The Man with the Power (The Outer Limits)

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The Outer Limits episode
“The Man With the Power”
Episode no. Season 1
Episode 4
Guest star(s) Donald Pleasence
Priscilla Morrill
Fred Beir
Frank Maxwell
John Marley
Writer(s) Jerome Ross
Director Laslo Benedek
Cinematographer Conrad Hall
Production no. 8
Original airdate October 7, 1963
Episode chronology
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"The Man with the Power" is an episode of the original The Outer Limits television show. It first aired on 07 October 1963, during the first season.

Contents

[edit] Introduction

An experiment endows a college professor with powerful telekinetic abilities, which his subconscious mind uses to destroy his enemies.

[edit] Opening narration

"In the course of centuries, Man has devoured the Earth itself. The Machine Age has dried up the seas of oil. Industry has consumed the heartlands of coal. The Atomic Age has plundered the rare elements—uranium, cobalt, plutonium—leaving behind worthless deposits of lead and ashes. Starvation is at hand. Only here, in the void of space, is there a new source of atomic power. Above us, in the debris of the solar system, in the meteorites and asteroids, are the materials needed to drive the reactors. Yet in their distant, silent orbits, these chunks of matter are beyond the reach of man, beyond the reach of human hands, but not beyond the reach of human minds. Driving along a country road in an ordinary car is a modest man: Harold J. Finley, quiet and profound..."

[edit] Plot synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

An unassuming university teacher develops a device that, once implanted in the brain, can manipulate objects through mind power. Although disregarded as talentless by his family and coworkers, the teacher makes an impact with a U.S. space agency. However, as the teacher becomes more familiar with his device, he learns that his subconscious mind has been utilizing it and taking revenge on those who demean him. As his invention is scheduled to be implanted into the brain of an ambitious astronaut with questionable motives, the teacher becomes alarmed and is determined to stop the operation.

[edit] Closing narration

"Deep beyond the kindest, gentlest soul may lurk violent thoughts, deadly wishes. Someday Man will learn to cope with the monsters of the mind. Then, and only then, when the human mind is truly in control of itself, can we begin to utilize the great and hidden powers of the universe."

[edit] Cast

A rock held aloft by the power of Finley's mind
A rock held aloft by the power of Finley's mind
  • Donald Pleasence – as Harold J. Finley,
  • Priscilla Morrill – as Vera Finley
  • Edward Platt – as Dean Radcliffe
  • Fred Beir – as Steve Crandon
  • Frank Maxwell – as Keenan
  • John Marley – as Dr. Sigmund Hindeman
  • Paul Lambert – as Dr. Henschell
  • Paul Kent – as Detective
  • Ann Loos – as Emily Radcliffe
  • James McCallion – as Dr. Tremaine
  • Harry Ellerbe – as Doctor

[edit] External links and references