod’s legacy! the man.

TZ, My Father, and Me: Details: Scott Sommer tells how the TFW: That Feeling When ...you • 52/48 Airlume combed and episode “One for the Angels” realize that you’ve time-traveled ringspun cotton/polyester reminds him of his father’s love. into the Twilight Zone! A mash-up • Unisex sizing of those magical TZ moments • Coverstitched collar and sleeves Spare the Rod Serling and Spoil reveals the many ways that • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping the Child: Writer Patrick Timothy actors can drop their jaws. Retail fit, side seams Mullikin recalls his “Rod Serling • Tear-away label childhood” with fondness, Rod Serling Video Festival: wonder, and wicked humor. All contestants are high school Available in black with white print or age or younger. Watch the grey with black print; sizes S to 4X - Long Live My Twilight Zone extraordinary winners, from $22.00 plus shipping. Refuge: Suzan Alparslan offers a 2008 on.

moving account of THE TWILIGHT Muckles also offers a wide range ZONE helping her through her The Serling Award (on our of Binghamton and Binghamton teens and into adulthood. AWARDS page): Read about the University shirts and tote bags. 2016 and 2017 winners of our

Meeting Rod Serling: award for film, writing, music, and Go to www.mucklesu.com, scroll A Thrill and an Education: podcasting —art inspired by Rod down to the Merch section. J.D. Feigelson describes his Serling and honoring his work. THE COMPLETE COLLECTION OF... How Prolific Was Rod Serling? By Nick Parisi then broadcast nationally on LUX VIDEO THEATRE. Both of these were How many home runs did Hank half-hour productions. Several years Aaron hit? 755. later, however, Serling expanded “Finchley” from a half-hour to sixty How many touchdowns did Peyton minutes, at which length it aired as Manning throw? 539. an episode of KAISER ALUMINUM HOUR. In the interim, the script How many scripts did Rod Serling was also produced on Canadian write? Hmmm . . . television, though the length of that version is unclear. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. So, does “Finchley” count once, twice, or four times? Disregarding Totaling the number of Serling’s the version produced on THE scripts is difficult -- not only because STORM does not address how to of how prolific he was, and not count a script that was produced necessarily because of the often at one length and later produced unreliable records of early television at a different length. broadcasts. Instead, the task is A photo still from the PATTERNS TV broadcast. complicated primarily because More oddities: of another deceivingly complex TO KATHY. The series aired locally rarely speaking of his work during question: in fifteen-minute segments twice this period -- but even after one of The “ movie” weekly, and Serling wrote most if Serling’s scripts had been was produced from one script, Which scripts should count? not all the scripts . . . and most if produced on a network series, consisting of three separate stories. not all of these scripts were then he was often able to resell the Does this count as one, or three? Rod Serling was almost certainly drastically rewritten by others. script to yet another network series the most prolific writer in television (sometimes retitled, sometimes TWILIGHT ZONE: ROD SERLING’S history. He was also, however, Do these scripts count? not). One of his earliest scripts, “Mr. LOST CLASSICS consisted of two a frequent recycler of his own We could ignore Cincinnati entirely Finchley vs. the Bomb,” was first stories – one produced from a material. And this prompts the -- as Serling himself essentially did, produced on THE STORM. It was full-length Serling teleplay (“Where question of whether a script that the Dead Are”), and one that was was produced by multiple shows adapted by Richard Matheson should be counted multiple times. from a Serling story/outline (“The And even this question is not as Rod Serling’s Radio Scripts Theatre”). Does this count as one, straightforward as it might seem. or two? And does the fact that The complications begin right at By Nick Parisi December 23, 1950 (after also Serling received only a “Story By” the beginning of Serling’s career. airing on the television series credit for “The Theatre” influence It’s well known that Rod’s three days earlier), “Curtain Call our count? From July 1951 through April award from the DR. CHRISTIAN for Carol,” which was broadcast 1952, Serling wrote 30 scripts series for the script “To Live a on April 21, 1951, and “A Guy How should we treat Serling’s for a dramatic series called THE Dream” was a pivotal moment Named Johnny O’Neill,” which feature film scripts? Two of these STORM, which was broadcast over in his writing career. “To Live aired on October 25, 1952. were adapted by other writers WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Dream,” however, was not from Serling’s television scripts seen only in the Cincinnati area. the first of Rod’s radio scripts to In 1954, Rod wrote and (THE RACK and INCIDENT IN AN Because these shows were seen be broadcast nationally. That produced a dramatic radio ALLEY); two were adapted by only locally, Serling was able to distinction goes to “Hop off series, IT HAPPENS TO YOU, for Serling himself (PATTERNS and shop these same scripts to network the Express and Grab a Local” WLW in Cincinnati. IT HAPPENS REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT); series. A dozen of Serling’s scripts (originally titled “The Local is a TO YOU was then broadcast and one, THE MOVIE MAKER, was written for THE STORM were later Very Slow Train”) which aired on nationally on the NBC network produced by taking an episode produced nationally, earning the CBS series GRAND CENTRAL on Tuesday nights from July 6 that Serling had written for THE Serling a second payday for the STATION on September 10, 1949. through September 28, 1954. The CHRYSLER THEATRE (“A Slow Fade same material and allowing this Two more of Rod’s scripts would thirteen episodes of IT HAPPENS to Black”) and expanding it by work to be seen by a national air on this series, “The Impostor” TO YOU were: “The Human filming additional scenes written by for the first time. (a/k/a “The Welcome Home”) Comedy” (a/k/a “You Be the Bad another writer -- who happened to on December 31, 1949, and “The Guy”); “And Then Came Jones”; be the renowned Stephen Bochco, So, when totaling Serling’s scripts, do Search” on July 11, 1953. “The Inn of Eagles”; “The Gallant receiving his first professional credit. THE STORM’s scripts count? To avoid Breed of Men”; “The Gab”; duplication, should we count only “To Live a Dream” aired on DR. “The Time Element”; “Welcome Do these titles each count once, those scripts that were produced CHRISTIAN on November 30, Home, Lefty”; “Keeper of the or twice? on THE STORM but not seen again 1949. Rod’s second script for the Chair”; “Aftermath”; “A Machine nationally? Or should even the series, “The Long Black Night,” to Answer the Question”; “Like In 1972, Serling adapted Irvin recycled scripts count twice, given aired on January 2, 1952. Father, Not Son”; “Train West”; Wallace’s novel THE MAN as a that the network’s versions usually and “The Sands of Tom.” proposed television movie, but differed from the version previously Rod’s firsttelevision script to be it was ultimately released as a produced on THE STORM? produced was “Grady Everett Of this total of 21 radio plays, feature film. Does this count as for the People,” on the series recordings of only four are known a television production, or as a To simply disregard Serling’s work on STARS OVER HOLLYWOOD to exist: “The Human Comedy” feature? In 1966, Serling’s “The THE STORM might seem a solution, on September 3, 1950. Rod and “The Gallant Breed of Men” Doomsday Flight” aired as a but the question extends beyond subsequently sold three scripts from IT HAPPENS TO YOU and television movie, but it was later that series. While working for WLW- to the STARS OVER HOLLYWOOD “The Impostor” and “Hop off the released theatrically in Europe. TV and Radio (also in Cincinnati), radio program: “Christmas Express and Grab a Local” from Same question. Serling created a sitcom, LEAVE IT for Sweeney,” which aired on GRAND CENTRAL STATION. Continued on following page THE COMPLETE COLLECTION OF... Continued from previous page scripted by J. Michael Straczinsky for the 1980s incarnation of THE Accounting for all these variables, TWILIGHT ZONE from a story/ my best answer is this: Rod Serling outline by Serling. wrote 229 scripts that were broadcast on network television. • “For All Time,” a 2000 television This counts NIGHT GALLERY and movie that is credited as “Based TWILIGHT ZONE: ROD SERLING’S on The Twilight Zone’s ‘A Stop at LOST CLASSICS as one apiece, Willoughby’ by Rod Serling.” while “Mr. Finchley vs. the Bomb” counts twice (once at 30 minutes The total including all of the and once at 60). Other scripts that above? 295. were performed twice at the same length, namely KRAFT THEATRE’s This accounts for only those scripts “Patterns” and G.E. THEATRE’s that were produced, of course. No “Man with a Vengeance,” were one can ever say with certainty counted once, as were scripts how many novels, stories, poems, that were remade, such as or scripts any writer has written. TWILIGHT ZONE episodes “Eye of Even Stephen King could have the Beholder” and “Night of the an unpublished novel or twelve Meek,” HALLMARK’s “A Storm in hidden in a trunk somewhere. Summer,” and ’s “In Theatrical posters for Patterns and The Man the Presence of Mine Enemies.” Including unproduced scripts, only Serling’s television work, and by others (THE RACK and Serling’s total approaches 400. Not included in this total are any so also excludes: INCIDENT IN AN ALLEY) Sifting through this material, one of the shows that were broadcast wonders how any man could only in Cincinnati, including: • THE MIRACLE OF YOHANNAN: The total of 229 also does have written so much in such In 1953 Serling scripted this not include the following a relatively short period. I am •“The Bad Penny”: Evidence Jewish educational film, miscellaneous works: convinced that Rod Serling did suggests that in 1949, Serling’s which was apparently filmed not sleep longer than five or script by this name was pro- and screened at a temple near • “The Smallest Revolution,” ten minutes on any given night duced on Cincinnati television, Cincinnati, though the film itself a produced but unaired pilot between 1950 and 1973. but very little information about appears to be lost. that was cowritten by Reginald it has been uncovered. Rose for a proposed series, THE Oh, and we haven’t mentioned 21 • LET US CONTINUE, a CHALLENGE. scripts produced on national radio • 30 scripts that were produced on documentary that Serling wrote programs -- more than half of which THE STORM, 18 of which were not at the request of the U.S. • “We Two,” a spin-off of Serling’s were produced only on radio... one produced elsewhere. Information Agency to promote acclaimed episode of HALL book of original fiction... five books of Lyndon Johnson’s presidency MARK HALL OF FAME, “A Storm in short story adaptations... a novel- • “ in Search of an after the Kennedy assassination. Summer,” which was produced ization... and likely a novel or two Ending,” a fifteen-minute drama in 1972 but never aired on which are currently (but hopefully not that aired on WLW-TV in 1952. • Nine feature films that Serling television. permanently) lost to time. wrote or co-wrote (including the • As many as 16 scripts for LEAVE aforementioned THE MAN and • The 1976 television movie, Maybe he never slept? IT TO KATHY (which are best THE MOVIE MAKER) “Time Travelers,” for which Serling forgotten altogether). received story credit. A version of this piece was posted • Two additional features that to my “Dimensions of Imagination” The total of 229 scripts includes were adapted into feature films • “Our Selena is Dying,” which was Facebook page in 2017. HAPPY (BELATED) NATIONAL TWILIGHT ZONE DAY

By Nick Parisi

May 11th was National Twilight Zone Day. No one seems to know the significance of this date as it does not have any obvious connection to the series, and whomever established the date has not been identified. Even the folks at nationaldaycalendar.com are clueless, posting: “National Day Calendar continues to research the founder of this day. However, they seem to have slipped into THE TWILIGHT ZONE.” Left: TZ Banner from nationaldaycalendar.com Right: April 1, 1964, Rod parachutes Most who are reading this likely from a plane above Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne. celebrate “Twilight Zone Day” virtually every day. But if we make more sense. Even June 19th, We’re partial to the suggestion That may not be the official had to pick one specific date, the date the final original episode that the date 5/11 is in honor reason, but it would certainly October 2nd, the date of the aired in 1964 (“The Bewitchin’ Rod’s regiment during World War have pleased Rod if it were the series’ 1959 debut would obviously Pool”) would work. II, the 511th Parachute Infantry. case. THE BOOKSHELF As I Knew Him - An Interview With Anne Serling By Gail Flug Before I finished the book I did a reading at the Paley Center and a Of all the books in one’s Rod woman came up to me afterward Serling library, none is as personal and told me her dad was very ill and intimate as his daughter’s and that he would be gone any memoir. AS I KNEW HIM: MY DAD, day. She said that after hearing me ROD SERLING presents Rod as read she knew she would be ok. a devoted family man with a That was so unexpected and for mischievous sense of humor and her to share that with me was such a deep love for animals. Anne a profound moment. It brought me also writes of a tormented soul tremendous relief that something haunted by his time in combat I had said helped her because and someone who tried his best I never anticipated that but so not to fall under the pressure of many of the letters I have received his job demands. Her honesty of over the years are from people his smoking dependence, her who tell me about their losses and awareness of his celebrity and how they could relate to what I her experience going through the wrote. Grief, is, after-all, something grief process allows the reader we all share. an extraordinary connection. It is not only of interest to Serling What were some of the other enthusiasts, it is a heartfelt story of memories that you had problems a young woman mourning the loss keeping your emotions in check? of her father. This isn’t a memory but I would say First published in 2013, the book reading those letters my dad wrote received high acclaim. Anne has while he was in training camp was written a revised edition with an particularly difficult. They sounded updated afterword and more Above: Anne, age 8, on her dad’s lap. Below left: Cover of revised edition like he was simply off at summer personal photos to be published camp writing his Mom and Dad this spring. As honest as her written AS I KNEW HIM was (at least) seven It is incredible you found the requesting candy, more mail, text, she recounts the personal years in the writing and begun correspondence your dad had with a watch. My own son was the experience of writing the book and decades after the other book. your grandparents during his time same age as my dad when I went the reaction of those who read it. at war. Where did you find it? And through those letters and so it really How were you able to trace who kept it all? punctuated just how young these What brought on the desire to write your dad’s roots back to your kids are that we send off to these the first edition in 2013? grandparents? My father kept these letters in terrible wars. a large white box. I have vivid This was a very long process When I was in college I took a class memories of him carrying that box I knew that my father, like so many, as many books are. Like my in genealogy. My mother helped out to the yard, going through the was traumatized by the war. I dad (and others) I find writing me trace the heritage of both her letters and then carefully folding was also aware that there was no cathartic. When my father died, I family and my father’s. Her side them back up and replacing them treatment back then. PTSD wasn’t felt paralyzed. I did not know how of the family was much better in their envelopes. Many, I know, even a term and I remember my I would/could ever accept his documented than my dad’s. were from his parents and when dad having terrible nightmares. But death or exist in a world without A cousin also gave me some my dad was done he would just reading his letters to and from his him. I wrote and I wrote and I material. stare off. As I wrote in my memoir: parents saddened me deeply. wrote which transformed to a “I see that same inaccessible look book I titled, “IN HIS ABSENCE,” I am sure you always hear from I will come to know and, even as a In the book, you recall your but I couldn’t finish it; I hadn’t fans who have read the book. child, understand.” parents’ engagement in even begun to navigate that What are some of the things which assassinations during the late ‘60s, whole minefield of grief. they say surprised them about your I also kept almost every letter my politics, and civil rights. Where dad? dad wrote me. I wonder if, like him, do you think your dad got that I had some prophetic knowledge from? It seems he had it since high I guess the thing I hear most is that that I would want (and need) all school. they are surprised my father was those words someday. funny, that he was normal. That Certainly from his own parents who he was so prolific and yet always I love the fact that you continued were both progressive. His mother present as a husband and as a the book through your mourning used to write letters to the editor father. That he was down to earth process and therapy. I think about various causes. and so warm. anyone who has lost a parent can relate to it. Was it hard to re-visit this Are there any particular teleplays What were some of the surprising challenging time in your life for the or episodes that stand out to you things you learned about your dad book? emotionally, whether it be pride, when you were writing the book? happiness, or sorrow? The difficulty was that I knew of I was surprised to discover the course where I would ultimately My dad wrote a beautiful story sheer volume of his writing. My have to wind up- at my father’s called, “A Storm in Summer.” It’s dad has been described as “a death. In terms of writing about about the friendship between .” He was only on this that my editor said, “Your grief is so an African American fresh-air kid planet for 50 years- 25 or so of central to this book; you need to and a cantankerous delicatessen those were as a writer and yet be more open.” It was then that I owner in upstate New York. what he created in that brief time I just allowed the floodgates to fly find stunning. open. Continued on following page THE BOOKSHELF Continued from previous page “In Praise of Pip” that particularly What do you think your dad would Sometime after my dad died, I impacted me. I hadn’t watched think that his legacy is still going watched the show again, listening many of the Twilight Zones until strong after 60 years after the over and over to the lines about after my father died and when I Twilight Zone and his other works? the impact of death on those left did, it was mostly to see him. As I behind: wrote in my memoir: My dad would be so surprised, so honored and humbled. As he said “You feel like your life has ended. “What was so striking, so personal, in an interview, he felt his writing That some vital part of your body (for me) and so moving about that was, “momentarily adequate,” has been stripped away. That particular story was some of the that it “would not stand the test of you’ll never heal, never smile, dialogue. time.” never laugh. That the sorrow is just unbearable and that the tears will “Who’s your best buddy, Pip?” He would also be saddened, never end. But they do. Somehow, “You are, Pop.” though, that so many of the someway, the crying does come to themes he wrote about- racism, an end.” Just like the words of my dad’s and mob mentality, etc. are still so my routine…” relevant and prevalent today. I took great comfort in those words as if they were in a way a message Watching that episode brought In closing, I want to thank you for from my dad. a reconnection with my dad in a this beautiful memoir. You revealed most unexpected way. unmeasurable memories and a Other teleplays of my dad’s that perspective about your dad - for stand out for me are certainly the What made you want to republish who I have deep respect and Anne, age 15, with her dad in Twilight Zones about going back the updated version, and how is it admiration - which otherwise Palm Springs, Califorina in time like “,” different? would not be known. It also made or the similar episode “They’re me miss my dad even more. The updated edition of “As I Knew Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar” from The updated edition has new Him” will be available at Amazon. Night Gallery. But it was his script photos, afterward and anecdotes. Thank YOU Gail! com and rodserlingbooks.com. ROD SERLING SAID THIS “Every writer is a frustrated actor legerdemain, first check the who recites his lines in the hidden human spirit.” auditorium of his skull.” “The ultimate obscenity is not “Being like everybody is the same caring, not doing something about as being nobody.” what you feel, not feeling! Just drawing back and drawing in, “We’re developing a new citizenry. becoming narcissistic.” One that will be very selective about cereals and automobiles, “ makes the but won’t be able to think.” implausible possible, while makes the impossible “Any state, any entity, any plausible.” ideology that fails to recognize the worth, the dignity, the rights of “The writer’s role is to menace the man, that state is obsolete” public’s conscience. He must have the earth into a graveyard, into it “If you write, fix pipes, grade a position, a point of view. He must “...the worst aspect of our time is they shoveled all of their reason, papers, lay bricks or drive a taxi see the arts as a vehicle of social prejudice... In almost everything their logic, their knowledge, but - do it with a sense of pride. And criticism and he must focus on the I’ve written, there is a thread of worst of all their conscience. And do it the best you know how. Be issues of his time.” this - man’s seemingly palpable the moment we forget this, the cognizant and sympathetic to the need to dislike someone other than moment we cease to be haunted guy alongside, because he wants a “It’s simply a national himself.” by its remembrance. Then we place in the sun, too. And always... acknowledgment that in any kind become the grave diggers.” always look past his color, his creed, of priority, the needs of human “Fantasy is the impossible made his religion and the shape of his beings must come first. Poverty probable. Science Fiction is the “If you need drugs to be a good ears. Look for the whole person. is here and now. Hunger is here improbable made possible.” writer, you are not a good writer.” Judge him as the whole person.” and now. Racial tension is here and now. Pollution is here and “Coming up with ideas is the “It is difficult to produce a “Some people possess talent, now. These are the things that easiest thing on earth. Putting them television documentary that is both others are possessed by it. When scream for a response. And if we down is the hardest.” incisive and probing when every that happens, a talent becomes a don’t listen to that scream - and twelve minutes one is interrupted curse.” if we don’t respond to it - we “For civilization to survive, the by twelve dancing rabbits singing may well wind up sitting amidst human race has to remain about toilet paper.” “It has forever been thus: So long our own rubble, looking for the civilized.” as men write what they think, then truck that hit us - or the bomb “Imagination... its limits are only all of the other freedoms - all of that pulverized us. Get the license “All the Dachaus must remain those of the mind itself.” them - may remain intact. And number of whatever it was that standing. The Dachaus, the Belsens, it is then that writing becomes a destroyed the dream. And I think the Buchenwalds, the Auschwitzes “According to the Bible, God weapon of truth, an article of faith, we will find that the vehicle was -all of them. They must remain created the heavens and the an act of courage.” registered in our own name.” [from standing because they are a Earth. It is man’s prerogative - and a Commencement Address at the monument to a moment in time woman’s - to create their own “If in any quest for magic, in any University of Southern California; when some men decided to turn particular and private hell.” search for sorcery, witchery, March 17, 1970] ROD SERLING Fantasy Park: The Greatest Concert That Never Was by Gail Flug overnight DJ, was chosen to cut all the ‘reporter on the scene’ parts. The majority of Rod Serling’s legacy To mimic the sound of a less than is in television as the principal perfect broadcasting situation, writer, creator, and producer these segments were done with a of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. His other $40 cassette tape recorder and a TV credits include THE LONER, $6 microphone from Radio Shack. NIGHT GALLERY, several movie Other members of the KNUS staff screenplays and some of the most were also drafted to record various acclaimed shows of the “golden reports on the concert. age of live television.” Despite his achievements as a writer, Rod According to Steve, once Rod focused mostly on voice-over work signed on, everyone involved felt during his final years. With one the obligation to put in extra effort of the most recognizable voices to make FANTASY PARK perfect. of the era, he found countless Some radio stations created their own giveaways. They sent Rod a professional, opportunities doing commercials Right: WYSP - Quad (Philadelphia, PA) t-shirt Left: Fantasy Park poster portable 7-1/2” audio recorder, and narrating exploration films; in a microphone, and a dozen McLendon Company, which and television spots. The FANTASY fact, his last professional project rolls of audiotape. He wrote and owned a chain of radio stations PARK concept was complete. was a short documentary about recorded generic variations of across the country and was the aviation titled TAKE-OFF: THE promos that would run before the syndicator of what is known as Rod’s promo recorded for WSAI in AIRLINE STORY, written by his concert, several updates to use “elevator music” on 16 other Cincinnati explains: brother Robert. throughout, and a closing voice- stations. The -based main over. As more stations would sign headquarters was located in Hello, this is Rod Serling. This Although he made his name in on to air the program, he would the same building as their top-40 Friday night, WSAI FM will bring television, Rod’s career began in cut custom promos with their call station KNUS-FM, where owner you a rock concert that could radio. During his years at Antioch letters and city. Rod spoke to the Gordon McClendon’s son, Bart, never happen, but is happening. College, he managed the campus program’s organizers regularly and worked as General Manager. Imagine if you will a huge park radio station, WABS, ultimately seemed to have a lot of fun doing just south of Cincinnati, filled with writing, directing, producing, and it. Steve recalls out-takes featuring One Saturday afternoon in 1975, more people than you’ve ever acting in much of the station’s Rod dropping many f-bombs and KNUS played a 3-hour block of live seen before. 750,000, a million, programming. Through the tripping up the call letters for KQKQ. music, broadcasting it as if it were it’s impossible to tell. And then university’s work/study program, Rod would often make jokes about one long live concert. Bart, along imagine their reaction when the Rod gained credits for various paid the various station call letters. with National Productions Director, Stones are announced, followed internships with radio stations on Steve Blackson, took notice and by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and the East coast. After graduating, After 10 solid weeks of production, gave the idea to WNOE-AM/ many, many more. Possibly even his first job was as a continuity the show was ready to air in FM, their station in New Orleans. . If you can imagine writer for WLW radio in Cincinnati, a few markets in time for the The three-hour “live” concert this, then you too will be a part Ohio. Rod sold a handful of October-November ratings period broadcast by KNUS ultimately of the greatest rock festival ever. scripts to national radio series, but in 1974. Several more stations morphed into the much more FANTASY PARK. Where is it? When within a few years, television had aired the production during the ambitious idea of producing a is it? It begins at six o’clock this replaced radio as the dominant April-May spring ratings period 48-hour syndicated ‘concert’ Friday night exclusively on WSAI-FM entertainment medium and Rod in 1975. The project required modeled after Woodstock. Like and lasts all weekend. But where? left radio behind. 48 reel-to-reel tapes to cover the three-hour block broadcast Where is it you say? FANTASY PARK programing from 6 PM Friday by KNUS, this concert would not is a state of mind. And you’re Fast-forward to the mid-1970s and throughout the weekend, with be real. Persuading the ultimate invited. the introduction of AOR -- Album- a two-hour ‘rainstorm delay’ narrator of the “surreal” to be oriented radio -- with a wide Sunday morning, invented so that involved was the final step. Bart To create this “concert of the range of rock music played 24/7. stations could run any religious or got Serling’s phone number from mind,” Steve Blackson mixed pre- This format was a far cry from the public affairs shows that they were a friend of his father in Hollywood recorded music with crowd noise, radio serials of the 40s and 50s obligated to broadcast. The hosts and literally cold-called Rod. After added on-stage introductions that Rod had grown up with, and announced each of the upcoming Bart described the project, Rod from bootleg recordings, and which he had produced on WABS. performances along with reports of enthusiastically agreed to record interspersed old interview clips as One of the largest broadcasting various incidents, such as Friday the introductory segments, promos, segues. Fred Kennedy, the station’s corporations of the time was the Continued on following page

Let Rod Serling guide you and New Orleans? Literally hundreds weekend concert in full stereo your listeners to Fantasy Park, the of people jammed the high- that’s so vivid you might find ultimate rock concert. Fanta- ways looking for the concert, yet yourself wondering if it’s really sy Park may well be the most couldn’t find it. On the second happening. The concert begins unique weekend promotion ever day of the promotion the Internal Friday at 6 p.m. and lasts all produced. Can you imagine a Revenue Service tried to attach weekend through late Sunday. For concert featuring Chicago, Elton the receipts of the concert. Re- further information, send for your John, The Who, The Rolling Stones, quests for tickets came from as far demonstration tape and let Rod Bob Dylan and over 40 other super as New Mexico and Ohio, far out Serling guide your station through rock stars....all in one weekend on of broadcast range, yet the word Fantasy Park. For other information your station? spread. and availability contact:

What other weekend promotion What could generate so much The McLendon Collection could generate as much response response? Fantasy Park! Fantasy McLendon Building as Fantasy Park did for WNOE in Park is a totally self-contained Dallas, Texas 75201 (214) 651-1010

Left: Advertisement which appeared in radio trade magazines ROD SERLING Continued from previous page night’s Elton John’s arrival by Rod was still recording custom helicopter, fireworks at the end promos up until shortly before FANDOM of the Moody Blues set Saturday his final heart attack and some night, and even the birth of a stations, including WNEW in New Fans Beyond The Zone baby girl on Sunday afternoon! York City, aired his narrations even after his death. Later that year, Throughout the weekend, FANTASY PARK won the Billboard members of the Beatles were International Programming “seen” backstage to tease Forum’s Best Syndicated Music the grand finale. As if reuniting Special. The Beatles was not incredible enough, Steve used the talk Sadly, most of these recordings segments from bootleg recordings were never archived. There were of their concerts from Shea only 10 copies of FANTASY PARK Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl that were bicycled from one along with studio tracks to create station to the next when airing it. a two-and-a-half-hour set, Sadly, the masters were destroyed even though the band had never years later during a flood in the performed live much longer than McClendon home. In the 70s no 40 minutes during the height of one realized the significance of their popularity. this historic event. A few of Rod’s promos have since been found Rod’s disclaimers citing “this is and posted to youTube. FANTASY PARK, the greatest live concert never held, the crowds Rod Serling’s musical tastes By Gary Clevenger fully appreciate until I was in my here today are unreal” were gravitated toward big band early teenage years. run at the top of each hour. Still, swing and jazz, and vocalists like I first became a Zoner as a reminiscent of the WAR OF THE Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. He youngster in the 1970s, watching The Twilight tattoo was a birth- WORLDS hysteria decades earlier, loathed rock n roll and his distaste the show at my grandparent’s day present to myself. It was my radio station switchboards lit up for it was occasionally apparent home in Michigan. I was intrigued way of honoring the show’s 60th with calls from listeners demanding in his work. That his last radio with the black and white format anniversary and the festivities that to know where the concert was appearance would be as host of and the moral lessons of the took place in Binghamton for the being held and how to get tickets. a fantasy rock concert, one that show, which are still applicable to anniversary, which I attended in It was reported that a helicopter it instilled in its audience a need today’s society and that I did not October 2019. was hired to find the concert site to attend even though it was when it aired in Los Angles, and nowhere to be found, is an ironic the IRS turned up at the station in twist worthy of the best of THE ROD SERLING WEB SOURCES New Orleans to make sure they TWILIGHT ZONE. OfficialRSMF Facebook Page Night Gallery - Art of Darkness got their cut of the proceeds. One Facebook page urban legend suggests college Special thanks to Steve Blackson OfficialRSMF YouTube Channel Official page for the book students around the country were for providing some of the ART OF DARKNESS hitchhiking to try to find it. information used in this article. The Largest Twilight Zone Facebook Group Anne Serling Books Transcript of one of Rod’s promos Probably, there must be a million Facebook Page used during the broadcast. out there. The park itself is 150 Night Gallery Facebook Page some odd acres of grass en- The Twilight Zone Podcast Dimensions of Imagination Hosted by Tom Elliot ROD: Good evening. I’m Rod closed by huge oak trees. See Facebook Page Serling. Welcome to Fantasy Park. way over there, those kids are Official page for the book I’ll be your host this weekend throwing the frisbees. Now there’s Rod Serling Film Festival ROD SERLING: HIS LIFE, WORK, Annual student filmmaker on what has to be the ultimate a beautiful lake on the other AND IMAGINATION by RSMF contest sponsored by WSKG musical trip. What you’ll hear in side of the paddleboats. No, you President Nick Parisi of Binghamton,NY the coming hours and days, you’ll can’t see it now. But we’ll drop Shadows and Substance swear could never happen. But by later. What I can see way over Television Academy Hall Of Fame then it is happening right here on there to the left is a softball game A great Rod Serling blog written by RSMF member Rod Serling’s bio and WSAI-FM. The Stones, Chicago, being played. But mostly people Paul Gallagher list of awards Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Yes, just seem to be waiting. Spread Led Zeppelin all are here. Before out on blankets. I wouldn’t have Coming soon...The Official Rod Serling the weekend is over, you’ll hear guessed it but a lot of these Memorial Foundation Podcast! Elton John, Cat Stevens, Crosby, people brought their kids. Almost Stills Nash and Young; and many, everyone is packing lunch and many more. And maybe even The dinner and blankets for the night. CALLING ALL FANS Beatles. Impossible you say? But Things they’re going to need if it’s happening. And you can hear they plan to stay the weekend. Do you have a one-of-a-kind it. Fantasy Park is in your mind. Well, I can see things are about item, tattoo, original artwork or an to begin. extensive collection of anything FANTASY PARK is a state of mind. Serling-related? Or, do a podcast But let’s not talk about it. Let’s go So settle back. Take off your shoes. or blog we should know about? over and take a look. You know This is all going on in your mind. We want to hear from you! Send you take a right up there, the This is FANTASY PARK. And I’m Rod a photo, web link and information next road. That’s it. Now just keep Serling on WSAI-FM. Get ready along with your name to going straight for a mile or so. Now to enjoy one of the most unusual [email protected]. it’s up there. See? Have you ever weekends of your life. seen that many people? It’s unbe- Placement in the newsletter is not Pictured Above: lievable, impossible to count. YouTube link to hear all promos guaranteed and will be decided The legal license plate of RSMF by our board of directors. president Nick Parsi. ROD SERLING Serling’s Commencement Address At

By Gordon Webb chosen professions. And some of these professions will prove to be In the late 60s and early 70s, Rod back-breaking possibilities. For Serling was a familiar face on the some of you the frustrations are Ithaca College campus, teach- only beginning. For all of you, the ing his craft there in Advanced world society beyond this campus Screenwriting Seminars. He was on is going to prove tough, compet- the upstate New York campus in itive, demanding, unforgiving of May 1972 to deliver the college’s error, and full of rebuttals to the seventy-seventh commencement things you most earnestly believe.” address, and his opening words reflect the award-winning writer’s As students listened to Serling – cynicism regarding such rituals: with proud parents looking on – the U.S was still fighting a war “I’d immediately address myself in Vietnam and 60 percent of to the elimination of the following Americans were against it. Deadly 20th century tribal rites: the expen- IRA bombings continued in Great sive wedding, the long funeral, Britain, and the previous year and that portion of the gradua- had seen a bloody riot at Attica tion proceedings known as the prison in upstate New York . . . the Commencement Address – that U.S. Supreme Court had upheld predictable and pretentious intru- school bussing and the Watergate sion by convenient visiting firemen break-in was only a month away. Top: Rod receiving the “hood” which signifies awarding of his honorary designated to provide the onward Serling’s words could have been “Doctor of Humane Letters” degree. Below: Serling greeting students as they and upward elocution.” taken from some of his best tele- receive their diplomas. On left, the late Dr. John Keshishoglou, then chair of plays, and ring true even today: the TV-Radio department and responsible for hiring Serling to teach. By this time, Serling had enjoyed incredible success as a writer, but “There is in this country unhappily But, a commencement speech is lived with constant self-doubt, and and currently a strange, convolut- supposed to end on a “high note” along the road to stardom he saw ed sense of morality, and a selec- – leaving graduates pumped up his scripts edited, manipulated and tive moral outrage that goes with for the next phase of their lives, censored by the forces that con- it. We scream out in anger against and Serling didn’t disappoint. trolled commercial television. As school bussing – casting votes He said “...so long as you care, he delivered this address, his NIGHT for self-seeking and simplistic so long as you commit, so long GALLERY series had just completed demagogues, and conveniently as you concern yourself with the its second season – but the writer showing no comparable concern human condition, you have it in lacked the control over its content for the fact that there are worse your power, perhaps twenty years that he had enjoyed with THE things than the inconvenience of from now, to be called to deliver a TWILIGHT ZONE. In just three years, bussing. There are second-rate, Commencement Address against You Shop Serling would suffer an untimely shabby, ratty ghetto schools a background of an infinitely finer death at the age of 50, and his that we know exist, and have world.” And finally: “Take your Amazon Gives frustrations with commercial media done nothing for generations. brains, your muscles, your cour- and the world in general were And there are unwritten codes age, and let’s hear from you upon When you join AmazonSmile evident in the words he delivered and laws of social attitude that occasion, while you’re out there you can make a donation to the graduating seniors. consign our minorities out to fight building that much better world to the Rod Serling Memorial in questionable punitive adven- with what I’m sure is dedication Foundation every time you “Those robes you sweat under will tures, and thank them profusely and passion.” shop. Amazon will donate 0.5% soon be replaced by lab aprons, for dying for us, but we’ll not allow of eligible purchases to us. Sign Read the entire commencement business suits, and whatever are them to put their garbage cans up at www.smile.amazon.com the working uniforms of your next to ours.” speech at the RSMF website.