Aliens in the Mind 77-02-06 (6 of 6) Final Tribulations

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Aliens in the Mind 77-02-06 (6 of 6) Final Tribulations
Date: March 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

The final installment of the “Aliens in the Mind” radio series brings to a dramatic close the tale of manipulation, genetic mutation, and conspiracy surrounding the small Scottish island of Luig. Professor Curtis Lark and Dr. John Cornelius, joined by Ian Sanderson (an MP and grieving father), race to uncover the truth behind a shadowy organization breeding mind-controlling mutants. The episode’s themes revolve around identity, power, control, and the ethical limits of scientific manipulation.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

Confronting the Power Players (00:46–08:00)

• Lark and Cornelius meet Ian Sanderson to reveal that he is a mutant susceptible to mental control, linking his daughter Flora’s murder to larger machinations.
• The investigation leads to an educational trust headquartered at a merchant bank in the city, run by Sir Graham McLutten.
• Suspicions deepen:
  • Lark suspects the trust was purposely designed to "breed" mutants for influential roles, hinting at eugenics (“More like a stud farm.” – Cornelius, 02:33).
  • The trio determines to confront the trust’s leadership directly.

Confrontation with Sir Graham and Lady MacLutten (03:37–10:41)

• Sir Graham’s background is revealed: a native of Luig, initiator of the educational trust.
• The group maneuvers diplomatically, presenting their case for a research grant into “island sickness”—a cover to investigate the mutant phenomenon.
• Lady MacLutten enters the narrative, expressing a curious interest in Lark’s theories on telepathy, though tinged with foreboding ("Not a little frightening..." – Lady MacLutten, 08:58).
• After discussion, dinner is arranged with the trust’s key members to further persuade them to fund research.

The Dangerous Dinner Party (16:00–24:18)

• The protagonists, growing wary, attend the dinner prepared for them by Sir Graham, Lady MacLutten, and Reverend Donald Schooler (revealed to be Lady MacLutten’s cousin).
• Tensions escalate as details of the mutants’ origin and the “island sickness” surface.
  • Revelations:
    • The trust systematically bred “slave-mutants” and actively prevented the creation of “controllers.”
    • Flora’s parentage (a result of an unsanctioned pairing) made her a dangerous controller, which was the true motive behind her murder. (“It was the reason Flora had to be killed, wasn’t it, Sir Graham?” – Ian, 21:42)
• Lady MacLutten’s power is finally revealed:
  • She commands a host of people, including household staff and Sanderson, into a trance-like obedience (“Look around you, gentlemen... Not one of them has a thought in his head except to carry out my instructions.” – Lady MacLutten, 22:43).

The Final Showdown (24:18–28:05)

• The group is marched outside, where Lady MacLutten intends to stage their deaths as a helicopter accident.
• A showdown occurs as Major Manson intervenes just in time, resulting in Lady MacLutten’s death and her mind-control spell broken.
• Emotional fallout:
  • Sir Graham, devastated by his wife’s death and his unknowing involvement, is left bewildered.
  • Each protagonist must reckon with the consequences:
    • Ian Sanderson steps away from politics, too compromised to continue.
    • Cornelius returns to medicine.
    • Lark remains vigilant, suspecting new “controllers” could emerge elsewhere (“They could spring up like mushrooms…” – Lark, 27:30).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You mean it’s been set up like a sort of mutant breeder unit?”
  – Ian Sanderson (02:30)
  Early suspicion of the scale and purpose of the conspiracy.

• “Don't you notice something strange? Their blank looks. Not one of them has a thought in his head. Except to carry out my instructions.”
  – Lady MacLutten (22:43)
  The episode’s chilling unmasking of the controller's true power.

• “We’ve discovered the exact genetic combination that will produce a mutant child. A slave, as you call it. What we don’t know is the exact genetic combination that produces an infant controller.”
  – John Cornelius (21:05)
  Summarizing the heart of the scientific horror at play.

• “Even if I did run, Lady McClutten, I have no doubt you could will a whole army of zombies into catching up with me.”
  – Professor Lark (25:12)
  A dry, foreboding reflection of their peril.

• “What about you, John? What will you do?”
  “Return to surgery before I lose my touch.”
  – Ian Sanderson and John Cornelius (27:12–27:15)
  Acceptance, weariness, and a return to normalcy amid traumatic events.

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Important Timestamps

• 00:46: Recap and premise—Flora’s murder; the organization traced to a merchant bank.
• 02:30: Discussion of "breeder unit" and the purpose of the trust.
• 05:30: Confrontation over the true nature of “island sickness” (Lark challenges Sir Graham).
• 08:42: Lady MacLutten expresses fascination with Lark’s telepathy theories.
• 16:00: Dinner at the McLutten house/danger intensifies.
• 22:43: Lady MacLutten's mind control is revealed in full.
• 25:20: The intervention; Lady MacLutten’s defeat.
• 27:00–27:30: Aftermath – decisions about futures.

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Tone and Language

The episode is suspenseful, layered with dry wit (especially from Professor Lark), polite but tense exchanges, and a mounting sense of horror as the truth is uncovered. Characters speak with British formalities, often masking suspicion or sorrow with understated humor, but the revelations and final confrontation cast a much darker shadow.

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Final Thoughts

"Aliens in the Mind" delivers a classic science fiction conclusion packed with intrigue, betrayal, and questions about the limits of power and control. In this final episode, the protagonists’ persistent investigation leads to the unraveling of a generational conspiracy and the downfall of its mastermind, Lady MacLutten. Yet, the story ends on an ambiguous note, with Professor Lark cautioning that with such mutations, “the next controller could come from anywhere on Earth.” The chilling possibility—that this battle may never truly be over—lingers long after the credits roll.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Aliens in the mind. Co starring vincent price as curtis lark and peter cushing as john cornelius. When Flora Keery is murdered, Lark and Cornelius decide to tell her father, the MP Ian Sanderson, that he is himself a mutant able to be manipulated by the unidentified controller, the same person who ordered his daughter's death. Shocked and horrified, Sanderson agrees to help them trace the organization back to its source. Their search finally leads them to an educational trust with headquarters at a merchant bank in the city.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

We've been looking at this education trust as something which is developed in quite naturally out of the situation on Luig.

[John Cornelius]

I thought we were all agreed on that.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What, from one tiny island, A few hundred simple, hard working, God fearing crofters organizing this. This fellowship, this education trust.

[John Cornelius]

What's the alternative?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

That Lueg may have started as an accident of nature, but it has been deliberately built up, exploited for the sole purpose of of producing mutants who can be groomed for high office. Like Ian here or Brigadier Sherman.

[John Cornelius]

And half the names on Ian's list. I shouldn't be surprised.

[Ian Sanderson]

You mean it's been set up like a sort of mutant breeder unit?

[John Cornelius]

More like a stud farm.

[Ian Sanderson]

Oh, it's horrible.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, especially when you think of Molly Kyle and the Reverend Donald Schoular as

[John Cornelius]

the farmers Farm manager's more likely. Now if you're right, then the real villains, the masterminds of this business are hiding behind the facade of this merchant bank.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

All this plate glass opulence around us.

[Major Manson]

Excuse me, gentlemen. Sir Graham is free to see you now.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Just a minute. Who was that who just came out?

[Major Manson]

That was Sir Graham's last appointment, sir. The Reverend Donald Schooler. There he is now, sir. Just going towards the main door. Do you know him by any chance?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh yes, we know him all right.

[John Cornelius]

And the man he's talking to now?

[Major Manson]

Oh, do you, sir? That's Sir Graham's chauffeur.

[Ian Sanderson]

But he's the man who's been waiting outside my flat for two and a half hours.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

And sure as hell he wasn't waiting for a bus.

[Narrator]

Final tribulations

[Major Manson]

Come in, if you please, gentlemen. Sir Graham will see you now.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Thank you.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Come in. It's nice to see you again. Thank you, sir. You seem to have been away for ages. Aye.

[Ian Sanderson]

Graham, may I introduce John Cornelius, the eminent brain surgeon.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Mr. Cornelius.

[John Cornelius]

It's good of you to see us, Sir Graham.

[Ian Sanderson]

And Professor Curtis Lark.

[John Cornelius]

Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Hello, sir. Nice office you have here, Sir Graham. Must be a good working environment.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Perfect. But then, luxury always is.

[John Cornelius]

Yes.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Won't you sit down, gentlemen?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Thank you.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Now, what brings two such unlikely visitors through the hallowed portals of a merchant bank?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Money. What else, Sir Graham?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, at least you've come to the right man.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

We sincerely hope so.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, tell me all about it. What's your problem?

[John Cornelius]

We've just returned from the Isle of Luig.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

You know the Isle of Luig, Sir Graham?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, of course I do. I was born there.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What a coincidence.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

What? Oh, you mean because of Ian? Not really.

[John Cornelius]

Were you also educated on the island, Sir Graham?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

To start with, of course. But then my family emigrated to Canada. Oh, but that was years and years ago, Graham.

[Ian Sanderson]

Was the Luig Educational Trust in existence in those days?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Of course not, Ian. That wasn't until just before the war. 1938 or 9.

[John Cornelius]

Could you tell us who established the trust?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

I did. It's always been very much my own private benefaction. Yes, something like that. In gratitude for all the favors received

[Professor Curtis Lark]

and in lively expectation of further favors to come.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

That's a nice turn of phrase you have, Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, it's not original, I'm afraid.

[John Cornelius]

Indeed not. I believe it was her said of King John.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, you know everything, Sir Graham.

[John Cornelius]

Do you know anything about the island sickness?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Island sick? What island sickness on Lewig Graham. Oh, that. Oh, that's nothing much.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Nothing much. Do you realize that the incidence of mental disorientation in the young is higher on this one tiny island with a population of a few hundred than it is in the rest of the United Kingdom? You call that. Nothing much, Sir Graham. It's the biggest nothing much I've ever heard of.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Put like that, Professor, I might agree it sounds horribly impressive. But as I understand it, this sickness is no more than a passing phase, like growing pains.

[Ian Sanderson]

The point is, Graham, that whatever this sickness is, it didn't turn out to be a passing phase with my daughter.

[John Cornelius]

You?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

I didn't even know you had a daughter.

[Ian Sanderson]

No, I think I'd almost forgotten it myself until last week.

[Lady MacLutten]

Why?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

What happened last week?

[Ian Sanderson]

My daughter was murdered.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Murdered? My poor Ian. I had no idea. Oh, but this is awful. Terrible. I can't tell you how appalled I am.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Don't you want to know who did it?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course I do.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

So do we.

[John Cornelius]

It was two complete strangers.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Strangers to us, that is.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

But why, Ian? In God's name, why?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

We hoped you might hazard a guess, Sir Graham.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

I don't know why you should think that.

[John Cornelius]

Don't you?

[Ian Sanderson]

Anyway, the point is that I'd like to make some sort of lasting memorial to her.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Of course you would.

[Ian Sanderson]

What I had in mind was some sort of grant to allow proper research into the causes of this island sickness.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Aunt Luig?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Where else?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

It sounds a marvellous idea.

[John Cornelius]

We thought you'd like it.

[Ian Sanderson]

And I was wondering if you'd be prepared to let the Trust sponsor it.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

The Trust?

[John Cornelius]

Why not, Sir Graham? Isn't the aim of the Trust to improve conditions for the islanders?

[Lady MacLutten]

Er.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, yes. Yes, in a way, I suppose.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, believe me, this would improve their lot a lot.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, excuse me a moment. Yes, Charles?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Lady MacLaren has arrived, sir Graham.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh. Ask her to wait.

[Ian Sanderson]

Just a few.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

No, no, no. On second thoughts, ask her to come straight up.

[Major Manson]

Very good, Sir Graham.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

I hope you don't mind, gentlemen. I'm meant to be taking my wife to lunch.

[Ian Sanderson]

It's ages since I saw her last.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Is your wife also a native of Lewig, Sir Graham?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, no, no, no. She was born in Canada. Actually, that's where I first met her.

[Ian Sanderson]

But she does take a great interest in affairs on the island.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, yes, indeed. She'll want to know a great deal about this suggestion of yours.

[Lady MacLutton]

Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

No, no, no. It's quite all right, dear. Come on in.

[Lady MacLutton]

Well, if you're sure you.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

You know Ian, of course.

[Ian Sanderson]

Of course.

[Lady MacLutton]

It's been so long, I'm in danger of forgetting what you look like.

[VRBO Announcer]

Ian.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Now, let me introduce you to Mr. John Cornelius, the brain surgeon.

[Lady MacLutton]

Mr. Cornelius.

[Lady MacLutten]

How do you do? Lady Madam.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

And Professor Curtis Lark.

[Lady MacLutton]

You're not Curtis Lark the author, are you?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, I do write the odd book or two, ma'. Am.

[Lady MacLutton]

Yes, I've just read one of them.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Ah, thank you. I'm gratified to find I'm not my only reader.

[Lady MacLutton]

No, seriously. I find your predictions of the future use of telepathy and telekinesis quite fascinating.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, it is a fascinating subject and

[Lady MacLutton]

not a little frightening. Forgive me. I've obviously broken up something terribly important.

[Ian Sanderson]

On the contrary, your arrival could be quite opportune.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Sit down, my dear.

[John Cornelius]

Here we hope you might be able to persuade Sir Graham to support our scheme.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

It's a modest medical research grant.

[Lady MacLutton]

That seems a worthy enough cause. What do you intend to research?

[John Cornelius]

Mental illness, Lady Maclutton.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

On a tiny Scottish island called Lewick.

[Lady MacLutton]

Lewick? But there's no mental illness on Lewick.

[John Cornelius]

Oh, but there is, I assure you.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

The so called island sickness is almost approaching an epidemic.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

They want the trust to sponsor the idea.

[Lady MacLutton]

If they're serious, why not? It sounds a marvellous idea.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

That's what your husband said.

[John Cornelius]

Exactly what your husband said. Word for word.

[Lady MacLutton]

Of course, we'd have to put it to the other trustees.

[John Cornelius]

Oh, I thought it was a private trust.

[Ian Sanderson]

Graham did say that he set up the trust.

[Lady MacLutton]

Oh, he did? As agent for the trustees.

[Ian Sanderson]

Could we approach them?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, I don't see why not.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

When?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

When?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What of when could we put it to them?

[Lady MacLutton]

Tonight if you like. For Graham and I are both trustees and the chief executor is dining with us. Three gives a quorum.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well then you'd better come to dinner. You can put your proposition en masse.

[Ian Sanderson]

What, all three of us?

[Lady MacLutton]

Why not? The more the merrier.

[Ian Sanderson]

Well, what a splendid idea. We'd love to come, wouldn't we?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, I guess we would at that.

[Lady MacLutton]

I'll make it eight for 8:30. Then we'll send a car for you. Then you won't have to worry about driving home.

[John Cornelius]

That is most awfully kind of you.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Drink, Curtis? No, thanks. I want to have that wide awake feeling all evening.

[John Cornelius]

You have a suspicious mind, dear boy. I don't expect it'll be anything but a perfectly ordinary dinner party.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, except that we could find ourselves playing foot with a controller.

[John Cornelius]

You think it's McLaren, don't you?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, I don't know, but it's not a bad position for a controller to be in now is it? I mean, head of a merchant bank, finger in every pie, pulling every string.

[John Cornelius]

Sounds awfully messy.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

It sounds terribly legitimate. What better front could a controller have?

[John Cornelius]

You're right about that. Every snippet of information in the right hands could be worth a million dollars.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Don't you have pounds over here anymore?

[John Cornelius]

Oh, yes, yes, but they're not the same as those we used to know and love. How does my bow tie look?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Terrible and tired. Why did you buy a clip on like mine?

[John Cornelius]

Oh, that's most uncivilized. Besides, I'd be terrified of you falling into the soup.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, it might improve the taste.

[John Cornelius]

Now who on earth's that?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Want me to get it?

[John Cornelius]

No, no, no, no. I'll go. All right, all right, I'm coming. Major Benson.

[Major Manson]

May I come in?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Yes, of course.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Go straight through to the smell of camphor.

[John Cornelius]

It's Major Manson.

[Major Manson]

Good evening, Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, good evening, Major. Will you join me in a drink? Scotch, straight.

[Major Manson]

A little water, please.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Okay.

[John Cornelius]

I thought you weren't going to drink tonight, Curtis.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, I changed my mind. This monkey suit of mine smells so much of mothballs, it's making my eyes water.

[John Cornelius]

You should give that gacket a good brush.

[Major Manson]

Does that get rid of the smell?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

No, but it scares the hell out of the mothballs.

[John Cornelius]

I say, I say, I say. Never mind us, Major.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

You are major. News to you.

[Major Manson]

Cheers.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Why don't you take the weight off your feet and tell us the news?

[Major Manson]

Well, you've certainly stirred up a hornet's nest. Colonel Gulliver's with the Home Secretary now.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Well, I'm glad to see someone's taken us seriously.

[Major Manson]

He's taking the whole show very seriously indeed. Regards it as a full scale attempt to subvert the government of this country.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

But the question is, who by?

[John Cornelius]

Perhaps we'll find out at dinner tonight. Choose me.

[Major Manson]

Find out what?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Who's behind it all.

[John Cornelius]

John Cornelius here.

[Ian Sanderson]

Oh, it's Ian Sanderson here.

[Major Manson]

Oh, hello.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Hi.

[Ian Sanderson]

I've just seen Sir Graham's car pull up outside your door, but I think the chauffeur's coming to you first, so I'll be down in a couple of minutes.

[John Cornelius]

Oh, well, thank you. See you in a few moments then.

[Ian Sanderson]

Aye, fine.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Bye.

[Ian Sanderson]

Bye.

[John Cornelius]

That's odd. It's very odd.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Something come up, John?

[Narrator]

No.

[John Cornelius]

Well, at least.

[Lady MacLutten]

What?

[John Cornelius]

Well, that was Sanderson. He rang to say McLaren's chauffeur is on his way up for us.

[Major Manson]

Simple courtesy, surely.

[John Cornelius]

Well, I don't know. He warned us once before, didn't he, Curtis?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, you're right. When Flora got killed.

[Major Manson]

You think he's trying to warn you again?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

He possible.

[John Cornelius]

Hello. The trouble is, once a mutant, always a mutant. We can never be sure. Here goes.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

John.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Yes?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Be ready for anything, Mr. Cornelius.

[Major Manson]

Keep your body right behind the front

[Professor Curtis Lark]

door all the time.

[John Cornelius]

Don't worry, I will.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What about me?

[Lady MacLutten]

You, professor, keep clear of this doorway.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Okay.

[Lady MacLutten]

Mr. Cornelius.

[John Cornelius]

Yes, we won't keep your minute. Just about ready.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

They have the way, Professor.

[Lady MacLutten]

Look how Johnny's gotta keep out of the way.

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[Professor Curtis Lark]

John, Are you all right?

[John Cornelius]

I'm still in one piece, I think, but I. I'm shaking like a jelly.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, that's probably just the reaction.

[John Cornelius]

What about him?

[Major Manson]

What about him? Have you ever seen him before?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes. He was watching Sanderson's apartment this morning,

[John Cornelius]

and then we saw him talking to Schooler at the bank.

[Major Manson]

Schooler? Yes, the preacher fellow from your island.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yeah, that's the one.

[Major Manson]

Now, I wonder what brings him to town.

[John Cornelius]

Well, that's something else we may learn during dinner.

[Major Manson]

This dinner party, where's it meant to be taking place?

[John Cornelius]

Oh, that's a. That's a Graham McLutten's.

[Major Manson]

McCluttin. You mean the merchant banker? Is he involved?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, boy, and how.

[John Cornelius]

Well, his chauffeur certainly was.

[Major Manson]

And you're determined to go through with this dinner?

[John Cornelius]

Quite determined.

[Major Manson]

In spite of all that's happened?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Because of all that's happened.

[Major Manson]

You know, you could be putting your head in the lion's mouth.

[John Cornelius]

Well, let's hope it doesn't suffer from halitosis.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, I like that child. Yeah, you're better.

[Major Manson]

Do you mind if I use your phone?

[John Cornelius]

Oh, help yourself.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What are you going to do?

[Major Manson]

You'll require transport, won't you?

[Ian Sanderson]

But where's Sir Graham? Chauffeur. Oh, what's happened to him?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Why don't you tell us?

[John Cornelius]

We were actually ready when you phoned, and then we stood around waiting for nearly half an hour.

[Ian Sanderson]

That's strange.

[John Cornelius]

Very. Especially as the car was still parked in the street. I presume it was Sir Graham's car.

[Ian Sanderson]

Oh, I am sure of that.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

I can't think of any place a chauffeur go without his car.

[John Cornelius]

Perhaps he couldn't take it with him.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, the McCluttens won't think it very funny either.

[Ian Sanderson]

I would already half an hour late as it is.

[Major Manson]

Mr. Ian Sanderson, Mr. John Cornelius and Professor Curtis Lark.

[Lady MacLutton]

Oh, I thought you were never coming.

[John Cornelius]

We very nearly weren't.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, what happened? Did the car not arrive in time?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, no, the car arrived, but the chauffeur didn't.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, well, perhaps he ran out of petrol.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Now, why couldn't we have thought of that?

[Lady MacLutton]

Let me introduce you to the chief executor.

[Lady MacLutten]

Good Evening, Professor. You, Reverend Schooler, Mr. Cornelius, of course,

[Lady MacLutton]

you know my cousin Donald, don't you?

[John Cornelius]

Cousin? I had no idea you were related.

[Lady MacLutton]

Oh, a long way removed, I'm afraid.

[Lady MacLutten]

I'm bound to say I am surprised to see you again, Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, I can imagine.

[Lady MacLutton]

Do you think we could all go through to dinner now? I think they're ready to serve.

[Lady MacLutten]

So, what's this nonsense I hear about you wanting the trust to sponsor some newfangled scheme on the island, Ian?

[Ian Sanderson]

Oh, it's hardly a nonsense, Minister. I want to set up a research grant as a memorial to my daughter.

[Lady MacLutten]

Ay, Flora. I heard about that. Very distressing. That must have been more than you can know. Mind, that girl would have been alive today if she had been left with us on the island where she was safe and well cared for.

[John Cornelius]

Flora needed treatment, Minister.

[Lady MacLutten]

She was ill. Ay, she had the island sickness. There'd been many that had it before you came poking your nose in, and none of them seem any the worse for it.

[Lady MacLutton]

Please, Donald. Mr. Cornelius is a guest.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

It's a fair point though, my dear. I mean, I suffered from it and I came through all right. So did Ian.

[Ian Sanderson]

And so did your butler, I believe.

[Lady MacLutton]

Joshua? Yes, I think he did.

[John Cornelius]

Also, apparently the entire fellowship on Lewick.

[Lady MacLutton]

What makes you say that?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

It was the price of the ticket.

[John Cornelius]

What he means that was the reason for joining the fellowship.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

How do you know that?

[John Cornelius]

From the things Flora said and from what Sanderson has told us.

[Lady MacLutton]

Ian.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Yes, and from Hugh Dexter's notebook, of course.

[Lady MacLutten]

What notebook? We found.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

No, no, what?

[Lady MacLutten]

Minister, I'm just surprised that anything could have survived that fire at Dr. Dexter's house.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

It didn't. We had the notebook in our pocket

[John Cornelius]

by then, and it told us everything he had discovered before he was so rudely taken from us.

[Lady MacLutton]

Joshua, serve some more wine, if you please.

[Major Manson]

Very well, my lady.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

What was it that this Dexter fellow discovered?

[Ian Sanderson]

Well, he discovered that owing to some strange genetic mutation of the brain, many of the islanders, myself included, could be controlled the way a robot can be controlled. But anyone with the Ability to transmit instructions telepathically.

[Lady MacLutton]

Ian, what's gone into you?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Ian, listen to me. A man in your position must have and must keep the confidence of the general public. Whatever you believe or think you believe, you cannot afford to talk like that, even in private.

[Ian Sanderson]

I can't afford to be a slave to somebody else's ambitions. A politician must be his own master, Sir Graham.

[John Cornelius]

That was extremely well said.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, I'm only a banker. I may be a bit naive about these things. But if Ian and others like him have been turned into slaves. Who are you accusing of being the masters?

[John Cornelius]

Flora Carey, for one.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Ian's daughter. Oh, but that's preposterous.

[Lady MacLutten]

Yeah, we keep coming back to that poor wee lassie, don't we?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

And we're going to keep coming right on back to her. She was the only flaw in the pattern, wasn't she?

[Lady MacLutton]

I must say, professor, this is even more intriguing than your book.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

And a damn sight more far fetched.

[John Cornelius]

Oh, no, Sir Graham. You see, we've discovered the exact genetic combination that will produce a mutant child. A slave, as you call it.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What we don't know is the exact genetic combination that produces an infant controller. One of your masters.

[John Cornelius]

We were hoping one of you would enlighten us.

[Lady MacLutton]

Why us?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Well, I suggest you direct that question to someone who breeds thoroughbreds.

[John Cornelius]

It's not so far removed, Sir Graham. We are talking about another form of selective breeding.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Very selective. To the point of not pairing people who might produce unwanted controllers. Like Flora Keery.

[John Cornelius]

Only her mother ruined everything by having an affair with Ian.

[Lady MacLutten]

Ah. I've never heard such nonsense at all, Jagreel.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

It's not nonsense and you both know it.

[Ian Sanderson]

In the end, it was the reason Flora had to be killed, wasn't it, Sir Graham?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

What?

[John Cornelius]

You had one controller too many, didn't you?

[Lady MacLutten]

Aye, and now we've got a pair of meddling, bezzy bodies.

[Lady MacLutton]

That's enough, Donnel. There's no point in abusing our guests. They're intelligent men after all. They must realize their predicament by now.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What predicament?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Oh, of course.

[John Cornelius]

Curtis. I'm sorry. I should have realized.

[Lady MacLutton]

You should indeed, Mr. Cornelius.

[Lady MacLutten]

Aye, with all your fancy training. And you couldna work out that it might be another woman.

[Lady MacLutton]

If there's still any doubt in your minds. Just watch. Listen to me. Concentrate. Concentrate. Look around you, gentlemen. Ian Sanderson, my husband, the butler.

[Lady MacLutten]

Aye, and a whole houseful of servants besides.

[Lady MacLutton]

Look at them carefully. Don't you notice something strange? Their blank looks. Not one of them has a thought in his head. Except to carry out my instructions, lady mcludden.

[Narrator]

Who'd have thought it?

[Lady MacLutten]

Well, you should have done. Especially after Flora and my sister.

[John Cornelius]

Your sister?

[Lady MacLutten]

Molly Kyle.

[John Cornelius]

Molly Kyle was your sister?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What were you trying to do, Minister? Keep it in the family?

[Lady MacLutten]

Ay, something like that, Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

And you were just riding on her coattails. Powered by proxy, it figures.

[Lady MacLutten]

Fishy. You didn't figure it earlier then. That was your big mistake, Professor.

[John Cornelius]

What do you intend to do with us, Lady MacButton?

[Lady MacLutton]

Well, I have only to will that you should be taken out and killed.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

And you will be with a chorus of zombies chanting Kill em. Kill em.

[Lady MacLutton]

No, they don't have to chant. You can have it in complete silence if you like.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Could we have them praying for our eternal souls? Just to keep the minister happy?

[Lady MacLutten]

The time for the wisecracks is well past, Professor. Outside now.

[Lady MacLutton]

And please, let's not have any unpleasantness. It would be such a pity to ruin such a delightful and informative evening.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, yes, of course. And blood stains are so rough on the carpets.

[Lady MacLutton]

Precisely, Professor. I knew you'd understand. Perhaps you would precede us into the garden, please? Just to the edge of the lawn, if you would.

[Lady MacLutten]

That's far enough.

[John Cornelius]

What now?

[Lady MacLutton]

Now we wait for the helicopter. It shouldn't be more than a few minutes.

[Lady MacLutten]

The bank own an air taxi service. Sir Graham often uses it to get him to the airport.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Is that where we're going?

[Lady MacLutton]

Yes, Professor. We booked a flight to New York

[Lady MacLutten]

for you, and Cornelius and Sanderson were going to see you off.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Were going to see me off?

[Lady MacLutten]

Yes. Unfortunately, the helicopter crashed, killing all the passengers.

[John Cornelius]

What about the crew?

[Lady MacLutton]

The pilot's one of my mutants. He'll do what I will him to.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

You mean he'll just kill himself like some kamikaze pilot?

[Lady MacLutton]

If I want him to.

[Lady MacLutten]

Right on time.

[Lady MacLutton]

It's no good looking round, Professor. There's no way out. Nowhere to run.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Even if I did run, Lady McClutten, I have no doubt you could will a whole army of zombies into catching up with me.

[Lady MacLutton]

That's right, Professor.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

How many zombies do you control anyway?

[Major Manson]

All right, Lady McClutten, stand quite standing still. The party's over, Manson.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

And about time.

[Lady MacLutton]

Kill him.

[Ian Sanderson]

Kill him.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Careful, Manson. Be careful. She's the controller.

[Lady MacLutten]

Call him up, Lady McClutten.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Kill him.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Kill him.

[Lady MacLutton]

Call him off.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Kill him.

[John Cornelius]

Kill him.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Kill him.

[John Cornelius]

Kill him.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Kill him.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Kill him. What am I? What's been happening?

[Major Manson]

Mr. Mr. Cornelius. Professor.

[John Cornelius]

You all write Fine, Manson, fine. You left it rather late.

[Major Manson]

Yes, I'm sorry about that.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

My wife. My wife. What's happened to her?

[Lady MacLutten]

Caroline is dead, Graham. They have killed her.

[Sir Graham McLutten]

What? Oh, no. Caroline, my dear.

[Lady MacLutten]

Damn you, Lark. Damn your interfering eyes.

[Major Manson]

I half expected he would have a gun. Rather hoped he would, actually.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

What about Lady McCluden? She was unarmed.

[John Cornelius]

Why should she bother with the gun when she had a whole army of instant zombies at her command?

[Major Manson]

That's what I was thinking.

[Ian Sanderson]

Well, I suppose that's the end of

[Professor Curtis Lark]

this business, is it?

[Ian Sanderson]

Except for picking up the pieces on Luig.

[John Cornelius]

I mean.

[Ian Sanderson]

Perhaps you'd allow me to look after that.

[John Cornelius]

You?

[Ian Sanderson]

Obviously, I can't continue in politics. I'm too big a security risk to ever achieve high office. And that's what it's really all about.

[John Cornelius]

Can't you stay on the backbench?

[Ian Sanderson]

No, no, no, I don't think so. I'd keep remembering my ambitions. It had hurt too much. No, I'd rather do something useful back home in Luig for a while, until I can think it over.

[Major Manson]

What about Sir Graham?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Poor man. I don't think he understands what's going on.

[Ian Sanderson]

Not surprised. It'll take quite a lot of explaining, believe me.

[John Cornelius]

Yes, Ian. And you might be the best person to do it.

[Ian Sanderson]

Aye, I'll try.

[Major Manson]

No.

[Ian Sanderson]

What about you, John? What will you do?

[John Cornelius]

Return to surgery before I lose my touch.

[Ian Sanderson]

And you, Curtis?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Oh, I shouldn't be surprised if I've got quite a lot of traveling to do.

[John Cornelius]

What? Back to Borneo?

[Professor Curtis Lark]

All over the place. I don't believe we've seen the end of this business.

[Ian Sanderson]

Oh, surely, Curtis.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

No, seriously. I mean, Lady MacArthur came from Canada. The next controller could come from anywhere on Earth. They could spring up like mushrooms.

[John Cornelius]

Oh, no, don't start that again, Curtis, please.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

Start what?

[Sir Graham McLutten]

Anything.

[Professor Curtis Lark]

My dear John, I think it started already.

[Narrator]

That was the final episode of aliens in the mind. Co starring vincent price as curtis lark and peter cushing as john cornelius. With richard herndel as sir graham mccludden, joan benham, lady mccluden, fraser carr, ian sanderson, henry stamper, donald schoular and andrew sear as manson. Electronic effects for the series were by chris jenkins. Aliens in the mind was written by rene basilico from an idea by robert holmes, production by john dyess.

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