The Only Woman to Direct an Episode of the Twilight Zone Was Also the Only Actor to Do So

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Over many seasons (5 in total), numerous directors and a large number of actors ventured into the realm of “The Twilight Zone” (broadcast regularly on SYFY). Yet, among all these individuals who dared to explore the fifth dimension, beyond our known reality, only one person had the unique distinction of acting in an episode and directing one. Moreover, she was the solitary woman to ever direct any episode within this renowned sci-fi anthology series.

Back in the ’50s, a time not so friendly to women directors, I, as a gamer might put it, was graced by the presence of Ida Lupino. This trailblazing filmmaker stood out like a shining star amidst a sea of men, defying the norms and carving her own path in the world of cinema. Notably, she left an indelible mark on the iconic series, The Twilight Zone. In fact, she’s one of the rare few who both starred (in Season 1’s “The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine”) and directed (“The Masks” in Season 5). She truly showed that women could rock both sides of the camera!

For More on The Twilight Zone

1 Rod Serling’s Debut in The Twilight Zone: A Delayed Introduction

2 Sub The Genesis of an Iconic Makeup Effect from a 1960 H.G. Wells Adaptation

3 Body: One of the most memorable makeup effects in The Twilight Zone originated from a 1960 H.G. Wells adaptation, providing a striking visual that has since become synonymous with the series. Meanwhile, an episode almost caused heatstroke for the cast and crew due to its intense production conditions.

4 Conclusion: Rod Serling’s appearance in The Twilight Zone didn’t come until the 36th episode, but these behind-the-scenes stories reveal the creative processes and challenges that shaped this legendary television series.

Ida Lupino: The only woman to direct a Twilight Zone episode

Lupino was born on February 4, 1918, in London, a city that welcomed into the world a girl who would later be known for her talents. This remarkable individual was the daughter of stage actress Connie O’Shea and music hall comedian Stanley Lupino. From an early age, she was nurtured by her family to perform, yet Lupino found acting unappealing compared to her true passion: writing.

Despite her success in the film industry, appearing in 59 movies such as “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” “They Drive By Night,” and “High Sierra,” she initially played villainous roles in British films. Upon moving to Hollywood, she became quite busy, though she humorously referred to herself as “the poor man’s Bette Davis.” There were times when she disagreed with studio executives.

During a 1942 film opportunity opposite Ronald Reagan titled “Kings Row“, she declined the offer. As a result, Warner Bros temporarily halted her career. It was this break that sparked her interest in the less-glamorous aspects of filmmaking. “It’s far more engaging,” she expressed later on. “The thrill of creation, rather than merely appearing before a camera.

Between 1949 and 1966, Lupino worked with an autonomous film company, directing eight movies. Some of these films tackled controversial subjects such as pre-marital pregnancy or sexual assault. Notably, she was the pioneering woman director of a film noir titled “The Hitch-Hiker“, which predates the Twilight Zone episode with the same name. Additionally, Lupino was highly active in television directing as well.

On Rod Serling’s renowned show, “The Twilight Zone,” Lupino demonstrated her dual abilities. In the fourth episode of the series, titled “The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine” and broadcast on October 23, 1959, she portrayed an aging movie star yearning to be immersed in the memories of her prime – a desire that, given this was “The Twilight Zone,” could potentially become a literal reality. She also directed the 26th episode of Season 5, titled “The Masks,” which premiered on March 20, 1964. This episode centered around a dying patriarch who invites his unruly family to stay with him during Mardi Gras, offering them their inheritance only if they don masks that reveal their true identities.

Lupino’s acting career spanned through the 1970s and ended with her passing on August 3, 1995, at age 77. The cause of death was a stroke during her cancer treatment for colon cancer.

Whenever you catch “The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine” or “The Masks,” especially during SYFY’s routine Twilight Zone broadcasts, make sure to observe the woman who significantly marks Twilight Zone and Hollywood history.

The Twilight Zone airs regularly on SYFY. Check out the Schedule for more details.

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2025-04-16 20:31