Film Screening for Judges Becomes Issue in ‘Twilight Zone’ Case

A special screening of director John Landis’ most recent film became an object of contention Wednesday during a pretrial hearing in the long-running “Twilight Zone” manslaughter case.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Gary P. Kesselman, who was in court to discuss the selection of a judge for the upcoming trial, said he has received information that Los Angeles County Superior Court judges were invited to a private screening of “Into the Night” earlier this year. Kesselman said the invitation came from the director’s uncle, Benjamin Landis, himself a retired Superior Court judge.

Kesselman, appearing before Judge Gordon Ringer, suggested that Supervising Judge Robert R. Devich determine whether any prospective judge attended the screening before he decides which jurist to assign to the case.

Landis’ attorney, Harland Braun, said there was nothing nefarious about the screening invitation. He said that similar invitations were made by Judge Landis “as a very proud uncle” whenever his nephew’s films are released. The director’s other credits include “Animal House,” “Trading Places” and a segment of the movie “Twilight Zone.”

Disqualification Issue

Kesselman acknowledged later that no judge should necessarily be disqualified for merely attending the screening or for personally meeting with the defendants--John Landis, associate producer George Folsey Jr., helicopter pilot Dorcey A. Wingo, special effects coordinator Paul Stewart and unit production manager Dan Allingham.

“It’s simply an issue of legitimate and limited inquiry,” Kesselman said.

The five defendants are charged with involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors during a July, 1982, accident on the set of “Twilight Zone.” The actors were killed when a helicopter crashed onto them during special effects explosions.

Until Monday, the trial, not likely to begin before early next year, was due to be heard by Ringer. But he announced that he was bowing out because of a heavy workload, and he said the case would be transferred to Judge David A. Horowitz.

Seeks Postponement

Kesselman suggested that any transfer be postponed temporarily to allow attorneys to agree among themselves on a judge.

After hearing courtroom debate, Ringer sent the case back to Devich, who met privately with the attorneys and agreed to postpone a decision on naming a judge until June 3.

During the private session, according to Braun, Devich indicated that several Superior Court judges at the downtown Criminal Courthouse had discussed the screening invitation months ago and had decided to not attend.

Some judges, however, have evidently seen Landis’ films.

“You’d have to try the case in Guam not to (find judges who had seen Landis’ films),” Wingo’s attorney, Eugene L. Trope, said.

Ringer said during the courtroom discussion: “I saw ‘Trading Places.’ I think I paid $5 to see it. It was a hell of a funny movie.”