The Experiment (17 Jan. 1967)

David Vincent meets with an eminent astrophysicist who has proof that aliens are invading the planet.

Director:

Joseph Sargent

Writers:

Anthony Spinner, Larry Cohen (creator)

Stars:

Roy Thinnes, Roddy McDowall, Laurence Naismith

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Roy Thinnes	...	David Vincent
Roddy McDowall	...	Lloyd Lindstrom
Laurence Naismith	...	Professor Curtis Lindstrom
Harold Gould	...	Dr. Paul Mailer
Dabbs Greer	...	The Minister
Lawrence Montaigne	...	First Man
Willard Sage	...	Lieutenant James
Stuart Lancaster	...	Superintendent
Jackie Kendall	...	Proprietress
Roy N. Sickner	...	Cab Driver (as Roy Sickner)
Mel Gallagher	...	Male Nurse
John Ward	...	Trooper - Sergeant
Soon-Tek Oh	...	Houseboy (as Soon Taik Oh)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jason Wingreen	...	News reporter

Storyline

The eminent astrophysicist, Professor Lindstrom, has proof that aliens have landed on Earth and are planning on taking it over. He also believes the aliens are plotting to kill him. The trouble is, neither his doctor nor his son take him seriously, not even after the plane he was supposed to be in blows up in mid-air. One man believes him: David Vincent. David meets with the professor, but only after a phony preacher and a fake chauffeur fail to prevent the meeting. Meanwhile, the son suffers from debilitating headaches that have no normal cause.

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Plot Keywords:

professor | astrophysicist | headache | taken for a ride | hotel | 

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 1967 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Samuel Goldwyn Studios - 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Quinn Martin Productions (QM), American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Narrator: [Opening Narration] Plot or paranoia? There was no doubt in David Vincent's mind. A celebrated astrophysicist, Dr. Curtis Lindstrom, had discovered the truth: that alien beings were here on earth. In less than a week, at a meeting of his colleagues, Dr. Lindstrom would announce it to the world. Then perhaps David Vincent could put down his burden. It all seemed so simple.

User Reviews

The show was just "getting its feet wet!"

"The Invaders" premiered during what-was-then-billed as ABC's "Second Season," which was coined for shows that premiered in January. The premiere installment set the stage for the events of "The Experiment," happening some time after hero David Vincent's (Roy Thinnes) initial encounter with the aliens.

A renown scientist (Laurence Naismith) has evidence that aliens have come to Earth with evil intentions. He is preparing to reveal that to a conference of respected peers. However, his son (Roddy McDowall) and personal physician (Harold Gould) have doubts about the old man's sanity, but accompany him anyway. Vincent enters the situation, after contacting the scientist and offering to help after attempts have been made on the scientist's life.

Unfortunately, Vincent doesn't prevent the aliens' plans and the scientist meets an untimely death. It is later revealed that the son has been under the control of the aliens and used as their pawn in the elimination of his father and all the proof.

A tense confrontation occurs between Vincent, the son, and aliens, under the command of a alien disguised as a priest (Dabbs Greer).

As far as the performances go, Naismith is believable as the doomed researcher and McDowall, as usual, gives a fine go at the duped son.

It's coincidental that Greer, who would later win fans with his role as "Reverend Alden" on the long-running "Little House on the Prairie," would assay another in a long string of "heavenly" roles.