Created by Quinn Phillips in 1975, this short-lived horror anthology series was conceived as a modern equivalent to the Emmy-winning cult classic The Nightfall Pages (1959-1964). Each show was introduced by actress Joanna Martin, presented as a solemn artist working inside a cramped art studio. Each week, she would showcase a new painting reflecting that episode's storyline. Several well-known film and TV actors appeared on the various episodes, including Geraldine Page, Royal Dano, Joanna Pettet, Tim Matheson, Meg Foster, and Anitra Ford.
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| Joanna Martin as "The Artist" in the anthology series Occult Canvas (1975). |
Though it was critically acclaimed, Occult Canvas 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, coupled with 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 while the show aired, has only grown over the years. The seven original episodes have been lost, fueling speculation that something nefarious was involved with the production. All that is left from the original production are a few publicity photos (including the seven paintings produced for the show) and the original TV Weekly entries and advertisements.
The following synopses were taken directly from TV Weekly publications.
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| Episode 1 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Episode 1: "Light the Flame, Bright the Fire"
Air date: September 19, 1975
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.
Episode 2: "This Old Man"
Air date: September 26, 1975
An invalid old man (David Sellers) in an old folks' 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.
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| Episode 2 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Episode 3: "Three to Mask the Autumn Chill"
Air date: October 3, 1975
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 an occult hold on the children, forcing the bewildered woman to fight for her life. Eric Shea co-stars.
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| Episode 3 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Episode 4: "Say, Say, Oh Playmate"
Air date: October 10, 1975
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.
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| Episode 4 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
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| Episode 5 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Episode 5: "Fun and Games, Until..."
Air date: October 17, 1975A 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.
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| Episode 6 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Air date: October 24, 1975
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.
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| Episode 7 artwork attributed to Louise Coe. |
Air date: October 31, 1975
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.
All seven paintings were attributed to artist Louise Coe, who has no additional production credits to her name. It is rumored that Coe was convicted murderer Louise Annabeth Coe, who was sentenced to life for the gruesome murders of seven people who were part of an L.A. witchcraft cult in the mid 70s. Her connection to the artwork has never been verified.
