Lost Rod Serling Interview, 1970 pt01

In 1970 University of Kansas professor James Gunn interviewed a series of science fiction authors for his Centron film series "Science Fiction in Literature". This footage from an unreleased film in that series featuring an interview with Rod Serling, which wasn't finished due to problems with obtaining rights to show footage from Serling's work in television. This reconstruction is based on the original workprint footage that was saved on two separate analog sources since the audio track was separate. Re-syncing the footage was a long involved process as the audio track didn't match the film and there was substantial sync drift. While not perfect, there's a lot of interesting information on writing for television in the dialogue with Serling as well as a prophetic statement about his health at the beginning.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Rod Serling
• Television
• Science Fiction

[demokitch]

A DVD set of James Gunn's Science Fiction in Literature film series is available for sale through the KU Center for the Study of Science Fiction. The set excludes the Rod Serling interview since it was never completed and when I talked with James Gunn he said that the footage was only shown once in a network television tribute to Serling.

[joshman783]

I want Rod Serling to narrate my life

[misconduckt]

Rod Serling makes drinking and smoking look badass

[TheLizardmonkey]

His is the most intelligent voice that there ever was in western television. He made it an art form. The equivalents in Britain were perhaps Roald dahl and Dennis Potter. Oh and I wish you had let the cigarette fall to the ground Rod!

[Imani3336]

Rod Serling is one of my heroes♥ He was so talented and inspiring, and intellegent, and he could scare you and make you think at the same time! I wish he hadn't smoked though :( It hurts me to see him smoke and drink like this. Did I mention he's a total hottie!? :') R.I.P. Rod we love you♥

[fisteberg]

@joshman783 Not me sorry.I just dream to write my own life.

[fisteberg]

@tall32guy Yes i guess;My uncle also recently died from cancer even if he had  stopped smoking a few years ago.He died three weeks ago.Smoking causes vascular problems.

[fisteberg]

@snidelywhiplash Yes i read that he died young at only 50 years old.Smoking is bad and i think but,it is my opinion that he was a tormented man.I just guess he suffered a lot in childhood or as a young man.You can read a sort of distress on him.A genius but a tormented genius.

[RoboSlater]

For extra money during college, Serling took a part-time job testing parachutes for the Army Air Force. According to co-workers, he got $50 for each successful jump. They recall Serling's telling them that he once got $500, half before and half if he survived, for a hazardous test. His last test jump took place just before his wedding. He was paid $1000 to test a newly invented jet ejection seat. Serling survived, but barely. He said later that 3 other men had been killed before he tried.

[ThaJUMPER83]

Genius!!!

[hypnotizerequiem]

@tromar68 That would of been cool!

[tromar68]

Serling was so cool. Im surprised Sinatra didnt invite him to be in the rat pack.