Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997–2024): Season 2, Episode 2 - Firestation 32/The Computer/The Girl Next Door/The Wallet/The Woods - full transcript
Little Stevie Hansen is just dying to become a firefighting hero.
Are you wondering how healthy the food you are eating is? Check it - foodval.com
---
[music playing]
Can we really
believe in what we see?
We're about to find out.
NARRATOR: "Beyond Belief,"
hosted by Jonathan Frakes.
We live in a world where
the real and the unreal
live side by side,
where substance
is disguised as illusion
and the only explanations
are unexplainable.
Can you separate
truth from fantasy?
To do so, you must break through
the web of your experience
and open your mind to
things beyond belief.
This is an expression
we've seen countless times.
You probably think it says, I
love Paris in the springtime.
That's only what
our eyes tell us.
Let's read it one more
time word for word.
Notice the extra the.
Once again, we have been
fooled by our own perception.
Tonight we present
some intriguing stories
that will challenge our
perception of fact and fiction.
We'll find out which ones are
real at the end of the show.
So let's travel now to the world
of "Beyond Belief," a world
as magical as Paris in the--
the springtime.
Almost every boy at
one time or another
wants to become a fireman.
And why not?
Firefighters are constant
reminders of heroic behavior,
risking life and
limb on a daily basis
to protect us and our property.
And they get to ride
on a red truck, too.
Stevie Hanson hung
out with the men
of his neighborhood firehouse.
They taught him to polish the
truck, check the equipment,
and slide down the pole.
And then there was the day he
was the one who taught them.
The men at Station
32 didn't mind
little Stevie hanging around.
In fact, he became
sort of a mascot.
If he were a Dalmatian,
they would have adopted him.
But Stevie and Fireman Parks
had a special relationship.
He and his wife were
unable to have children,
so Stevie became
a surrogate son.
[alarm sounding]
Whoa, Stevie.
Parks?
Parks?
I know I'm new
here, but we never
blasted the siren inside
the station at my old post.
Sorry, captain.
Hey.
You know Stevie Hanson here.
Well, guess what,
today's his birthday.
He's 10 years old today.
Oh, yeah?
Happy birthday, son.
He's been hanging
out here since he
was about six years old.
Yeah.
Wants to be a fireman
like his buddy, Mr. Parks.
Well, this is a fire
station, not a police station.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Almost got me fired.
It must be pretty cool to
ride in one of these things.
Think you could take
me for a ride sometime?
Hey, you heard what
the captain said.
You have to wait till you're
old enough to become a fireman.
Well, how old were
you when you joined?
19.
Well, then that's
when I'm going to join.
Atta boy.
OK.
We'll see around, kiddo.
Hey, thanks for the
great birthday party.
See you later, buddy.
I want to be just
like you, Mr. Parks.
Hey, shouldn't you
be polishing something?
Oh.
[making siren noises]
Smoke.
Anybody in here?
WOMAN'S VOICE:
Help, I'm trapped!
Help!
Somebody help us!
Just get down on the
floor and cover your mouth.
I'm coming in.
Roger!
Roger, Roger.
- Hey.
What's going on, Stevie?
A house is on fire,
33 Hemingway Lane.
People are trapped
inside, Roger.
Hurry!
- Hold on.
Stevie.
Stevie, wait.
Stevie!
What's going on?
What's all the commotion?
We've got a fire
on Hemingway Lane.
What?
We didn't get an alarm.
No, sir.
Stevie was here and
he said he saw smoke.
Stevie?
No not that little kid again.
Captain, I know this kid.
He wouldn't lie.
If he says there's a
fire, there's a fire.
Trust me.
All right.
Go check it out.
But take the small
truck and this
just better not be a prank.
Stevie, what are
you doing here?
I came to help.
Listen, there's one in the
family room, two upstairs,
and two in the kitchen.
I tried to get them out, but
the fire was just too hot.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Stevie might have been only 10,
but he acted like a
real professional.
It wasn't about fun
and games anymore--
he knew what was at stake.
[sirens]
FIREMAN PARKS: Dispatch,
Squad 21, Station 32.
We have a still
involved structure
fire at 33 Hemingway Lane.
Respond immediately.
OK, Stevie.
Listen up, buddy.
I need you to give me a hand.
When I give the word, you pull
down on this lever right here,
OK?
You can count on me.
OK, buddy.
Now, Stevie.
Now.
I need a medic here.
You did good, buddy.
You did good.
None of these people here would
have made it out without you.
We make a good team, right?
You got that right, partner.
You're a real
fireman now, Stevie.
A regular hero.
Hey, Parks, better
get over here.
Stay right there.
Everybody make it out OK?
All but one.
The body is Stevie.
No, Stevie--
He died of smoke inhalation.
Oh my god.
Stevie.
No.
No.
No, Stevie.
Oh god, no.
Was this an
out-of-body experience?
When Stevie came to alert the
station house about the fire,
was he already dead?
Did Roger only imagine that he
was talking to Stevie seconds
before he discovered
his dead body?
Or maybe Stevie was destined
to be an angel whose job it
was to save the
lives of people who
would have otherwise perished.
A true story of
fateful proportions
or simply a false alarm?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Next, two parents,
a new baby sitter,
and a night of terror on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
In the age of communication,
you can always be reached.
Our kitchens are posted
with work numbers, pager
numbers, car phone
numbers, emergency
numbers, neighbors' numbers.
But all this seeming
security can't change the one
apprehension we
all share, anything
can happen when we're gone.
And if you're nervous parents
like Joseph and Sarah Drummer,
leaving her child in the
care of a new baby sitter,
your fears multiply.
The fact is no matter
how well you set up
your lines of communication,
our true security
is not in the hands of
the people we hire--
it's in the hands of fate.
Boy, you sure
have a lot of stuff.
You sure you're not moving in?
No.
I have a major term paper due.
That's why you caught me
home on a Saturday night.
Well, we really
appreciate you babysitting
on such short notice.
Here we go.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Honey, we're home.
Come on.
You can meet the baby.
He's great.
Oh, hi.
You must be Sarah.
It's so nice to meet you.
You look really
nice, Mrs. Drummer.
Thanks.
This is the first date where
we're actually going to go out.
Oh.
He's such a darling baby.
He has a little ear infection
so he may be a little cranky,
but he has everything
you need here.
And when he goes down, his
nursery's right down the hall.
OK.
I'm going to go get a coat.
If you need anything,
our number's on the fridge.
OK?
- OK.
Anything else?
Uh, yeah.
Keep the doors locked and don't
answer them no matter what.
Yes.
And if the phone
rings, don't answer it.
Listen to the machine and
if it's us, pick it up.
Don't worry.
When Matthew's awake, he'll
have my full attention
and when he's asleep I'll be
too busy working on my computer
to even raid your fridge.
- Thanks for understanding.
- Sure.
Thank you.
Call us if you need anything.
Absolutely.
Say bye.
Bye.
I'm being a nervous
ninny, aren't I?
Mm-hm.
I'm being one of those
mothers I said I'd never be.
Look, I play
golf with her dad.
he seems like a really
nice guy and she seems
like she's really responsible.
So can we just try
to enjoy ourselves?
OK.
OK.
Can you get my
coat from the back?
OK.
Sarah forgot her computer.
Oh.
We can't just leave
it in the car.
No.
She needs it to
finish her term paper.
Here, you better call her.
The machine.
Hi, Sarah.
It's Mrs. Drummer.
Pick up, Sarah.
Sarah?
Sarah, are you there?
Sarah?
Sarah?
Uh-- we'll be right back.
Thanks.
[tires squealing]
Something's wrong.
- My god.
What could have happened?
I don't know.
You stay here and
call the police.
God.
Sarah.
[baby crying]
It's OK.
He's gone.
I'm going to have
you out of here.
Just don't move.
[scream]
It's OK, honey.
Everybody's all right.
[scream]
[sobbing]
- Oh, thank god you're safe.
- You're OK.
You're all right.
God, he came out of nowhere.
I was doing my term paper
and then he was on me.
It was awful.
Did he hurt you?
No.
I'm-- I'm fine.
I was really just
worried about the baby.
He was only interested
in your stuff.
We're just lucky that you
left your computer in our car.
What are you talking about?
You left your computer
in the baby seat
so Janet called to make
sure you didn't need it.
And when no one
picked up the phone,
that's why we decided
to drive back.
- But I have my computer.
- No.
No, really.
He put it in his bag.
Come on.
Let's go.
What happened here?
How could both Mr. And
Mrs. Drummer have seen
the computer in their backseat
and it was in their home
all along?
Could it have been
an optical illusion
caused by some odd convergence
of light and shadow or was it
some otherworldly message
sent as a warning beacon
to lead them back to their home?
Perhaps the answer was created
by one of our own writers
working at home on
her own computer.
Find out at the end of our show.
Next, a mystery date
on "Beyond Belief."
For the modern Romeo, the
computer microchip has replaced
the little black book--
enough names, numbers,
and statistics
can be stored here
to accommodate
the most active social life.
But all the information
about the opposite sex
is meaningless unless it's
accompanied by an understanding
of the heart.
That's a lesson that the
Playboy in our next story
is about to learn.
This last weekend was
special to me, too, baby.
Look, I'm sorry I didn't
show up last night,
but something came up.
My dear old aunt was sick.
But I swear I'm going to make
it up to you, Sylvia, OK?
Denise, Denise.
I met Denise.
I swear to god,
sugar, I meant Denise.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Curtis wasn't the kind of man
to let one slip-up derail him.
He had hundreds of numbers
of hundreds of women.
But in a few moments,
he will go to the door
and meet Florence Wheeler.
And of all the women
Curtis has ever known,
she will be the one
he will never forget.
Natalie.
My sweet Natalie.
[knocking at door]
Well, hello.
Hello I know you just moved
in and I'd like to welcome
you to the neighborhood.
I live across the street.
The girl next door.
Florence Wheeler.
Pleased to meet you, Curtis.
What are you,
psychic or something?
How do you know my name?
The truth?
I saw it on your moving cartons.
Well, would you like
to come inside, see
what I've done with the house?
I'd like that.
Maybe some other time.
I better be going.
Hey, um--
I know it's kind of
sudden, but would you
like to have dinner tonight?
I'm a good cook.
I'll whip up one of my
specials in your honor.
A man who cooks,
I think I like that.
Good.
I'll see you at 7:00.
Girl next door.
That's what I call
some fine real estate.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
That night at dinner,
everything seemed perfect.
Normally, Curtis
had a technique--
a little dining, a little
wine, and then another conquest
added to his impressive list.
But this night would
end differently,
and the difference
was Florence Wheeler.
I just love what you
did with the house.
Thank you, baby.
You know, they tell me
I have the magic touch.
You're not leaving
already, are you?
Yes.
It's time to go.
It's so early.
I guess I'm just an
old fashioned girl.
I'm going to ask
you a question.
How is it a fine,
fine, fine, fine,
fine, foxy, classy
lady like yourself
doesn't have a boyfriend?
What makes you think I don't?
How about I walk you home?
That's very
gentlemanly of you,
but I just live across the way.
Remember?
Thank you for the
wonderful evening.
My pleasure.
I enjoy your company.
Good night.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): What
followed were days and
nights filled with a feeling
Curtis never knew before.
This time it wasn't
a fling, it was love.
The chemistry between
Curtis and Florence
was just like all the
romantic novels and movies
he had always laughed at.
But suddenly, he didn't
want anybody or anything
other than Florence.
And for the first time
he could remember,
Curtis was not
the most important
thing in his own life.
And yet as perfect as it
all was with Florence,
there always seemed to be
something else, something
going on inside Florence.
My life has completely changed
in the past couple of weeks.
I've never felt more at ease,
more myself with a woman--
and a beautiful woman at that.
You complete me, baby.
I guess what I'm trying to say
is you're the best thing that's
ever happened to me.
Quite the romantic.
So tell me, how is it that a
man like you isn't married?
I was waiting
for you, Florence.
And now that I've found you,
I'm never going to let you go.
I just want to be cautious.
I had a fiance
who cheated on me.
It's taken me a long
time to get over him.
But I think I'm finally
ready to meet the right man.
The right man, hm?
Yes.
Someone who's loyal,
someone who makes me
feel like I'm the only
woman in the world.
Does that fit your
description, Curtis?
To a T. I'm a one-woman man.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): The next night
was a fateful one for Curtis
because he couldn't see
how close Florence was
to his bedroom door
and that she was listening
to every word he was saying.
No.
No.
Not here.
How about your place?
We can recreate that
weekend cabin thing.
OK.
Fine then, tomorrow.
All right.
I can't wait to see
your fine, foxy face.
All right.
Love you, Andrea.
Right.
Wait, wait.
It's not what you think.
Wait, I can explain.
No explanations.
It's over, Curtis.
[door slamming]
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Curtis
tried to find her to apologize.
He went to the house he had
seen her go to so many times.
[knocking at door]
Hurt and confused, he knew he
had violated the trust Florence
held sacred and now
he couldn't even find
her to beg her forgiveness.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Florence Wheeler.
We
Well, there's no
one here by that name.
She told me she lived
across the street.
No, not here.
Minister James has
lived here all alone
for the last 25 years.
That can't be.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): At that moment,
Curtis saw Florence
heading into the church.
Florence?
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
But just as he saw her--
Wait.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
--she seemed to vanish.
A million thoughts were
racing through his head.
He had never been in this
church before even though it
was right across the street.
And then it suddenly struck him.
Florence Wheeler said she
lived across the street.
What in God's name?
So our Casanova loses
the love of his life
because he couldn't stay true.
One can only hope he will
treat others with more honesty
and respect for the future.
But did this story
really happen?
Was Florence really a ghost
or a flesh and blood person
who chose to leave
on her own terms?
But then how do you explain the
gravestone with her name on it?
Could it have been her
mother's grave or her sister's?
Or maybe there is
no explanation.
Is this story of the man with
the roving eye true or are we
just playing around?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Coming up, an
unexpected discovery
leads a young man to a
mysterious mansion on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
If you've ever lost a wallet
you're immediately jolted
by how much else you've lost.
Aside from cash and
precious photos,
you could find yourself
without authorization
to drive, travel, shop, or
even be admitted to a hospital.
So what is your obligation
if you find a wallet?
How far would you go
to make sure that it's
returned to its rightful owner?
Jason is a young man with very
little in the way of material
things.
He's been raised
by foster parents
and is working hard
to get into college.
He's about to come
across a lost wallet,
and what he chooses to
do with that discovery
will certainly change his day.
In fact, it may change the
very course of his life.
Hey, nice fingertip
grab, buddy.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Orphaned
from the time of birth,
Jason was far from wealthy.
His foster parents couldn't
afford college so he was hoping
for an athletic scholarship.
He spent every day perfecting
his pass catching skills,
but this day would be different.
Let's try one more.
I keep forgetting you're
a fanatic about this stuff.
What are you talking about?
It's called practice.
- Yeah.
Well, I'm tired and I'm hungry.
OK?
Yeah, but I'm broke
and I need a scholarship.
So get that silver
spoon out of your gut.
All right?
All right.
Give me a pass.
Long.
Throw.
Throw.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I'm not too good, am I?
Hey, look at this.
Credit cards, credit
cards, driver's license.
Henry Nieman.
Hancock Park.
That's not too far from here.
Are you nuts?
The money's gone.
He's going to
think you stole it.
Come [inaudible].
No.
I will not.
I wonder if there's any
more wallets around here.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Jason had been down this street
before, but this time he had a
strange feeling inside, almost
a sense of foreboding.
The people who lived on this
block were very unlike him.
They were comfortable,
they had families,
and they knew what
tomorrow would bring.
Something was drawing
Jason to the address
he found in the wallet, drawing
him there against his own will.
[knocking]
Jason didn't know
what to expect,
and it turned out
what was waiting
for him was the unexpected.
Yes?
I'm looking for Mr. Nieman.
Mr. Nieman?
Yeah.
I found his wallet.
I'd appreciate your
stepping inside, please.
Sure.
Wait here a moment.
I'll get Mr. Arnold.
Mr. Arnold?
I need to see Mr. Nieman.
Who's Arnold?
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
There was the smell of must
and mildew in the air.
The appointments in this
home were expensive,
but they had the look
of objects that had
gone unappreciated for years.
- What's this about a wallet?
- Who are you?
I'm Preston Arnold,
Mr. Neiman's attorney.
Oh.
I found Mr. Nieman's wallet.
I just wanted to
return it to him.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Jason
was starting to feel that
he had made a huge mistake.
All he wanted to do
was return a wallet.
Suddenly, he felt as if
he had opened a door that
should have remained closed.
But his biggest shock
was yet to come.
This looks new.
Did you notice?
Yeah, I guess.
I mean, I didn't at first.
But I guess it does.
The cards are expired,
each one of them.
I didn't
investigate the stuff.
I just found the wallet
and I wanted to return it.
No good deed goes unpunished.
What What does that mean?
A joke.
That went right over my head.
I'd like to try to figure
this out, with your help.
I don't know what
else I can tell you.
This place where
you found the wallet?
A park, a neighborhood park.
What were you doing there?
I cut through there on
my way home from school.
That's where I practice.
What difference does it make?
Who are your people?
My people?
What do you think, I'm an alien?
Your mother, your father.
What difference
does this make?
Who put you up to this?
Put me up to this?
Look, if you think I want
something, forget it.
I found a wallet, I
wanted to return it.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm out of here, man.
Sit down, young man.
Wait.
We're not finished yet.
Mr. Nieman is dead.
He died two years ago.
What do you think?
You're asking me, sir?
You were with the
Neimans when Henry's
brother was still alive.
That boy is his spitting image.
Same kind of 'tude, sir,
though my personal favorite.
The boy, could
we find him again?
Oh, yes.
The colors of his jacket are
those of the local high school.
Shouldn't be a problem then.
Imagine after
searching all these years
for a living relative.
Something else, isn't it, sir?
That he might be the only heir
to Henry's $40 million estate?
Indeed, it is something else.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
The strong family
resemblance was unmistakable.
Jason was the missing heir.
A needy young man
without a family
will now inherit a
fortune from a relative
he never knew existed.
What collusion of
circumstances allowed
Jason to find that wallet at
that time in that location?
And if Mr. Nieman was
house-bound for two years
before his death,
how did the wallet
get outside in the first place?
Did some undetected thief break
into the Nieman house years
ago, steal the wallet,
and ditch it in the grass
or did fate place that wallet
there for Jason to find?
When you dig for the
truth in this story,
will you find the
contents empty?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Next, the sting of
a snake on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction?"
Meet one of nature's
most feared, reviled,
and dangerous creatures.
Our hatred for this reptile
goes all the way back
to the garden of civilization.
Yet to the serpent's
credit, they rarely choose
to venture into our world.
We more often are the
invaders of theirs.
And once we become the
intruder, should we
really be surprised if we should
encounter a snake in the grass?
[rattling]
A family by a lake setting
up for a few carefree days
in the great outdoors.
But they were about
to encounter something
others had experienced here, the
mysterious legend of the lake.
You know, I don't
think that goes there.
Maybe we should flip
it over the other way.
Well, there are different
shapes at either end
and neither one of them is
going to fit in that slot.
What do you think?
Well, I was thinking maybe
could put it all on the sides.
You were thinking that, hm?
Oh, man.
Come on, you guys.
OK.
We're nowhere.
Maybe we should read the manual.
There's no challenge then.
Honey, see if you can find the
booklet in that bag, will you?
Sure.
The manual doesn't look
anything like this.
There you go.
Well, if I stop now,
there may be no going back.
This doesn't even look like
it belongs to this tent.
All right.
Let's start over.
I'm going to hunt for worms.
How does one catch a worm,
do you need a trap or bait?
They are the bait.
Oh, OK.
Listen, don't go too far.
I'm going to make lunch soon.
You can cook the
fish Dad and I catch.
Yeah.
He's optimistic.
Nature.
Cool.
Oh, man.
Look at that.
Whoa.
Tent's up.
Yeah.
Good, hon.
I'm starving.
That's the outdoors.
Working with our hands
creates a lusty appetite.
Stop.
It gets in the
way of my chewing.
It's way after
lunchtime, isn't it?
Where's Randy?
How long does it
take to catch a worm?
Well, I guess it depends
on the worm technique
and if you read the worm manual.
No, seriously.
I'm getting a little worried.
Randy?
Randy?
I'm sure he'll be fine.
I'll go get him.
I'll come with you.
[rattling]
[glass breaking]
Randy?
Randy?
Randy?
Randy?
[screaming]
It's going to be OK.
Stay calm.
Let me see.
He nailed you pretty good.
I can't feel my hand.
Don't move.
Don't move.
That's the poison
paralyzing the muscles.
Don't move yet.
You don't want to help
the poison spread.
- Am I going to die?
- No.
No.
I'll help you.
He's not answering.
He's going to be fine.
He's going to be fine.
You're going to be all right.
I'm a doctor.
Now let's take a deep
breath, shall we?
OK.
Like this?
Good.
We've never going
to find him like this.
We've got to get some help.
The cell phone's back at camp.
Come on.
Take your bandanna off.
Help me.
I can't move my arms, son.
You can do it.
Tie it around your
wrist about the bite.
That's good.
Tie it very tight.
Hod do you feel?
Kind of dizzy.
Well, we can't quit yet.
OK?
There's a first aid kit in
the pouch right behind me.
There's a pump, a yellow pump.
That's what we need.
Yes, that's it.
Sit down.
OK.
Now put the suction cup
right over the bite.
Can you pull the plunger out?
Good.
Now I'm going to ask
you to push it down
and it's going to pull your
skin up, but it won't hurt.
I promise.
Pull it up.
- Like this?
That's right.
Pull it with your teeth.
Good.
Very good.
Very good.
Keep going.
Hey, where'd he go?
Randy?
Randy?
Come on, boy.
Randy?
RANDY'S MOM: Randy?
Randy?
Mom?
Mom!
Oh my god.
Dad!
Hey, guys, he's over here.
I just gave them antivenin.
He's not showing any signs of
violent, aggressive reaction.
You're going to be
all right, Randy.
I've got to say I'm impressed,
a city boy with first rate
first aid skills.
But it wasn't me,
it was the doctor.
He had the plunger thing.
What doctor?
Was he in a wheelchair?
Yeah, yeah.
What doctor?
There was this local guy,
John Byrd, really smart guy--
won a scholarship at an
Ivy League medical school.
His dream was to come back here
and be a small town doctor.
What happened to him?
On his way back
from medical school
there was a terrible accident.
He was paralyzed
from his neck down.
This doctor was
in a wheelchair.
He got his license
but never had
a chance to practice medicine.
He spent the rest of his
life as a quadriplegic.
What are you saying?
Dr. Byrd died 10 years ago.
Is there a logical
explanation for this story?
Did Randy become delusional
from the snake bite
and simply imagine the
man in the wheelchair?
If so, how did he suddenly
develop the skills to save
himself from being poisoned
and how could his description
have matched the story of
the doctor and the legend
so perfectly?
Could it be that the doctor had
faked his own death years ago
and was now living as
a hermit by the lake,
only appearing at
those times when
he senses people need help?
Does this story
of a snake bitten
young man saved by a spirit in
the woods have a hint of truth
or are we just putting
the bite on you?
NARRATOR: Coming up, we'll
find out which of our stories
tonight were fact and
which were fiction
when "Beyond Belief" returns.
And now it's time
to see how well
you did judging
whether our stories
tonight were fact or fiction.
The story of the little
boy who died fulfilling his
wish to be a fireman,
was it based on reality?
[alarm sounding]
You did good, buddy.
You did good.
None of these people here would
have made it out without you.
We make a good team, right?
You've got that
right, partner.
You're a real
fireman now, Stevie--
a regular hero.
FIREMAN: Hey, Parks, you
better get over here.
Stay right there.
If you guessed that our
story of the fire station
was totally made
up, you're mistaken.
This one really happened.
Let's look at the story of
the couple who returned home
in the nick of time
because of a computer
they thought they
saw in the car.
True or false?
[tires squealing]
We're just lucky that you
left your computer in our car.
What are you talking about?
You left your computer
in the baby seat
and so Janet called to make
sure you didn't need it.
Then when no one
picked up the phone,
that's when we
decided to drive back.
But I have my computer.
No.
Really, he put it in his bag.
This story must have been
inspired by actual events,
right?
Wrong.
It's a total fabrication.
And what about our
story of the girl
next door, the
tale of a woman who
seemed to visit from the grave?
Let's take another look.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Florence Wheeler.
Well, there's no
one here by that name.
She told me she lived
across the street.
No, not here.
Minister James has lived here
all along for the last 25 yeas.
But that can't be.
Florence?
Wait!
Was this story of star-crossed
lovers based on a true story?
Not this time.
It never happened.
Let's look at the story of the
young man, the lost wallet,
and an unclaimed inheritance.
Hey, look at this.
What do you think, I'm an alien?
Your mother, your father.
What difference
does this make?
Who put you up to this?
Put me up to this?
Look, if you think I want
something, forget it.
I found a wallet and
I wanted to return.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm out of here, man.
Sit down, young man.
Was this story of unexpected
good fortune true or a fake?
This time, it's the real thing.
And what about the
mysterious doctor who saved
the boy from the snake bite?
Randy!
[rattling sound]
Randy!
Randy!
[rattling sound]
[screaming]
It's going to be OK.
Stay calm.
Was this story of a spirit
who watches over the people
the woods based on
an actual event?
Yes, it was.
So, how did you do tonight?
Were you able to distinguish
the real from the unreal?
Let's ignore the cliche that
says the truth is stranger
than fiction and simply say
that certain things in life
can only be classified
as beyond belief.
I'm Jonathan Franks.
NARRATOR: Join us
for more stories
next time on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
[theme music playing]
---
[music playing]
Can we really
believe in what we see?
We're about to find out.
NARRATOR: "Beyond Belief,"
hosted by Jonathan Frakes.
We live in a world where
the real and the unreal
live side by side,
where substance
is disguised as illusion
and the only explanations
are unexplainable.
Can you separate
truth from fantasy?
To do so, you must break through
the web of your experience
and open your mind to
things beyond belief.
This is an expression
we've seen countless times.
You probably think it says, I
love Paris in the springtime.
That's only what
our eyes tell us.
Let's read it one more
time word for word.
Notice the extra the.
Once again, we have been
fooled by our own perception.
Tonight we present
some intriguing stories
that will challenge our
perception of fact and fiction.
We'll find out which ones are
real at the end of the show.
So let's travel now to the world
of "Beyond Belief," a world
as magical as Paris in the--
the springtime.
Almost every boy at
one time or another
wants to become a fireman.
And why not?
Firefighters are constant
reminders of heroic behavior,
risking life and
limb on a daily basis
to protect us and our property.
And they get to ride
on a red truck, too.
Stevie Hanson hung
out with the men
of his neighborhood firehouse.
They taught him to polish the
truck, check the equipment,
and slide down the pole.
And then there was the day he
was the one who taught them.
The men at Station
32 didn't mind
little Stevie hanging around.
In fact, he became
sort of a mascot.
If he were a Dalmatian,
they would have adopted him.
But Stevie and Fireman Parks
had a special relationship.
He and his wife were
unable to have children,
so Stevie became
a surrogate son.
[alarm sounding]
Whoa, Stevie.
Parks?
Parks?
I know I'm new
here, but we never
blasted the siren inside
the station at my old post.
Sorry, captain.
Hey.
You know Stevie Hanson here.
Well, guess what,
today's his birthday.
He's 10 years old today.
Oh, yeah?
Happy birthday, son.
He's been hanging
out here since he
was about six years old.
Yeah.
Wants to be a fireman
like his buddy, Mr. Parks.
Well, this is a fire
station, not a police station.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Almost got me fired.
It must be pretty cool to
ride in one of these things.
Think you could take
me for a ride sometime?
Hey, you heard what
the captain said.
You have to wait till you're
old enough to become a fireman.
Well, how old were
you when you joined?
19.
Well, then that's
when I'm going to join.
Atta boy.
OK.
We'll see around, kiddo.
Hey, thanks for the
great birthday party.
See you later, buddy.
I want to be just
like you, Mr. Parks.
Hey, shouldn't you
be polishing something?
Oh.
[making siren noises]
Smoke.
Anybody in here?
WOMAN'S VOICE:
Help, I'm trapped!
Help!
Somebody help us!
Just get down on the
floor and cover your mouth.
I'm coming in.
Roger!
Roger, Roger.
- Hey.
What's going on, Stevie?
A house is on fire,
33 Hemingway Lane.
People are trapped
inside, Roger.
Hurry!
- Hold on.
Stevie.
Stevie, wait.
Stevie!
What's going on?
What's all the commotion?
We've got a fire
on Hemingway Lane.
What?
We didn't get an alarm.
No, sir.
Stevie was here and
he said he saw smoke.
Stevie?
No not that little kid again.
Captain, I know this kid.
He wouldn't lie.
If he says there's a
fire, there's a fire.
Trust me.
All right.
Go check it out.
But take the small
truck and this
just better not be a prank.
Stevie, what are
you doing here?
I came to help.
Listen, there's one in the
family room, two upstairs,
and two in the kitchen.
I tried to get them out, but
the fire was just too hot.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Stevie might have been only 10,
but he acted like a
real professional.
It wasn't about fun
and games anymore--
he knew what was at stake.
[sirens]
FIREMAN PARKS: Dispatch,
Squad 21, Station 32.
We have a still
involved structure
fire at 33 Hemingway Lane.
Respond immediately.
OK, Stevie.
Listen up, buddy.
I need you to give me a hand.
When I give the word, you pull
down on this lever right here,
OK?
You can count on me.
OK, buddy.
Now, Stevie.
Now.
I need a medic here.
You did good, buddy.
You did good.
None of these people here would
have made it out without you.
We make a good team, right?
You got that right, partner.
You're a real
fireman now, Stevie.
A regular hero.
Hey, Parks, better
get over here.
Stay right there.
Everybody make it out OK?
All but one.
The body is Stevie.
No, Stevie--
He died of smoke inhalation.
Oh my god.
Stevie.
No.
No.
No, Stevie.
Oh god, no.
Was this an
out-of-body experience?
When Stevie came to alert the
station house about the fire,
was he already dead?
Did Roger only imagine that he
was talking to Stevie seconds
before he discovered
his dead body?
Or maybe Stevie was destined
to be an angel whose job it
was to save the
lives of people who
would have otherwise perished.
A true story of
fateful proportions
or simply a false alarm?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Next, two parents,
a new baby sitter,
and a night of terror on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
In the age of communication,
you can always be reached.
Our kitchens are posted
with work numbers, pager
numbers, car phone
numbers, emergency
numbers, neighbors' numbers.
But all this seeming
security can't change the one
apprehension we
all share, anything
can happen when we're gone.
And if you're nervous parents
like Joseph and Sarah Drummer,
leaving her child in the
care of a new baby sitter,
your fears multiply.
The fact is no matter
how well you set up
your lines of communication,
our true security
is not in the hands of
the people we hire--
it's in the hands of fate.
Boy, you sure
have a lot of stuff.
You sure you're not moving in?
No.
I have a major term paper due.
That's why you caught me
home on a Saturday night.
Well, we really
appreciate you babysitting
on such short notice.
Here we go.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Honey, we're home.
Come on.
You can meet the baby.
He's great.
Oh, hi.
You must be Sarah.
It's so nice to meet you.
You look really
nice, Mrs. Drummer.
Thanks.
This is the first date where
we're actually going to go out.
Oh.
He's such a darling baby.
He has a little ear infection
so he may be a little cranky,
but he has everything
you need here.
And when he goes down, his
nursery's right down the hall.
OK.
I'm going to go get a coat.
If you need anything,
our number's on the fridge.
OK?
- OK.
Anything else?
Uh, yeah.
Keep the doors locked and don't
answer them no matter what.
Yes.
And if the phone
rings, don't answer it.
Listen to the machine and
if it's us, pick it up.
Don't worry.
When Matthew's awake, he'll
have my full attention
and when he's asleep I'll be
too busy working on my computer
to even raid your fridge.
- Thanks for understanding.
- Sure.
Thank you.
Call us if you need anything.
Absolutely.
Say bye.
Bye.
I'm being a nervous
ninny, aren't I?
Mm-hm.
I'm being one of those
mothers I said I'd never be.
Look, I play
golf with her dad.
he seems like a really
nice guy and she seems
like she's really responsible.
So can we just try
to enjoy ourselves?
OK.
OK.
Can you get my
coat from the back?
OK.
Sarah forgot her computer.
Oh.
We can't just leave
it in the car.
No.
She needs it to
finish her term paper.
Here, you better call her.
The machine.
Hi, Sarah.
It's Mrs. Drummer.
Pick up, Sarah.
Sarah?
Sarah, are you there?
Sarah?
Sarah?
Uh-- we'll be right back.
Thanks.
[tires squealing]
Something's wrong.
- My god.
What could have happened?
I don't know.
You stay here and
call the police.
God.
Sarah.
[baby crying]
It's OK.
He's gone.
I'm going to have
you out of here.
Just don't move.
[scream]
It's OK, honey.
Everybody's all right.
[scream]
[sobbing]
- Oh, thank god you're safe.
- You're OK.
You're all right.
God, he came out of nowhere.
I was doing my term paper
and then he was on me.
It was awful.
Did he hurt you?
No.
I'm-- I'm fine.
I was really just
worried about the baby.
He was only interested
in your stuff.
We're just lucky that you
left your computer in our car.
What are you talking about?
You left your computer
in the baby seat
so Janet called to make
sure you didn't need it.
And when no one
picked up the phone,
that's why we decided
to drive back.
- But I have my computer.
- No.
No, really.
He put it in his bag.
Come on.
Let's go.
What happened here?
How could both Mr. And
Mrs. Drummer have seen
the computer in their backseat
and it was in their home
all along?
Could it have been
an optical illusion
caused by some odd convergence
of light and shadow or was it
some otherworldly message
sent as a warning beacon
to lead them back to their home?
Perhaps the answer was created
by one of our own writers
working at home on
her own computer.
Find out at the end of our show.
Next, a mystery date
on "Beyond Belief."
For the modern Romeo, the
computer microchip has replaced
the little black book--
enough names, numbers,
and statistics
can be stored here
to accommodate
the most active social life.
But all the information
about the opposite sex
is meaningless unless it's
accompanied by an understanding
of the heart.
That's a lesson that the
Playboy in our next story
is about to learn.
This last weekend was
special to me, too, baby.
Look, I'm sorry I didn't
show up last night,
but something came up.
My dear old aunt was sick.
But I swear I'm going to make
it up to you, Sylvia, OK?
Denise, Denise.
I met Denise.
I swear to god,
sugar, I meant Denise.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Curtis wasn't the kind of man
to let one slip-up derail him.
He had hundreds of numbers
of hundreds of women.
But in a few moments,
he will go to the door
and meet Florence Wheeler.
And of all the women
Curtis has ever known,
she will be the one
he will never forget.
Natalie.
My sweet Natalie.
[knocking at door]
Well, hello.
Hello I know you just moved
in and I'd like to welcome
you to the neighborhood.
I live across the street.
The girl next door.
Florence Wheeler.
Pleased to meet you, Curtis.
What are you,
psychic or something?
How do you know my name?
The truth?
I saw it on your moving cartons.
Well, would you like
to come inside, see
what I've done with the house?
I'd like that.
Maybe some other time.
I better be going.
Hey, um--
I know it's kind of
sudden, but would you
like to have dinner tonight?
I'm a good cook.
I'll whip up one of my
specials in your honor.
A man who cooks,
I think I like that.
Good.
I'll see you at 7:00.
Girl next door.
That's what I call
some fine real estate.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
That night at dinner,
everything seemed perfect.
Normally, Curtis
had a technique--
a little dining, a little
wine, and then another conquest
added to his impressive list.
But this night would
end differently,
and the difference
was Florence Wheeler.
I just love what you
did with the house.
Thank you, baby.
You know, they tell me
I have the magic touch.
You're not leaving
already, are you?
Yes.
It's time to go.
It's so early.
I guess I'm just an
old fashioned girl.
I'm going to ask
you a question.
How is it a fine,
fine, fine, fine,
fine, foxy, classy
lady like yourself
doesn't have a boyfriend?
What makes you think I don't?
How about I walk you home?
That's very
gentlemanly of you,
but I just live across the way.
Remember?
Thank you for the
wonderful evening.
My pleasure.
I enjoy your company.
Good night.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): What
followed were days and
nights filled with a feeling
Curtis never knew before.
This time it wasn't
a fling, it was love.
The chemistry between
Curtis and Florence
was just like all the
romantic novels and movies
he had always laughed at.
But suddenly, he didn't
want anybody or anything
other than Florence.
And for the first time
he could remember,
Curtis was not
the most important
thing in his own life.
And yet as perfect as it
all was with Florence,
there always seemed to be
something else, something
going on inside Florence.
My life has completely changed
in the past couple of weeks.
I've never felt more at ease,
more myself with a woman--
and a beautiful woman at that.
You complete me, baby.
I guess what I'm trying to say
is you're the best thing that's
ever happened to me.
Quite the romantic.
So tell me, how is it that a
man like you isn't married?
I was waiting
for you, Florence.
And now that I've found you,
I'm never going to let you go.
I just want to be cautious.
I had a fiance
who cheated on me.
It's taken me a long
time to get over him.
But I think I'm finally
ready to meet the right man.
The right man, hm?
Yes.
Someone who's loyal,
someone who makes me
feel like I'm the only
woman in the world.
Does that fit your
description, Curtis?
To a T. I'm a one-woman man.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): The next night
was a fateful one for Curtis
because he couldn't see
how close Florence was
to his bedroom door
and that she was listening
to every word he was saying.
No.
No.
Not here.
How about your place?
We can recreate that
weekend cabin thing.
OK.
Fine then, tomorrow.
All right.
I can't wait to see
your fine, foxy face.
All right.
Love you, Andrea.
Right.
Wait, wait.
It's not what you think.
Wait, I can explain.
No explanations.
It's over, Curtis.
[door slamming]
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Curtis
tried to find her to apologize.
He went to the house he had
seen her go to so many times.
[knocking at door]
Hurt and confused, he knew he
had violated the trust Florence
held sacred and now
he couldn't even find
her to beg her forgiveness.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Florence Wheeler.
We
Well, there's no
one here by that name.
She told me she lived
across the street.
No, not here.
Minister James has
lived here all alone
for the last 25 years.
That can't be.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): At that moment,
Curtis saw Florence
heading into the church.
Florence?
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
But just as he saw her--
Wait.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
--she seemed to vanish.
A million thoughts were
racing through his head.
He had never been in this
church before even though it
was right across the street.
And then it suddenly struck him.
Florence Wheeler said she
lived across the street.
What in God's name?
So our Casanova loses
the love of his life
because he couldn't stay true.
One can only hope he will
treat others with more honesty
and respect for the future.
But did this story
really happen?
Was Florence really a ghost
or a flesh and blood person
who chose to leave
on her own terms?
But then how do you explain the
gravestone with her name on it?
Could it have been her
mother's grave or her sister's?
Or maybe there is
no explanation.
Is this story of the man with
the roving eye true or are we
just playing around?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Coming up, an
unexpected discovery
leads a young man to a
mysterious mansion on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
If you've ever lost a wallet
you're immediately jolted
by how much else you've lost.
Aside from cash and
precious photos,
you could find yourself
without authorization
to drive, travel, shop, or
even be admitted to a hospital.
So what is your obligation
if you find a wallet?
How far would you go
to make sure that it's
returned to its rightful owner?
Jason is a young man with very
little in the way of material
things.
He's been raised
by foster parents
and is working hard
to get into college.
He's about to come
across a lost wallet,
and what he chooses to
do with that discovery
will certainly change his day.
In fact, it may change the
very course of his life.
Hey, nice fingertip
grab, buddy.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Orphaned
from the time of birth,
Jason was far from wealthy.
His foster parents couldn't
afford college so he was hoping
for an athletic scholarship.
He spent every day perfecting
his pass catching skills,
but this day would be different.
Let's try one more.
I keep forgetting you're
a fanatic about this stuff.
What are you talking about?
It's called practice.
- Yeah.
Well, I'm tired and I'm hungry.
OK?
Yeah, but I'm broke
and I need a scholarship.
So get that silver
spoon out of your gut.
All right?
All right.
Give me a pass.
Long.
Throw.
Throw.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I'm not too good, am I?
Hey, look at this.
Credit cards, credit
cards, driver's license.
Henry Nieman.
Hancock Park.
That's not too far from here.
Are you nuts?
The money's gone.
He's going to
think you stole it.
Come [inaudible].
No.
I will not.
I wonder if there's any
more wallets around here.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
Jason had been down this street
before, but this time he had a
strange feeling inside, almost
a sense of foreboding.
The people who lived on this
block were very unlike him.
They were comfortable,
they had families,
and they knew what
tomorrow would bring.
Something was drawing
Jason to the address
he found in the wallet, drawing
him there against his own will.
[knocking]
Jason didn't know
what to expect,
and it turned out
what was waiting
for him was the unexpected.
Yes?
I'm looking for Mr. Nieman.
Mr. Nieman?
Yeah.
I found his wallet.
I'd appreciate your
stepping inside, please.
Sure.
Wait here a moment.
I'll get Mr. Arnold.
Mr. Arnold?
I need to see Mr. Nieman.
Who's Arnold?
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
There was the smell of must
and mildew in the air.
The appointments in this
home were expensive,
but they had the look
of objects that had
gone unappreciated for years.
- What's this about a wallet?
- Who are you?
I'm Preston Arnold,
Mr. Neiman's attorney.
Oh.
I found Mr. Nieman's wallet.
I just wanted to
return it to him.
JONATHAN FRAKES
(VOICEOVER): Jason
was starting to feel that
he had made a huge mistake.
All he wanted to do
was return a wallet.
Suddenly, he felt as if
he had opened a door that
should have remained closed.
But his biggest shock
was yet to come.
This looks new.
Did you notice?
Yeah, I guess.
I mean, I didn't at first.
But I guess it does.
The cards are expired,
each one of them.
I didn't
investigate the stuff.
I just found the wallet
and I wanted to return it.
No good deed goes unpunished.
What What does that mean?
A joke.
That went right over my head.
I'd like to try to figure
this out, with your help.
I don't know what
else I can tell you.
This place where
you found the wallet?
A park, a neighborhood park.
What were you doing there?
I cut through there on
my way home from school.
That's where I practice.
What difference does it make?
Who are your people?
My people?
What do you think, I'm an alien?
Your mother, your father.
What difference
does this make?
Who put you up to this?
Put me up to this?
Look, if you think I want
something, forget it.
I found a wallet, I
wanted to return it.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm out of here, man.
Sit down, young man.
Wait.
We're not finished yet.
Mr. Nieman is dead.
He died two years ago.
What do you think?
You're asking me, sir?
You were with the
Neimans when Henry's
brother was still alive.
That boy is his spitting image.
Same kind of 'tude, sir,
though my personal favorite.
The boy, could
we find him again?
Oh, yes.
The colors of his jacket are
those of the local high school.
Shouldn't be a problem then.
Imagine after
searching all these years
for a living relative.
Something else, isn't it, sir?
That he might be the only heir
to Henry's $40 million estate?
Indeed, it is something else.
JONATHAN FRAKES (VOICEOVER):
The strong family
resemblance was unmistakable.
Jason was the missing heir.
A needy young man
without a family
will now inherit a
fortune from a relative
he never knew existed.
What collusion of
circumstances allowed
Jason to find that wallet at
that time in that location?
And if Mr. Nieman was
house-bound for two years
before his death,
how did the wallet
get outside in the first place?
Did some undetected thief break
into the Nieman house years
ago, steal the wallet,
and ditch it in the grass
or did fate place that wallet
there for Jason to find?
When you dig for the
truth in this story,
will you find the
contents empty?
The answer at the
end of our show.
Next, the sting of
a snake on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction?"
Meet one of nature's
most feared, reviled,
and dangerous creatures.
Our hatred for this reptile
goes all the way back
to the garden of civilization.
Yet to the serpent's
credit, they rarely choose
to venture into our world.
We more often are the
invaders of theirs.
And once we become the
intruder, should we
really be surprised if we should
encounter a snake in the grass?
[rattling]
A family by a lake setting
up for a few carefree days
in the great outdoors.
But they were about
to encounter something
others had experienced here, the
mysterious legend of the lake.
You know, I don't
think that goes there.
Maybe we should flip
it over the other way.
Well, there are different
shapes at either end
and neither one of them is
going to fit in that slot.
What do you think?
Well, I was thinking maybe
could put it all on the sides.
You were thinking that, hm?
Oh, man.
Come on, you guys.
OK.
We're nowhere.
Maybe we should read the manual.
There's no challenge then.
Honey, see if you can find the
booklet in that bag, will you?
Sure.
The manual doesn't look
anything like this.
There you go.
Well, if I stop now,
there may be no going back.
This doesn't even look like
it belongs to this tent.
All right.
Let's start over.
I'm going to hunt for worms.
How does one catch a worm,
do you need a trap or bait?
They are the bait.
Oh, OK.
Listen, don't go too far.
I'm going to make lunch soon.
You can cook the
fish Dad and I catch.
Yeah.
He's optimistic.
Nature.
Cool.
Oh, man.
Look at that.
Whoa.
Tent's up.
Yeah.
Good, hon.
I'm starving.
That's the outdoors.
Working with our hands
creates a lusty appetite.
Stop.
It gets in the
way of my chewing.
It's way after
lunchtime, isn't it?
Where's Randy?
How long does it
take to catch a worm?
Well, I guess it depends
on the worm technique
and if you read the worm manual.
No, seriously.
I'm getting a little worried.
Randy?
Randy?
I'm sure he'll be fine.
I'll go get him.
I'll come with you.
[rattling]
[glass breaking]
Randy?
Randy?
Randy?
Randy?
[screaming]
It's going to be OK.
Stay calm.
Let me see.
He nailed you pretty good.
I can't feel my hand.
Don't move.
Don't move.
That's the poison
paralyzing the muscles.
Don't move yet.
You don't want to help
the poison spread.
- Am I going to die?
- No.
No.
I'll help you.
He's not answering.
He's going to be fine.
He's going to be fine.
You're going to be all right.
I'm a doctor.
Now let's take a deep
breath, shall we?
OK.
Like this?
Good.
We've never going
to find him like this.
We've got to get some help.
The cell phone's back at camp.
Come on.
Take your bandanna off.
Help me.
I can't move my arms, son.
You can do it.
Tie it around your
wrist about the bite.
That's good.
Tie it very tight.
Hod do you feel?
Kind of dizzy.
Well, we can't quit yet.
OK?
There's a first aid kit in
the pouch right behind me.
There's a pump, a yellow pump.
That's what we need.
Yes, that's it.
Sit down.
OK.
Now put the suction cup
right over the bite.
Can you pull the plunger out?
Good.
Now I'm going to ask
you to push it down
and it's going to pull your
skin up, but it won't hurt.
I promise.
Pull it up.
- Like this?
That's right.
Pull it with your teeth.
Good.
Very good.
Very good.
Keep going.
Hey, where'd he go?
Randy?
Randy?
Come on, boy.
Randy?
RANDY'S MOM: Randy?
Randy?
Mom?
Mom!
Oh my god.
Dad!
Hey, guys, he's over here.
I just gave them antivenin.
He's not showing any signs of
violent, aggressive reaction.
You're going to be
all right, Randy.
I've got to say I'm impressed,
a city boy with first rate
first aid skills.
But it wasn't me,
it was the doctor.
He had the plunger thing.
What doctor?
Was he in a wheelchair?
Yeah, yeah.
What doctor?
There was this local guy,
John Byrd, really smart guy--
won a scholarship at an
Ivy League medical school.
His dream was to come back here
and be a small town doctor.
What happened to him?
On his way back
from medical school
there was a terrible accident.
He was paralyzed
from his neck down.
This doctor was
in a wheelchair.
He got his license
but never had
a chance to practice medicine.
He spent the rest of his
life as a quadriplegic.
What are you saying?
Dr. Byrd died 10 years ago.
Is there a logical
explanation for this story?
Did Randy become delusional
from the snake bite
and simply imagine the
man in the wheelchair?
If so, how did he suddenly
develop the skills to save
himself from being poisoned
and how could his description
have matched the story of
the doctor and the legend
so perfectly?
Could it be that the doctor had
faked his own death years ago
and was now living as
a hermit by the lake,
only appearing at
those times when
he senses people need help?
Does this story
of a snake bitten
young man saved by a spirit in
the woods have a hint of truth
or are we just putting
the bite on you?
NARRATOR: Coming up, we'll
find out which of our stories
tonight were fact and
which were fiction
when "Beyond Belief" returns.
And now it's time
to see how well
you did judging
whether our stories
tonight were fact or fiction.
The story of the little
boy who died fulfilling his
wish to be a fireman,
was it based on reality?
[alarm sounding]
You did good, buddy.
You did good.
None of these people here would
have made it out without you.
We make a good team, right?
You've got that
right, partner.
You're a real
fireman now, Stevie--
a regular hero.
FIREMAN: Hey, Parks, you
better get over here.
Stay right there.
If you guessed that our
story of the fire station
was totally made
up, you're mistaken.
This one really happened.
Let's look at the story of
the couple who returned home
in the nick of time
because of a computer
they thought they
saw in the car.
True or false?
[tires squealing]
We're just lucky that you
left your computer in our car.
What are you talking about?
You left your computer
in the baby seat
and so Janet called to make
sure you didn't need it.
Then when no one
picked up the phone,
that's when we
decided to drive back.
But I have my computer.
No.
Really, he put it in his bag.
This story must have been
inspired by actual events,
right?
Wrong.
It's a total fabrication.
And what about our
story of the girl
next door, the
tale of a woman who
seemed to visit from the grave?
Let's take another look.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Florence Wheeler.
Well, there's no
one here by that name.
She told me she lived
across the street.
No, not here.
Minister James has lived here
all along for the last 25 yeas.
But that can't be.
Florence?
Wait!
Was this story of star-crossed
lovers based on a true story?
Not this time.
It never happened.
Let's look at the story of the
young man, the lost wallet,
and an unclaimed inheritance.
Hey, look at this.
What do you think, I'm an alien?
Your mother, your father.
What difference
does this make?
Who put you up to this?
Put me up to this?
Look, if you think I want
something, forget it.
I found a wallet and
I wanted to return.
It was the right thing to do.
I'm out of here, man.
Sit down, young man.
Was this story of unexpected
good fortune true or a fake?
This time, it's the real thing.
And what about the
mysterious doctor who saved
the boy from the snake bite?
Randy!
[rattling sound]
Randy!
Randy!
[rattling sound]
[screaming]
It's going to be OK.
Stay calm.
Was this story of a spirit
who watches over the people
the woods based on
an actual event?
Yes, it was.
So, how did you do tonight?
Were you able to distinguish
the real from the unreal?
Let's ignore the cliche that
says the truth is stranger
than fiction and simply say
that certain things in life
can only be classified
as beyond belief.
I'm Jonathan Franks.
NARRATOR: Join us
for more stories
next time on "Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction."
[theme music playing]