bob_meg Is Richard Matheson awesome or what? Who else could conceive of something so simple and sinister as a woman's husband disappearing in a men's room at a broken down café in the desert? The same guy who conceived of a monster truck stalking a beleaguered motorist to great effect in "Duel," and that's only a slight sample of the other legendary tales he's penned. His skill at deriving something so evil out of the ordinary is very comparable to Stephen King at his '70s peak with "Night Shift" and "Dying Room Only" is indicative of that prowess --- it still makes an impact on people I show it to today.The great news is that this film is now widely available as part of the Warner Archives collection, remastered in widescreen, and though there's nothing but the film on the disc, it's a bargain at about $10.The locals, played by Ross Martin and Ned Beatty are creepy and cruel, the motel night clerk is surly and obtuse. It's really all on Ms. Leachman to figure it out, and Chloris does a really fine job here: she transmits her urgency and controlled panic without making herself into a blithering, hysterical wreck. She's a strong heroine. Dabney Coleman is almost unrecognizable as her husband, here, he's so very young looking.I've heard many comparisons to "Breakdown" but this film is really only similar in plot structure. Breakdown was an adrenaline fueled roller coaster ride that was definitely one of the better road thrillers ever produced. DRO is more a psychological head-game and a mystery, more suited to rainy evenings at home than crowded nights at the multiplex. Pick it up, before they remake and ruin it.

Tony Rome Some of the best made for TV movies were made in the 1970's. This film has the great Ross Martin playing a role that is a far cry from that of Artemus Gordon. Here he plays a mysterious cook in a filthy dinner somewhere in the middle of the desert. Cloris Leachman is excellent as the terrorized woman. This film contains an early performance by Dabney Coleman as her husband. The supporting cast is great, Ned Beatty straight of his role in "Deliverance," and three years before his Oscar win in "Network," Dana Elcar is equally as good as the policeman. Dana Elcar starred in many TV shows, films and Made for TV movies, and seemed to have always been underrated. I give this film **** and highly recommend it.

moonspinner55 Married couple driving through the desert stop off at a diner; the husband goes into the men's restroom and never comes out. A fascinating premise for a so-so TV-made thriller which does give Cloris Leachman (Phyllis on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show") one of the four best roles of her career (the others being "The Last Picture Show", "Young Frankenstein" and "A Girl Named Sooner"). Ross Martin is truly scary as the diner's proprietor, and the movie creates amazing tension amidst a realistic rural scenario. Too bad the script isn't as thought-out as one would like. After viewing this on video, a friend and I debated long into the night about what might've been done with the concluding events. The movie doesn't cop-out exactly, but neither does it give us any truly thrilling answers to the wife's predicament. Overall, worth-seeing for Cloris and the promising premise, but I was "Dying" for a better denouement.

rick2000 All must view this priceless gem.It creates a delicious sense of dread. Cloris Leachman's performance is unequalled.