Ghost Story (1972)
The NBC supernatural anthology that haunted early-1970s television — one chilling tale at a time.
Ghost Story - Series Information
- Original Title: Ghost Story
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Created by: William Castle, Richard Matheson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 22
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 15, 1972 (United States - NR)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Circle of Fear (US)
- Production Companies: Screen Gems Television, William Castle Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ghost Story - Plot
Ghost Story is an American television anthology series that aired for one season on NBC from 1972 to 1973. Executive-produced by William Castle, it initially featured supernatural entities such as ghosts, vampires, and witches. By mid-season, low ratings led to a shift -- for the most part -- away from paranormal themes and a title change to Circle of Fear.
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Ghost Story - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- William Castle
- Richard Matheson
Main Cast
- Sebastian Cabot
- Larry Fleischman
- Bob Harks
- Meg Foster
- Robert Mandan
- Don 'Red' Barry
- Douglas Henderson
- Sheila Larken
- Karen Black
- Michael Tolan
Writers
- Jimmy Sangster
- Seeleg Lester
- Elizabeth M. Walter
- D.C. Fontana
- Anthony Lawrence
Ghost Story - FAQs
Why did Ghost Story change its name mid-season?
Struggling ratings prompted NBC and producer William Castle to retool the series partway through its run. The show shifted away from overtly paranormal storylines and was rebranded as Circle of Fear, adopting a broader suspense-thriller approach in hopes of attracting a wider audience.
Who hosted Ghost Story on NBC?
Sebastian Cabot served as the on-screen host, playing the fictional character Winston Essex, a suave innkeeper who introduced each week's tale. His elegant, old-world presence set a distinctly eerie tone that became one of the series' most memorable elements.
Where can you stream Ghost Story from 1972?
Ghost Story is currently available to stream on fuboTV. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local streaming services or digital rental platforms is recommended for the most up-to-date viewing options.
What kind of stories did Ghost Story tell?
Each episode was a self-contained supernatural tale featuring ghosts, vampires, witches, and other creatures of the night. After the mid-season rebrand to Circle of Fear, the anthology leaned more toward psychological suspense and thriller territory, though eerie atmosphere remained a constant thread.
Who was William Castle and why does he matter here?
William Castle was a legendary Hollywood showman famed for his gimmick-laden horror films of the 1950s and 60s, including House on Haunted Hill and The Tingler. Ghost Story marked his foray into television, bringing his flair for theatrical fright to the small screen as executive producer.
Did Ghost Story feature any notable guest stars?
The series attracted a strong roster of talent across its 22 episodes. Karen Black, Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, Carolyn Jones, and Meg Foster all appeared in guest roles, lending the anthology a cinematic quality that elevated it above typical early-1970s network television fare.
How was Ghost Story received by critics and audiences?
The series earned a mixed reception during its original run. Critics appreciated its atmospheric ambition and the caliber of its guest performers, but ratings were soft enough to force the mid-season format overhaul. Today it holds cult status among fans of classic American horror anthology television.
What shows are similar to Ghost Story?
Fans of Ghost Story often enjoy Night Gallery (1970), Rod Serling's atmospheric anthology companion, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962) for its suspenseful standalone tales. Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019) and R. L. Stine's The Haunting Hour offer more contemporary takes on the anthology horror format.
More About Ghost Story
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