In 1828, the ship “Vestris” sails from England bound for Boston, Massachusetts. On board is Captain Robert Norrich (Torin Thatcher). With him is his wife Mary (Rita Lynn). Most of the trip is uneventful and the ship is making good time. Mary has been listless for days. Robert chalks it up to being at sea for so long.
When they are sixteen days out, Mary has an unusual vision. While in the chart room looking for her shawl she sees an elderly man (Boris Karloff). He writes something on the chart slate. Mary passes out. She is found by First Mate William Lloyd (Tommy Duggan) and her husband. Mary tells Robert about the man and about him writing on the slate. When Robert looks at the slate it says, “Steer North West”.
Mary becomes ill and in her feverish state she continues to tell her husband that they must steer northwest. Robert again believes that it is Mary’s fever talking and tries to explain to her that there are ice floes in that area so going that way would be dangerous. Mary continues to insist. Eventually, Robert gives in to her pleas. He steers the Vestris northwest.
“The Veil” is an American horror supernatural anthology television series created by Frank P. Bibas and produced by Hal Roach Studios. Twelve episodes, including a pilot, were created, however the series was never sold so, except for the pilot, they were never broadcast or sold for syndication. It is speculated that the series never sold due to financial problems with the studio. Reportedly Karloff claimed he was never paid but that claim has been disputed by director Herbert L. Strock.
The pilot episode was shown as a “backdoor pilot” episode on the “Telephone Time” series. As such it has a different host than the other “Veil” episodes.