Ep 17. Whisper of Evil

Rod Serling's Night Gallery season 1 episode 17 is called "Whisper of Evil." This episode has a runtime of approximately 25 minutes, and it originally aired on January 27, 1971.

The episode begins with a prologue featuring Rod Serling, who introduces the upcoming story. He speaks of a house, a family, and the unspeakable acts that can be committed behind closed doors. He warns viewers to be wary of the whispers of evil that can surround us all.

The main story focuses on a family living in a large, creepy house. The father, Mr. Prince, is a wealthy businessman who is largely absent from the home. His wife, Louise, is a weak-willed woman who is controlled by her sister, Ruth. Ruth is a sinister and manipulative woman who has taken over the running of the household since Louise's nervous breakdown. The family also includes two young children, a boy and a girl.

Louise is troubled by strange noises and movements in the house, but Ruth dismisses her worries as just the result of her fragile mental state. The tension between Ruth and Louise is palpable, and it's clear that Ruth holds a lot of power over the family. When Ruth is left alone with the children, she begins to exhibit some truly disturbing behavior. She talks to them inappropriately, tries to sexually touch them and even threatens them, which makes it clear that she is not who she appears to be. Disturbing events continue to unfold, culminating in a terrifying and unexpected ending.

The story's themes deal with the psychology of fear, the dangers of powerlessness and the depths of human depravity. It also touches on the supernatural, as there are events in the story that cannot be easily explained.

The episode has several notable performances. Ruth is played by Marsha Hunt, who is able to convey an incredible sense of malevolence and creepiness. She dominates the story, and her presence is both terrifying and mesmerizing. Louise is played by Carol Lynley, who does a great job portraying a woman who is struggling to maintain her sanity in the face of overwhelming pressures. The two child actors, Johnny Whitaker and Kristy McNichol, also deliver strong performances that add tension and urgency to the story.

Visually, the episode is very effective. It makes great use of the large, foreboding house that the family lives in. The set design is fantastic, with plenty of dark corners, long hallways and creepy rooms. The cinematography is also notable, with lots of shadowy lighting and eerie camera angles that heighten the tension.

The music in the episode is minimal, but effective. It uses dissonant sounds and eerie sound effects to create a sense of unease and fear. The lack of music at times also makes the silence even more uncomfortable.

Overall, "Whisper of Evil" is a great example of the type of storytelling that Night Gallery is known for. It's a creepy and unsettling story that combines elements of horror, psychological drama and the supernatural. The performances and visuals are top-notch, and the story is engaging and suspenseful. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, and a great introduction to those who are new to Night Gallery.