‘Twilight Zone’ Writer Presents Special Collection To UNA Archives

Oct. 19, 2009




George with Robert Redford on the set of The Twilight Zone episode "Nothing in the Dark" (which he wrote)
FLORENCE, Ala. – George Clayton Johnson, one of the original writers of Rod Sterling’s classic “Twilight Zone” series, and the regional theatre and film troupe Pillar of Fire will present a special collection of scripts, books, DVDs, posters and photos to UNA’s George Lindsey Archives Oct. 22. The presentation will be at 9:30 a.m. at the archives on the second floor of Collier Library.

In addition to writing for “The Twilight Zone,” Johnson created the caper classic “Ocean’s 11” and co-wrote the landmark science-fiction novel “Logan’s Run” with William F. Nolan.

The 80-year-old Johnson also wrote the very first episode of the original “Star Trek” series and wrote for “Kung Fu,” “The Law and Mr. Jones” and “Mr. Novak.” Johnson and his writing mentor, Ray Bradbury, co-wrote the Oscar-nominated 1962 short film “Icarus Montgolfier Wright.” An extremely rare copy of the film, donated by Bradbury and Pillar of Fire, is already housed in UNA archive collection.

While in the Shoals, Johnson is also attending and introducing Pillar of Fire/Center Stage Community Theatre’s stage production of “Shadow and Substance: The ‘Twilight Zone’ Tales of George Clayton Johnson” at the Ritz Theatre. The event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the premiere of “The Twilight Zone,” which first aired in October 1959.

During his visit, Johnson will also be available to UNA English, film and theatre students for a private one-on-one “Meeting With a Master.”

For more information on Johnson’s visit, contact Terry Pace, a UNA adjunct English instructor and director of the “Shadow and Substance” production, at 256-366-4512 or tgpace@una.edu.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE: For photos of Johnson, contact the Office of University Communications at 256-765-4225 or jlwoods1@una.edu.