Aside from studying the Lincoln assassination, one of my other interests is the classic American television show, The Twilight Zone. While I doubt it needs much in the way of introduction, the groundbreaking anthology series aired from 1959 to 1964. It was the product of writer Rod Serling, who also acted as narrator for the show. With its captivating twists and perfect mixture of social commentary wrapped in science fiction or supernatural elements, The Twilight Zone is a touchstone of American entertainment. Even now, sixty-five years after its debut, The Twilight Zone remains an important fixture in American pop culture.
The series produced 156 episodes over its five year run. Many are classic pieces of television known far and wide. Just the names of episodes such as “To Serve Man,” Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” “Time Enough at Last,” or “The Howling Man” evoke strong memories in those who have seen them. It’s practically impossible to pick a single favorite episode of this landmark series.
While I could not pick a single favorite episode of The Twilight Zone, it will probably come as no surprise that one of my favorites is the season two episode “Back There.” The episode stars Russell Johnson, best remembered for his main role as The Professor on Gilligan’s Island. In this episode of The Twilight Zone, Johnson’s character finds himself thrust back to the year 1865, and he attempts to stop the assassination of Lincoln. “Back There” may not be considered a “classic” episode of The Twilight Zone, but I feel it is well done for what it is. In the future, I may do an in-depth review of this episode, but I won’t spoil it for you now.
As part of my enjoyment of The Twilight Zone, I have recently begun listening to a podcast about the show, appropriately entitled The Twilight Zone Podcast by Tom Elliot. I’ve very much enjoyed listening to Tom’s reviews of the different episodes and pieces of trivia about their production. Tom has a great podcast voice and is very thoughtful in his analysis of each show. He gave a quality review of “Back There” even though the show has less in the way of trivia.
However, rather than sharing with you Tom’s review of “Back There,” I actually wanted to share a prelude episode he put out prior to his review. The idea of traveling back in time to save Lincoln from assassination is a concept that has been covered by many authors and in many mediums. During his research about “Back There,” Tom came across two radio plays that cover the same premise in unique ways. The radio dramas are “The Man Who Tried to Save Lincoln” from 1950 and “Assassination in Time” from 1975. Both shows have historical inaccuracies, of course, but are still entertaining examples of the “trying to save Lincoln genre.”
I’ve embedded the episode of The Twilight Zone Podcast containing these two radio shows below. If you have the time, give it a listen. You can also find this episode anywhere you get your podcasts. Just search for the “Prelude to Back There” episode of The Twilight Zone Podcast from February 11, 2016.
I’m very much late to the party when it comes to this episode and this podcast as a whole since it has been in existence since 2011. However, if, like me, you liked what you heard, there is a large archive of Twilight Zone Podcast episodes to go through, and new ones are still being produced. This weekend, for example, Tom will be in Binghamton, NY, for SerlingFest, an annual Twilight Zone-themed festival in Rod Serling’s hometown. This year, to celebrate the centennial of Serling’s birth, the city will be unveiling a statue of their famous son.
I hope you’ll excuse their brief departure into The Twilight Zone. I know I should be focusing my efforts on a different series entirely as I am very overdue with my reviews of the last two episodes of the Manhunt miniseries. While working on my review for episode 6 a few weeks ago, I got sucked down a rabbit hole that I’m still very much exploring. Eventually, I’ll get back to Manhunt, though.
LincolnConspirators.com 
saw it many times as men are sitting around the private club having drinks. He walks out the door and it’s 1865. As you mentioned, don’t want to spoil the surprise ending.
Don’t apologize for being sidetracked re: TZ. “Back There” is my favt. episode, which first aired on my bithday in 1961. I interviewed John LaSalle on the telephone about 35-40 years ago. He told me it was the first time he worked on a filmed TV show and was nervous as hell. (I told him he did a great job as JWB, which he appreciated.) Since then he appeared at a couple of TZ conventions, I think, and signed a number of TZ trading cards that showed him in the JWB role. (There are a few other TZ cards for that episode that I have collected, but one or two of them still elude me!) I may have posted once upon a time that Russell Johnson sold 8×10’s of himself in scenes from “Back There” and “Gilligan’s Island” , one of which was the very one you just displayed. He signed them as the purchaser requested. For me he signed that one “HELP ME, Richard! (signed Russell Johnson) April 14, 1865.” LOL!
Hi Richard. You are always a wealth of great info, great stories and good friendship. You’ve been an amazing collector of some really cool stuff over the years. Keep it going. Although I’ve been very absent for the past few years from engaging with the research community and keeping up with my friends (mostly due to museum work), I think about you all often.
Dave, love you man. Richard, you are always a pleasure to chat and be with. And to all my other friends and colleagues, I just want to say “hello” and that I haven’t disappeared into the Twilight Zone (yet). But wouldn’t it be fun if it could happen!
I hope we all talk again soon.Barry
Barry, forgive the belatedness. Your comment got marked as spam and I have only now freed it from the hidden realm. It’s great to hear from you. I completely understand about life getting busy and years getting away from you. This hobby of ours is very difficult to keep up with on top of jobs and family. Just know you are never forgotten, my friend. Thanks for reaching out.
I remember watching “They’ve killed President Lincoln” narrated by Richard Basehart growing up. It was made to look like newsreel footage if it could have been available in that era. I can’t find the show posted anywhere. I remember it being very suspenseful, however it would be fun to see it go through a DT fact check.
Steve G.
I’ve never seen that one, Steve, but I have heard of it. Richard Sloan, another commenter on this post, has done a great job researching Lincoln on Film and TV. He has given a few great presentations on the subject. Maybe I’ll prod him to see if he has a copy I can watch. But as far as doing a fact check, fugetaboutit. I still have my hands far too full trying to finish the Manhunt miniseries.
Dave…..you’ve provided so many with so much over the years , I wanted to share some photos of my Lincoln collection (the Lincoln Shed as we call it)……hope you enjoy another guy’s love …and “full blown obsession” as the wife calls it……..my best……Gary…………………..https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNSSTzgdg9pw5qxM4VRDlSjA6LeRHww-lKhFaxP4-RrArM64OJl5s-Smg1XmKIsoQ?key=T1dRZHR4SVlOamR1V0thbzFfbE10YkxsS19..
Gary,
When I try to click the link you provide it just gives me a Google 404 error page. It might be a privacy restriction issue.