'65th Anniversary Analysis: Twilight Zone's Eye of the Beholder' Webinar

To best appreciate this webinar, we encourage you to first watch the full episode of Eye of the Beholder on Pluto TV!

What happens when society’s obsession with conformity turns beauty into something to be feared? On November 11, 1960, audiences first experienced “Eye of the Beholder,” one of the most haunting and unforgettable episodes of The Twilight Zone series. Sixty-five years later, its message about identity, perception, and acceptance still feels as powerful — and unsettling — as ever. It’s time to step into the shadows of Rod Serling’s imagination and examine a story that continues to hold a mirror up to our world.

Join New York Adventure Club for a retrospective and analysis of The Twilight Zone’s landmark episode “Eye of the Beholder” (1960). By examining its themes of identity, conformity, and perception, we’ll explore how Rod Serling’s masterful writing, direction, and visual storytelling combined to create one of the most unforgettable moments in television history — and why its message continues to resonate 65 years later.

Led by esteemed Twilight Zone scholar and author Arlen Schumer, this in-depth episode critique of the TV series he considers "The Father of American Popular Culture" will include:

• An in-depth analysis of “Eye of the Beholder” — how its theme, tone, and structure make it one of the most distinctive entries among all 156 episodes of The Twilight Zone
• Commentary on Rod Serling’s storytelling craft — how his poetic dialogue and moral vision shaped both this episode and the legacy of the series as a whole
• Behind-the-scenes insights — why director Douglas Heyes cast two different actresses as the character of Janet Tyler and how that creative decision amplified the episode’s emotional impact
• An exploration of design and direction — the innovative lighting, camerawork, and editing that built suspense and masked the episode’s iconic visual reveal
• A discussion of William Tuttle’s makeup artistry — the creation of the episode’s unforgettable “pig-faced” characters and their symbolic meaning
• The episode's cultural legacy — how “Eye of the Beholder” has influenced film, television, and visual art for decades, continuing to resonate in conversations about identity and beauty

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions about The Twilight Zone are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.

See you there, virtually!

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as "one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America." His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

Arlen Schumer is also an esteemed Twilight Zone scholar, and an author/designer of the only coffee table art book about the series, Visions from The Twilight Zone.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with Rod Serling, his estate, CBS Studios, Paramount Global, or any other associated entities, institutions, or rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience that celebrates the legacy, artistry, and cultural impact of The Twilight Zone. Any references to The Twilight Zone, its episodes, characters, images, or related materials are made solely for educational and commentary purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. The Twilight Zone and all related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment