Three distinct tales exploring guilt, desire, and inescapable pasts through supernatural and psychological horror.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Cemetery's Dark Inheritance
Jeremy Evans murders his uncle to claim a fortune, only to be haunted by a supernatural painting orchestrated by the loyal butler Osmond Portifoy. The artwork progressively depicts Jeremy's death, driving him to madness and a fatal fall.
Key Events
Jeremy's Uncle Murdered — Jeremy kills his wealthy uncle to secure a massive inheritance. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Family Estate
Osmond Discovers Painting — Jeremy notices a fresh grave mysteriously appearing in the family portrait. Characters: Jeremy Evans, Osmond PortifoyLocation: Mansion
Coffin Appears in Art — The painting shifts to show an upright coffin standing in the grave. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Mansion
Strobe's Museum Visit — Joseph Strobe encounters Bleum and a haunting artwork. Characters: Bleum, The First Israeli AgentLocation: Museum
The Blind Woman's Bargain
Claudia Menlo undergoes illegal eye surgery performed by Dr. Frank Heatherton, funded by the coerced donation of Sidney Resnick. Despite the procedure, a sudden blackout and fading vision trap her in darkness and despair.
Key Events
Coffin Appears in Art — The painting shifts to show an upright coffin standing in the grave. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Mansion
Uncle Returns in Canvas — The painted uncle moves closer, terrifying Jeremy with supernatural imagery. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Mansion
Door Pounding Begins — Heavy knocks echo, driving Jeremy toward complete psychological madness. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Mansion
Jeremy's Fatal Fall — Jeremy grabs the canvas and tumbles down the stairs to his death. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Staircase
Bleum's Recognition — Bleum identifies Strobe as a former Nazi officer. Characters: Bleum, The First Israeli AgentLocation: Museum
Strobe Kills Bleum — Strobe murders Bleum to protect his anonymity. Characters: Bleum, The First Israeli AgentLocation: Museum
Strobe's Final Judgment — Strobe vanishes into the dark corner, replaced by the crucifixion art. Characters: Bleum, The First Israeli AgentLocation: Museum Corner
Sight Restored, Sight Lost
Claudia awakens to a sunrise but panics as her temporary vision rapidly deteriorates. Her frantic attempts to preserve her sight lead to a cracked window and a tragic, unresolved conclusion.
Key Events
Jeremy's Fatal Fall — Jeremy grabs the canvas and tumbles down the stairs to his death. Characters: Jeremy EvansLocation: Staircase
Osmond's Revelation — Osmond reveals he orchestrated the madness via an artist friend. Characters: Osmond PortifoyLocation: Mansion
Will Clause Revealed — Osmond explains the will grants him the estate if no heirs live. Characters: Osmond PortifoyLocation: Mansion
Osmond Sees His Grave — The painting changes to show Osmond's own grave and coffin. Characters: Osmond PortifoyLocation: Mansion
Claudia's Blindness — Claudia seeks illegal surgery to restore her sight. Characters: Dr. Frank Heatherton, Sidney ResnickLocation: Clinic
Eye Donation Agreement — Sidney agrees to donate eyes after being blackmailed. Characters: Dr. Frank Heatherton, Sidney ResnickLocation: Clinic
Strobe's Final Judgment — Strobe vanishes into the dark corner, replaced by the crucifixion art. Characters: Bleum, The First Israeli AgentLocation: Museum Corner
The Nazi's Final Judgment
Joseph Strobe flees authorities and encounters Bleum, a concentration camp survivor who recognizes his past atrocities. After murdering Bleum to maintain anonymity, Strobe seeks refuge in a museum painting but faces eternal supernatural punishment.
Key Events
Eye Donation Agreement — Sidney agrees to donate eyes after being blackmailed. Characters: Dr. Frank Heatherton, Sidney ResnickLocation: Clinic
Surgery Performed — Dr. Frank Heatherton conducts the clandestine procedure. Characters: Dr. Frank Heatherton, Sidney ResnickLocation: Operating Room
Bandages Removed — Claudia removes bandages, expecting to see her art. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Penthouse
Penthouse Blackout — A sudden power failure plunges the apartment into darkness. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Penthouse
Claudia's Descent — Claudia stumbles down stairs, cursing the doctor. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Stairwell
Alley Collapse — Claudia collapses outside after the blackout. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Alley
Sight Fades at Dawn — Claudia wakes to sunrise but panics as vision blurs. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Penthouse
Window Cracks — Claudia beats the glass, causing it to fracture. Characters: Dr. Frank HeathertonLocation: Penthouse
Story Breakdown
Cemetery Murder Plot — Jeremy Evans kills his uncle to secure a massive financial inheritance.
Painting's First Shift — A fresh grave mysteriously appears in the family portrait.
Butler's Revenge Scheme — Osmond Portifoy manipulates Jeremy through supernatural artwork to claim the estate.
Artist Friend Collaboration — An unnamed painter creates the illusionary canvas for Osmond.
Will Clause Exploitation — Legal terms grant Osmond everything if Jeremy dies without heirs.
Blind Woman's Surgery — Claudia Menlo desperately seeks illegal medical procedures to restore her vision.
Penthouse Art Collection — She surrounds herself with treasures to view upon waking.
Sudden Power Blackout — A city-wide outage traps her in darkness immediately after surgery.
Eye Donation Blackmail — Sidney Resnick is coerced into donating his eyes for a large cash sum.
Doctor's Illegal Procedure — Dr. Frank Heatherton performs the forbidden operation under duress.
Eleven Hour Vision Limit — The doctor warns that the restored sight will rapidly fade.
Nazi Fugitive Hunt — Joseph Strobe constantly flees authorities while haunted by his wartime atrocities.
Concentration Camp Survivor — Bleum recognizes Strobe and confronts him with historical guilt.
Murder to Maintain Anonymity — Strobe kills Bleum to prevent exposure to the Israeli agents.
Museum Art Judgment — Strobe seeks refuge in a painting but faces eternal supernatural punishment.
Fisherman Painting Escape — He imagines finding peace while drifting on a calm river.
Crucifixion Art Replacement — The peaceful canvas is swapped, trapping him in eternal torment.
This anthology telefilm aired on NBC on November 8, 1969, and tells three strange tales: "The Cemetery," directed by Boris Sagal; "Eyes," directed by Steven Spielberg; and "The Escape Route," directed by Barry Shear. This film also served as a backdoor pilot for the TV series of the same name, which premiered on December 16, 1970.
