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The Breakthrough

An engineer is sent to a remote government lab to assist a scientist in his research and to report back on what exactly this consists of. He discovers that the scientist is seeking to prove the existence of a theoretical form of energy that he believes to be the source of all paranormal powers. To capture it in the lab, he plans to use a subject on the brink of death, as well as in a hypnotic trance (to be induced by the computer) and also in telepathic communication with someone else--a child who is mentally deficient but psychically gifted--who can report the dying subject's sensations posthumously. At first skeptical, then appalled, the engineer soon becomes a convert to the scientist's views, concealing the nature of the planned experiment from his own employer and fending off a visit by government officials that would prevent it. At last it takes place, and it seems to be a success...but is it?

English
  • Originally Aired January 8, 1975
  • Runtime 70 minutes
  • Network BBC Two
  • Created February 20, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified February 20, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Clive Exton Writer
Daphne Du Maurier Writer
Clive Swift Guest Star
Simon Ward Guest Star
Brewster Mason Guest Star
Thomas Ellice Guest Star
Graham Evans Director