CRM 114 (device)

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For the computer program, see CRM114 (program).

The C.R.M. 114 Discriminator is a fictional piece of critical radio equipment in Stanley Kubrick's film Dr. Strangelove (1964), the destruction of which prevents the crew of a B-52 from hearing the recall code that would stop them from dropping their atomic bombs on the U.S.S.R.[1] In Peter George's novel, Red Alert (1958), which was the basis for the film, the device is called the CRM 114.[2]

To ensure the enemy cannot plant false transmissions and fake orders, once the attack orders have been passed and acknowledged the CRM 114 is to be switched into the receiver circuit. The three code letters of the period are to be set on the alphabet dials of the CRM 114, which will then block any transmissions other than those preceded by the set letters from being fed into the receiver.

Kubrick also used a homophone of "CRM 114", "Serum 114",[3] for the name of a drug injected into Alex to help his reformation in A Clockwork Orange (1971).[4]

Other non-Kubrick works contain references to "CRM 114", in apparent homage to Kubrick:

  • An anti-personnel land-mine in Severance is designated the "CRM-114".
  • A low-budget short film made in 2006 and directed by Luke Elliott was entitled CRM-114, and the plot revolved around a mysterious packet of blood known only by the code CRM-114.
  • In the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode Business as Usual, "CRM-114" is a power hand weapon produced by the Breen, one that is "effective against moving vehicles and surface emplacements", and featuring a "quick recharge time".
  • On the TV show Heroes, "CRM 114" is the catalog code assigned to the Kensei sword that Hiro is searching for in the episode "Parasite". (In the Heroes 360 experience during the episode, it was confirmed that the reference was intentional.) Malcom McDowell, the star of A Clockwork Orange, also guest starred in this episode, as the current owner of the sword.
  • “Serum 114” is a 2006 film, directed by Rock Stoner and starring Frank Hruby about a kidnapper who accidentally injects himself with the potent hallucinogen

In addition, outside of film and television, "CRM114" is the name of a computer program which uses a statistical approach for classifying data and is especially utilized for filtering email spam. It was named after the fictional device.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ When some United States Air Force personnel were invited to view the B-52 cockpit reconstructed for the film from a single photograph, they said that "it was absolutely correct, even to the little black box which was the CRM." source: "Inside the Making of Dr. Strangelove", a documentary included with the 40th Anniversary Special Edition DVD of the film
  2. ^ What is the CRM-114 thing?
  3. ^ In full, the label on the bottle says "Exp./Serum No. 114".
  4. ^ A number of apocryphal instances of Kubrick's supposed use of "CRM 114" have been cited:
    • In The Killing, one of the main characters does not get room "Building C Rm. 114" when he checks into a motor court (not a "motel"). The unit is, in fact "3C".
    • In A Clockwork Orange the car Alex and his droogies steal and take for a joyride (the only car in the film) does not have the license plate "CRM114".
    • In 2001: A Space Odyssey, "CRM 114" is not the call sign or registration number of the Discovery spacecraft - which is "X-ray Delta One" or "XD-1".
    • In Eyes Wide Shut the mortuary is not identified as being located in "Wing C, Room 114" - in fact, we see no identifying markings on the door or in the hallways at all.