63 Years Ago Today, This Sci-Fi Horror Anthology Series Told the Perfect Time Travel Story (Starring a Silent Film Legend)

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In 1961, a famous star from the early days of Hollywood appeared in a memorable episode of the classic TV show, The Twilight Zone. The Twilight Zone, considered one of the best TV series ever made, told over 150 separate stories focused on science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Created and hosted by Rod Serling, the show ran for five seasons. A standout episode, “Once Upon a Time” from season 3, featured a Hollywood icon in a story that felt remarkably modern for its time.

Buster Keaton, a famous star of silent films, appeared in a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone called “Once Upon a Time.” This role as Woodrow Mulligan came later in his career. Keaton rose to fame in the 1920s with his incredible physical comedy and daring stunts, all delivered with a famously stoic, expressionless face – earning him the nickname “The Great Stone Face.” Five years before he died in 1966, Keaton, who began acting in films in 1917, played an unexpected time traveler in what many consider one of the show’s best episodes.

“Once Upon a Time” Was the Perfect Time Travel Story in The Twilight Zone

“Once Upon a Time” tells the story of Woodrow Mulligan, a janitor working for inventor Professor Gilbert in 1890. Mulligan is frustrated with changes in his small town of Harmony, New York – costs are rising, animals wander freely, and it’s become risky to walk around with all the horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. While cleaning, Mulligan accidentally activates Professor Gilbert’s new “time helmet,” which sends him forward to 1961 for half an hour. In the bustle of the modern town, the helmet gets damaged, so Mulligan turns to scientist Rollo for help getting it repaired.

This sets up a heartwarming lesson about appreciating what you have. Rollo dreams of the 1890s, but is disappointed when he actually goes back in time and realizes how much he misses modern conveniences. Meanwhile, Mulligan learns to value his own era after a trip to the future, and everyone returns content. The episode also beautifully bookends itself with a tribute to the silent film era and Buster Keaton, serving as a loving homage to classic Hollywood.

This time travel story is straightforward yet captivating, and the performances by Keaton and Adams give it a lot of heart. Director Norman Z. McLeod created a distinctive style for this episode, making it a standout in the series. The music, by William Lava and pianist Ray Turner, beautifully blends the silent film feel of the 1890s scenes with the sound of the 1960s. While The Twilight Zone wasn’t always a comedy, Keaton’s presence made “Once Upon a Time” one of the series’ funniest installments.

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2025-12-15 21:10