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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After reading the show's script, how did the CBS executives feel about the premise of "The Twilight Zone?"
(a) Enthusiastic.
(b) Upset.
(c) Confused.
(d) Worried.

2. What was the main objection of television executives?
(a) The Time Element and similar scripts were boring.
(b) The Time Element and similar scripts were expensive.
(c) The Time Element and similar scripts required celebrity actors.
(d) The Time Element and similar scripts were left open ended.

3. Why did executives from the networks heavily censor the show's scripts?
(a) In order to be politically correct.
(b) In order to placate the viewers.
(c) In order to placate sponsors.
(d) In order to attract sponsors.

4. When was Rod Serling born?
(a) Easter 1924.
(b) Christmas Eve 1924.
(c) Good Friday 1924.
(d) Christmas Day 1924.

5. Serling eventually became involved in writing scripts for what?
(a) The radio.
(b) Television.
(c) Movies.
(d) Commercials.

6. Serling's older brother Bob often jokes that the family could not get Rod to do what?
(a) Talk.
(b) Shut up.
(c) Laugh.
(d) Smile.

7. How might Rod Serling be described?
(a) Nervous and angry.
(b) Attractive and articulate.
(c) Shy and quiet.
(d) Unhappy and depressed.

8. One of the episodes sponsored by the Ford Motor Company required that what be done?
(a) The name Ford must be mentioned one hundred times.
(b) A Ford car be found in every scene.
(c) The Chrysler Building be blacked out of the skyline because the two companies were competitors.
(d) The president of the Ford company must be a guest actor.

9. When did the Serlings move to Binghamton, New York?
(a) Shortly after Rod's birth.
(b) Shortly before Rod's first birthday.
(c) Shortly before Rod's birth.
(d) Shortly after Rod's first birthday.

10. To what do some surmise Serling's military experience was the beginning?
(a) His interest in science fiction.
(b) His interest in war.
(c) His lifelong battle with CBS.
(d) His lifelong battle with nightmares and depression.

11. Over the next nine months Serling wrote _______ scripts, each falling into one of three basic categories: fantasy, science fiction, and horror.
(a) 48.
(b) 38.
(c) 18.
(d) 28.

12. Serling went into freelance writing, an occupation that was what?
(a) Predictable.
(b) Exciting.
(c) Very high-paying.
(d) Unsteady at best.

13. How does the hypochondriac die?
(a) Alcohol poisoning.
(b) A drug overdose.
(c) A heart attack.
(d) Cancer.

14. Serling had written a number of __________ before and during college and had hopes of seeing one or more of those works come to fruition.
(a) Plays.
(b) Scripts.
(c) Books.
(d) Operas.

15. What does "Mr. Denton on Doomsday" detail?
(a) The life of Al Denton, a corporate lawyer.
(b) The life of Al Denton, a cowboy turned actor.
(c) The life of Al Denton, a feared gunslinger-turned town drunk.
(d) The life of Al Denton, a school teacher turned priest.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the main character in this story attempt suicide?

2. After completing basic training, Sterling was sent in to combat where?

3. In 1946, Serling met who?

4. Why does this character admit to killing his wife?

5. After being discharged from the Army, Serling used the GI Bill to continue his education where?

(see the answer keys)

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