As one of the most influential and iconic television writers,Rod Serlingleft an unforgettable mark in entertainment history with hisclassic science fictionanthology seriesThe Twilight Zone. Yet, he left behind an impressive track record of work long before and after the classic show. These range frommade-for-TV moviesto other anthology series and feature films.
Here are some of Rod Serling’s best scripts outside The Twilight Zone, ranked. These classics offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest writers in film and television history.
7Assault on a Queen
Rod Serling helped bring Jack Finney’s 1959 novel to life withAssault on a Queen, released in 1966. It tells the story of a group of treasure hunters who plan to hijack an ocean liner using a historic submarine they discovered on the ocean floor. This leads to an adventure with plenty of action and danger, as the crew must face off against everyone on board the Queen Mary after they make their way onto the boat.
It’s an exciting story that benefits from Rod Serling’s witty take on an impossible heist. The movie stars Frank Sinatra, Virna Lisi, and Anthony Franciosa and is a classic example of Serling’s knack for writing screenplays with plenty of suspense. The small cast of characters is perfect for the tight, thrilling narrative and allows it to focus on character development in a way that isn’t always possible withmore expensive films.
6The Yellow Canary
Another movie adapted from a novel by Rod Serling isThe Yellow Canary, which tells the story of an unpleasant singer dealingwith the kidnappingof his infant son. Pat Boone stars in the pop star Andy Paxton and shines in the role, alongside Barbara Eden as his distant wife and a cast of colorful characters. Paxton must work with the police to not only find his son but determine who he can really trust out of those around him.
The twists and turns of the plot are a testament to Serling’s screenwriting talents and make this little-known feature a fascinating gem that deserves more attention. Debuting just a few years before Eden starred inI Dream of Jeannie, this movie provides an excellent opportunity to see the actress in a different role. The film has a noir feel, and Serling’s script brings plenty of tension as the story unfolds.
5Requiem for a Heavyweight
The 1962 filmRequiem for a Heavyweightis one of Serling’s most acclaimed works outsideThe Twilight Zoneand is a classic example of his ability to write compelling drama. It’s based on the teleplay Serling wrote for Playhouse 90 in 1956, bringing home several awards, including a Peabody Award. The movie centers on an aging boxer who has to deal with the harsh reality that his career is coming to an end. Anthony Quinn stars as Louis ‘Mountain’ Rivera, the boxer, and Jackie Gleason takes on the role of his trainer.
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The movie is an intense drama that highlights the struggles of a man trying to find his place in the world. Serling’s script dives deep into Rivera’s psyche, exploring the themes of friendship and loyalty as he confronts the idea that he can no longer succeed in his chosen profession. There’s also the struggle of learning that even those closest to him can’t always be trusted. It’s a powerful film that remains one of Serling’s most praised works.
4Seven Days in May
ThisCold War-era thrilleris based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Fletcher Knebel and Charles Bailey. Rod Serling adapted the screenplay for the movie, earning him an award for Best Written American Drama at the 1965 Writers Guild of America ceremony. This 1964 film tells the story of a plot by a group of military officers and politicians to overthrow the President of the United States. The action is tightly paced, and the stakes get higher and higher as the characters try to unravel the plot.
Though it was released more than 50 years ago, the documentary-style scenes and the clever dialogue between characters remain gripping. The performances of Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and Fredric March are outstanding, and the score by Jerry Goldsmith helps to drive the uncertainty.Seven Days in Mayis a thrilling exploration of loyalty, patriotism, and courage and is a classic example of the power of suspended disbelief.
3Night Gallery
Though Rod Serling is most well-known for creating and hostingThe Twilight Zone, he also created the horror anthology seriesNight Gallery. This 1970-1973 show featured two-segment stories, with Serling as the host of each episode. While this sounds similar toThe Twilight Zone,Night Galleryfeatured more explicit horror elements and created a world of its own within the genre. Serling also wrote the show’s pilot, debuting in 1969, and included several stories, including the classic “Eyes,” starring Joan Crawford. The pilot had a runtime similar to a film at just over an hour and a half, while the show’s subsequent episodes had shorter runtimes falling just under one hour.
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The stories inNight Gallerydrawinspiration from classic literatureand explore topics such as fear, morality, and death in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s an inventive show that stands the test of time, making it a must-watch for any fan of science fiction and horror fan.Night Galleryis a great example of Serling’s ability to craft strong stories exploring human nature’s dark side.
This 1956 drama is one of Serling’s earliest works that gained widespread recognition and is based on his teleplay from just one year earlier.Patternswas performed live on “Kraft Television Theatre,” and went on to be the first live production to have the cast and crew return for another live performance after the first show. The film was just as successful and features a star-studded cast, including Van Heflin, Everett Sloane, and Ed Begley.
The movie centers on a corporate power struggle between two executives at a large company and the moral dilemmas that come with it. The acting truly helps to bring the characters to life, as the script explores issues of ambition, greed, and corruption. The ruthlessness of the characters, combined with the clever dialogue, make for an intense viewing experience.Patternsis a riveting drama that serves as a reminder of the power of effective storytelling and Rod Serling’s skill as a writer.
1Planet of the Apes
This 1968 classic is based on the 1963 novelLa Planète des singesby French author Pierre Boulle. Rod Serling was hired to adapt the novel and crafted a screenplay that reimagined the original story in a way that becamegroundbreaking for science fiction films. However, he wasn’t the only writer to work on this movie, and his final draft of the script was edited and partially rewritten by Michael Wilson. Both writers received credit for their efforts, and the resulting film is a genre classic that blends the two distinct styles with the novel’s original story.
Planet of the Apesis a fun and visually stunning movie with a unique story that explores themes such as culture, oppression, and ethics. The film is also known for its compelling performances by the cast, led by Charlton Heston in arguably his most iconic role. Theodd special effects, combined with the art direction, make this a captivating experience that stands out to this day.Planet of the Apesis a must-watch for any fan of science fiction and Serling’s work.
There’s a lot to be said about the power of Rod Serling’s writing and the impact his work has had on science fiction, horror, and drama.The Twilight ZoneandNight Galleryare two of his most celebrated works, but they’re far from the only examples of his impressive writing. He’s left behind a great legacy of stories to be enjoyed for generations, and these are just a few examples of his impact on cinema and television.
