Director Richard L. Bare made an impressive
Twilight Zone debut with this classic episode.
Fritz Weaver and Joe Maross star respectively as scientist William Sturka and test pilot Jerry Riden, who, aware that their country is on the brink of nuclear war, conspire to rescue themselves and their families by blasting off in an experimental spaceship. But first, the fugitives-to-be must escape the watchful eye of odious government functionary Carling (
Edward Andrews). Though the episode's punch line is tipped off by its title, "Third from the Sun" scores points with some truly remarkable camerawork, courtesy of director Bare and cinematographer George Clemens. Scripted by
Rod Serling from a short story by
Richard Matheson, this episode first aired January 8, 1960. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide