One Twilight Zone Episode Required A Policeman On Set For An Unexpected Reason

In the world of The Twilight Zone, where the series unfolds in another dimension governed by its own set of rules, a season 1 episode titled "The Fever" required the presence of a police officer on set. This was due to the involvement of a prop that was deemed illegal in the state of California – a slot machine. The episode centered around a couple who win a Las Vegas trip, with the husband initially resisting gambling but eventually becoming addicted to the one-armed bandit.

As his fortune dwindled, he faced the possibility of losing his sanity. In a haunting vision, a demonic slot machine appeared, leading him to his demise. While the episode's moralistic message was clear, its production posed a challenge due to California's ban on gambling machines. Producers opted to borrow impounded slot machines from the local police department, ensuring a policeman stayed on set to prevent any unauthorized removal and use of the props.

Creator Rod Serling penned most of the show's episodes, often drawing from personal experiences and social commentary. In "The Fever," Serling's own experience of visiting Las Vegas with his wife Carol served as inspiration. Carol had good luck at the slots, while Serling struggled immensely, finding it difficult to quit. This experience became the basis for the episode.

Interestingly, Serling later adapted "The Fever" into a short story within the 1960 collection "Stories From the Twilight Zone." In this adaptation, a significant detail was added: after her husband's death a year later, Serling's wife encountered a slot machine at a church event. This scene depicted her attempting to stop herself from screaming and rushing home to bed, adding a poignant touch to the original tale.