The first episode of Steven Spielberg’s anthology series Amazing Stories airs on NBC. The name of the show is licensed from the publisher of Hugo Gernsback’s science fiction literary magazine, which has been in publication since the 1920s. Many of the episodes come from story sketches by Spielberg, assigned to other writers; this is one of only two to be directed by Spielberg as well. Lukas Haas and Roberts Blossom guest star. 
The Globe family has moved from Chicago to the family’s original farmland, a move that doesn’t excite young Brian, who has only known city life. The one bright side of the move is that Brian’s grandfather, Ompa, is moving in with them. But he too is less than thrilled about his new surroundings: on the farmland are reminders of a railroad line that once ran through here, where a train derailed because of his foolishness as a young boy. Ompa insists that the same train will be coming for him soon – and warns that the house is in its way.
teleplay by Frank Deese
story by Steven Spielberg
directed by Steven Spielberg
music by John WilliamsCast: Roberts Blossom (Ompa), Scott Paulin (Fenton), Gail Edwards (Jolene), Lukas Haas (Brian Globe), Renny Roker (Dr. Steele), Hugh Gillin (Conductor), Sandy Ward (Engineer)
Notes: Lukas Haas and Roberts Blossom both went on to appear in episodes of the late ’80s revival of The Twilight Zone. In fact, Haas then went on to appear in the third revival of that series in the early 2000s. Executive producer Steven Spielberg would only go on to direct one more episode of Amazing Stories, The Mission, also during the show’s first season.
LogBook entry by Earl Green