How an Intense Heat Wave Almost Derailed the Second Twilight Zone Episode Ever Produced

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The structure of “The Twilight Zone” (consistently aired on SYFY) implies that each fresh installment introduces unique hurdles in production, ranging from selecting actors to deciding costumes, and not forgetting the task of discovering suitable sets or locations to bring the frequently distant tales to life. Occasionally, these hurdles were simple TV production issues, but at other times they became quite extraordinary.

For example, consider the tale of the second episode produced for Twilight Zone, titled “Where Is Everybody?”, which led to the series being commissioned. To bring it to life, the freshly assembled production team faced some of the most extreme heat ever experienced in filmmaking, and that was merely the start of their challenges.

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2. What influenced Rod Serling’s narrative style in The Twilight Zone, following fan feedback during Season 1?

3. Why did Rod Serling not appear on-screen until the 36th episode of The Twilight Zone?

How “The Lonely” became the hottest Twilight Zone episode ever

In the first season of “The Twilight Zone,” the episode titled “The Lonely” was not the seventh to be broadcast, but rather the first one produced. The narrative revolves around a man (Jack Warden), who’s been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in solitary confinement on an asteroid. His only companions are his thoughts and limited ways to entertain himself. However, everything changes when an android in the form of a beautiful woman (Jean Marsh) is left behind by a periodic supply ship. They form a bond, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn, leading to a heart-wrenching ending.

As stated by Marc Scott Zicree in his book “The Twilight Zone Companion”, producers Buck Houghton and director Jack Smight opted to film the asteroid landscape realistically in Death Valley, California – one of the world’s hottest and driest regions. They found that the barrenness would translate well on screen, however, filming there in June of 1959 also meant contending with another aspect of the climate: intense heat.

In his recollection, the heat outside during filming was simply astonishing, reaching approximately 130 degrees. On one particular day, our caterer made an unfortunate decision to serve a rather hefty meal at noon, which led to around eight crew members fainting in the afternoon due to the intense heat.

Under the scorching conditions, the crew members were affected so severely that those still able to work were taking over tasks from their colleagues who had dropped out. Later, Edward Denault, the assistant director, mentioned to Zicree that in some instances, he even operated the boom mic for certain shots. At a particular moment, when Marsh was instructed to lie on the ground for a shot, a thermometer placed beside her read 140 degrees.

In an incredibly scorching environment, both dry and unforgiving, even simple makeup techniques were disrupted. To underscore the heat, actors were misted with a blend of water and oil to intensify their perspiring look, yet Death Valley’s extreme heat and barrenness caused the water to evaporate swiftly, denying cameras the desired sweaty effect.

According to George Clemens, the director of photography, we mostly used oil (approximately 90%) and a small amount of water on their faces, which remained as tiny beads.

Ultimately, the heat became incredibly intense, causing Clemens to lose his balance on the camera rig at some point. As a result, Smight and Houghton decided to move production to a soundstage to complete the episode.

“It was just too hot,” Smight said. 

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2025-01-09 01:46