The Twilight Zone
The Bard
Season 4, Episode 18 · Aired 1963-05-23
Synopsis
A bumbling screenwriter, Julius K. Moomer, is becoming desperate for a sale after 23 years working on unproduced scripts. When his agent mentions that he is submitting another writer's pitch for a television series about black magic, Julius pleads to be allowed to be given first crack at the series. Knowing nothing about the subject, he attempts some research but turns up only an actual book of black magic. While experimenting with the book he accidentally conjures William Shakespeare, who says he is at the service of the conjurer. Deciding not to waste Shakespeare's talent on a television pilot, Julius directs him to write a film.
In the series
This episode is part of The Twilight Zone (1959–1964) on CBS.
Moral fables in a black suit — twist endings that taught America to fear its own reflection.
Key cast
- Rod Serling as Host / Narrator