Scripted by
Richard Matheson from his own short story, this episode stars 13-year-old
Ann Jillian as the title character, a nonverbal young girl named Ilse Nielsen. Apparently the sole survivor of a fire, Ilse is unofficially adopted by Harry and Cora Wheeler (
Frank Overton and
Barbara Baxley), who cannot understand why such an intelligent child lacks the power of speech. What the viewer knows, but the Wheelers don't, is that Ilsa is telepathic, raised by telepathic parents -- and her special powers may cause her more harm than good. This 60-minute
Twilight Zone episode was first seen on January 31, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide