Long Distance Call - Twilight-Tober Zone

"Long Distance Call" is notable on several grounds- it tells a spooky tale in a minimalistic setting and uses what you don't see to unnerve the viewer, add a creepy little kid in the mix, and the result is an effective Twilight Zone story. Join Walter as he discusses this episode in the Twilight-Tober Zone.
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"Long Distance Call" is episode 58 of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone. It originally aired on March 31, 1961, on CBS. In the episode, a 5-year-old boy named Billy communicates with his dead grandmother using a toy telephone that she gave him on his birthday. One of six episodes shot on videotape in a short-lived experiment aimed to cut costs.
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[@ChannelAwesome]

What did everyone think of Long Distance Call? Watch more Twilight-Tober Zone here - bit.ly/TwilightToberZone Follow Walter on Twitter - twitter.com/Awesome_Walter Follow us on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/channelawesome

[@trinaq]

I really loved it! It was a memorable episode, and Billy Mumy was amazing, especially at such a young age!

[@anubusx]

Loved it. Although the grandmother was sick as fuck. Season 3 of Supernatural had an episode titled this. The plot was really similar.

[@thehillisalive]

I was a big Lost In Space fan as a kid, so I was really excited the first time I saw a Billy Mumy TZ episode.

[@melissacooper4282]

I thought that the grandmother was manipulative and possessive. All she wanted was for Billy to be with her always. She didn't care what Chris and Sylvia thought. I thought that it was disturbing that she could easily influence a young child to commit suicide! I don't know about today's kids but to Billy he was too young to fully comprehend the concept of death.

[@Lesley_RedRhody]

For me, Long Distance is definitely in the re-watchable category. Nice job, once again, with all the nods to Demo Reel. I’m interested to see where this is going. 💚🎃🎃💚

[@brandonmiller4595]

I love the fact that land lines and telephones have been gone for so long that Doug picks up an electrical plug instead of a phone plug and no one notices the difference.

[@richelliott9320]

I wondered about that. Since when are phones plugged in?

[@roaklin]

I always figured it was a joke to see who would notice.

[@heinygoon9453]

landline phones aren't gone. A landline phone needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet to power on.

[@Nightman221k]

The child actor in this is so good. Playing an innocent kids vs. playing a monstrous monstrous kid. Honestly, he really pulled it off.

[@trinaq]

I absolutely concur! Billy Mumy was only seven when this episode aired, but he was fantastic at playing both sides of Billy.

[@LucyLioness100]

He was so adorable yet managed to be creepy at the right moments. Especially after he brushes off the first attempt to kill himself

[@Sate12]

Bill Mumy once mentioned Anthony never meant to be a monster. He had powers he didn't understand at 6, and no one ever explained them for fear of what he would do to them. He said his motivation at the time was Anthony thinks he's helping people (they always tell him what a good job he's done) that if something bothers him it must be bothering everyone.

[@Nightman221k]

@@Sate12 I agree with that. Anthony didn't actually seem conscious of how disturbing his actions were, that's what makes him so scary.

[@Sate12]

@@Nightman221k Creepy and scary, yes. But not really monstrous, he lacked the intent

[@trinaq]

This was the first episode I saw of the original series, and the concept of a deceased person trying to convince a love one to harm themselves, or worse, to join them in the afterlife sent several chills down my spine. It definitely ensured that I'd stay hooked on the franchise!

[@LucyLioness100]

I remember being really freaked out by this one when I first saw it. It’s still haunting even now and I’ve seen it several times.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

Makes you despise the grandmother. Such a monstrously selfish act by her to attempt.

[@melissacooper4282]

The concept of a dead grandma convincing her 5 year old grandson to kill himself is very disturbing to me! Does Billy have any idea that once he joins her in the Afterlife he'll be there forever?

[@meekermoo752]

@@geoffreyfyfe2248 honestly I already hated her when she said she didn’t know her son because she was taken by a woman(the mother) and tried to get back at her by taking her child away

[@PrizeJ]

Especially, when you figure the darker implication. The grandmother probably isn't in heaven...she is in the other place. Trying to get her own grandson to join her there. Which is why she is trying to do something that is quite clearly an evil act.

[@alexanderklepp]

Nice to see Rachel returning and Heather did a great job in the skit. I loved the joke Walter made about a call from a number you don't recognize and that means someone's trying to tell you that your car's extended warranty has expired because that has happened to me so so many times.

[@joesmutz9287]

The timing on that joke was just perfect. Waiting for the classic "in the Twilight Zone" line, and...yeah perfect

[@drakedarkstar5422]

And subconsciously you start convincing everyone to prolongue their insurance

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I remember another episode later in the series, which had a similar premise to this one. A woman keeps getting this call with a strange voice on the other side, and it's revealed the phone wires landed on her husband's grave, as he was trying to call her beyond the grave

[@RevelsInTheGeekness]

“Night Call” from season 5, episode 19. The twist is heartbreaking :’(

[@melissacooper4282]

Actually it was her fiancee. According to the episode he died a week before their wedding. She recollected to her caretaker that on that tragic day she insisted to her fiancee to let her drive. He let her on account that he always did what she told him. In other words she wore the pants in that relationship. Anyway she lost control of the car and ran into a tree. Brian went through the windshield and died instantly. While Elva became a cripple.

[@MapleStarBlitz]

@@melissacooper4282 that's so sad 😭

[@hidingposer3422]

A twist to the phone lines falling on the grave and the calls starting. Have a guy repairing/replacing the phone line back up on the pole. Then say "We put the lines way up here so the dead people don't call anyone".

[@RLucas3000]

@@hidingposer3422 he could interrupt Rod’s closing monologue to let him know. Lol

[@steveflor9942]

Bill Mumy is creepy kid par excellence. Because he gets it. Works the vibe perfectly.

[@LucyLioness100]

This is a pretty dark episode when you consider Billy tries to commit suicide to be with his deceased grandma. The father’s appeal truly tugs at the heart as he begins to cry telling his mother she would never endanger her beloved grandson if she loved the child. And losing a grandparent is a terrible feeling. I just lost my nana Monday & my mom’s dad (my dear grandpa) died when I was 14. Those losses hit so hard

[@melissacooper4282]

The part where Grandma influenced Billy to commit suicide is very disturbing to me! I'm glad that she came to her senses and gave Billy back to his parents after the father's heartfelt plea. I get emotional at his speech everytime I watch it. I still miss my grandparents. Every so often I would dream about my paternal grandmother or my maternal grandmother. I haven't dreamt about my grandfathers. I don't think I was close to them.

[@princessangel821]

I’m very sorry for your loss💐 I lost my grandma last year and that loss did/does still hurt terribly.

[@JSMITHSTONES]

This grandmother is evil.

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

Billy mumy as little Billy

[@ms.bridgeen]

I'm just waiting to see what he has in store for Doug, supposedly at the very end of this month. I love all the subtle clips of him like 8:30 throughout the month. It'd be pretty hilarious if Walter did one for himself, come full circle with it.

[@random22026]

Love it all! The classic Walter-as-Rod opening; the creepy atmospheric Demo Reel (this one gave me chills!); and yes, the Doug Walker scavenger hunt of brief appearances. Trick, Treat...or both? :D

[@Lesley_RedRhody]

Much like The Twilight Zone, the Channel Awesome team has been doing a fantastic job peppering in all of these Demo Reel nods. Very atmospheric and well-paced! I’m excited to see the conclusion! 💚🎃🎃💚

[@joesmutz9287]

During a couple of the ads and charity shout-outs over the last few weeks, he apologized for being stuck in old make-up I wonder if that has anything to do with this?

[@stopreadingmyusernamebroth9090]

It’s so good to see Rachel again

[@rogue7723]

I know. I love Tamara, but I missed Rachel.

[@stopreadingmyusernamebroth9090]

Whatever happened? Did Rachel just have other things to do?

[@SunnysFilms]

@@stopreadingmyusernamebroth9090 She moved to California.

[@katherinepfister4177]

All these callbacks to demo reel make me feel like they are ramping up to do something special for it.

[@andrewkind2820]

*Nicholas Cage appears* YOU DON'T SAY

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

I haven't seen the other clips because I didn't see those TZ episodes, so for a moment I thought Heather was going to leave the show.

[@petergray7576]

The last episode of this Twilight-tober is "Shadow Play," probably one of the most nightmarish TZ episodes. So I would say it's a pretty good possibility.

[@HououMinamino]

I love this episode. One of the things I noticed was how the mother resented the grandmother's close relationship with her son, just with her body language and expressions. When the grandmother said she wasn't feeling well, the mother almost seemed like she was happy about it. It is both chilling and sad that the grandmother wants the little boy to join her in the afterlife. It gives one the sense that the grandmother is not at peace. And the father's plea to his mother is heartbreaking and beautiful. I'm glad that it had a somewhat happy ending. There are some unanswered questions at the end, like if the phone was still a link to grandma after that.

[@SuperSongbird21]

And whether the parents had any further troubles with their son afterwards. Considering as he was willing to kill himself if it meant being with Grandma again, I think his parents would have to work pretty hard to convince him to stay with them.

[@jenniferschillig3768]

@@SuperSongbird21 I like to think that before she sent Billy back, Grandma told him, "You'll see me again someday, but for now, you've got so much to enjoy on Earth...please, for me, live a good life."

[@SuperSongbird21]

@@jenniferschillig3768 Hopefully that's what happened. I think that message needs to be heard more often.

[@TheYoungDoctor]

It was lovely hearing Rachel's voice again.

[@gianinabadami5341]

It sure was. Here's my question, tho: if Rachel and Heather were in Demo Reel together then why did it look like Heather didn't recognize her at the beginning of the review for Nutcracker 3D?

[@jeffreyberkin-ez3uh]

Who's Rachel?

[@wstine79]

Little Billy answered the toy phone again, but it's the voice of another boy calling him a bad boy whose going into the corn field.

[@trinaq]

Nice call, considering that Billy Mumy played both characters!

[@jamesgarrett8833]

Amazing, what a fantastic way to reference both Bill Mumy Twilight Zone characters. Nice 👍

[@jessetorres8738]

I really like when The Twilight Zone has kid or teenager characters take the role as a protagonist, especially when it is a more horror focused episode like this 1.

[@maverickhunterstupidiocy7779]

Gotta love how the episodes with NC cast members in them have been geared towards referencing Demo Reel.

[@FlutterLights]

That kid always seems to make Twilight Zone episodes more eerie.

[@wstine79]

Rachel Tietz is the one put on call waiting... in the Twilight-tober Zone.

[@jabbarmuhammad7529]

Long distance call and it's a good life are two of my favorites staring Billy mumy

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

Bill Mumy starred in one of the series' scariest episodes ever a season later. The one with Anthony Fremont. I still have to look away when he turns that guy into a Jack In The Box. ("You're a bad man! You're a very bad man!")

[@trinaq]

Yep, "It's a Good Life." He and his daughter would later return for the 2002 sequel series, playing Anthony and his daughter.

[@LucyLioness100]

He’s also good in “In Praise of Pip” with Jack Klugman who adored the boy and treated him very kindly

[@melissacooper4282]

Bill Mumy had said that he really enjoyed playing Anthony Freemont in "It's A Good Life."

[@melissacooper4282]

I love this episode! I thought that the grandmother was manipulative and possessive when it came to Billy. For instance what normal person would be talking about their impending death at a child's birthday party?! Like WTH?! After she died she then manipulates her young grandson to commit suicide so that he can be with her always! I wonder if she was in purgatory or Hell because if she were in Heaven wouldn't she see her loved ones that died before her like her husband and her other children that she lost before she had Chris? I cried at the part where Chris was pleading with his dead mother to return Billy to the land of the living. I'm glad that Grandma came to her senses and gave Billy back to his parents.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

The only problem I had with this episode is we never hear the grandmother's voice in the phone. We just see the mom's reaction to what she hears, when she grabs the phone. It would have been a better reveal if we heard the grandmother on the phone

[@trinaq]

Agreed, but maybe they wanted the audience to gauge their own reactions based on how the parents react, and not want to show us the entire conversation.

[@UnkownSoldier100]

I disagree. Sometimes things are best left to the imagination. Just the reaction can be creepier than seeing/hearing the ghost.

[@kcollier2192]

You have to take into account the era this was made. Having a disembodied voice tell a 5 year old to commit suicide would not have gotten past the censors.

[@gregorytyson995]

@@kcollier2192 I like that they kept it ambiguous as to whether the grandma was on the other line or not.

[@LucyLioness100]

The fact we never hear her and it’s all in the mother’s look of horror that makes it scarier. They aren’t spoon-feeding us with audio, but letting the reaction speak for what we don’t actually hear ourselves. I like when they don’t have to play some line or hear the actor breathing and just let the writing and actress put the pieces in play

[@legojedi626]

"We have been trying to reach you concerning your car's extended warranty." Will they ever realize that no one believes them anymore?

[@graciegj63]

They just want someone to answer their phone no matter what it's about.

[@mackpines]

Billy Mumy one of the best child actors back then. Of course his most famous role was Will Robinson in Lost in Space. I also saw him once in a Perry Mason episode.

[@SunnysFilms]

I remember that episode. I felt bad for the character he played in Perry Mason.

[@philipportelli7700]

According to Bill Mumy, there was some concern over how this episode might, well, mess him up mentally. But he obviously coped...hopefully.

[@bobbykiriakidis9753]

Are you sure? I heard he snorted a big bag of coke just to ease the nerves

[@carlocalderon3659]

8:02 now that twist got me! 😂

[@Blue2x2x]

I know this episode is made with paranormal/creepiness in mind. However I could imagine a story on grief, and mental illness from loss at a young age using the same setting and build up. A good episode still.

[@gothicMCRgirl]

Yup! At first I thought the story was going for a more psychological approach and it turned out there was no one talking to the boy. That he was just pretending he was talking to his grandmother since he lost her so suddenly, and it was just the imagination of a little boy trying to cope with a loved one’s death. I still like this twist and the overall creepy and unsettling vibe, especially when it’s directed at a small, innocent child just wanting to see grandma again.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

One of the darkest episodes of the series. Figures Charles Beaumont co-wrote it.

[@paulyates3865]

That shadow lead in for Walter here was perfect! Very much recreated the feel

[@fenistereinc.5797]

I would love to see this episode as a movie

[@anubusx]

Season 3 of Supernatural had an episode titled this. The plot was really similar as well.

[@trinaq]

Me too, it's an fascinating concept, and would really hold up as its own story.

[@MoonlitLycan]

It wasn't quite exactly the same but there was a movie, of which the name escapes me but it ight've been just called The Call or The Caller, that involved a eoman being contacted by another from the past who was dead in the present and being tormented by the weird butterfly effect the past woman had over her. Was a pretty freaky movie.

[@kaylaturnis9486]

The Twilight Zone episode, " Long Distance Call" is one of my favorite episodes. It has a message in dealing with The Death of A Loved One. There is a story by N.O Studio ❌ similar to that story except it tells the story of a little girl who was given a cellphone that allowed her to talk to her mom from beyond the grave!

[@EM10gamer]

8:02-8:09 great fake out. I genuinely got a laugh out of that one

[@cdorman11]

"Night Call" was one of the first two episodes I ever saw of TZ, and found it quite scary. This episode is quite similar: a phone conversation that's physically impossible with someone who's deceased. "Night Call" is in season 5, so obviously copying this season 2 show.

[@kkcake5771]

"Come wander with me" is also scary,not the first episode I saw tho.

[@melissacooper4282]

The main difference in "Night Call" is that we get to hear Brian's voice when Elva was on the phone with him. In "Long Distance Call" we never hear Grandma's voice on the other end.

[@yukimikasaki9705]

This is, without a doubt, amongst the most gruesome episodes EVER. All this overriding the videotape stigma, and a somewhat absurdly cheery ending. But "Long Distance Call" has more than enough creepiness to keep the young up at night. It even, if by coincidence, had its' title spun off by an unpublished story by Rick Matheson, which would be remade for TZ as "Night Call" two years later, which L.D.C. relates to, like it relates to the Hitch-Hiker. You may not agree with the latter, but "Long Distance Call" and "Twenty-Two" make it with me because how they survive each on a chilling, morbid plot. If you doubt the power of these two episodes, you might consider "The Hitch-Hiker", and even "Elegy". I guess I'm a sucker for the more nightmare-filtered episodes.

[@brianrunyon266]

A favorite ep. Lost my own grandmother last year, and I was her eldest grandson.

[@mikshinee87]

I really liked this one. If you ever had a close relationship with your grandparents (or someone in a similar role), it resonates with you.There is nothing like it since your parents are the rule makers and the task givers and your grandparents are just there to love you. To me it's more heart-breaking than scary, suicide attempts aside. Have you ever hoped to get that one last call? I sure did, especially as a kid.

[@melissacooper4282]

I remember that the last call from my grandma was the day she died. She was calling to tell me that she was having trouble breathing. She had congestive heart failure. My parents took her to the hospital and she died when they got there. We live very close to the hospital so that was why we didn't call an ambulance. And my grandma lived next door to me.

[@Nasser851000]

If the call is from beyond the grave, then it must be long distance XD

[@CyberSpider35]

I remember my parents give me a toy telephone once. I absolutely hated it. I wanted to talk to some real living people and this crap didn't work at all. Well, I guess looking at the bright side - I didin't hear any dead people with suicide suggestions either.

[@schumanhuman]

Billy Mumy was also 1/2 of Barnes and Barnes, makers of the odd ball Dr Demento classic 'Fish heads'

[@heythereskinwalker]

These videos have been making my days a little better thanks Walter

[@miroslavtomic7038]

Lili Darvas, who played Grandma in this episode, was one of only two Hungarian actors who appeared in Twilight Zone. The other being, of course, TZ legend Oskar Beregi. Unlike Beregi, who made a name for himself after coming to USA, Darvas had a very successful acting career in her native country.

[@RoninDave]

This one and Night Call is why I haven't answered a phone in 10 years. It's just better not to.

[@angelicablue]

I feel the same. Those 2 phone episodes may have contributed to a recurring nightmare I had as a teen, where I could hear someone breathing on the other end of the line when I picked up the phone (rotary dial, of course) to dial out for help. Still get major chills thinking about it!

[@jamesgarrett8833]

If you have not answered a phone in ten years, how do you connect and communicate with your friends, girlfriend, your mom, your dad and other family members?

[@RoninDave]

@@jamesgarrett8833 James, 1) there's FB, email, skype, twitter, etc... and 2) it's a joke

[@thehillisalive]

I love this episode. I just rewatched it a few days ago and it's a more disturbing concept than I remembered

[@lary6420]

I am hoping this leads to a return of Demo Reel. I never experienced it when it was current so I'm curious as to how much of a change it would be.

[@Nanoaiello]

as allways , what you DONT see , is way scarier that what you do see

[@LilyBannel]

The concept is scary. A murder-suicide with a twist. The fact she knew ways to kill herself also says alot without being blatant. Makes me think she thought of doing those things herself. Also says something about her circumstances in death. Her husband, her lost children? They're not there with her? That's alarming and makes her desperation even more bleak. Not to mention if this were the Highway to Heaven universe, she wouldn't be in Heaven anymore if she succeeded. Thanks for this video recap, sir.

[@melissacooper4282]

Perhaps she was more in Purgatory than in Heaven. Otherwise she would've reunited with her husband and children.

[@advitamgames2672]

Man, I need to give this episode a look-see.

[@brianfuller757]

This is one of the best episodes of the series. The great premise is executed very well and the performances are spot on.

[@roguebritgravy1]

This episode has a lot of plot and thematic DNA that you can see the X files taking inspiration from.

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

As it turns out, no joke, my grandmother died today, and I inherited her cell phone. I'd better check the number of the next call I get...

[@andrewcozzini8259]

That opening narration and skit, overall, really reminded me of that line from "Phone Booth" (2002): "Isn't it funny - you hear a phone ringing and it could be anybody. But a ringing phone has to be answered, doesn't it?"

[@Gabrielarandapedroza]

i love the acting in the the bits

[@thebroken0wastaken]

Yay! I was waiting for the Rachel cameo

[@JacobSantosDev]

Wow! They were able to get that one guy that remembers his name so you don't have to.

[@Ranuyasha]

So happy Rachel returned

[@julieporter7805]

Actually my favorite Billy Mumy episode was In Praise of Pip. I love the father son relationship that developed in that episode. Chris's speech in this episode is another one that makes me cry similar to Walking Distance.

[@mutalord]

Doug scream of shock was hilarious XD

[@Unownshipper]

This is definitely one of the more unsettling episodes, if only because it involves a character putting a child in harm. It really feels like a ghost story; in a way, Billy talking on the phone reminded me of Carol Anne talking with the tv in Poltergeist. It's especially unsettling because the opening scene with the birthday seemed so innocent and wholesome, it's only later when we learn about how frankly toxic the grandmother's relationship with Billy was. It calls to mind many other traditional ghost stories of a wicked spirit trying to ensnare children; because of the ubiquity, I find the attempted lawsuits absurd. I'm thrilled we're at the last of the taped episodes, but I will say this one looked the best of all of them, I think. Maybe the story was grippingly spooky so I didn't notice it as much, maybe the minimalist use of camera movements worked well with the scant locations of the house; regardless, I wasn't nearly as distracted by the quality issues as I was with others. The whole cast did a great job, not a bad performance in the house. Billy Mumy really was very talented here, it's great to see him in his first episode on the show, even if his most iconic role is coming later. If I was going to knock the episode for anything, it'd be that the ending is a little unresolved. Billy will live, Chris and Sylvia are relieved, and all seems good... until Billy tries to jump into traffic again. Just because his grandmother isn't trying to coax him into offing himself anymore doesn't mean he won't attempt it. It'd be reassuring if we got a scene of Billy recovering, telling his parent he saw his grandmother, and explaining she encouraged him to stay with them from now on. That'd feel more complete, however I don't know what you'd be able to cut earlier to make room for that scene. Nothing felt wasted in this episode, so maybe we'll just hope for the best with Billy. That issue is the thinnest of gripes, this really is one worth revisiting.

[@Merit2397]

I sometimes forget to credit the Demo Reel portions of this little retrospective. All were fun and Hether's skit was pretty damn good. They really add a creepy sensation... in the Twilight Tober Zone.

[@debbieanne7962]

Billy Mumy was a great child actor, the TZ episode I like the best that he appeared in was 'In praise of Pip'. It was the first TZ episode I ever saw. He also appeared in some Alfred Hitchcock Presents episodes. I loved Lost in Space as a child! Mumy survived being a child star and seems to be a good person

[@user-le6yf4vk4p]

Great episode. It reminds me of the stories I was told from my mom, aunt, and grandmother about how when I was 3 I used to sit alone on the 3rd floor talking to "the lady in white". They figured out from my description it was I think like my great great grandmother or something like that I can't remember. My family also lived in that house for a little over a century or maybe a little less again I can't remember the details, my point is I could sort of believe it

[@majinsole8554]

The head tilts 😆 ~_~

[@wootman3125]

every time i see the pictures of Charlies Beaumont, all i can think is how much he looks like he would write for a show like the twilight zone

[@madizzle90]

I actually think that the video quality works in this episode.

[@autisticwriter5763]

Why do i get the impression that the original ending was the death of the kid and Rod wanted to make the ending a bit happier? I don't know, that's the impression i'm getting, but it could be another reason.

[@melissacooper4282]

I don't recall that the kid was originally supposed to die. The change in the script that the host was taking about was originally the father was talking to his dead mother about their own relationship. Rod didn't like it because it was supposed to be about Billy. So that's why we hear the heartfelt speech pertaining for the life of Billy.

[@jenniferschillig3768]

@@melissacooper4282 Yup, Marc Zicree gives the low-down on it in The Twilight Zone Companion. In a way I can kind of see why the first draft's monologue focused on Chris' relationship with his mother...she felt she'd "lost" Chris when he married so she latched onto Billy as a substitute, and he wanted to show her that she'd never really lost him so she'd let go of Billy. But the final version is much more effective...and, at heart, Grandma's a good woman, and realizes that she's not being fair to Billy by keeping him and not allowing him a full life on Earth.

[@jphpwinner]

I'm sure other people noticed this. Who's the guy that shows up @8:30 for a brief moment? Just checking if it was on purpose or not.

[@fromthesidelines]

Bill Idelson was also "Rush Gook" on the long-running radio show, "VIC AND SADE".

[@nicolesaunders2964]

I know poltergeist 1980 was based on an episode of the twilight zone but I honestly think that they used an element of this episode in the second poltergeist as Carol Ann gets a call on her toy phone from her grandma when she passed

[@TheCreepypro]

a perfect example of how less is more

[@jamesgarrett8833]

This Twilight Zone episode reminded me of a scene from Poltergeist 2. A scene were the little girl hears her toy telephone ring and she answer it and her reaction revealed it grandma on the other line and in the next scene we find out grandma kicked the bucket

[@Spindler2007]

Perhaps Poltergeist 2 was somewhat inspired by this episode.

[@petergray7576]

The first Poltergeist also seems to be partially inspired by the season 3 episode Little Girl Lost.

[@Spindler2007]

@@petergray7576 very true yes

[@peterkrug4124]

Throw that damn phone away.

[@chrisazylum6624]

Think I remember seeing this episode! Next time A Hundred Yards Over The Rim!

[@pkmntrainermark8881]

Hm, wonder if we'll actually see her in today's NC episode.

[@hanoc101]

Underrated episode in my opinion and very dark for the time.

[@TheBeastDen365]

okay your last and joke got me that's actually how I woke up today.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

I love this series of vids, got me interested in this old show, I have just bought series 2 and 3 on Amazon Prime (UK) for £10.99 each, not bad. We have similar shows over here such as the 1970s Tales Of The Unexpected, and more recently Inside No.9, but I think the Twighlight Zone is quite amazing for its time, and the stories really stand up now 60 years later.

[@ManOnHorizon]

1:20 - Bartender is shiny stuff and dreams are made of stooped necromancers...

[@drakedarkstar5422]

Dont worry, people. Our Heather is not posessed, because she is safely trapped in mirror dimension

[@melissadahl7561]

I've never actually watched this one because it just is unsettling to me, but I think I might watch it once just to see. And I do agree that that monologue at the end, plus the story of the two siblings who passed DO make the grandmother seem less menacing, but still...the whole lack of her just works almost too well for the creepy factor for me.

[@Merit2397]

When it comes to "Long Distance Call" I've always had a hard time enjoying it. It's just too disturbing for me personally. There's just something about placing an innocent carefree child into such danger like this that it just gets under my skin and not in a good way. Still, I will watch it in a marathon because it is iconic. Though, like with all the taped episodes, I wish they were shot on film.

[@tj112286]

How come Aiyanna Wade hasn't gotten an episode? 😢💔💔

[@moviesxmusicxlove]

This was a creepy episode. The Grandma was so selfish!

[@anubusx]

I agree she was sick!!!!

[@spacedinosaur8733]

She just want to prevent her grandson's unhappiness so he doesn't have to deal with his parent's divorce by going to see Aunt T at the bewitchin' pool.

[@mikshinee87]

Maybe it wasn't Grandma on the other side . 💀💀💀💀😈😈😈😈😈

[@mikshinee87]

Maybe it wasn't Grandma on the other side . 💀💀💀💀😈😈😈😈😈

[@kuitaranheatmorus9932]

Awesome video

[@ChannelAwesome]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fromthesidelines]

Originally telecast on March 31, 1961.

[@musclesforsupes]

Will be getting a call soon that says the Twilight Tober Zone is closed until till next year 🥺☹️😭.

[@acdc1721]

I could’ve sworn I saw this episode on film and not on tape.

[@claytonrios1]

Wow and I thought constant calls from strangers was the biggest problem with long distance calls...

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Great episode, cool lead in. Now WHERE did you find that phone?!

[@Josephlunar824]

Sad that October is almost over

[@tiffanybride4797]

The episodes that were shot on video always have a creepier look. Something about how it makes the people's movement look.

[@DesolatorMagic]

1:50 phones don't run on wall power, they run on line power

[@johndavis6719]

And they do have technology that you can talk to your parents that passed away it's called a Spirit Box.

[@danielcontoro]

I hope you do The Obsolete Man.

[@gmanley1]

Does kinda feel like a home movie someone would make.

[@charlirenner193]

Is it just me... Or does it look like Demo Reel is trying to come back?

[@tremorsfan]

I remember when I first watched this, I thought the oxygen tank was an espresso machine.

[@ronaldeliascorderocalles]

Didn't they copy this episode in Poltergeist 2?

[@anubusx]

Season 3 of Supernatural had an eposode titled this. Very similsr plot as well.

[@Gojiro7]

6:48 wow, that "loving" Mother sure looks like shes doing all she can to save her child drowning infront of her

[@Reshme77]

Its the cornfield kid

[@anubusx]

He turned Homer into a Jack in the box.

[@applefai6021]

I have gotten the extended warranty call, i don't have a car