The Next Step Beyond is a 1978 revival of the 1950s–1960s American television series One Step Beyond, hosted by original host John Newland. Like One Step Beyond, the series purported to tell true stories of the supernatural. Unlike the original, this series had a short run of one season of 25 episodes, 14 of which were remakes.[1]
Background
Inspired by the syndication success of the original series as well as The Twilight Zone, Star Trek and especially Space: 1999, John Newland and Collier Young who participated in the original series, and Alan J. Factor decided to produce a new version of One Step Beyond to be titled The Next Step Beyond, for syndication. Original series creator Merwin Gerard came back as story editor. Newland returned as series host, sporting white hair and large eyeglasses, otherwise looking the same.[2][3]
Worldvision Enterprises, distributor of the original series, distributed the new series as well. Without the benefit of a sponsor like Alcoa, the series only had a budget of $92,000 an episode.[2][3]
There were several drawbacks. The series was shot on videotape, and lacked the noirish look of the original.[2][3]
Several episodes of the original series were remade. All of the remakes were based on Merwin Gerard originals. The budget limit also limited the series' ability to present stories in other times, because of the lack of period costumes and settings, which had been lavish in One Step Beyond. The budget also meant the series could not afford any big name guest stars. The series was canceled after 25 episodes were produced. After running a few cycles on television, the series disappeared and has not been seen since.[2][3]
The remakes were a bad idea, we thought we could fool the audience, and we soon learned we couldn't.
A little girl faints in gym class. When she recovers, she insists she is the daughter of a grieving family who lost their daughter. (remake of Who Are You?)
Acquitted of murdering his wife, the guilty husband sees her reflection in the mirror firing a gun at him. (remake of Echo)
19
"The Haunted Inn"
Alan J. Factor
Harry Spaulding
()
An artist on the road crosses paths with a beautiful woman, and is directed towards an inn that's off the beaten path. Though the sounds of partying guests are frequently heard throughout the inn, the only other guests are Lucianne and Mrs. Argus.
20
"The Pact"
Unconfirmed
Unconfirmed
()
The curse of a gypsy fortune teller.
21
"Sin of Omission"
Alan J. Factor
Merwin Gerard
()
A woman fears for her sanity when she sees the ghost of a little girl in pain, until her husband sees it too. (remake of The Room Upstairs)