The Invaders (1967–1968): Season 2, Episode 16 - Task Force - full transcript
David and the Believers are trying to get a powerful publisher, William Mace, on their side. They have competition in Eric Lund, who heads a group seeking to purchase a controlling interest in Mace's publishing empire. If David and Edgar Scoville cannot persuade Mace to their cause, Lund will gain control - a disaster, since Lund is an alien! Just when they think they have Mace in their corner, he dies and his dissolute nephew Jeremy gains control. And Jeremy is very, very afraid of something. Could it have to do with the real cause of his uncle's death? Jeremy will need a crash course in the responsibilities of manhood in order to overcome the latest alien plot.
♪ ♪
A chance... a fighting chance.
Come on.
There'll be a couple
of others there.
I can't help it.
That's the way he runs his shop.
He's a little dynamo with
a napoleonic complex.
It's a calculated risk.
David Vincent, June Murray.
June is Mr. Mace's
executive secretary
and about the brightest thing
they've invented since Jackie.
Also a bomb-stopper
as you can see.
Let's not the oil up
above the knee, shall we?
Mace's right hand, left
hand, also memory lobe.
Hello, Mr. Vincent.
How do you do?
I somehow had the idea
you'd look a little wilder.
Yes?
Yes, I'll wait.
Yes?
I'll have to put you on hold.
Will you have him standing by?
Right.
We'd better go now.
Nivin's there already.
John, uh, this is David Vincent.
John Nivin, science editor.
Hello.
Hi.
David.
Vincent?
Yes, sir.
My nephew.
Jeremy Mace.
How are you?
Sit down, gentlemen.
We are a news-gathering
organization, Mr. Vincent,
as perhaps you've heard...
The greatest
news-gathering organization
in the history of
the publishing world
and yet, in spite of all
our so-called expertise
we can't discover
what is happening
within our own organization.
But you
and our gifted
Mr. Ferrara... you can tell us.
We think so.
You two have the answer,
no matter how fantastic.
You can say definitely
why our key executives
continue to leave
without reason.
Your theory gets
a little slippery
right around in
there, Mr. Vincent.
Jeremy.
Sorry about that.
And you can tell us
who these people are
who are pressuring to
buy control of the company.
In other words, inspired
by some otherworld wisdom
you can tell us what
the devil's going on.
Yes, sir.
Humility as a virtue is
not yours, Mr. Vincent.
Well, Mr. Mace, we,
uh, happen to have
our own expertise.
Just who are "we," Mr. Vincent?
There are seven of us right now.
Are you in this group?
Yes, sir.
Are there any
crack-brains in with you?
No, sir. You know
Edgar Scoville.
Bob, come on
you can't possibly tell
me you believe this stuff?
Alien beings here on earth?
Come on.
I believe it.
I know it.
Wouldn't things
look a little better
after some black coffee, Robert?
Either there are aliens here
or a man whose mind
you've respected until now
has gone off his rocker
and you're badly in need
of a new associate editor.
I see.
That's your hook.
That's my hook, and the
fact that you're a curious man.
Am I?
Yes, you are.
There was nothing like
a modern news magazine
before you came along.
You invented it.
You put it together
because you have
an insatiable thirst for facts.
From the moment a
reliable man like Mr. Ferrara
handed you my summary and
you read it, you were hooked.
There's nothing you
can do about it now.
You want to know;
you've got to know.
Vincent, no one's
talked to me like this.
I'm sorry, but just how far
do you think I'd get with you
if I used the gentle approach?
Do you realize what
this means to us?
You know what we'd
do to get your backing?
Did you call Edgar Scoville?
He's on hold, Mr. Mace.
Would you put him on, please?
Edgar, your friend
Vincent is rude, hostile,
boorish and arrogant,
but I'm going ahead.
Starring Roy Thinnes as
architect David Vincent.
The invaders...
alien beings from
a dying planet.
Their destination... the earth.
Their purpose... to
make it their world.
David Vincent has seen them.
For him, it began one lost night
on a lonely country road
looking for a shortcut
that he never found.
It began with a
closed, deserted diner
and a man too long without sleep
to continue his journey.
It began with the landing of
a craft from another galaxy.
Now David Vincent knows
that the invaders are here,
that they have taken human form.
Somehow, he must
convince a disbelieving world
that the nightmare
has already begun.
The guest stars
in tonight's story:
Linden Chiles, Nancy
Kovak, Kent Smith,
Martin Wolfson.
William Mace made the most
important decision of his life
and hours later, members
of an enemy force
began to assemble
at an office building
in downtown New York--
Executives of an
alien task force,
summoned to an
urgent summit meeting,
another calculated step
in their planned
annihilation of our civilization.
I will report to the
executive committee.
Proceed.
Steps one through
four of infiltration
on the executive level of
the Mace Publishing Company
have now been achieved.
The two remaining targets
are presently being exploited.
With regard to
William Mace himself...
It may be necessary
to make an adjustment.
His nephew, his heir, however,
is eminently suitable for
our purpose, fortunately,
for circumstances have changed
radically in the past few hours.
There is a group of men
aware of our presence.
They have convinced
Mace, and have gained
the promise of his support
which means the entire
resources of Mace Publishing.
It is my recommendation
that Mace be
immediately destroyed
and we pursue
the alternate plan.
Agreed.
I want it set up
exactly as if we were
under a number-four
alert from washington.
I'll see all reports personally
with carbons to
Edgar Scoville here.
Our staff members are to believe
we are working with the Pentagon
seeking confirmation
that enemy forces
are attempting to penetrate
the defenses of this country.
I think it's best to
keep it general, Bill.
If word gets out that you think
there are aliens here
before we have the proof
either the people will panic
or you're going
to get laughed at.
I'm not in this business
to scare people
and certainly not
to be laughed at.
All right, say that we're
investigating another country
which is using the cover
of men-from-space scare...
A scare, nothing more...
Which we are trying to suppress.
I think that should
assure us of secrecy
as well as eliminate any
tendency towards panic
of sensationalism.
Emmett, you have carte blanche.
Use whoever and
whatever you need.
Don't hang up on expense.
The slightest
suspicious circumstance
anywhere in the country is
to be minutely investigated.
Clear?
With evaluation to
be made by Ferrara
and Vincent and Scoville here.
Well, I'd like to hear
my editor-in-chief's
invaluable opinion.
Emmett?
Well, Mr. Mace, working with you
I expect to be
continually astonished
and I am never disappointed.
But I'll tell you this.
If there is some such thing
as an alien in this
country, we'll find him.
Jeremy?
Ah, yes, let me see.
My assignment is Eric Lund,
who is guilty of trying to buy
an interest in this magazine.
Got it.
I think that's all.
Bill.
You understand, don't you?
You're putting
your life in danger.
I've weathered quite
a few risks in my time.
I know you have.
Vincent, I may not believe
but you will get my
full cooperation...
for the duration.
Is there anything
else, Mr. Mace?
No, thank you.
What was it, a
six-martini lunch?
Does it matter?
Does it really, really matter?
Well, I can't say it adds
to your attractiveness
and he hates it, you know.
What's the matter?
Three weeks ago, we
really started something big.
It seems like three
months, three years...
That bad?
What happened?
We both have busy jobs, Jerry...
Not your ambition again?
Partly.
"Partly."
And partly my what?
Or my lack of what?
Now, come on, June.
Don't be afraid to tear
the wings off the butterfly.
I can take that.
Well, it's just...
a little thing.
That weekend, three weeks ago...
That was a perfect weekend.
But your uncle asked
you to go to San Francisco.
Jerry, a centerfold
somebody was paying $100,000 for
wasn't ready.
And... you didn't go.
Of course I didn't.
I had that weekend in
Puerto Rico all set up
just for you and me.
That's not the point, Jerry.
Well, what is the point?
Emmett Morgen took care of it.
He went to San Francisco,
the company got its $100,000
and we had a marvelous weekend.
Marvelous.
Marvelous.
So what do you want
me to do, stand you up?
Jerry, you're a dear,
sweet, lovely boy
and I have to work at
not falling in love with you.
I am not a boy.
Boys take girls to
Puerto Rico for weekends.
Men do their work.
Oh, dear.
You know, June, ambition
is a wonderful thing...
It really is...
And it's great being
a superwoman...
as long as the
important word is woman.
Am I making myself clear?
Perfectly.
Good.
You are speaking of the
glories of sweet surrender.
You've got it... right.
Murph? Yeah.
This is Jeremy.
Listen, Murph...
uh, I was wondering
if you're going
to be using the
studio this evening.
Mm-hmm... Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
About 10:00.
Yeah, good.
Good, good boy.
Jerry... I'm not
at all sure I...
want to see you
tonight at Murph's or...
or anywhere else,
because, well...
Mmm...
Yes, sir?
Jeremy... will you
come in for a moment?
Well, I... It's important.
Very.
Alone, please.
Okay.
Yes, sir?
My nephew will be
along in a moment.
We'll leave shortly.
Meanwhile, I don't
want to be disturbed...
for any reason.
Yes, sir.
Hey, what is this?
John, what are you doing?
Gentlemen...
we've put you back
in control of yourselves
because there's something
we'd like you to see.
You're responsible for this.
Then it's true... all of it.
Well, you did believe
David Vincent, didn't you?
Well, why did you back him?
You know, I
sometimes find it difficult
to follow human reasoning.
The, uh, "illogical logic"
I think was once
your phrase, no?
Hello, Jerry.
Eric, please, what is
going on here? Please?
Whatever it is, we're leaving.
Mr. Mace...
now, if you'll go with
these two guards, Mr. Mace.
No matter what you
do, my people won't stop.
Now, Jeremy, be quiet.
Our mission is to take over
the news media of your country.
The first step will be to gain
control of Now magazine.
So you can understand why
you are so important to us.
I think you're mad...
I think you're mad.
I think this is a charade.
Very well.
You've chosen.
Watch this wall over here.
No.
Stop!
No! Stop!
Please! Stop it!
For the love of
God, please! Stop!
For God's sake, stop! Please!
Please! Stop!
Stop! Please!
He was not a weak man, Jerry.
Don't hope.
Don't bring more
horror to yourself.
The slightest threat to us,
either from your
magazine or from you
would mean the execution
of the people closest to you.
The next one will be June.
Come on, Jerry.
He was an unlikely man
to have a heart attack.
Look, Mr. Vincent, no matter
how much of a coincidence
all this may seem to you,
there is no other story.
He had a heart attack,
he lost control of the car
and I couldn't grab
the wheel in time.
There were no otherworldly
creatures lurking about.
This is as safe a place
as we'll ever be, Jerry.
Bob, the story is exactly
the way I told it to them.
Did they threaten you?
Did who threaten me?
Tell us what happened.
I saw my uncle die of a heart
attack... that's what happened.
And I had a nightmare
of a ride, and I'm...
I'm facing a
responsibility that...
a responsibility for the
company that I do not want
and I cannot for the life of me
see how I'm going to chuck it,
and would you please
just get off my back?
During this... transition period
we're very fortunate to...
to be able to turn to Mr. Lund
whose syndicate is making
a substantial investment
in Mace Publications.
As their spokesman,
Mr. Lund will actively participate
in the management
of the company,
and he will function as
my executive assistant.
In that capacity
his voice will be...
will be considered
the same as my voice.
Mr. Eric Lund.
Gentlemen... Miss Murray.
I know it is difficult
for people in a closely
knit organization
to suddenly have an
outsider thrust upon them.
It, uh, is entirely human
in such a circumstance
to harbor a certain hostility
toward the newcomer.
Nevertheless, I should like
to speak a word of caution.
We are attempting to
overcome a very real tragedy.
We will have difficult
days ahead, and neither
Mr. Jeremy Mace nor myself
can accept such an
attitude as an excuse
for anything less than
complete and total cooperation
with the new management.
One of Mr. William Mace's
most distinctive characteristics
was the fact that he pretty
much ran a one-man shop.
In the matter of policy,
he tolerated no one's
opinion other than his own...
His view of the news,
his position with regard
to the events of the day
with a view and position
of the magazines.
I think you should
know from the outset
that Mr. Jeremy Mace intends
to pursue this exact policy.
Mr. Lund?
Yes, Mr. Morgen?
Mr. Mace was one thing.
This new management you speak of
is something else again.
The dictatorship of
personal policies...
Yes, Mr. Morgen?
Without considering Mr. Jeremy
Mace for the moment...
what are you
qualifications for the job?
I rather think this is just what
I was cautioning you about.
It's a legitimate
question if we're...
it is hostile, it is
resentful, it is divisive.
Whatever it is, I think
it should be answered.
You are making a serious
protest, then, Mr. Morgen?
If you like.
I assume you are offering
your resignation, Mr. Morgen?
If you like.
It is accepted, Mr. Morgen,
with our deepest regret.
Emmett!
You have our deepest regrets.
If you'll excuse us, Mr. Morgen,
while we get on with the
business of the meeting?
Just like that, huh?
How long was he with Mace?
31 years... from the beginning.
They don't make
them like Emmett.
Tell him he has a job with me.
Name his own title,
salary, starting date.
He's a proud guy.
He still thinks that we're the
three witches from Macbeth.
He was fired, Mace was
murdered, and Jeremy sold out.
The message must
be getting through.
Poor Jerry, the
poor scared rabbit.
How do we reach him?
They have him in
a vise, obviously.
The trouble is, we
don't know what kind.
Does he have family?
No. Mace was it.
Sorry to have to
cut out on you now
but if I don't get
back to Syracuse,
my whole business comes
down around my ears.
I'll stay in touch.
You have to get to Jeremy.
Somebody must
have a hold on him.
June Murray.
Make one for
me... light of my life.
You're going to collect
quite a few more.
Resignations?
Mm-hmm.
My own will come as
a crocheted motto...
Look perfectly
darling over your bed.
No more loving heart, June?
Each morn when you awake
it will congratulate
you on your escape.
Escape from what?
From the tedium of being a man.
Oh, June, please.
Some day...
I'm going to surprise you, June.
Mmm, I'd like that.
Some day, that is...
if you'd bring me
the tail of the dragon.
What a day that would be.
What a night.
What a celebration.
I just...
I just... want you
to know one thing.
I love Emmett Morgen.
The first day that I ever
came to work in
this organization
when everybody was
falling all over themselves
to kiss the nephew's hand
and lick the nephew's boots
he sent me out for coffee.
You fired him, Jerry.
He sent me out for coffee
and I brought it back with cream
but he wanted it black
and so he sent me out again
and then he turned me
over to a 19-year-old kid
and told me to
keep my mouth shut
until I learned to run copy.
He taught me how to proofread.
He taught me to set
up an advertisement
even taught me to
cut a clean stencil
so I wouldn't
have a heart attack
if my secretary
was out to lunch.
He taught me everything I know
and I had to be sharp.
You fired him, Jerry.
Do you think that I
wanted to do that?
I had to do that.
Why?
Please. Please be at
Murphy's tonight at 10:00.
Sorry, light of my life.
I forgot the address.
June, don't be frightened.
Get in, please.
We're sorry, we didn't want
them to see us with you.
Oh, your battle with
that malevolent planet.
We need your help.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You know, I see
them all as stars.
I wish on them.
They twinkle back
and that's been
my relationship for years.
Jeremy Mace is in trouble.
Jeremy Mace has been in
trouble since the day he was born.
I'm tired and I think
you're both slightly mad
and I don't feel like
playing Alice in Wonderland.
June...
the guy you're in
love with is in trouble
and we need your help.
Are you being masterful, Bob?
If I have to be.
Well, I'll let you
in on a secret.
I am an alp
a glacial alp with
no time for love
and office gossip
to the contrary
certainly not in
love with Jeremy.
When you hurt, you
really ache, don't you?
Now, he's walking a thin line.
He won't make it by himself.
How is he in trouble?
Look, you don't have to
believe us about the aliens
if you don't want
to, but think...
Why would he let
Emmett Morgen be fired?
Was he simply indifferent?
You know better than that.
June, Jerry was with
Mace when he was killed...
Uh, when Mace was
murdered, as we're sure he was.
They took Jerry at the same time
and they worked on him.
And when they brought him back
he must have been
pretty badly bent.
He's obviously acting
under their orders.
We've got to break him loose.
This is June.
Is he there?
Jerry?
June, I... I can't talk.
I'm... I'm busy.
Jerry, I'm scared.
Bob and this Vincent
have been telling me things.
Can't we talk tomorrow?
Not tomorrow, tonight.
At Murph's?
Murph's a freelance
magazine photographer
who will rise to the
top of his profession.
He has this offbeat
studio in the village
and every night he
lets Jeremy use it
he takes another giant step.
I hope Jerry comes alone.
You know, it's heads I lose...
tails I lose.
Either he fired Emmett Morgen
for no good reason
or there's a reason I'm
going to find hard to live with.
How could it happen like that?
And Nivin... how could he...?
Uh... Bob?
Uh... David.
David!
Hello.
June, they say he's
gone to Eric Lund's camp
at Lake Sherwood.
Oh, who did you talk to?
Jeremy's housekeeper.
He'll be at the camp...
Some sort of a fishing lodge...
For the weekend...
possibly longer.
Thanks. Thanks, Emmett.
June... are you in trouble?
No, Emmett.
Bob Ferrara hasn't
been filling you
full of that junk, has he?
Oh, no, Emmett.
No.
Personal.
Something personal.
Thanks.
I... now, I didn't call
you, you understand?
Sure, kid.
They're keeping him on ice.
While they look for us?
How big a net do they have?
David... David, I'm scared.
Well, I'm not
taking you up there
if that's what you're thinking.
But I'm the only way
to get through to him, am I not?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
June, what are you doing here?
You're crazy.
Jerry, stop it.
They might have seen us.
There's a helicopter coming in.
They killed Bob Ferrara.
What?
At Murph's. Call Bellevue
Emergency if you like.
June... you can't have
any understanding
of what they're like.
You've got to get
her out of here.
That's not enough.
There's no place she can go.
She can go to the FBI.
If she did, you
wouldn't last a minute.
Now, we have chance to stop them
but we need your help.
It's not my responsibility.
If you saw somebody
ready to drop a bomb
you'd do something
about it, wouldn't you?
You cannot conceive of
what these creatures are like.
The hero stuff
doesn't cut it, bel...
I'm sorry. Maybe we could
make a deal with them.
You can't make deals with them.
They've made the
game and the rules.
We're the enemy.
They're going to kill us all.
Everything all right?
If you go out there,
do you think you can
get the guard's gun?
I don't know.
Could you?
It'd be like bringing home
the tail of the
dragon, wouldn't it?
It's possible, just
barely possible.
All right. Then, you
can take Lund hostage.
We'll use their helicopter
and take Lund with us.
All right, I'll try.
They could have spotted
us from that helicopter
when we came down
here... in case they did
tell Lund we're in
here, and act as though
you're double-crossing us.
That might give you
time to get the gun.
Okay, I'll do it.
I'll do it.
Eric!
Yes, Jerry?
Yes, Jerry?
Come.
Come.
I suppose he tried.
Can't blame him entirely.
For some people
it's more difficult
than it is for others.
He's always been
turned on too high.
That's the way they made him.
His uncle...
his uncle was
always a big man...
and Jerry's still pretty
much a little boy.
Only he's not a coward, David
not really.
He was always afraid
he was going to be afraid.
You know what that means?
Sit down, Jerry.
Very well.
All reports from
the city negative.
One indication only...
A service station, Pleasantown,
early this morning.
A man and a woman as described
asking directions to the lake.
It might indicate
they are headed here.
I rather think
they're here already.
Look at him.
Aren't they, Jerry?
Aren't who?
Jerry.
Jerry.
Now, haven't you learned yet?
Search.
I suggest the stable first.
Apparently, our security
hasn't entirely failed.
Hold it!
Bring them here.
He'll die!
One move and he'll
die! You got that?
All right, turn around.
We're going to the helicopter.
Move.
Jeremy.
Jeremy, this is the
greatest foolishness.
I'm sorry for you.
Shut up!
Do you actually think
you can bring this off?
Oh, my dear boy.
Just keep moving, my dear boy.
Do you remember, Jeremy,
what you were
permitted to see that day?
Keep quiet.
Keep quiet.
Keep going.
Under no circumstance
will they allow me
to be taken captive.
Jeremy, your
position is hopeless.
They will order me sacrificed
the moment they think you have
any chance at all.
Shut up!
By the time we reach
that helicopter undoubtedly.
Shut up! Shut up!
They're nearing the helicopter.
Stand by.
Jeremy... look over there.
They have us in their sights.
The have reported
and are only
awaiting for orders.
I'm going to kill you.
I'm going to kill you.
He'll make it.
Let's go.
Yes, sir.
That is the situation, sir.
They must be stopped
regardless of the cost.
Very good, sir.
Yes, sir?
Execute.
Yes, sir.
Set it down!
Down! Set it down!
♪ ♪
We are a news-gathering
organization, gentlemen
as some of you may have heard.
The largest and the greatest
news-gathering organization
in the history of
the publishing world
and we are going to find out
what in the devil is going on.
Now, in a certain respect
our search for the truth
is hampered by the fact
that our science
editor, John Nivin,
and his friends are
no longer with us.
However, I don't think
we're going to miss them.
I don't know what else to
say, Emmett, except get with it.
Send the reports to me
as soon as they come in.
Send carbon copies
to Edgar Scoville.
I'm glad to have you back.
Thank you, Mr. Mace.
Glad to be back.
Gentlemen.
How'd the chair feel?
Too big.
Didn't look too big.
Here.
No, thanks.
David, you help
us dig up the proof
and we'll print
it, I promise you.
Good. You know about our group.
I'd like to consider
myself a member.
Glad to have you, Mr. Mace.
Keep in touch.
So long, Jerry.
Miss Murray.
I wish I didn't have
to work this weekend.
There'll be others.
Narrator: Two more to be
added to the handful of believers.
A cool young woman
and the editor of an
important magazine
and they will go on
with David Vincent watching,
waiting, fighting the invaders.
A chance... a fighting chance.
Come on.
There'll be a couple
of others there.
I can't help it.
That's the way he runs his shop.
He's a little dynamo with
a napoleonic complex.
It's a calculated risk.
David Vincent, June Murray.
June is Mr. Mace's
executive secretary
and about the brightest thing
they've invented since Jackie.
Also a bomb-stopper
as you can see.
Let's not the oil up
above the knee, shall we?
Mace's right hand, left
hand, also memory lobe.
Hello, Mr. Vincent.
How do you do?
I somehow had the idea
you'd look a little wilder.
Yes?
Yes, I'll wait.
Yes?
I'll have to put you on hold.
Will you have him standing by?
Right.
We'd better go now.
Nivin's there already.
John, uh, this is David Vincent.
John Nivin, science editor.
Hello.
Hi.
David.
Vincent?
Yes, sir.
My nephew.
Jeremy Mace.
How are you?
Sit down, gentlemen.
We are a news-gathering
organization, Mr. Vincent,
as perhaps you've heard...
The greatest
news-gathering organization
in the history of
the publishing world
and yet, in spite of all
our so-called expertise
we can't discover
what is happening
within our own organization.
But you
and our gifted
Mr. Ferrara... you can tell us.
We think so.
You two have the answer,
no matter how fantastic.
You can say definitely
why our key executives
continue to leave
without reason.
Your theory gets
a little slippery
right around in
there, Mr. Vincent.
Jeremy.
Sorry about that.
And you can tell us
who these people are
who are pressuring to
buy control of the company.
In other words, inspired
by some otherworld wisdom
you can tell us what
the devil's going on.
Yes, sir.
Humility as a virtue is
not yours, Mr. Vincent.
Well, Mr. Mace, we,
uh, happen to have
our own expertise.
Just who are "we," Mr. Vincent?
There are seven of us right now.
Are you in this group?
Yes, sir.
Are there any
crack-brains in with you?
No, sir. You know
Edgar Scoville.
Bob, come on
you can't possibly tell
me you believe this stuff?
Alien beings here on earth?
Come on.
I believe it.
I know it.
Wouldn't things
look a little better
after some black coffee, Robert?
Either there are aliens here
or a man whose mind
you've respected until now
has gone off his rocker
and you're badly in need
of a new associate editor.
I see.
That's your hook.
That's my hook, and the
fact that you're a curious man.
Am I?
Yes, you are.
There was nothing like
a modern news magazine
before you came along.
You invented it.
You put it together
because you have
an insatiable thirst for facts.
From the moment a
reliable man like Mr. Ferrara
handed you my summary and
you read it, you were hooked.
There's nothing you
can do about it now.
You want to know;
you've got to know.
Vincent, no one's
talked to me like this.
I'm sorry, but just how far
do you think I'd get with you
if I used the gentle approach?
Do you realize what
this means to us?
You know what we'd
do to get your backing?
Did you call Edgar Scoville?
He's on hold, Mr. Mace.
Would you put him on, please?
Edgar, your friend
Vincent is rude, hostile,
boorish and arrogant,
but I'm going ahead.
Starring Roy Thinnes as
architect David Vincent.
The invaders...
alien beings from
a dying planet.
Their destination... the earth.
Their purpose... to
make it their world.
David Vincent has seen them.
For him, it began one lost night
on a lonely country road
looking for a shortcut
that he never found.
It began with a
closed, deserted diner
and a man too long without sleep
to continue his journey.
It began with the landing of
a craft from another galaxy.
Now David Vincent knows
that the invaders are here,
that they have taken human form.
Somehow, he must
convince a disbelieving world
that the nightmare
has already begun.
The guest stars
in tonight's story:
Linden Chiles, Nancy
Kovak, Kent Smith,
Martin Wolfson.
William Mace made the most
important decision of his life
and hours later, members
of an enemy force
began to assemble
at an office building
in downtown New York--
Executives of an
alien task force,
summoned to an
urgent summit meeting,
another calculated step
in their planned
annihilation of our civilization.
I will report to the
executive committee.
Proceed.
Steps one through
four of infiltration
on the executive level of
the Mace Publishing Company
have now been achieved.
The two remaining targets
are presently being exploited.
With regard to
William Mace himself...
It may be necessary
to make an adjustment.
His nephew, his heir, however,
is eminently suitable for
our purpose, fortunately,
for circumstances have changed
radically in the past few hours.
There is a group of men
aware of our presence.
They have convinced
Mace, and have gained
the promise of his support
which means the entire
resources of Mace Publishing.
It is my recommendation
that Mace be
immediately destroyed
and we pursue
the alternate plan.
Agreed.
I want it set up
exactly as if we were
under a number-four
alert from washington.
I'll see all reports personally
with carbons to
Edgar Scoville here.
Our staff members are to believe
we are working with the Pentagon
seeking confirmation
that enemy forces
are attempting to penetrate
the defenses of this country.
I think it's best to
keep it general, Bill.
If word gets out that you think
there are aliens here
before we have the proof
either the people will panic
or you're going
to get laughed at.
I'm not in this business
to scare people
and certainly not
to be laughed at.
All right, say that we're
investigating another country
which is using the cover
of men-from-space scare...
A scare, nothing more...
Which we are trying to suppress.
I think that should
assure us of secrecy
as well as eliminate any
tendency towards panic
of sensationalism.
Emmett, you have carte blanche.
Use whoever and
whatever you need.
Don't hang up on expense.
The slightest
suspicious circumstance
anywhere in the country is
to be minutely investigated.
Clear?
With evaluation to
be made by Ferrara
and Vincent and Scoville here.
Well, I'd like to hear
my editor-in-chief's
invaluable opinion.
Emmett?
Well, Mr. Mace, working with you
I expect to be
continually astonished
and I am never disappointed.
But I'll tell you this.
If there is some such thing
as an alien in this
country, we'll find him.
Jeremy?
Ah, yes, let me see.
My assignment is Eric Lund,
who is guilty of trying to buy
an interest in this magazine.
Got it.
I think that's all.
Bill.
You understand, don't you?
You're putting
your life in danger.
I've weathered quite
a few risks in my time.
I know you have.
Vincent, I may not believe
but you will get my
full cooperation...
for the duration.
Is there anything
else, Mr. Mace?
No, thank you.
What was it, a
six-martini lunch?
Does it matter?
Does it really, really matter?
Well, I can't say it adds
to your attractiveness
and he hates it, you know.
What's the matter?
Three weeks ago, we
really started something big.
It seems like three
months, three years...
That bad?
What happened?
We both have busy jobs, Jerry...
Not your ambition again?
Partly.
"Partly."
And partly my what?
Or my lack of what?
Now, come on, June.
Don't be afraid to tear
the wings off the butterfly.
I can take that.
Well, it's just...
a little thing.
That weekend, three weeks ago...
That was a perfect weekend.
But your uncle asked
you to go to San Francisco.
Jerry, a centerfold
somebody was paying $100,000 for
wasn't ready.
And... you didn't go.
Of course I didn't.
I had that weekend in
Puerto Rico all set up
just for you and me.
That's not the point, Jerry.
Well, what is the point?
Emmett Morgen took care of it.
He went to San Francisco,
the company got its $100,000
and we had a marvelous weekend.
Marvelous.
Marvelous.
So what do you want
me to do, stand you up?
Jerry, you're a dear,
sweet, lovely boy
and I have to work at
not falling in love with you.
I am not a boy.
Boys take girls to
Puerto Rico for weekends.
Men do their work.
Oh, dear.
You know, June, ambition
is a wonderful thing...
It really is...
And it's great being
a superwoman...
as long as the
important word is woman.
Am I making myself clear?
Perfectly.
Good.
You are speaking of the
glories of sweet surrender.
You've got it... right.
Murph? Yeah.
This is Jeremy.
Listen, Murph...
uh, I was wondering
if you're going
to be using the
studio this evening.
Mm-hmm... Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
About 10:00.
Yeah, good.
Good, good boy.
Jerry... I'm not
at all sure I...
want to see you
tonight at Murph's or...
or anywhere else,
because, well...
Mmm...
Yes, sir?
Jeremy... will you
come in for a moment?
Well, I... It's important.
Very.
Alone, please.
Okay.
Yes, sir?
My nephew will be
along in a moment.
We'll leave shortly.
Meanwhile, I don't
want to be disturbed...
for any reason.
Yes, sir.
Hey, what is this?
John, what are you doing?
Gentlemen...
we've put you back
in control of yourselves
because there's something
we'd like you to see.
You're responsible for this.
Then it's true... all of it.
Well, you did believe
David Vincent, didn't you?
Well, why did you back him?
You know, I
sometimes find it difficult
to follow human reasoning.
The, uh, "illogical logic"
I think was once
your phrase, no?
Hello, Jerry.
Eric, please, what is
going on here? Please?
Whatever it is, we're leaving.
Mr. Mace...
now, if you'll go with
these two guards, Mr. Mace.
No matter what you
do, my people won't stop.
Now, Jeremy, be quiet.
Our mission is to take over
the news media of your country.
The first step will be to gain
control of Now magazine.
So you can understand why
you are so important to us.
I think you're mad...
I think you're mad.
I think this is a charade.
Very well.
You've chosen.
Watch this wall over here.
No.
Stop!
No! Stop!
Please! Stop it!
For the love of
God, please! Stop!
For God's sake, stop! Please!
Please! Stop!
Stop! Please!
He was not a weak man, Jerry.
Don't hope.
Don't bring more
horror to yourself.
The slightest threat to us,
either from your
magazine or from you
would mean the execution
of the people closest to you.
The next one will be June.
Come on, Jerry.
He was an unlikely man
to have a heart attack.
Look, Mr. Vincent, no matter
how much of a coincidence
all this may seem to you,
there is no other story.
He had a heart attack,
he lost control of the car
and I couldn't grab
the wheel in time.
There were no otherworldly
creatures lurking about.
This is as safe a place
as we'll ever be, Jerry.
Bob, the story is exactly
the way I told it to them.
Did they threaten you?
Did who threaten me?
Tell us what happened.
I saw my uncle die of a heart
attack... that's what happened.
And I had a nightmare
of a ride, and I'm...
I'm facing a
responsibility that...
a responsibility for the
company that I do not want
and I cannot for the life of me
see how I'm going to chuck it,
and would you please
just get off my back?
During this... transition period
we're very fortunate to...
to be able to turn to Mr. Lund
whose syndicate is making
a substantial investment
in Mace Publications.
As their spokesman,
Mr. Lund will actively participate
in the management
of the company,
and he will function as
my executive assistant.
In that capacity
his voice will be...
will be considered
the same as my voice.
Mr. Eric Lund.
Gentlemen... Miss Murray.
I know it is difficult
for people in a closely
knit organization
to suddenly have an
outsider thrust upon them.
It, uh, is entirely human
in such a circumstance
to harbor a certain hostility
toward the newcomer.
Nevertheless, I should like
to speak a word of caution.
We are attempting to
overcome a very real tragedy.
We will have difficult
days ahead, and neither
Mr. Jeremy Mace nor myself
can accept such an
attitude as an excuse
for anything less than
complete and total cooperation
with the new management.
One of Mr. William Mace's
most distinctive characteristics
was the fact that he pretty
much ran a one-man shop.
In the matter of policy,
he tolerated no one's
opinion other than his own...
His view of the news,
his position with regard
to the events of the day
with a view and position
of the magazines.
I think you should
know from the outset
that Mr. Jeremy Mace intends
to pursue this exact policy.
Mr. Lund?
Yes, Mr. Morgen?
Mr. Mace was one thing.
This new management you speak of
is something else again.
The dictatorship of
personal policies...
Yes, Mr. Morgen?
Without considering Mr. Jeremy
Mace for the moment...
what are you
qualifications for the job?
I rather think this is just what
I was cautioning you about.
It's a legitimate
question if we're...
it is hostile, it is
resentful, it is divisive.
Whatever it is, I think
it should be answered.
You are making a serious
protest, then, Mr. Morgen?
If you like.
I assume you are offering
your resignation, Mr. Morgen?
If you like.
It is accepted, Mr. Morgen,
with our deepest regret.
Emmett!
You have our deepest regrets.
If you'll excuse us, Mr. Morgen,
while we get on with the
business of the meeting?
Just like that, huh?
How long was he with Mace?
31 years... from the beginning.
They don't make
them like Emmett.
Tell him he has a job with me.
Name his own title,
salary, starting date.
He's a proud guy.
He still thinks that we're the
three witches from Macbeth.
He was fired, Mace was
murdered, and Jeremy sold out.
The message must
be getting through.
Poor Jerry, the
poor scared rabbit.
How do we reach him?
They have him in
a vise, obviously.
The trouble is, we
don't know what kind.
Does he have family?
No. Mace was it.
Sorry to have to
cut out on you now
but if I don't get
back to Syracuse,
my whole business comes
down around my ears.
I'll stay in touch.
You have to get to Jeremy.
Somebody must
have a hold on him.
June Murray.
Make one for
me... light of my life.
You're going to collect
quite a few more.
Resignations?
Mm-hmm.
My own will come as
a crocheted motto...
Look perfectly
darling over your bed.
No more loving heart, June?
Each morn when you awake
it will congratulate
you on your escape.
Escape from what?
From the tedium of being a man.
Oh, June, please.
Some day...
I'm going to surprise you, June.
Mmm, I'd like that.
Some day, that is...
if you'd bring me
the tail of the dragon.
What a day that would be.
What a night.
What a celebration.
I just...
I just... want you
to know one thing.
I love Emmett Morgen.
The first day that I ever
came to work in
this organization
when everybody was
falling all over themselves
to kiss the nephew's hand
and lick the nephew's boots
he sent me out for coffee.
You fired him, Jerry.
He sent me out for coffee
and I brought it back with cream
but he wanted it black
and so he sent me out again
and then he turned me
over to a 19-year-old kid
and told me to
keep my mouth shut
until I learned to run copy.
He taught me how to proofread.
He taught me to set
up an advertisement
even taught me to
cut a clean stencil
so I wouldn't
have a heart attack
if my secretary
was out to lunch.
He taught me everything I know
and I had to be sharp.
You fired him, Jerry.
Do you think that I
wanted to do that?
I had to do that.
Why?
Please. Please be at
Murphy's tonight at 10:00.
Sorry, light of my life.
I forgot the address.
June, don't be frightened.
Get in, please.
We're sorry, we didn't want
them to see us with you.
Oh, your battle with
that malevolent planet.
We need your help.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You know, I see
them all as stars.
I wish on them.
They twinkle back
and that's been
my relationship for years.
Jeremy Mace is in trouble.
Jeremy Mace has been in
trouble since the day he was born.
I'm tired and I think
you're both slightly mad
and I don't feel like
playing Alice in Wonderland.
June...
the guy you're in
love with is in trouble
and we need your help.
Are you being masterful, Bob?
If I have to be.
Well, I'll let you
in on a secret.
I am an alp
a glacial alp with
no time for love
and office gossip
to the contrary
certainly not in
love with Jeremy.
When you hurt, you
really ache, don't you?
Now, he's walking a thin line.
He won't make it by himself.
How is he in trouble?
Look, you don't have to
believe us about the aliens
if you don't want
to, but think...
Why would he let
Emmett Morgen be fired?
Was he simply indifferent?
You know better than that.
June, Jerry was with
Mace when he was killed...
Uh, when Mace was
murdered, as we're sure he was.
They took Jerry at the same time
and they worked on him.
And when they brought him back
he must have been
pretty badly bent.
He's obviously acting
under their orders.
We've got to break him loose.
This is June.
Is he there?
Jerry?
June, I... I can't talk.
I'm... I'm busy.
Jerry, I'm scared.
Bob and this Vincent
have been telling me things.
Can't we talk tomorrow?
Not tomorrow, tonight.
At Murph's?
Murph's a freelance
magazine photographer
who will rise to the
top of his profession.
He has this offbeat
studio in the village
and every night he
lets Jeremy use it
he takes another giant step.
I hope Jerry comes alone.
You know, it's heads I lose...
tails I lose.
Either he fired Emmett Morgen
for no good reason
or there's a reason I'm
going to find hard to live with.
How could it happen like that?
And Nivin... how could he...?
Uh... Bob?
Uh... David.
David!
Hello.
June, they say he's
gone to Eric Lund's camp
at Lake Sherwood.
Oh, who did you talk to?
Jeremy's housekeeper.
He'll be at the camp...
Some sort of a fishing lodge...
For the weekend...
possibly longer.
Thanks. Thanks, Emmett.
June... are you in trouble?
No, Emmett.
Bob Ferrara hasn't
been filling you
full of that junk, has he?
Oh, no, Emmett.
No.
Personal.
Something personal.
Thanks.
I... now, I didn't call
you, you understand?
Sure, kid.
They're keeping him on ice.
While they look for us?
How big a net do they have?
David... David, I'm scared.
Well, I'm not
taking you up there
if that's what you're thinking.
But I'm the only way
to get through to him, am I not?
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
June, what are you doing here?
You're crazy.
Jerry, stop it.
They might have seen us.
There's a helicopter coming in.
They killed Bob Ferrara.
What?
At Murph's. Call Bellevue
Emergency if you like.
June... you can't have
any understanding
of what they're like.
You've got to get
her out of here.
That's not enough.
There's no place she can go.
She can go to the FBI.
If she did, you
wouldn't last a minute.
Now, we have chance to stop them
but we need your help.
It's not my responsibility.
If you saw somebody
ready to drop a bomb
you'd do something
about it, wouldn't you?
You cannot conceive of
what these creatures are like.
The hero stuff
doesn't cut it, bel...
I'm sorry. Maybe we could
make a deal with them.
You can't make deals with them.
They've made the
game and the rules.
We're the enemy.
They're going to kill us all.
Everything all right?
If you go out there,
do you think you can
get the guard's gun?
I don't know.
Could you?
It'd be like bringing home
the tail of the
dragon, wouldn't it?
It's possible, just
barely possible.
All right. Then, you
can take Lund hostage.
We'll use their helicopter
and take Lund with us.
All right, I'll try.
They could have spotted
us from that helicopter
when we came down
here... in case they did
tell Lund we're in
here, and act as though
you're double-crossing us.
That might give you
time to get the gun.
Okay, I'll do it.
I'll do it.
Eric!
Yes, Jerry?
Yes, Jerry?
Come.
Come.
I suppose he tried.
Can't blame him entirely.
For some people
it's more difficult
than it is for others.
He's always been
turned on too high.
That's the way they made him.
His uncle...
his uncle was
always a big man...
and Jerry's still pretty
much a little boy.
Only he's not a coward, David
not really.
He was always afraid
he was going to be afraid.
You know what that means?
Sit down, Jerry.
Very well.
All reports from
the city negative.
One indication only...
A service station, Pleasantown,
early this morning.
A man and a woman as described
asking directions to the lake.
It might indicate
they are headed here.
I rather think
they're here already.
Look at him.
Aren't they, Jerry?
Aren't who?
Jerry.
Jerry.
Now, haven't you learned yet?
Search.
I suggest the stable first.
Apparently, our security
hasn't entirely failed.
Hold it!
Bring them here.
He'll die!
One move and he'll
die! You got that?
All right, turn around.
We're going to the helicopter.
Move.
Jeremy.
Jeremy, this is the
greatest foolishness.
I'm sorry for you.
Shut up!
Do you actually think
you can bring this off?
Oh, my dear boy.
Just keep moving, my dear boy.
Do you remember, Jeremy,
what you were
permitted to see that day?
Keep quiet.
Keep quiet.
Keep going.
Under no circumstance
will they allow me
to be taken captive.
Jeremy, your
position is hopeless.
They will order me sacrificed
the moment they think you have
any chance at all.
Shut up!
By the time we reach
that helicopter undoubtedly.
Shut up! Shut up!
They're nearing the helicopter.
Stand by.
Jeremy... look over there.
They have us in their sights.
The have reported
and are only
awaiting for orders.
I'm going to kill you.
I'm going to kill you.
He'll make it.
Let's go.
Yes, sir.
That is the situation, sir.
They must be stopped
regardless of the cost.
Very good, sir.
Yes, sir?
Execute.
Yes, sir.
Set it down!
Down! Set it down!
♪ ♪
We are a news-gathering
organization, gentlemen
as some of you may have heard.
The largest and the greatest
news-gathering organization
in the history of
the publishing world
and we are going to find out
what in the devil is going on.
Now, in a certain respect
our search for the truth
is hampered by the fact
that our science
editor, John Nivin,
and his friends are
no longer with us.
However, I don't think
we're going to miss them.
I don't know what else to
say, Emmett, except get with it.
Send the reports to me
as soon as they come in.
Send carbon copies
to Edgar Scoville.
I'm glad to have you back.
Thank you, Mr. Mace.
Glad to be back.
Gentlemen.
How'd the chair feel?
Too big.
Didn't look too big.
Here.
No, thanks.
David, you help
us dig up the proof
and we'll print
it, I promise you.
Good. You know about our group.
I'd like to consider
myself a member.
Glad to have you, Mr. Mace.
Keep in touch.
So long, Jerry.
Miss Murray.
I wish I didn't have
to work this weekend.
There'll be others.
Narrator: Two more to be
added to the handful of believers.
A cool young woman
and the editor of an
important magazine
and they will go on
with David Vincent watching,
waiting, fighting the invaders.