Ep 4. Spectre in Tap-Shoes

Spectre in Tap-Shoes is the fourth episode of the third season of Night Gallery. This episode is a blend of horror and comedy, where a quirky storyline weaves its way through the entire half-hour show.

The story kicks off with a young, ambitious dancer, who is vying for a spot in a dance troupe. Sandy (played by Cindy Eilbacher) is talented and has worked hard all her life to make it to this audition, despite the odds stacked against her due to her unconventional style of dance. Sandy believes that her talent is enough to seal the deal and help her land a spot in the dance troupe, but things take a surreal and supernatural turn.

After the audition, Sandy gets lost in the building's maze-like corridors, and while wandering, she hears the sound of tapping shoes. The tapping sound is reminiscent of her own tap shoes, and she assumes that it's one of the troupe members, trying out a new routine. Sandy follows the sound and comes face to face with a ghostly apparition - a ghoul wearing tap shoes and a bowler hat! Sandy is terrified and screams for help. However, no one hears her cries and she is forced to confront the spirit on her own.

Sandy learns that the tap-dancing spectre is that of a long-dead dancer (played by Murray Matheson) who never made it in the original tap troupe. The ghost has unfinished business and cannot move on until he completes a new dance routine, which was never performed when he was alive. The spirit needs a partner for his performance, and Sandy unwillingly becomes the chosen accomplice.

The rest of the episode is filled with tension and unease, as Sandy has to navigate this supernatural dance routine, which could lead to death if not executed perfectly. The ghost becomes increasingly impatient and puts more and more pressure on Sandy, who has no choice but to submit to his will, in the hope of getting out alive.

Spectre in Tap-Shoes is an excellent example of the creative and off-beat writing seen in Night Gallery. The episode is eerie, yet funny, and combines elements of horror, comedy, and surrealism. The climax is both satisfying and unexpected and leaves the audience wanting more.

The episode's themes explore the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams and the cost of unrealized ambitions. The supernatural elements add a touch of mystique to the storyline and make it both compelling and unpredictable. The show's direction and the actors' performances are also worth admiring, as they successfully bring the story to life.

In conclusion, Spectre in Tap-Shoes is an episode that showcases Night Gallery's mix of horror, comedy, and surrealism. The episode remains an excellent watch for those who are fans of off-beat and creative storytelling. It's a testament to the show's legacy and continues to be a classic in the genre of horror television shows.