Library Memorializes Matheson With Spielberg Thriller DUEL

The double feature begins with the classic Twilight Zone chiller “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” (1963), starring William Shatner, directed by Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon) and adapted by Matheson from his original short story.

The program concludes with the high-voltage, Emmy Award-winning made-for-television thriller Duel (1971), starring Dennis Weaver, directed by Steven Spielberg and adapted by Matheson from his original short story. The suspense-packed story deals with a harried businessman who is being stalked by the maniacal, unseen driver of a tanker truck during a deadly road trip along a two-lane highway in the California desert.

The Screening Room series – sponsored by the library, Pillar of Fire and Bookmarks Coffee Shop – is organized and hosted by film historian Terry Pace, who teaches English at the University of North Alabama. Admission is free. For details, call the library at 256-764-6564 or Pillar of Fire at 256-366-4512.

“You can’t beat me on the grade. You can’t beat me on the grade!” – David Mann (Dennis Weaver) in Steven Spielberg’s Duel (1971)