Original Airdate: December 9, 1963
Here we have Steven King’s favorite ep, and a cool one it is. I just love the energy creature effect. It is so malevolent (where did I hear that word before?). This is another famous OL scare story that looks just as good as when it premiered. If only that cleaning lady had taken the night off. A small glob of dust takes life and then proceeds to take lives. The bear is very eerie, with extensions that resemble arms, legs and a head, all protruding from a massive bulk of living electricity. And when it’s on the move, it is really menacing. The story is very good as well, providing feelings of dread and a great villain in Dr. Block played by Kent Smith (“THE CAT PEOPLE”, “CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE” & “THE INVADERS”[TV series]). Look for Kent’s other monstrous role in OL’s “THE CHILDREN OF SPIDER COUNTY”. Michael Forrest (“THE BEAST FROM THE HAUNTED CAVE” & original “STAR TREK” as ‘Apollo’) is Professor Stuart Peters, the poor chap who has to die twice. Also in the cast are Barbara Luna (original “STAR TREK” ep ‘Mirror, Mirror’), a pre-Lou Grant Ed Asner with hair, and Scott Marlowe (OL ep “THE FORM OF THINGS UNKNOWN”) as Stu’s baby brother Jory.
There are many creepy scenes, as when Joan Camden (Professor Linden) prompts victims to go into the hallway leading to the pit. Ed Asner’s face is priceless as he gazes upon the creature beyond the next door. Another scene that still makes me jump is when Jory is talking about his older brother and their strained relationship. He then says something like, “But I know everything’s ok as soon as I see that smile...” Then suddenly, the scene switches and grills you with a booming close-up Stu’s contorted, dead face and hand. The editing and use of shock music right there is a great piece of work. As are many other photographic effects, like the montage of faces in the creature at the very end, and the shot of Kent Smith’s icy hand, as he says his peace.
I always remember how Stu’s death in the bathtub scared me as a kid. (Another good reason to put off bathing). OL had many scary entries, and this one surely ranks up there with the best. Besides inspiring you not to bath, it also makes a case for not dusting very often.
“GO?” ~ Doc Block