Rod Serling

Writing

Rod Serling

Born December 25, 1924 · Syracuse, New York, USA

Died June 28, 1975 · aged 50

Rodman Edward Serling (December 25, 1924 – June 28, 1975) was an American screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator known for his live television dramas of the 1950s and his anthology television series, The Twilight Zone. Serling was active in politics, both on and off the screen, and helped form television industry standards. He was known as the "angry young man" of Hollywood, c…

Known For

Planet of the ApesPlanet of the Apes · 1968
Planet of the Apes
7.71968
MovieScience FictionAdventure
Astronaut Taylor crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.
Phantom of the ParadisePhantom of the Paradise · 1974
Phantom of the Paradise
7.51974
MovieComedyDrama
Singer-songwriter Winslow Leach seeks revenge on the nefarious music producer Swan, who steals both Winslow's music and his favorite singer for the grand opening of Swan's new rock palace, the Paradise.
One-Eyed JacksOne-Eyed Jacks · 1961
One-Eyed Jacks
6.81961
MovieWesternDrama
Running from the law after a bank robbery in Mexico, Dad Longworth finds an opportunity to take the stolen gold and leave his partner Rio to be captured. Years later, Rio escapes from the prison where he has been since, and hunts down Dad for revenge. Dad is now a respectable sheriff in California, and has been living in fear of Rio's return.
Seven Days in MaySeven Days in May · 1964
Seven Days in May
7.41964
MovieDramaThriller
A U.S. Marine Corps colonel alerts the president of a planned military coup against him.
The Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost ClassicsThe Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classics · 1994
The Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classics
6.81994
MovieFantasyThriller
James Earl Jones hosts this film based on two stories by the late Rod Serling, who wrote the stories of the original 'The Twilight Zone' (1959) series. In "The Theatre," a young woman attends a movie only to find that her life story is being revealed on the screen. In "Where the Dead Are," a Boston surgeon in 1868 searches for a scientist who may have the answer to a medical mystery.
Night GalleryNight Gallery · 1969
Night Gallery
6.61969
MovieHorrorThriller
This anthology telefilm aired on NBC on November 8, 1969, and tells three strange tales: "The Cemetery," directed by Boris Sagal; "Eyes," directed by Steven Spielberg; and "The Escape Route," directed by Barry Shear. This film also served as a backdoor pilot for the TV series of the same name, which premiered on December 16, 1970.
The SalamanderThe Salamander · 1981
The Salamander
5.51981
MovieThrillerMystery
An Italian policeman investigates a series of murders involving people in prominent positions. Left behind at each murder scene is a drawing of a salamander. The policeman begins to suspect these murders are linked to a plot to seize control of the government.
The Enemy WithinThe Enemy Within · 1994
The Enemy Within
5.81994
MovieThrillerDrama
A officer with the Joint Chiefs of Staff uncovers a planned military coup of the U.S. government and has only one week to prevent the takeover.

Filmography

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Playhouse 90Playhouse 90 · 1956
Playhouse 90
7.51956
SeriesDrama
Playhouse 90 is an American television anthology series that was telecast on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. It originated from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. Since live anthology drama series of the mid-1950s were usually hour-long shows, the title highlighted the network's intention to present something unusual, a weekly series of hour-and-a-half dramas rather than 60-minute plays. Playhouse 90 began as a pitch by Frank Stanton—the formidable, forward-thinking right-hand man to CBS chairman William S. Paley—during a brainstorming session for program ideas. The project was ultimately developed by Hubbell Robinson, a CBS vice president who received no screen credit on Playhouse 90 but is often described as its creator.

Screenplay