In 1953 Jerome Bixby wrote a short story titled "IT'S A GOOD LIFE". It was shown on TWILIGHT ZONE November 3, 1961. Season 3, Episode 8.
Six-year-old ANTHONY FREMONT of Peaksville, Ohio had mystical powers. He isolated the small town of Peaksville from the rest of the world and controlled everything that went on within including the food eaten and when folks could watch TV.
He was able to listen in on people's thoughts about him and was very sensitive. Anyone who "thought bad thoughts" disappeared to what was referred to as THE CORNFIELD. It was never seen. It was out there somewhere and no one ever returned.
Anthony had very big powers. When he was born the doctor dropped him. He murdered the doctor. He could also wipe clean people's minds and render them dumb.
People lived in fear of him.
Any parallels to anyone living or dead is intentional.
