The Sins of the Fathers/You Can't Get Help Like That Anymore

Sorry I can't add much to kbearo-1's excellent comments. It says something when I can remember a television episode for so many years. I was nearly traumatized for life- it's that good (?!). It gives me chills just to think about it, especially when you apply it metaphorically. Yikes! I was heartened to see how many things Richard Thomas has done (thank you IMDb). Like too many other folks, the first thing that comes to mind is "John Boy". Pity. He's a fine, versatile actor. Anyone know what he's been doing lately? I trust he can still work whenever he feels like it. And Geraldine Page? I would crawl naked over ground glass just to see her read the phone book. She shines in every single thing I've ever seen her in, and of course this is no exception. p.s. If you should get the opportunity to see this, I'd recommend doing it with a six-pack or bottle and someone to talk with afterwards.

Another entry from Season Two. This is really one of the most frightening and uncomfortable things to watch, that has ever been presented on television. Richard Thomas deserves accolades for his performance. The finest work he has ever done. This is one of those--"You have to see it to believe it" episodes. Some of the finest horror that television has ever seen. Nothing I can say can describe this episode. It has never been matched. I dream of seeing "Season Two" again on DVD. Without the "Sixth Sense" episodes that were added for syndication. For they were crap. As I said, this episode Scared the S&%T out of me. I bet it would still.

As the previous posters have attested, this was one of the most frightening things I ever saw--on TV or in a movie theater. The acting was superb, but it was the story, the foggy night forest that the desperate boy had to run through--round trip!--and especially the taut direction that so successfully created an atmosphere of crushing dread. The fear and contempt that The Widow showed for the hysterical young man before slamming the heavy wooden door behind him made my mouth go dry.

Without giving away what actually happens at the climax, I'll just say that, once it took place, my entire family began shrieking and running from the room in all directions.

Poe must have wept with jealousy. I only wish someone would release this on DVD. (N.B.: The only episode of TV horror equal to "Sins of the Fathers," in my opinion, is "An Unlocked Window," starring Dana Wynter, from "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," which aired in 1965. Have Valium on hand...lots of it.)

I do not understand what the other reviewers were trying to suggest that this episode of Night Gallery is so scary and horrifying and that Poe would be jealous. It is about as scary as an episode of Captain Kangaroo. The acting of course is wonderful with Thomas and Page (she could do anything) but honestly this is not scary. It is just a lot of screaming and yelling. That in itself is not horrifying it is just loud. Barbara (last name ?) who played the widow was pretty good too. I have a feeling that the reviewers who find this episode of Night Gallery to be so frightening and appallingly scary and horrifying are really Rod Serling groupies who would approve of anything he did. Don't fret if you miss this episode.

Not only was this teleplay one of the most chilling and relentless of the series, but the casting was superb: Michael Dunn, Barbara Steele, and Geraldine Paige, OMG, in a single TV episode. But considering Rod Serling's reputation, perhaps that's not surprising.

Unlike modern shocker films, this episode of Night Gallery relies on no special effects other than a fog-generating machine. Yet the suspense and horror build so steadily that by the conclusion, you the viewer are thoroughly wrung out. I haven't seen this one for decades, yet I remember it quite vividly -- yet I try not to think of it just before bedtime....