 I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. George Lowthar wrote a lot of great adaptations from the works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Guy de Maupassant, Bram Stoker, Wilkie Collins, and Oscar Wilde. As for this Edgar Allan Poe classic, it was very entertaining, but not the best adaption to it. It was a good effort to write this horror classic to take place in the year of 1996. In the original story, the main character is named Prince Prospero, not Milo Manderson. Why would George Lowthar change the name? In 1964, Vincent Price played the role of Prince Prospero in the film adaptation directed by Roger Corman and it worked well. The sound effects of the helicopter, doors, tableware clinking, tray slipping, glass breaking, party music, champagne bottle, and champagne glasses were OK. As for the music, OK as well, but it needed more frightful melodies into the mix. Many of the scenes were dead silent. If only CBSRMT added the horror music from #1245-THE JUDGE'S HOUSE into this particular episode, it would've been "blood-curdling" exciting. In our Host's Prologue, E.G. Marshall starts it off by quoting Mark Twain about the weather, followed by the topic of apathy. Why quote Mark Twain when this is an Edgar Allan Poe story? (That's like quoting Arthur Conan Doyle in an O.Henry story. Great writers, but different styles of writing.) In ACT-1, our Host brings up another disease in the story known as "jealously." In ACT-2, he quoted a biblical passage on "reaping what you sow," which makes sense as to what the main character is doing. In ACT-3, not much to report other than the Red Death has killed off the main character. E.G. Marshall's Epilogue was short; explaining that this story was just an allegory to inform viewers that this was a cautionary tale. His narrations were OK, but very brief. But the BEST thing about this episode, was the cast: Staats Cotsworth (as Milo Manderson), Karl Swenson (as Nils a.k.a. The Red Death), Lois Smith (as Doreen), Jack Grimes (as Jack), and Evie Juster (as Flossie). First off, outstanding work from our 2 actresses. And excellent performances by our 3 actors. So much dialogue, a lot of compelling arguments coming from all 5 of them. If you're a fan of Edgar Allan Poe's work, check out this radio adaptation, but also read the story. The other adaptations that CBSRMT has done, are a lot better and more frightening. Episode #0200-BERENICE is a good one. Also, check out Roger Corman's film adaptation of this tale. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =0)