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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the move, Rod went to work as a staff writer for whom?

2. Why did executives from the networks heavily censor the show's scripts?

3. What did executives think about Serling's new script?

4. Serling had written a number of __________ before and during college and had hopes of seeing one or more of those works come to fruition.

5. How does this character strike a deal with the Devil?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Serling have to do now that this first episode appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse?" Why?

2. What does the psychiatrist do after being shook up by his session with Pete Jenson? What does the psychiatrist learn?

3. What is the original opening narration?

4. Why were the executives worried about buying "The Twilight Zone" as a serial?

5. What were the contractual agreements made by Serling?

6. What is one of the first jobs for Houghton?

7. What task is Serling given, which is eventually delivered by him?

8. Describe "Walking Distance."

9. Why was the production of "Playhouse 90" difficult?

10. Describe "Escape Clause."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Perhaps the most disturbing episode was "Long Distance Call".

Part 1) Describe "Long Distance Call". Why is this so disturbing?

Part 2) Why might television executives have accepted this script?

Part 3) How would audiences react to it today? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Celebrities were interested in "The Twilight Zone".

Part 1) Why were celebrities interested? How does their interest affect viewers?

Part 2) What was both good and bad about celebrity interest? Why?

Part 3) Does this happen with shows today? If so, when? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

"Where Is Everybody?" was originally a very different story.

Part 1) What was the original plot? Why was it changed? How was it changed?

Part 2) Do you believe it should have been changed? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would the original script be aired today? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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