10 Made-For-Television Movies That Are Actually Worth Your Time

9. Night Gallery (1969)

The TV movie probably wouldn't have been around as long as it was if it wasn't for one simple reason: TV networks used the format to present pilot films. Many of the best TV movies were pilots for TV series. One example of this is the excellent 1969 film Night Gallery, written by none other than Mr. Rod Serling (of Twilight Zone fame). Mr. Serling uses his famous narrating skills to tell us three chilling (well... as chilling as horror TV in the 1970s could be) stories. He's helped by three not-so-good but still haunting paintings. The first story tells the story of a playboy (Roddy McDowall) who murders his rich uncle, only to have said uncle come back from the grave for revenge. The second story revolves around a blind lady (Joan Crawford) who undergoes an eye transplant to be able to see for a few hours. Unfortunately, she receives her sight at a most inopportune time. The third story tells the story of a Nazi war criminal (Richard Kiley) who uses astral projection to escape his pursuers. Sadly for Mr. Kiley, he chooses the wrong time for his final escape. The flick is flawed; the preachiness that marred Serling's later writing rears its ugly head a couple of times. Serling's talent wasn't entirely gone, however; the stories are still entertaining. It's the acting and directing, however, that really help the film gain its glory. The second film, "Eyes," is the best segment by far; that's due to a director named Steven Spielberg. The segment was Spielberg's first professional job; it's funny to see Spielberg reveal an artsy side that he hasn't used since.