Gramma

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Summary

  • The Twilight Zone’s fear-inducing episodes question reality and attract viewers across its revivals.
  • Ellison’s adaptation of King’s “Gramma” preserves the chilling tone & memorable ending effectively in the episode.
  • King’s “Gramma” has been adapted into the movie “Mercy,” but it remains less talked about compared to other King adaptations.

The spine-tingling episodes of “The Twilight Zone” often leave viewers questioning the nature of reality, as they ponder the possibility of unforeseen events. Originally airing in 1959 on CBS, this sci-fi/fantasy/horror anthology series ran for five seasons before returning for three additional revivals. Comparing these revivals, particularly the most recent one produced by horror filmmaker Jordan Peele, is intriguing. However, it’s the original “The Twilight Zone” that garners the most attention, including an episode inspired by a short story penned by Stephen King.

A significant portion of Stephen King’s writings have been translated into television shows and films, with opinions varying greatly among fans. For example, some might argue that ‘Misery’ is masterful, yet the remakes of ‘Pet Sematary’ and ‘Firestarter’ leave much to be desired. However, when one of King’s most exceptional short stories was transformed into an episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’, it was penned by a well-regarded science fiction author, making for a truly memorable episode – a decision that proved to be very wise.

What Happens In “Gramma,” The Twilight Zone Episode Harlan Ellison Wrote?

Harlan Ellison penned episode eighteen of season one in the series The Twilight Zone, titled “Gramma,” which broadcast on Valentine’s Day, 1986. This chilling tale was inspired by Stephen King’s short story from his 1985 collection, Skeleton Key. The narrative revolves around a young lad named Georgie (Barret Oliver), who spends time with his ailing grandmother. As Georgie feigns overcoming his fear of his grandmother, he discovers that she may not be quite human, hinting at a sinister secret.

Translating a brief tale can prove challenging when it lacks a definitive ending or well-defined characters. However, Stephen King is renowned for a good reason, and his story “Gramma” features a protagonist that resonates, an ominous antagonist, and a chilling climax.

In Ellison’s adaptation of Stephen King’s story in “The Twilight Zone” titled “Gramma,” the ending is subtly different, yet it retains the original’s eerie atmosphere and chilling vibe. Ellison masterfully kept the tale’s suspenseful essence, if not amplifying it further. The climax of “Gramma” is particularly memorable and frightening as Gramma merges with George, causing them to become a single entity. In the episode’s finale, George/Gramma reveals that Gramma has passed away. When his mother embraces him, George’s eyes turn red.

Among the standout episodes of “The Twilight Zone”, Rod Serling’s contributions are notable, but Ellison’s work on “Gramma” stands out as exceptionally well-crafted and impactful. Given his status as a veritable titan in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, Ellison was an ideal choice to adapt Stephen King’s short story “Gramma”. Beyond penning the “Star Trek” episode “The City on the Edge of Forever”, released in 1967, Ellison authored numerous short story collections, non-fiction works, and novels. One of his most renowned tales is “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream“, which was first published in 1967 as well.

In a unique twist, some episodes of the timeless anthology series, “The Twilight Zone,” are comical, while others spark debate, yet none more so than “Gramma” that underscores its enduring impact and power. The show consistently leaves viewers questioning reality and imagination, and it’s challenging not to suspect each tale as merely a dream (or a disturbing nightmare). By transforming an ordinary character – a grandmother – into something chilling, “Grmma” demonstrates why the series remains so captivating. Moreover, among Stephen King’s short stories, many could fit seamlessly within The Twilight Zone, but this particular adaptation resonated strongly.

What Other Adaptations Are There Of The Stephen King Short Story “Gramma”?

Stephen King’s short story “Gramma” was transformed into the 2014 horror movie titled “Mercy,” which was produced by Blumhouse. The main character George Bruckner is played by Chandler Riggs, and other cast members include Amanda Walsh, Mark Duplass, Dylan McDermott, Joel Courtney, Shirley Knight, and Frances O’Connor. However, this adaptation didn’t receive much attention since it was a direct-to-video release.

Back in 2014, as a passionate cinephile, I found myself engrossed in an intriguing conversation between Jason Blum and Collider about the film titled “Mercy.” During this chat, Blum delved into the reasoning behind choosing such a title. When the question was raised about whether the alternative title “Gramma” might not be as appealing to moviegoers, Blum shared his thoughts on the matter.

The title originated from the very points you’ve mentioned. Rest assured, our movie isn’t campy; it’s quite different. As for the similarity to ‘Misery’, it might be there, but that could be either positive or negative, who knows? I personally found ‘Misery’ excellent. I don’t believe we’re alike, but only time will tell.

Blum discussed their unique approach to filmmaking, referred to as the Blumhouse model, which emphasizes producing low-cost, thought-provoking films that deviate from standard independent productions. Notably, they have taken on some works by Stephen King, such as the Netflix movie “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” and a remake of “Firestarter,” featuring Zac Efron.

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2025-01-23 23:24