In 1977, Quinn Martin produced "Tales of the Unexpected" for NBC-TV. Eight episodes of this anthology series were produced (one episode "The Force of Evil" was movie-length) for a total of nine hours of science fiction, horror and suspense. Popular guest stars on the series include Lloyd Bridges, Roy Thinnes, Bill Bixby, Dean Stockwell, Ned Beatty, Tim O'Connor, Robert Foxworth, Rick Nelson, David Birney, Van Williams, Ronny Cox, Carl Weathers, Gary Collins, Robert Pine, Eve Plumb and Christine Belford.
There weren't many VCRs in use in 1977 and the few that were around probably weren't taping "Tales of the Unexpected". In the past 38 years, only three episodes have surfaced in the video trading community - "The Nomads", "No Way Out" (from a one time airing on TV Land of this episode only circa 2000 - no others were shown) and "The Force of Evil" (which was released on VHS tape in the 1980's). The episode "The Nomads" is particularly interesting to fans of THE INVADERS - this episode is a remake / reboot of the pilot episode "Beachhead" - updated to the 1970's!
CBS / Paramount owns "Tales of the Unexpected". It would be great if the entire series were released on DVD. In the meantime, fans can enjoy these three classic episodes on YouTube.
Episode #4 - "The Nomads" (a remake / reboot of THE INVADERS pilot episode "Beachhead") - View this episode HERE:
Episode #9 - "No Way Out" - starring Bill Bixby and Dean Stockwell. View this episode HERE:
Episode #6 / #7 - "The Force of Evil" (movie-length episode) - starring Lloyd Bridges, Patricia Crowley and Eve Plumb. View this episode HERE:
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| The VHS release of "The Force of Evil" |
Thanks for the links!
ReplyDeleteSince first seeing the episode "The Final Chapter" as a young'un in 1977, it's haunted me ever since and have been OBSESSED with finding it. But, alas, this episode apparently just doesn't exist. I genuinely don't understand the 'rationale' of those who control the 'vaults' as far as releasing goes - the FULL British Tales of the Unexpected is all over the place but these measly 8 episodes are nowhere to be found (save for these three). I mean, c'mon already you guys. I watched "No Way Out" last night and was blown away by how truly excellent it was by 'tv production standards'.
ReplyDeleteYou can blame Viacom for holding the full series hostage. I've seen other obscure TV shows released on DVD that had just as few episodes.
DeleteWhere was the Force of Evil episode filmed?
ReplyDelete