The Twilight Zone: The Shelter (1961)
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Synopsis of The Twilight Zone: The Shelter
One of the few Twilight Zone episodes with virtually no sci-fi/fantasy trappings whatsoever, this is nonetheless a disturbing and unsettling half hour. In the midst of a surprise birthday party, the revellers are shocked to hear a Civil Defense announcement on the radio, declaring that America is under attack from UFOs. Only Dr. Stockton (Larry Gates) has had the foresight to build a bomb shelter, and before long, he and his family are besieged by desperate neighbors, demanding to be allowed to take refuge in Stockton's cellar. As tensions reach a fever pitch, all of the suppressed hostilities and prejudices of the neighbors come rushing to the surface -- a dangerous situation reminiscent of the finale of the first-season episode "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street," minus the extraterrestrial punchline. Written by Rod Serling, "The Shelter" first aired on September 29, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast of The Twilight Zone: The Shelter
- Larry Gates - Dr. Stockton
- Joe Bernard - Marty Weiss
- John McLiam - Man
- Michael Burns - Paul Stockton
- Mary Gregory - Mrs. Henderson
- Jack Albertson - Jerry Harlowe
- Sandy Kenyon - Henderson
- Peggy Stewart - Grace Stockton
- Jo Helton - Mrs. Harlowe
- Director(s):
- Lamont Johnson
- Writer(s):
- Rod Serling
- Producer(s):
- Buck Houghton
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