"Lights Out" was one of the earliest shows on American television--predating other anthology shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits" by well over a decade. It even preceded the very early "Tales of Tomorrow" but only a few of the later "Lights Out" episodes seem to exist and are available for free download at archive.org. However, if you do try downloading them, try watching one other than "The Cat's Cradle" first! That's because it's a seriously flawed episode--with a great basic idea but a poor execution.
The film begins in the country. A young couple see an accident--and it's due to a strange invisible choking sensation on the driver. Soon after, an old acquaintance, George (Murvyn Vye) shows up--and he is really, really creepy. He claims to have the ability to perform tricks, or rather miraculous things using some simple cord--all taught to him by some Indians. In fact, he thinks he has the power to kill using the cord--a weird psychic power. And, not surprisingly, it all ends with an ironic twist.
The idea is very original but falls a bit for two main reasons. First, the foreshadowing scene at the beginning is a case of sledgehammer symbolism--and seemed out of place. But, more importantly, Vye's performance is too much--lacking subtlety and believability. Not terrible but it should have been a lot better.
The film begins in the country. A young couple see an accident--and it's due to a strange invisible choking sensation on the driver. Soon after, an old acquaintance, George (Murvyn Vye) shows up--and he is really, really creepy. He claims to have the ability to perform tricks, or rather miraculous things using some simple cord--all taught to him by some Indians. In fact, he thinks he has the power to kill using the cord--a weird psychic power. And, not surprisingly, it all ends with an ironic twist.
The idea is very original but falls a bit for two main reasons. First, the foreshadowing scene at the beginning is a case of sledgehammer symbolism--and seemed out of place. But, more importantly, Vye's performance is too much--lacking subtlety and believability. Not terrible but it should have been a lot better.