How Twilight Zone: The Movie’s On-Set Tragedy Changed Filmmaking Forever

Approximately four decades ago, the motion picture titled “: The Movie” revolutionized the entertainment sector following a devastating accident during production. Debuting on June 24, 1983, this anthology science fiction film was inspired by the acclaimed sci-fi television series, “The Twilight Zone“, which aired from 1959 to 1964. John Landis penned and helmed the prologue and initial segment, while Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller took charge of remaking earlier “Twilight Zone ” episodes for the film.

The movie “Twilight Zone: The Movie” was eagerly awaited in the early ’80s and proved to be a box office hit. In 1983, it generated $42 million at the box office, exceeding its $10 million budget. Despite some mixed reviews, the film was financially successful. However, these minor criticisms meant little to John Landis and the production team. Tragically, in 1982, an accident on set led to controversy and legal issues. From that point forward, every facet of the film and television industry underwent significant changes due to this incident.

Who Was Involved in the Twilight Zone: The Movie Accident?

The Accident Occurred During Filming of John Landis’ First Segment

The incident that transpired while producing Twilight Zone: The Movie took place under the watchful eye of director John Landis. At that moment, Landis was filming sequences for the initial segment titled “Time Out.” Notably, Landis is recognized for helming comedic films such as Clue (1985) and Coming to America (1988). Additionally, he directed Michael Jackson’s iconic music videos, including “Thriller” (1983) and “Black and White” (1991).

In the unfortunate accident that occurred during filming, the actors involved were Vic Morrow, Myca Dinh Le, and Renee Shin-Yi Chin. Le, a 7-year-old Vietnamese-American, and Chin, a 6-year-old Taiwanese-American, were not professional actors at the time they were cast for Twilight Zone: The Movie. Contrastingly, Vic Morrow was an experienced actor, renowned for his role as Sergeant “Chip” Saunders in Combat! (1962-1967). Additionally, Morrow was the father of Jennifer Jason Leigh, a highly acclaimed actress.

What Happened During the Accident?

Vic Morrow, Myca Dinh Le, and Renee Shin-Yi Chin Were Killed

On July 23, 1982, Morrow, Le, and Chin tragically lost their lives instantly as a helicopter crashed upon them. During this time, Landis was overseeing the actors in a scene where Bill Connor (played by Morrow) was depicted carrying two Vietnamese children across a river while fleeing from pursuing American soldiers in a helicopter. For this scene, several explosive effects were prepared, including a debris mortar that helped create an explosion.

In the scene, Morrow, Le, and Chin were situated approximately 25 feet beneath the helicopter being flown by Dorcey Wingo, with six additional actors inside. A nearby explosive device, a debris mortar, was detonated too near the helicopter, causing its tail rotor to be torn off. This loss of control led to Wingo crashing the helicopter, resulting in the fatalities of Morrow, Le, and Chin. The six actors on board were also hurt.

John Landis Circumvented Child Labor Laws

Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chin Were Illegally Hired

Initially, children weren’t part of the scene that Morrow, Le, and Chin were filming on the night of the accident, and several production areas had no clue about Le and Chin until the incident took place. It was only after the script’s approval that Landis wrote the scene, but their involvement remained secretive among the casting team, on-site emergency responders, Landis himself, and other production personnel.

It turned out that Landis failed to secure the necessary permits to have Le and Chin work on the movie set due to California laws prohibiting minors from working at night or with explosives. Reportedly, he didn’t even bother applying for an exception because he expected his application would be denied. Instead, it is claimed that their parents were secretly compensated (off-the-books, typically in cash) for allowing their children to act in the movie “Twilight Zone: The Movie.

Five People Involved in the Movie’s Accident Were Indicted

John Landis and Four Others Were Indicted For Involuntary Manslaughter

In 1986, John Landis (the director), Dorcey Wingo (helicopter pilot), Dan Allingham (production manager), George Folsey Jr. (associate producer), and Paul Stewart (explosives specialist) faced involuntary manslaughter charges. The prosecution claimed that these men were responsible for the accident during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie. However, their defense stated that the accident was an unfortunate incident that happened without any intention or planning on their part.

After nearly a year’s legal battle, I find myself relieved that Landis, Wingo, Allingham, Folsey Jr., and Stewart were acquitted of involuntary manslaughter charges. The tragic helicopter accident during filming was deemed an unexpected incident, although it was generally preventable, the court ruled that at the specific moment in time, prevention wasn’t feasible.

Heartbreakingly, the families of Morrow, Le, and Chin took their grievances to civil court over wrongful death. In the end, they were all granted compensation for their losses.

Several People Involved With Twilight Zone: The Movie Resigned

Steven Spielberg Ended his Friendship with John Landis After the Accident

Following the tragic deaths of Morrow, Le, and Chin, several individuals associated with Twilight Zone: The Movie decided to withdraw from the project. Andy House, the second assistant director, had his name taken off the credits; instead, his name was replaced by the alias “Alan Smithee.” Additionally, Miller, who directed the segment “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” chose to leave the production after the accident. However, Dante ultimately completed Miller’s segment.

After directing iconic films like “Schindler’s List” (1993) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), Steven Spielberg cut ties with fellow director John Landis following an unfortunate incident. Spielberg was appalled by how Landis managed the situation, and as a producer of “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” he was further incensed due to the illegal hiring of children without proper communication. Shortly after the accident, Spielberg made it clear to reporters that no movie was valuable enough to risk someone’s life.

The Directors Guild of America Brought More Attention to Film Safety

The Directors Guild of America was Founded in 1936

The Directors Guild of America, which looks after creative professionals in film and television such as directors, producers, stage managers, and production assistants, is a labor union. When the tragic incident involving Twilight Zone: The Movie occurred, all four directors involved were members of this guild. After the unfortunate deaths of Morrow, Le, and Chin, the DGA issued numerous newsletters and bulletins urging set workers to prioritize safety. Additionally, they established a hotline for any queries regarding safety and security on set.

The organization initiated an internal probe regarding the accident, which was later led by an individual who held a position on the DGA’s Safety Committee during the trial of Landis and other accused parties charged with involuntary manslaughter. This individual, Cooper, stated that the accident could have been prevented, and that the five defendants disregarded fundamental safety guidelines.

The Screen Actors Guild Revised Its Contracts

The Screen Actors Guild Has Roughly 170,000 Members as of June 2025

Following the tragic incident on the set of “Twilight Zone: The Movie” in 1987, which led to a manslaughter trial, the Screen Actors Guild (now known as SAG-AFTRA) made modifications and added provisions to their contracts. After the trial, Mark Locher, SAG’s representative, publicly expressed regret over the accident and confirmed that immediate changes in film production would be implemented.

After the helicopter crash, Warner Bros. and SAG established safety committees much like the DGA. Since the 1982 incident, both Warner Bros. and the newly formed SAG-AFTRA have regularly issued safety advisories and newsletters. These resources are consistently updated and distributed to all members. As of October 2021, The Nanny has been serving as the President of SAG-AFTRA.

The Motion Picture & Entertainment Safety Program Was Founded

The Program was Started by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

1987 saw the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection establish the Motion Picture & Entertainment Safety Program, following tragic accidents involving Morrow, Le, and Chin, who lost their lives due to mishandling pyrotechnics during filming. Since then, this program has been maintaining and guiding the application of pyrotechnics in movies and TV productions. Additionally, it ensures proper inspection of pyrotechnics prior to use and offers on-set training for safe handling practices.

John Landis and other film production team members came incredibly close to facing legal consequences following the unfortunate accident. Prior to the 1982 helicopter crash, safety guidelines were not given the attention they deserved. Regrettably, it was the loss of three lives that eventually led to a much-needed overhaul in the safety regulations within the film and television industry. Known as “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” this production is fondly remembered, but for reasons far from celebratory.

2025-06-05 02:09