Lost Rod Serling Interview, 1970 pt02

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]

Thanks for your comment.

Reassembling this video did take quite a bit of time, since I dubbed the film to video from the original 16mm workprint, then the audio from the original audio track, a different edit from the film. It had to be pieced together section by section while also matching and realigning the audio. It's not perfect, but maybe a new version will be transfered from the master, which was rescued from the trash and then delivered to the Spencer Research Library on the KU campus.

[rpyon21]

Man, Serling was an epic man. Smart, funny, and really objective in his critique of the Twilight Zone as well as other Sci-Fi shows of the time. I wish he were still alive.

[brfts2001]

I never knew Rod had visited KU! Thanks for sharing!

[ThaJUMPER83]

He own up to its inconsistencies

[ThaJUMPER83]

Genius

[ZaydDepaor]

this is excellent, and an insightful interview, thanks for uploading. Twilight Zone was one of my favourite shows growing up, absolutely loved it and looked forward to it, & Rod Serling a very interesting character & his intros very much part of the show. Twilight Zone shows that the story, unique idea & script are more important than the special effects etc.

[killcraz]

great interview!!

[cinematedman]

Excellent and priceless. Good luck finishing the documentary.

[JDNuvo]

Wow, I think this was an amazing show. Thank you for making it. I love it.

[starchildstrider]

Demokitch - thanks for taking the time to tie this video together - I really dug it. I can't believe that someone actually thought it was appropriate to discard the master! This brings to mind a phrase from Steely Dan: "the things they think are useless, I just don't understand." Rod Serling was BRILLIANT - and died way too soon.