The Twilight Zone (1959) 1.05

Walking Distance

starring Gig Young

directed by Robert Stevens

Martin Sloan (Gig Young), age 36 accidentally travels back in time 25 years and winds up in the town where he grew up. He meets his younger self and his parents. He tries to tell his parents who he is but they think he's crazy. He tries to tell his younger self to enjoy life but only ends up spooking him. He discovers that it isn't quite so easy to return home.

Thoughts

I watched this episode once before, about 5 years ago. I didn't write very much about it back then but you can find my notes here.

This episode seems to be about nostalgia in a big way, nostalgia for a simpler time and a simpler life. Was it ever really as good as Martin Sloane remembers?

I found this episode to be very moving. I really enjoyed watching it again. I had my doubts going in. I wondered if it would impress me given that I recalled a fair amount of it.

Notes

Gig Young also appeared in one episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.

Frank Overton played Martin's father. This is one of two episodes of this show in which he appeared. He also appeared in one episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and one of Thriller. He also appeared in one episode of The Invaders, 1.05 Genesis.

Actor and director Ron Howard was also in this episode. He played the part of a young boy that Martin talks to for a couple minutes. He was about five years old at the time.

This is one of two episodes of this show that Robert Stevens directed. He also directed 44 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, five episodes of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and one episode of Amazing Stories.