Occult Canvas Episodes
Created by Quinn Phillips in 1975, this short-lived anthology series was conceived as a modern equivalent to The Twilight Zone. Though it was critically acclaimed, the show was scheduled against the popular crime dramas Barnaby Jones and Police Woman, coming in a distant third in its time slot. The high production costs and low ratings led to an early cancellation after only seven episodes. An internet rumor that the show was cursed, causing copycat murders and property destruction as the episodes aired, has only grown over the years. The seven original episodes have been lost, fueling speculation that something nefarious was involved with the production. The following synopses were taken directly from TV Weekly publications.
Episode 1: Light the Flame, Bright the Fire
An undercover reporter (Joanna Pettet) discovers the plot behind a warehouse of deadly occult artworks, attempting to destroy them before they can wreak havoc upon the world. However, an unexpected personal connection complicates her plans. Meg Foster co-stars.
Air date: September 19, 1975
Episode 2: This Old Man
An invalid old man (David Sellers) in an old folk's home is given new life when a witch's spell allows him to reverse in age. However, the youthful results come with deadly consequences for the family members who left him to die. Gene Montero co-stars.
Air date: September 26, 1975
Episode 3: Three to Mask the Autumn Chill
When a sudden cold front keeps her child and his friends inside for the day, a young mom (Joan Van Ark) turns to an old craft book for inspiration. The resulting papier-mache masks envelop and occult hold on the children, forcing the bewildered woman to fight for her life. Eric Shea co-stars.
Air date: October 3, 1975
Episode 4: Say, Say, Oh Playmate
A discontented married couple is thrown into an occult nightmare when the husband's latent psychic powers allow him to speak through inanimate objects. Using an old stuffed teddy bear as a vessel, he attempts to compel his wife to murder their infant son. Anitra Ford and Tim Matheson star.
Air date: October 10, 1975
Episode 5: Fun and Games, Until...
A shy young man (Skip Hinnant) receives a mysterious package the night he hosts an intimate dinner party. Once opened, an innocuous children's game is revealed, prompting the guests to persuade the host to play. The results bring about some uncomfortable truths and deadly consequences. Sue Lyon co-stars.
Air date: October 17, 1975
Episode 6: Spell: Bound
A retired pastor (Royal Dano) falls under the spell of a collection of cursed paintings, which compel him to murder the residents in the surrounding village. His estranged daughter (Mariana Hill) searches for the remedy with the help of a blind necromancer. Geraldine Page co-stars.
Air date: October 24, 1975
Episode 7: When They Whisper
A charismatic cult leader (Richard Lynch) communicates to his followers through a telepathic whispering. A collective madness begins to build as the cult spreads the insidious silent messages throughout a small coastal community. Ruth Roman co-stars.
Air date: October 31, 1975
