Disembodied (1998) - full transcript
The story of Connie Sproutz, a likeable young woman with the sad problem of a spore-generating deformity on her face which causes difficulties in her day-to-day life such as dissolving into...
(electronic humming)
(wind blows)
(sinister orchestral music)
(wind blows)
(sinister orchestral music)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(distorted ding)
(door creaks)
- Yes?
- [Woman] I'd like
a room, please.
- Well...
I only got one left.
7B, down in the basement.
- [Woman] That sounds fine.
- The air's not too
good down there.
Installed a duct, but
it don't blow through.
- I don't mind.
- Well, there's a boiler down
there. Too big to move out.
- That's no problem.
- Cleaning lady
don't clean much.
She don't like to go down there.
She's afraid of what's
growing down there.
- I could clean it myself.
- Well...
Go ahead and sign in, then.
Well, I hope you enjoy your
stay at the Grand Hotel.
You have a nice evening.
(footsteps clack)
(distant water drips)
(water drips)
(footsteps clack)
(keys clink)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(chain clinks)
(dark electronic music)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(water babbles)
(switch clicks)
(rhythmic harp music)
(dark orchestral music)
(water splashes)
(latches click)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
(muffled chatter)
(footsteps clack)
- [Woman] Except for biology.
I always had a talent
for that kinda jig.
And home ec. Baking,
that sort of that.
People are just hungry
to hear about it.
And my job puts me in
contact with a lot of people,
but I don't really know anybody.
Yeah, it's not the most
elegant line of work,
but it pays the bills.
And I'm not gonna be in the
Grand Hotel forever. No, sir.
Sooner or later, hopefully
I'll get enough money
to have my own kind of place.
Maybe get into baking
professionally.
There's a lot of dough
in that line of work.
(sullen orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
(tense orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
- [Woman] Yes?
- All moved in?
- Uh-huh.
- Did you get all
your stuff moved in?
- Yeah, thanks.
- Do you need anything?
- No, I don't think so.
- How would you like
me to check your duct?
- My duct?
- Yeah, the last party
that was in there
said the air didn't
blow through right.
- Uh...
No, it seems fine.
- How would you like
to see a film, then?
- A film?
- Yeah, I got a
pretty good one here.
Educational documentary.
The story of
electromagnetic induction.
- Oh, yeah. I'm
kinda tired, though.
- Oh.
Maybe some other time?
- Uh-huh.
- Goodnight.
(dark orchestral music)
(suspenseful music)
(woman moans and pants)
(woman moans and pants)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(wheels squeak rhythmically)
(knocks)
- Who's there?
- Cleaning lady.
- [Woman] Oh, hi.
- I need to clean.
- Um, that's all right.
I'll take care of it myself.
- Well, if that's
the way it has to be.
Just bet you'll do it yourself.
You and that other
one in 6B. (laughs)
Look at this place, it's filthy.
Absolutely filthy. Cobwebs
all over the place.
Well, I'm not gonna take
'em down. No, ma'am.
I wash my hands of it. There's
a limit to what I'll do.
And this place passed
it a long time ago!
(electronic humming)
(humming intensifies)
(electronic humming)
(ethereal chime music)
(rumbling)
(dark orchestral music)
(rumbling)
(electronic humming)
(muffled crackling)
(muffled moans)
(muffled chuckles)
(muffled moans)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(liquid squelches)
- (groans) Oh, god!
(screams)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(muffled chuckles and moans)
(footsteps clack)
(muffled chuckles and moans)
(dark orchestral music)
(glass shatters)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(man screams)
(door opens)
(switch clicks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(dark orchestral music)
(flesh squelches)
(distant water drips)
(ethereal music)
(dark orchestral music)
(flesh squelches)
(flesh squelches)
(water splashes)
(water bubbles)
(dark orchestral music)
(car starts)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(dark orchestral music)
- Place has thousands of rocks.
(switch clicks)
(water splashes)
(drain gurgles)
(ominous orchestral music)
(latches clack)
(sinister orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
- Hi, there!
(potatoes thud)
Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
- Here, let me help you.
I guess we're neighbors.
I'm, the name's Trixie.
Trixie Turner.
- Pleased to meet you,
I'm Connie Sproutz.
- How's it going, Connie?
What're you doing
in a dump like this?
- Oh, renting a room.
- Yeah, what else?
Would you like to come in
for a drink or somethin'?
- I can't right now. I've
gotta check on something.
- Oh, sure thing. Take
a rain check, huh?
- Yeah.
- Catch you later, Connie.
- Bye.
(tense string music)
(latches clack)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(heartbeat thuds)
(gas hisses)
(liquid trickles)
(footsteps clack)
(liquid splashes)
(knocks)
(knocks)
- [Trixie] Hi, Connie!
- Hi, Trixie.
Thought I might take you
up on that rain check.
- Sure thing! Come on in.
Would you like a
drink or somethin'?
- Uh, yeah.
- [Trixie] What'll you have?
- Grain alcohol.
- Huh?
- Or maybe some vodka.
- Ah, gotcha.
I'm glad you could come over.
Took that myself in the middle
of the desert in Nevada.
Been interested in
UFOs ever since.
You believe in 'em?
- (chuckles) No,
I'm afraid I don't.
- There's a lot of weird
things going on up there.
And down here, too.
Some of the freaks I meet
might as well be
from another planet.
(glass clinks)
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Have a seat.
So...
How do you like the Grand Hotel?
- Oh, it's very nice.
- Yeah, right.
They oughta burn it down
and get the insurance money.
You from out of town?
- Um, yes.
I've moved around a lot.
- Yeah, me too. Rootless
is what they call it.
- [Connie] I was most
recently in Chelsea, Idaho.
- Chelsea?
Never heard of it.
- It's a small place,
a company town.
- Hm, I don't know
much about Idaho,
except that it
stems from potatoes.
I read that on a
license plate once.
- Yes, they have lots
of potatoes there.
- [Trixie] Your
folks live there?
- No.
- Hm, I lost mine.
They were flower children.
- They came from flowers?
- (chuckles) Yeah,
right, Connie.
You never heard of
flower children?
- No, I've heard
of flower girls.
- No, flower children
put flowers in their hair
and live in shacks and hang
around fields chanting.
That sort of thing.
My parents owned a
potato farm in Mendocino.
A caneel type deal.
But then it caught blight
and they disappeared one day.
Never saw 'em again.
Hit the streets pretty
soon after that.
So, what line of
work are you in?
- Oh, I'm an inventor.
- An inventor?
- Mm-hm!
I used to work for Plasmaster
but now I'm out on my own.
- You know somethin', Connie?
You and me are a lot alike.
I could tell, the
first time I saw ya.
- You could?
- Yeah!
Both stuck in a sewer but we
got big plans for the future.
(muffled scratching)
Not supposed to be any
pets in this hotel.
(door squeaks)
Geez, I thought you were some
kind of aardvark or something!
What the fuck are you doing?
- Ah, nothin'. Just
got another film here.
I thought you'd like to see it.
- Another one of those
damn school movies again?
- [Clerk] Yeah, the story of
electrochemical reactions.
- No, I'm busy.
- Oh, got a customer?
- No, a friend.
- Oh. 7B, eh?
How'd you gals like
to come upstairs
and join me in a libation?
- No, if you don't mind.
(door slams)
- Ah.
(dark orchestral music)
(switch clicks)
- The alien organism
infests the human host
like a neural parasite,
occupying the skull cavity
while maintaining the
host's brain externally.
The body is internally altered
and several new
organs are formed,
including one for
disintegrating the victims
and another for secreting
their brain cells,
compacted and reorganized,
but still alive.
Outwardly, it resembles an
enormous protoplasm or amoeba,
though it is vastly more complex
and seems to possess an almost
diabolical intelligence.
It is capable of
telepathic manipulation
and even psychokinetic changes
in its immediate environment.
This is probably how it has
avoided detection for so long.
(switch clicks)
Good god.
Are they conscious?
Able to think in there,
in some dark limbo?
(switch clicks)
The subconscious mind
of the human host
is not under its control.
It is for this reason that the
so-called Dampa Dream Machine
was designed and patented
by Connie Sproutz.
It prevents the dreams
of the alienated brain
from becoming physically real.
(switch clicks)
(switch clicks)
I must emphasize the importance
of destroying the
creature completely.
I disagree strongly with
Dr. Brainard's suggestion
that we attempt to
take the creature alive
for some possible military use.
It is simply too dangerous
and the consequences
could be disastrous.
The creature must be
eradicated before it escapes
and finds new victims.
(switch clicks)
(sighs)
(dark orchestral music)
Who were you, Connie Sproutz?
Before that thing found
you and changed you.
I could almost
feel sorry for you.
(door opens)
(door closes)
(heels clack)
(knocks)
- Connie?
(knocks)
Connie, are you in there?
(heels clack)
(electronic humming)
(eerie orchestral music)
(alien laughs)
(ominous tones)
(blood splats)
(organism squelches)
(electronic humming)
(switch clicks)
(liquid splashes)
(dark orchestral music)
- [Connie] The tube
checks out fine.
Not a darn thing wrong with it.
I wonder if it might be
these thunderstorms
we've been having.
I guess I'm just going
to have to stay up
until they blow over.
(water bubbles)
(rapid taps)
(potato crunches)
(screeching)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(potato clunks)
(eyeball squelches)
- Hey, you want
some potato salad?
- No, potatoes
don't agree with me.
Hey, look at that transformer.
- Oh, yeah. What about it?
- Well, I was just thinking
about the low-frequency
radiation.
It affects people living in
the vicinity of the lines.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah, it can even
cause DNA mutations.
- You know something, Connie?
That's what I like about you.
You're always thinking.
Maybe you can think
of a way for us
to get out of that damn hotel.
Maybe we should
run away together.
Somewhere, anywhere
away from that dump.
You know, it's a black hole.
Nothing that gets
in ever gets out.
So, what've you got
to drink around here?
What's this?
- Oh, that's some shine I made.
- You kidding me?
- No.
Oh!
This stuff's got a kick.
- [Connie] It's 198 proof.
- Hot creepers, you drink
this stuff all the time?
Do you want some?
- No, I think I'd
just like some coffee.
- Oh, okay.
You look like you need it.
- Well, I haven't been
sleeping very well.
- Well, some coffee
oughta wake you up.
- Actually it doesn't really
do much for me when I drink it.
- (chuckles) Well, what
else would you do with it?
I haven't been getting my
beauty rest, either, lately.
I keep having these nightmares.
- Dreams are all absurd.
- I don't know
about that, Connie.
I believe you can interpret
your dreams and if you can
interpret your dreams, you
can figure out everything.
You know, exactly what
to do with your life.
- Dreams are nothing but
random electrochemical activity
originating in the cortex.
- In the what?
- The brain stem.
It's the most primitive
part of the mind.
- Geez, Connie, where do
you pick up all this stuff?
- Oh, here and there.
Various people I've...
Met.
- Hm.
I admire that.
You know, you're a lot smarter
than your average dope.
You oughta be proud of that.
You got brains. (chuckles)
(eerie orchestral music)
(rain splashes)
(water bubbles)
(toilet flushes)
(door creaks)
(clerk yawns)
(switch clicks)
(projector whirs)
(upbeat music)
- [Scientist] This
is an ohmmeter.
The ohmmeter measures
electrical resistance in ohms,
and ohms is the unit of
resistance equivalent
to the resistance of an
conductor in which one volt,
the unit difference of...
(doors creak)
(joyful chime music)
(glasses clink)
(projector whirs)
Madam Kildegaard determined
that the current does not flow
unobstructed without
being measured twice.
On Sundays, the current
tends to lessen.
However, voting is permitted.
(dark orchestral music)
(rumbling)
That the potential
difference between two metals
is based upon their
mutual dislike.
If the current flows
between them and the metals
are not in mutual harmony,
a discord will erupt,
producing catastrophic effects,
especially among recourses
that prefer suckers to bonbons.
The Greeks, of course,
discovered electricity,
though they had types
inferior to old Ben Franklin
who could not contain his
flatulence during the meetings
of the Continental First
Congress which meant every day,
except for Sundays, when
the current did not flow,
unless two metals which
detested each other
were in mutual discord
and grated loudly
like the sound of
fingernails on a blackboard,
which Madam Kildegaard detested,
even though she was
very well built.
Speaking of well-built,
the Empire State Building
was well constructed until the
metals in its girder system
expanded and bloated due
to excess stomach acid
and spewed several
albino rhinoceros.
(overlapping garbled chatter)
(rumbling)
(eruptions roar)
(rumbling)
(glasses clink)
(wind blows)
(door creaks)
(distant water drips)
(water drips)
(switch clicks)
(water drips)
(water drips)
(door slams)
- God, I need some coffee.
(coffee splashes)
(water trickles)
(muffled crackling)
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(muffled rattling)
(muffled rattling)
(rumbling)
- Great Scott.
Could I be having flashbacks?
The lysergic acid experiments.
(latches click)
(switch clicks)
(record crackles)
(jaunty jazz music)
(feet tap rhythmically)
(music speeds up)
(heels clack)
(engine hums)
- You feeling lonely tonight?
I sure am.
- You live at the
Grand Hotel, don't you?
- Oh, so you've seen me before!
A secret admirer.
Hey, love that hair!
I do admire distinguished
older gentlemen like you.
- Yes, I'd like to
ask you a question.
- Sure, if it's about money,
I'd like to get that
settled right off the bat.
- (chuckles) No,
it's not about money.
There's another young woman
who lives at the Grand Hotel,
perhaps you know her?
- Sure! A lot of people
live at that dump.
But who cares?
You and me are the only
ones who matter tonight.
Cute coat, it makes
you look so mysterious.
- That will be enough of that.
The other young woman's
name is Connie Sproutz.
- Fuck! A cop!
- Watch your
language, young lady.
I am not a police
officer, I'm a scientist
and an investigator.
I merely wanted to ask you
a few questions
about your friend.
- What friend?
- Connie Sproutz.
I know all about your
acquaintance with
her, Miss Turner.
- Hey! How do you know my name?
- It's my job to know your name.
Dr. Sigmund Sylvanus.
Plasmaster Corporation
Special Investigations Unit.
- Plasmaster?
- Yes, we first became
interested in Connie Sproutz
when she applied for a job
in our research department.
Showed amazing
scientific ability.
You might even say superhuman.
Then after the mysterious
death of Dr. Usapius Termaline,
our brilliant head of research,
we decided to launch
a full investigation.
- Oh, really?
That's so fascinating,
I'm about to fall asleep.
- Well, perhaps this
would interest you.
I have learned
several amazing things
about your friend,
Connie Sproutz.
- Who?
- Oh, come, come, Miss Turner.
We know that she lives
right nextdoor to you,
or perhaps I should say,
it lives right nextdoor.
- Hey!
She might not be the
cutest thing under the sun,
but she sure blows your
butt out of the water.
- Now, listen to
me, Miss Turner.
For the last three years,
I have tracked Connie
Sproutz all over this nation.
Everywhere she goes,
people disappear.
- So what? People
disappear all the time.
Why don't you do me a favor
and get lost yourself?
- I am warning you, Miss
Turner, your friend,
Connie Sproutz, that
seemingly shy and likable girl
may actually be the result
of an obscene merger
of human and
extraterrestrial DNA.
- What psycho ward did
you check out of, huh?
- I'm telling you this
for your own good.
Look, I've almost
completed my report!
- We're finished here, bud!
- But, please, I...
(door slams)
(eerie orchestral music)
(ominous orchestral music)
(hurried footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(sullen orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(computer whines softly)
Miss Sproutz, what a pleasure.
Dr. Sigmund Sylvanus,
Plasmaster Corporation.
I've been looking forward to
meeting you for a long time.
- All right, you've got me
here. Now where's the brain?
- (chuckles) Right this way.
This is my home away from
home, do you like it?
Oh, it's nothing like
my own lab in Chelsea,
but it's sufficient
for my needs.
Here we are.
(ominous music)
Just a moment, Miss Sproutz.
May I call you
Connie? (chuckles)
Seems as though I know you,
after following your career
for the past three years.
- Why? What do
you care about me?
- Oh, Plasmaster cares a great
deal about you, Miss Sproutz.
- Plasmaster? I've
never heard of it.
- Oh, come, come, Miss Sproutz.
I know all about your
work for Dr. Termaline
in our research and
development lab.
You were his best
pupil, weren't you?
Yes, you had quite a
bright future ahead of you
with Plasmaster, didn't you?
Pet of Dr. Termaline, darling
of the Board of Directors.
Termaline was a great scientist,
possibly the greatest
of this century,
and how did you repay him for
his tutelage and his kindness?
How, Miss Sproutz?
- Leave me alone!
- By turning him into
a disgusting mass
of organic sludge!
And eating him.
- I didn't mean to!
- No, no, no more than
you meant to disintegrate
and cannibalize those
countless fringe dwellers
and transients
that you murdered.
- I didn't murder anyone,
they're still alive.
- You call that living?
Being trapped in pulpy nodule
of undifferentiated cells?
- Give me my brain!
What do you think you're doing?
- Nothing to worry
about, Miss Sproutz.
The Plasmaster Neural
Vibrator merely induces
a semi-hypnotic state
similar to REM stage sleep.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
- I wouldn't do
that, if I were you.
(device hums)
(gasps)
(ominous music)
- Connie?
(computer whines softly)
- Arrhythmic heartbeat.
Caustic spore's regenerating.
Cycle not yet complete.
(distant rumbling)
- All right, you
pervert. Back off!
Connie?
What did you do to her?
- Miss Turner, I must insist
that you leave at once.
You're interrupting a very
important investigation,
authorized by the
Plasmaster Corporation.
- Can you carry a tune?
- What? Can I carry a tune?
Yes, as a matter of fact,
I happen to sing baritone
with a barbershop quartet,
but I fail to see the
relevance of that, I...
- Well, I'll tell you.
If you don't get out of here
right now, you're going to be
singing soprano with
the piano boys choir.
- Please, Miss
Turner, I implore you.
You're dealing with
a dangerous mutant.
- Oh, is that what you are?
Well, I had my suspicions.
Now back off, Jack!
Connie?
Connie, wake up. We've
gotta get you out.
(gasps)
(ominous music)
- There, you see? Is that
what you call a friend?
This thing, this aberration
that calls itself Connie Sproutz
is an inhuman creature
that has killed hundreds,
perhaps thousands
of innocent people.
- I don't believe you.
That's Connie.
She's my friend.
- No, she's no one's friend.
She's a disease, she's a
germ that must be isolated,
studied, classified and stamped
out for the good of society.
- Connie, it's okay.
- Trixie.
(Sigmund grunts)
(sinister orchestral music)
- Ow!
(device buzzes)
(Sigmund groans)
Here we are.
That Sylvanus creep is out cold.
You'll be safe here
for a little bit.
That's a pretty bad zit
you got there, Connie.
I have a plastic surgeon friend
who could take
care of it for ya.
He does real good work.
Okay. Well, I'm gonna go get
packed and you wait here, okay?
I'll be right back.
Don't go anywhere.
(heels clack)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(dark orchestral music)
(gasps)
(yelps)
(slap)
(Connie gasps)
(intense orchestral music)
(clerk laughs maniacally)
(suspenseful music)
- [Clerk] I know you're
in there, 7B. (laughs)
Come on!
(laughs)
(intense orchestral music)
(footsteps shuffle and clack)
(intense orchestral music)
(fluid squelches)
(eerie orchestral music)
(blood splatters)
(groans)
(flesh squelches)
(brain squelches)
(eerie orchestral music)
(Trixie gasps)
(alien laughs)
(flesh squelches)
(wind blows)
(brakes screech)
(dark orchestral music)
(wind blows)
(rumbling)
(rumbling)
(fluid squelches)
(device bleeps rhythmically)
(wind blows)
(device crackles)
(device crackles)
- Connie?
Connie?
(wind blows)
(Sigmund sighs)
(mysterious tone)
(dark orchestral music)
(electronic humming)
(dark orchestral music)
(wind blows)
(sinister orchestral music)
(wind blows)
(sinister orchestral music)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(distorted ding)
(door creaks)
- Yes?
- [Woman] I'd like
a room, please.
- Well...
I only got one left.
7B, down in the basement.
- [Woman] That sounds fine.
- The air's not too
good down there.
Installed a duct, but
it don't blow through.
- I don't mind.
- Well, there's a boiler down
there. Too big to move out.
- That's no problem.
- Cleaning lady
don't clean much.
She don't like to go down there.
She's afraid of what's
growing down there.
- I could clean it myself.
- Well...
Go ahead and sign in, then.
Well, I hope you enjoy your
stay at the Grand Hotel.
You have a nice evening.
(footsteps clack)
(distant water drips)
(water drips)
(footsteps clack)
(keys clink)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(chain clinks)
(dark electronic music)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(water babbles)
(switch clicks)
(rhythmic harp music)
(dark orchestral music)
(water splashes)
(latches click)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
(water splashes)
(muffled chatter)
(footsteps clack)
- [Woman] Except for biology.
I always had a talent
for that kinda jig.
And home ec. Baking,
that sort of that.
People are just hungry
to hear about it.
And my job puts me in
contact with a lot of people,
but I don't really know anybody.
Yeah, it's not the most
elegant line of work,
but it pays the bills.
And I'm not gonna be in the
Grand Hotel forever. No, sir.
Sooner or later, hopefully
I'll get enough money
to have my own kind of place.
Maybe get into baking
professionally.
There's a lot of dough
in that line of work.
(sullen orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
(tense orchestral music)
(door handle rattles)
- [Woman] Yes?
- All moved in?
- Uh-huh.
- Did you get all
your stuff moved in?
- Yeah, thanks.
- Do you need anything?
- No, I don't think so.
- How would you like
me to check your duct?
- My duct?
- Yeah, the last party
that was in there
said the air didn't
blow through right.
- Uh...
No, it seems fine.
- How would you like
to see a film, then?
- A film?
- Yeah, I got a
pretty good one here.
Educational documentary.
The story of
electromagnetic induction.
- Oh, yeah. I'm
kinda tired, though.
- Oh.
Maybe some other time?
- Uh-huh.
- Goodnight.
(dark orchestral music)
(suspenseful music)
(woman moans and pants)
(woman moans and pants)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(wheels squeak rhythmically)
(knocks)
- Who's there?
- Cleaning lady.
- [Woman] Oh, hi.
- I need to clean.
- Um, that's all right.
I'll take care of it myself.
- Well, if that's
the way it has to be.
Just bet you'll do it yourself.
You and that other
one in 6B. (laughs)
Look at this place, it's filthy.
Absolutely filthy. Cobwebs
all over the place.
Well, I'm not gonna take
'em down. No, ma'am.
I wash my hands of it. There's
a limit to what I'll do.
And this place passed
it a long time ago!
(electronic humming)
(humming intensifies)
(electronic humming)
(ethereal chime music)
(rumbling)
(dark orchestral music)
(rumbling)
(electronic humming)
(muffled crackling)
(muffled moans)
(muffled chuckles)
(muffled moans)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(liquid squelches)
- (groans) Oh, god!
(screams)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(muffled chuckles and moans)
(footsteps clack)
(muffled chuckles and moans)
(dark orchestral music)
(glass shatters)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(man screams)
(door opens)
(switch clicks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(dark orchestral music)
(flesh squelches)
(distant water drips)
(ethereal music)
(dark orchestral music)
(flesh squelches)
(flesh squelches)
(water splashes)
(water bubbles)
(dark orchestral music)
(car starts)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(dark orchestral music)
- Place has thousands of rocks.
(switch clicks)
(water splashes)
(drain gurgles)
(ominous orchestral music)
(latches clack)
(sinister orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
- Hi, there!
(potatoes thud)
Oh, I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
- Here, let me help you.
I guess we're neighbors.
I'm, the name's Trixie.
Trixie Turner.
- Pleased to meet you,
I'm Connie Sproutz.
- How's it going, Connie?
What're you doing
in a dump like this?
- Oh, renting a room.
- Yeah, what else?
Would you like to come in
for a drink or somethin'?
- I can't right now. I've
gotta check on something.
- Oh, sure thing. Take
a rain check, huh?
- Yeah.
- Catch you later, Connie.
- Bye.
(tense string music)
(latches clack)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(heartbeat thuds)
(gas hisses)
(liquid trickles)
(footsteps clack)
(liquid splashes)
(knocks)
(knocks)
- [Trixie] Hi, Connie!
- Hi, Trixie.
Thought I might take you
up on that rain check.
- Sure thing! Come on in.
Would you like a
drink or somethin'?
- Uh, yeah.
- [Trixie] What'll you have?
- Grain alcohol.
- Huh?
- Or maybe some vodka.
- Ah, gotcha.
I'm glad you could come over.
Took that myself in the middle
of the desert in Nevada.
Been interested in
UFOs ever since.
You believe in 'em?
- (chuckles) No,
I'm afraid I don't.
- There's a lot of weird
things going on up there.
And down here, too.
Some of the freaks I meet
might as well be
from another planet.
(glass clinks)
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Have a seat.
So...
How do you like the Grand Hotel?
- Oh, it's very nice.
- Yeah, right.
They oughta burn it down
and get the insurance money.
You from out of town?
- Um, yes.
I've moved around a lot.
- Yeah, me too. Rootless
is what they call it.
- [Connie] I was most
recently in Chelsea, Idaho.
- Chelsea?
Never heard of it.
- It's a small place,
a company town.
- Hm, I don't know
much about Idaho,
except that it
stems from potatoes.
I read that on a
license plate once.
- Yes, they have lots
of potatoes there.
- [Trixie] Your
folks live there?
- No.
- Hm, I lost mine.
They were flower children.
- They came from flowers?
- (chuckles) Yeah,
right, Connie.
You never heard of
flower children?
- No, I've heard
of flower girls.
- No, flower children
put flowers in their hair
and live in shacks and hang
around fields chanting.
That sort of thing.
My parents owned a
potato farm in Mendocino.
A caneel type deal.
But then it caught blight
and they disappeared one day.
Never saw 'em again.
Hit the streets pretty
soon after that.
So, what line of
work are you in?
- Oh, I'm an inventor.
- An inventor?
- Mm-hm!
I used to work for Plasmaster
but now I'm out on my own.
- You know somethin', Connie?
You and me are a lot alike.
I could tell, the
first time I saw ya.
- You could?
- Yeah!
Both stuck in a sewer but we
got big plans for the future.
(muffled scratching)
Not supposed to be any
pets in this hotel.
(door squeaks)
Geez, I thought you were some
kind of aardvark or something!
What the fuck are you doing?
- Ah, nothin'. Just
got another film here.
I thought you'd like to see it.
- Another one of those
damn school movies again?
- [Clerk] Yeah, the story of
electrochemical reactions.
- No, I'm busy.
- Oh, got a customer?
- No, a friend.
- Oh. 7B, eh?
How'd you gals like
to come upstairs
and join me in a libation?
- No, if you don't mind.
(door slams)
- Ah.
(dark orchestral music)
(switch clicks)
- The alien organism
infests the human host
like a neural parasite,
occupying the skull cavity
while maintaining the
host's brain externally.
The body is internally altered
and several new
organs are formed,
including one for
disintegrating the victims
and another for secreting
their brain cells,
compacted and reorganized,
but still alive.
Outwardly, it resembles an
enormous protoplasm or amoeba,
though it is vastly more complex
and seems to possess an almost
diabolical intelligence.
It is capable of
telepathic manipulation
and even psychokinetic changes
in its immediate environment.
This is probably how it has
avoided detection for so long.
(switch clicks)
Good god.
Are they conscious?
Able to think in there,
in some dark limbo?
(switch clicks)
The subconscious mind
of the human host
is not under its control.
It is for this reason that the
so-called Dampa Dream Machine
was designed and patented
by Connie Sproutz.
It prevents the dreams
of the alienated brain
from becoming physically real.
(switch clicks)
(switch clicks)
I must emphasize the importance
of destroying the
creature completely.
I disagree strongly with
Dr. Brainard's suggestion
that we attempt to
take the creature alive
for some possible military use.
It is simply too dangerous
and the consequences
could be disastrous.
The creature must be
eradicated before it escapes
and finds new victims.
(switch clicks)
(sighs)
(dark orchestral music)
Who were you, Connie Sproutz?
Before that thing found
you and changed you.
I could almost
feel sorry for you.
(door opens)
(door closes)
(heels clack)
(knocks)
- Connie?
(knocks)
Connie, are you in there?
(heels clack)
(electronic humming)
(eerie orchestral music)
(alien laughs)
(ominous tones)
(blood splats)
(organism squelches)
(electronic humming)
(switch clicks)
(liquid splashes)
(dark orchestral music)
- [Connie] The tube
checks out fine.
Not a darn thing wrong with it.
I wonder if it might be
these thunderstorms
we've been having.
I guess I'm just going
to have to stay up
until they blow over.
(water bubbles)
(rapid taps)
(potato crunches)
(screeching)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(potato clunks)
(eyeball squelches)
- Hey, you want
some potato salad?
- No, potatoes
don't agree with me.
Hey, look at that transformer.
- Oh, yeah. What about it?
- Well, I was just thinking
about the low-frequency
radiation.
It affects people living in
the vicinity of the lines.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah, it can even
cause DNA mutations.
- You know something, Connie?
That's what I like about you.
You're always thinking.
Maybe you can think
of a way for us
to get out of that damn hotel.
Maybe we should
run away together.
Somewhere, anywhere
away from that dump.
You know, it's a black hole.
Nothing that gets
in ever gets out.
So, what've you got
to drink around here?
What's this?
- Oh, that's some shine I made.
- You kidding me?
- No.
Oh!
This stuff's got a kick.
- [Connie] It's 198 proof.
- Hot creepers, you drink
this stuff all the time?
Do you want some?
- No, I think I'd
just like some coffee.
- Oh, okay.
You look like you need it.
- Well, I haven't been
sleeping very well.
- Well, some coffee
oughta wake you up.
- Actually it doesn't really
do much for me when I drink it.
- (chuckles) Well, what
else would you do with it?
I haven't been getting my
beauty rest, either, lately.
I keep having these nightmares.
- Dreams are all absurd.
- I don't know
about that, Connie.
I believe you can interpret
your dreams and if you can
interpret your dreams, you
can figure out everything.
You know, exactly what
to do with your life.
- Dreams are nothing but
random electrochemical activity
originating in the cortex.
- In the what?
- The brain stem.
It's the most primitive
part of the mind.
- Geez, Connie, where do
you pick up all this stuff?
- Oh, here and there.
Various people I've...
Met.
- Hm.
I admire that.
You know, you're a lot smarter
than your average dope.
You oughta be proud of that.
You got brains. (chuckles)
(eerie orchestral music)
(rain splashes)
(water bubbles)
(toilet flushes)
(door creaks)
(clerk yawns)
(switch clicks)
(projector whirs)
(upbeat music)
- [Scientist] This
is an ohmmeter.
The ohmmeter measures
electrical resistance in ohms,
and ohms is the unit of
resistance equivalent
to the resistance of an
conductor in which one volt,
the unit difference of...
(doors creak)
(joyful chime music)
(glasses clink)
(projector whirs)
Madam Kildegaard determined
that the current does not flow
unobstructed without
being measured twice.
On Sundays, the current
tends to lessen.
However, voting is permitted.
(dark orchestral music)
(rumbling)
That the potential
difference between two metals
is based upon their
mutual dislike.
If the current flows
between them and the metals
are not in mutual harmony,
a discord will erupt,
producing catastrophic effects,
especially among recourses
that prefer suckers to bonbons.
The Greeks, of course,
discovered electricity,
though they had types
inferior to old Ben Franklin
who could not contain his
flatulence during the meetings
of the Continental First
Congress which meant every day,
except for Sundays, when
the current did not flow,
unless two metals which
detested each other
were in mutual discord
and grated loudly
like the sound of
fingernails on a blackboard,
which Madam Kildegaard detested,
even though she was
very well built.
Speaking of well-built,
the Empire State Building
was well constructed until the
metals in its girder system
expanded and bloated due
to excess stomach acid
and spewed several
albino rhinoceros.
(overlapping garbled chatter)
(rumbling)
(eruptions roar)
(rumbling)
(glasses clink)
(wind blows)
(door creaks)
(distant water drips)
(water drips)
(switch clicks)
(water drips)
(water drips)
(door slams)
- God, I need some coffee.
(coffee splashes)
(water trickles)
(muffled crackling)
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(muffled rattling)
(muffled rattling)
(rumbling)
- Great Scott.
Could I be having flashbacks?
The lysergic acid experiments.
(latches click)
(switch clicks)
(record crackles)
(jaunty jazz music)
(feet tap rhythmically)
(music speeds up)
(heels clack)
(engine hums)
- You feeling lonely tonight?
I sure am.
- You live at the
Grand Hotel, don't you?
- Oh, so you've seen me before!
A secret admirer.
Hey, love that hair!
I do admire distinguished
older gentlemen like you.
- Yes, I'd like to
ask you a question.
- Sure, if it's about money,
I'd like to get that
settled right off the bat.
- (chuckles) No,
it's not about money.
There's another young woman
who lives at the Grand Hotel,
perhaps you know her?
- Sure! A lot of people
live at that dump.
But who cares?
You and me are the only
ones who matter tonight.
Cute coat, it makes
you look so mysterious.
- That will be enough of that.
The other young woman's
name is Connie Sproutz.
- Fuck! A cop!
- Watch your
language, young lady.
I am not a police
officer, I'm a scientist
and an investigator.
I merely wanted to ask you
a few questions
about your friend.
- What friend?
- Connie Sproutz.
I know all about your
acquaintance with
her, Miss Turner.
- Hey! How do you know my name?
- It's my job to know your name.
Dr. Sigmund Sylvanus.
Plasmaster Corporation
Special Investigations Unit.
- Plasmaster?
- Yes, we first became
interested in Connie Sproutz
when she applied for a job
in our research department.
Showed amazing
scientific ability.
You might even say superhuman.
Then after the mysterious
death of Dr. Usapius Termaline,
our brilliant head of research,
we decided to launch
a full investigation.
- Oh, really?
That's so fascinating,
I'm about to fall asleep.
- Well, perhaps this
would interest you.
I have learned
several amazing things
about your friend,
Connie Sproutz.
- Who?
- Oh, come, come, Miss Turner.
We know that she lives
right nextdoor to you,
or perhaps I should say,
it lives right nextdoor.
- Hey!
She might not be the
cutest thing under the sun,
but she sure blows your
butt out of the water.
- Now, listen to
me, Miss Turner.
For the last three years,
I have tracked Connie
Sproutz all over this nation.
Everywhere she goes,
people disappear.
- So what? People
disappear all the time.
Why don't you do me a favor
and get lost yourself?
- I am warning you, Miss
Turner, your friend,
Connie Sproutz, that
seemingly shy and likable girl
may actually be the result
of an obscene merger
of human and
extraterrestrial DNA.
- What psycho ward did
you check out of, huh?
- I'm telling you this
for your own good.
Look, I've almost
completed my report!
- We're finished here, bud!
- But, please, I...
(door slams)
(eerie orchestral music)
(ominous orchestral music)
(hurried footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(switch clicks)
(dramatic ominous tones)
(sullen orchestral music)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(footsteps clack)
(door creaks)
(computer whines softly)
Miss Sproutz, what a pleasure.
Dr. Sigmund Sylvanus,
Plasmaster Corporation.
I've been looking forward to
meeting you for a long time.
- All right, you've got me
here. Now where's the brain?
- (chuckles) Right this way.
This is my home away from
home, do you like it?
Oh, it's nothing like
my own lab in Chelsea,
but it's sufficient
for my needs.
Here we are.
(ominous music)
Just a moment, Miss Sproutz.
May I call you
Connie? (chuckles)
Seems as though I know you,
after following your career
for the past three years.
- Why? What do
you care about me?
- Oh, Plasmaster cares a great
deal about you, Miss Sproutz.
- Plasmaster? I've
never heard of it.
- Oh, come, come, Miss Sproutz.
I know all about your
work for Dr. Termaline
in our research and
development lab.
You were his best
pupil, weren't you?
Yes, you had quite a
bright future ahead of you
with Plasmaster, didn't you?
Pet of Dr. Termaline, darling
of the Board of Directors.
Termaline was a great scientist,
possibly the greatest
of this century,
and how did you repay him for
his tutelage and his kindness?
How, Miss Sproutz?
- Leave me alone!
- By turning him into
a disgusting mass
of organic sludge!
And eating him.
- I didn't mean to!
- No, no, no more than
you meant to disintegrate
and cannibalize those
countless fringe dwellers
and transients
that you murdered.
- I didn't murder anyone,
they're still alive.
- You call that living?
Being trapped in pulpy nodule
of undifferentiated cells?
- Give me my brain!
What do you think you're doing?
- Nothing to worry
about, Miss Sproutz.
The Plasmaster Neural
Vibrator merely induces
a semi-hypnotic state
similar to REM stage sleep.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
- I wouldn't do
that, if I were you.
(device hums)
(gasps)
(ominous music)
- Connie?
(computer whines softly)
- Arrhythmic heartbeat.
Caustic spore's regenerating.
Cycle not yet complete.
(distant rumbling)
- All right, you
pervert. Back off!
Connie?
What did you do to her?
- Miss Turner, I must insist
that you leave at once.
You're interrupting a very
important investigation,
authorized by the
Plasmaster Corporation.
- Can you carry a tune?
- What? Can I carry a tune?
Yes, as a matter of fact,
I happen to sing baritone
with a barbershop quartet,
but I fail to see the
relevance of that, I...
- Well, I'll tell you.
If you don't get out of here
right now, you're going to be
singing soprano with
the piano boys choir.
- Please, Miss
Turner, I implore you.
You're dealing with
a dangerous mutant.
- Oh, is that what you are?
Well, I had my suspicions.
Now back off, Jack!
Connie?
Connie, wake up. We've
gotta get you out.
(gasps)
(ominous music)
- There, you see? Is that
what you call a friend?
This thing, this aberration
that calls itself Connie Sproutz
is an inhuman creature
that has killed hundreds,
perhaps thousands
of innocent people.
- I don't believe you.
That's Connie.
She's my friend.
- No, she's no one's friend.
She's a disease, she's a
germ that must be isolated,
studied, classified and stamped
out for the good of society.
- Connie, it's okay.
- Trixie.
(Sigmund grunts)
(sinister orchestral music)
- Ow!
(device buzzes)
(Sigmund groans)
Here we are.
That Sylvanus creep is out cold.
You'll be safe here
for a little bit.
That's a pretty bad zit
you got there, Connie.
I have a plastic surgeon friend
who could take
care of it for ya.
He does real good work.
Okay. Well, I'm gonna go get
packed and you wait here, okay?
I'll be right back.
Don't go anywhere.
(heels clack)
(door creaks)
(door closes)
(dark orchestral music)
(gasps)
(yelps)
(slap)
(Connie gasps)
(intense orchestral music)
(clerk laughs maniacally)
(suspenseful music)
- [Clerk] I know you're
in there, 7B. (laughs)
Come on!
(laughs)
(intense orchestral music)
(footsteps shuffle and clack)
(intense orchestral music)
(fluid squelches)
(eerie orchestral music)
(blood splatters)
(groans)
(flesh squelches)
(brain squelches)
(eerie orchestral music)
(Trixie gasps)
(alien laughs)
(flesh squelches)
(wind blows)
(brakes screech)
(dark orchestral music)
(wind blows)
(rumbling)
(rumbling)
(fluid squelches)
(device bleeps rhythmically)
(wind blows)
(device crackles)
(device crackles)
- Connie?
Connie?
(wind blows)
(Sigmund sighs)
(mysterious tone)
(dark orchestral music)
(electronic humming)
(dark orchestral music)