View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why could "The Twilight Zone" not be filmed permanently at Universal?

2. What would eventually become synonymous with "The Twilight Zone?"

3. Around whom does "Escape Clause" revolve?

4. Who would eventually deliver the opening narration?

5. When Jenson awakes, he calls a phone number attached to the name of the ensign. A woman answers the phone and tells Jenson what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were the executives worried about buying "The Twilight Zone" as a serial?

2. How was "Playhouse 90" a good experience for Serling?

3. Describe "Escape Clause."

4. Why was Serling able to break into television?

5. What is the initial idea for "The Time Element?" Why is it rejected?

6. What is known about Rod Serling's family?

7. Describe "Walking Distance."

8. Why was the production of "Playhouse 90" difficult?

9. What does Serling have to do now that this first episode appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse?" Why?

10. What is the original opening narration?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Time Element," first premiering on the "Desilu Playhouse," was very important.

Part 1) What is "The Time Element?" How was it able to air on on the "Desilu Playhouse?" What does this say about Desi Arnaz?

Part 2) Would "The Time Element" have been later used to create "The Twilight Zone" if it had not bee first aired on the "Desilu Playhouse?" Explain.

Part 3) Why was "The Time Element" such a success? How does his childhood interests play into this success?

Essay Topic 2

Luckily for Rod, television was still a relatively new medium in 1953.

Part 1) How does this make him lucky? How does television's newness also hurt him?

Part 2) How did "The Twilight Zone" and Rod Serling influence television?

Part 3) What influence of Rod's do you see in television today?

Essay Topic 3

Celebrities were interested in "The Twilight Zone".

Part 1) Why were celebrities interested? How does their interest affect viewers?

Part 2) What was both good and bad about celebrity interest? Why?

Part 3) Does this happen with shows today? If so, when? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,074 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample