Night Call

Unlike most of the creepier Twilight Zone episodes, Night Call terrifies me as much now as it did when I was much younger. I still can't watch this one late at night without feeling a little uneasy at what might be lurking just beyond the blinds in the window. Night Call is brilliant on several levels. First, it's a masterpiece of storytelling by the legendary Richard Matheson, who's written some of the most unnerving short stories ever published. The characters, the situation, and the final explanation are all superbly realized--I've seen the ending twist repeated in a number of short films or generic "scary tales for children"-esquire compilations. Jacques Tourneur's direction is extraordinarily atmospheric, the visual equivalent of a lonely wind rustling through a dark forest. We as viewers feel every bit as alone and frightened as the woman when she picks up the phone and hears nothing but moans from the other end. Watching the episode is a bit like lying in bed in the middle of the night and thinking you heard a noise downstairs. Yet, in spite of all this, the ending manages a complete 180, from terrifying to tragic, that works extraordinarily well. Kudos to the writer and director for giving the Twilight Zone an ingenious entry for its final season.

Gladys Cooper, the grand dame of The Twilight Zone, is quite brilliant in her third and final appearance. Jacques Tourner (Night Of The Demon, I Walked With A Zombie) brings his usual excellent atmospheric direction to the Zone. Probably the only TZ set in England (I realize 'Passage On The Lady Anne' begins at Southampton), it's by far and away one of the most creepy and chilling.

Besides Gladys Cooper, the so recurring theme of loneliness is probably the only other typical TZ factor. The story is good for a chilly ghost story but somewhat severe in nature for this normally more warm-hearted series.

Highly suspenseful episode with aptly ironical ending. So who's the prank caller interrupting elderly Elva's (Cooper) needed rest. Sounds like he can barely breathe. Plus he keeps calling at night, adding menace to the ringing phone. Poor Elva, she doesn't have much to think about, so the unwanted rings are preying on her declining health. Good thing sturdy Margaret's (Marlowe) there during the day providing sober comfort and advice. But then, the phone company's no help in diagnosing the problem. So, what's poor Elva to do.

First-rate TZ, even though there's only a cast of three and no real action. Still, the suspense builds as the mystery deepens. Cooper, in a long and distinguished career, is excellent at showing the mounting strain. TZ and Hitchcock Presents were a lot alike in that story was always paramount. Thus good acting came first rather than glamor or celebrity. That plus quality of writing (Here it's Richard Matheson) accounts, I think, for much series success. And shouldn't overlook fine direction here from movie vet Jacques Tourneur who helmed many of the Val Lewton horror classics, (I Walked with a Zombie; Cat People, et al.). Anyway, it's a first-rate TZ entry, so don't miss it.

Gladys Cooper might does not hold the record for appearances in episodes of "The Twilight Zone", though she comes close with three appearances (I think that would be Jack Klugman with four). "Night Call" represents her final appearance, though my favorite is still "Nothing in the Dark".

This episode consists of an old lady that is wheelchair-bound who is receiving creepy phone calls. It's not what is said as much as how the unknown person sounds--almost like someone who is half-dead. Again and again he calls and each time, Cooper becomes more scared--she just wants the calls to stop. Then, in a final act of desperation, she makes them stop...but is this what she REALLY wants? Much of what is good about this episode isn't the plot but how it is handled. The story idea is very simple but combining the cinematography, music, acting and direction, it all becomes amazingly tense and creepy.

I have seen almost ALL of the original TZ episodes, and this one "Night Call" is always the one I recommend.

Beautifully photographed: Embittered and lonely Elva Keane endures unending telephone night calls from her telephone; The phone becomes an instrument of terror-when Elva is trying to get some sleep you can actually SEE the shadow's of the branches on her face from the trees outside-a beautiful touch! Miss Finch: (The telephonist) "About those call's you say you've been receiving Miss Keane.." Elva: "SAY I've been?"... NO spoilers for those yet to see-the pace and suspense never let up until it's heartbreaking conclusion.