Barbara Nichols

1929-1976

“Twenty-Two”

          Liz Powell is a dancer is who recovering from a nervous breakdown in a hospital.  Unfortunately, her hospital room is somewhere in, you know ...  The memory of Barbara Nichols running down that hospital corridor in high heels is forever etched in my mind.  I can still hear the sound of her high heels clicking and her screams of horror in her re-occurring nightmare.  Easily, it is one of the classic episodes brought to stark life by a wonderful cast.  (A hallmark of all the T-Zone episodes)  Playing the role of a doctor is one Jonathan Harris, better known for his unforgettable portrayal of Dr. Smith on the old television show, “Lost in Space.”  He adds a creepiness to this episode that is most excellent.  Appearing in a cameo role is the wonderful Arlene Martel, perhaps better known as T’Pring of “Amok Time.”  This memorable episode would not be the same without those few lines from Miss Martel, which are now almost legendary.  Still, the star of the show is Miss Nichols and she delivers in classic style.  There is something uniquely Americana about Barbara Nichols.  Whether it is her bleach-blonde hair, legs that never end, or her adorable Jersey accent, she is something close to a national treasure.  “Twenty-two” will always represent the best that “The Twilight Zone” has to offer.  As it stars a living embodiment of a bygone era in the gorgeous Barbara Nichols, it should be declared a national treasure.  Miss Nichols also starred in the 1965 sci-fi flick, "The Human Duplicators."

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