THE PROJECTED MAN
UK, 1967, 87 minutes, Colour.
Mary Peach, Bryant Haliday, Norman Wooland, Ronald Allen, Derek Farr, Tracey Crisp, Derrick de Marney.
Directed by Ian Curteis.
The Projected Man was one of a number of science fiction films made by small British studios during the 1960s. The star, Bryant Haliday, American-born, appeared in several of them including Devil Doll, Curse of the Voodoo and Tower of Evil. He is joined by Mary Peach who had a career as a starlet in British films in the 1950s and 60s. Character actor Norman Wooland (Quo Vadis, Barabbas), who had a fine voice, is the villain.
The film was directed by writer Ian Curteis who directed only three films.
The material is familiar, though it is put in a modern London setting. A scientist has a grant to experiment with transforming matter and moving it from place to place by means of laser beams and projection. When the experiments almost succeed, he calls in an assistant, played by Mary Peach, to help him. However, in the background, the authorities are wanting to terminate the experiments and the funding. Norman Wooland is the villain, Doctor Blanchard who acts as the heavy.
In the meantime, the scientist decides to project himself with the assistance of the secretary of the foundation. However, something goes wrong and he is transformed but disfigured, electrocuting people as he touches them. He then wreaks vengeance on those who thwarted him before he turns the machine on himself.
1.Interesting science fiction? From the 1960s? The sophistication of the film for the 60s – but in comparison with later technology and sophistication?
2.The widescreen process, the laboratories, the homes, the streets of London? The authentic atmosphere? The musical score?
3.The plausibility of the technology, the explanation of laser beans, the parallel with television for two-dimensional projection, the possibility of three-dimensional projection (the “beam me up” process)? The experiments, the guinea pig? The watch? The indication of time alteration? Fixing the machinery, the successful process? But the interference in the process and the disfigurement of the professor?
4.The visual technology, the machines, the laboratory – authentic-looking?
5.The background of government, official secrets, commissions and foundations, experiments, reports, supervision? Blanchard and Latham, and the sinister control with the money? Blanchard being blackmailed about his private life? His coming on heavy to Steiner and his two assistants?
6.The time frame, the detail of the experiment with the guinea pig and its failure, its death? The electrocution touch? The pleading for an extra demonstration? Doctor Hill, the watch? Rectifying the situation? The sabotage with the machine, the failed experiment with Doctor Lembach watching? The rectifying of the machine? The attempt to have a successful transferring of a human?
7.Paul Steiner, integrity, the dedicated scientist, his working with Chris? Calling in Patricia? Their past? The touches of jealousy of Chris? The antagonism with Blanchard? Doctor Lembach and the demonstration? Latham and his influence? His frustrations, the success, the sabotage, his experimenting with himself, the mistake, his being transferred to the wrong place, the criminals and his killing them? His vengeance, Latham, the burning of the tapes, Blanchard and his packing? The threats to Chris and Patricia? His getting information from Sheila? His going to the laboratory, the policeman watching, his turning the machine on himself?
8.Patricia, attractive scientist, intelligent, helping? The attraction towards Chris? Chris and his loyalty to Steiner? The impositions of Blanchard? The relationship with Patricia, their going to Steiner’s help, failing? Patricia going into the abandoned building, pleading with him?
9.The police, Inspector Davis, following up the leads, trying to find Steiner, his presence at the end?
10.A variation on the Frankenstein scientists and their creating monsters – even if it is themselves?
