Twilight Zone Radio Dramas: People Are Alike All Over (3/25/60)

A rocket piloted by two astronauts heads out on a mission to Mars. One of them, Marcusson, is a positive thinker who believes that people are alike all over, even on the Red Planet. The other astronaut, Conrad, has a more cynical view of human interplanetary nature. The impact of landing on Mars is so severe that Marcusson is critically injured. Knowing that he is dying, Marcusson pleads with Conrad to open the door of their ship so he can at least see that for which he has given his life. Conrad refuses, still fearful of what may await outside, and Marcusson dies.

Now alone, Conrad hears a rhythmic sound reverberating upon the ship's hull. Expecting some unnamed, alien evil, his apprehension turns to joy when he opens the hatch and sees Martians that indeed appear to be human, have mind-reading abilities, and give the impression of being most amicable, especially the beautiful Teenya, who welcomes and reassures him. The hospitable locals lead their honored guest to his residence — an interior living space furnished precisely in the same manner as one on Earth (specifically, a living space in 1960s-era middle-class America) would have been. The locals leave and Conrad asks if he will see Teenya again. Her face expresses mixed emotions but another local assures Conrad he will see her again.

Conrad relaxes but soon discovers that his room is windowless and the doors cannot be opened. One of the walls slides upward, and Conrad realizes that he has become a caged exhibit in a Martian alien zoo. Conrad picks up a sign that says, " Earth Creature in his native habitat", and throws it on the floor as Teenya tearfully leaves.

In the episode's closing lines, Conrad grips the bars and yells to the heavens, "Marcusson! Marcusson, you were right! You were right. People are alike.... people are alike everywhere!"

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