Classic Television - Prime Time

Circle of Fear

Original channel

NBC

Original run

March 17, 1972 (pilot)

September 15, 1972 – March 30, 1973

Ghost Story (later retitled Circle of Fear) is an American television anthology series that aired for one season on NBC from 1972 to 1973. Executive-produced by William Castle, Ghost Story initially featured supernatural entities such as ghosts, vampires, and witches. By mid-season, low ratings led to a title change and a shift—for the most part—away from paranormal themes.

Ghost Story was hosted by Sebastian Cabot as Winston Essex, the owner of a mysterious hotel named Mansfield House. Cabot's introductions were filmed in the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego, California. A pilot episode aired in March 1972 as one half of a NBC Friday night double feature; the series premiered in September. Ghost Story dealt exclusively with ghosts, vampires, witches, and other supernatural elements. The show's format and tone drew comparisons to NBC's Night Gallery and ABC's The Sixth Sense. Guest stars included Helen Hayes, Jason Robards, Patricia Neal, William Windom, Gena Rowlands, Carolyn Jones, Melvyn Douglas, and Jodie Foster.

After 13 episodes, Ghost Story was renamed Circle of Fear beginning with the January 5, 1973 episode.[ The change was necessary, according to executive producer William Castle, because of low ratings. "I changed the show for one reason only -- to get picked up next season," Castle said. "Obviously our rating is not enough to get renewed. I think we've just got to get a formula that will help us." He added that the title change came from the head of the production company Screen Gems. Additionally, Cabot was dropped as the presenter. This reworked version lasted nine further episodes.