Ep 19. Night Call
- TV-PG
- February 7, 1964
- 25 min
-
8.1 (2,611)
In the fifth and final season of the classic science fiction series The Twilight Zone, episode 19, titled "Night Call," viewers are taken on a suspenseful journey into the unknown. The episode follows an elderly woman named Elva Keene who lives alone in a large house in the countryside. One stormy night, Elva receives a mysterious phone call from a man who only whispers her name before hanging up.
Initially dismissing the call as a wrong number, Elva is surprised when the calls continue throughout the night. Each time, the man only whispers her name before hanging up. The calls persist even after Elva unplugs her phone, leaving her feeling uneasy and at a loss as to what to do.
As the night wears on, Elva begins to suspect that the calls may be otherworldly in origin, particularly when a home nurse who has come to visit hears the calls as well.
Despite her growing fear, Elva becomes determined to discover the source of the mysterious phone calls and sets out on a journey to uncover the truth. Along the way, she is forced to confront her own mortality and the ghosts of her past.
Through eerie visuals and haunting sound effects, "Night Call" delivers a suspenseful, chilling viewing experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. With its themes of isolation, mortality, and the unknown, this episode of The Twilight Zone is a standout, even amongst other entries in the iconic series.
The episode's emphasis on atmosphere and tension helps to create a palpable sense of dread, and the viewer is left wondering what lurks behind each phone call. This is further enhanced by the performance of lead actress Gladys Cooper, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with the unknown forces at play in her life.
With its eerie storyline, strong performances, and iconic musical score, "Night Call" is a standout episode from the iconic series. Its themes of mortality, the unknown, and the afterlife continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless piece of science fiction and horror storytelling.
