The other two commentators here mention Roddy McDowall's death scene in this episode as if it was a routine walk-through-the-park when, in fact, I think it's one of the most harrowing, violent, unbelievable things ever captured on film for TV.
No CGI/computer effects--or even then-current matting/rear projection techniques here-- just an incredible stunt performer who I assume survived the fall.You actually see his feet slip out from under him, having misjudged the jump from rooftop to fire escape. And the primal "howl" of the victim (dubbed in) adds to the shock of the moment. I'm sure viewers would have appreciated a "No Stunt Person Was Harmed in the Making of This Show" disclaimer in the final credits.
Fortunately, this stunning moment, which comes at the very end of the episode, is preceded by a solid, convincing, well-wrought drama of the "Maniac on the Loose" variety, made all the more special because the milieu in which the killer circulates is the high-brow, artsy Off-Broadway Theater, which provides lots of "period" atmosphere and verisimilitude.There's even a grunting, Brando-esque schlub of an actor played by an uncredited Bruce Dern for authenticity.
Good show. LR
No CGI/computer effects--or even then-current matting/rear projection techniques here-- just an incredible stunt performer who I assume survived the fall.You actually see his feet slip out from under him, having misjudged the jump from rooftop to fire escape. And the primal "howl" of the victim (dubbed in) adds to the shock of the moment. I'm sure viewers would have appreciated a "No Stunt Person Was Harmed in the Making of This Show" disclaimer in the final credits.
Fortunately, this stunning moment, which comes at the very end of the episode, is preceded by a solid, convincing, well-wrought drama of the "Maniac on the Loose" variety, made all the more special because the milieu in which the killer circulates is the high-brow, artsy Off-Broadway Theater, which provides lots of "period" atmosphere and verisimilitude.There's even a grunting, Brando-esque schlub of an actor played by an uncredited Bruce Dern for authenticity.
Good show. LR