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In this intriguing episode of Mystery Theater, host E.G. Marshall delves into the world of beliefs and the lengths people will go to pursue them. The story, "The Believers," written by Percy Grainger, follows Alan, a young man living in the Midwest, who becomes entangled in the mysterious activities of his neighbor, Mr. Bolivar. Mr. Bolivar claims to have discovered a path to a hidden civilization within the Earth, known as the Hollow Earth. Despite skepticism, Alan is drawn into the adventure, driven by curiosity and concern for a fellow believer, Joan Larkin. As they venture into the depths, they uncover unsettling truths and face the ultimate test of belief and survival.
Throughout the episode, the narrative explores themes of belief, curiosity, and the human desire for a better life. Alan's journey into the unknown is fraught with danger and mystery, as he grapples with the fantastical claims of Mr. Bolivar and the ominous fate of previous explorers. The story raises questions about the nature of belief and the risks involved in pursuing the extraordinary. With a blend of suspense and philosophical inquiry, "The Believers" challenges listeners to consider the power and peril of belief in the face of the unknown.
(00:11) Introduction to Beliefs
(01:02) The Mystery of Mr. Bolivar
(06:01) Alan's Encounter with Mr. Bolivar
(14:02) The Hollow Earth Club
(27:18) Journey into the Unknown
(36:01) The Truth Unveiled
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[00:00:07]
Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. The world is composed of many different kinds of beliefs and believers. Depending on who you are and where you're from, certain beliefs will seem quite natural and others will not. The world by and large has become a more tolerant place than it used to be. But even so, or perhaps for this very reason, there are people who possess beliefs of such fantastical magnitude. We can scarcely think they are serious and yet they are deadly serious
[00:00:49] Unknown:
We've got to keep going
[00:00:52] Unknown:
We're almost there I'm sure we are I think we'd better turn back while we still can
[00:00:57] Unknown:
Why? You saw the evidence with your own eyes didn't you? Why do you keep calling it evidence?
[00:01:02] Unknown:
That guy is a crackpot and if we keep going we may never come back Our mystery drama The Believers was written especially for the mystery theater by Percy Grainger and stars Christopher someone once said that people believe only in the commonplace that which they are accustomed to see. But Emerson maintained that we are born believing and that we bear beliefs as trees bear apples. Some feel that you can even measure the depth of a person's soul by the magnitude of his belief. But belief is like most other things. Too much of it can be a dangerous thing.
We're in a modest country house on the outskirts of a town in
[00:02:17] Unknown:
the Midwest Brother, I'm home Brother, are you in the kitchen? Mom, where are you?
[00:02:29] Unknown:
Oh thank you, bro You've been in the parlor the whole time You think so still I I didn't even see you
[00:02:36] Unknown:
Why didn't you ask me? Mom, what's the matter? Be quiet I'm waiting Waiting for what? Get away from that Leo. He might see you Who will we move? What's going on? It's something very strange I I I don't see anyone out there Yeah, I know That's just it Oh, no, no, ma'am It's that's labor of ours Mr. Bolivar. Oh no mom, not that again. I tell you Alan something very immoral is happening over there. Now Mr. Bolivar is a perfectly harmless old guy. How does he make his living?
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Well, that's none of our business. But we don't know, do we?
[00:03:15] Unknown:
At least you have an honest job. You leave the house a decent hour each morning and come home from the factory a decent hour each evening with a decent face sweat on your brow. Mister Bonavar never leaves his house at all Well maybe he works at home I mean we we see him out in the garden a lot You do not make a living with the garden Maybe not
[00:03:37] Unknown:
But I sure wish I could get all on to grow like his does
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Look how green and thick he gets his grass to come in Yes, just like a cemetery
[00:03:45] Unknown:
He's probably got people buried in it Oh mom, you gotta stop spending so much time peeping down the road at this house I'm not peeping.
[00:03:54] Unknown:
Something is going on, Alan. And if something is going on, it isn't peeping to try to find out what? You spend your whole day at this window. It's not good for you, mom. Listen to me. It's happened again. What? A woman came to Mr. Bolivar's house. She went in and she hasn't come out. Is that her car in his driveway? Ellen, it's beginning to happen more and more often. People drive up to Mr. Bolivar's house. They go go in and that's the last they are seeing. They probably leave at night. That's what we thought. But I found out this morning that's not true.
But their cars are gone. You've heard them drive away or you've seen them. Do you remember those people who came yesterday? Well, early this morning, the car left. I heard it. It woke me up just like it always does, but this was the first time it hadn't been pitch dark. It was just after dawn. You'd already gone to work. I rushed to the window and you know who was driving the car? Even Bolivar himself and he was all alone. He returned about two hours later on foot Naho, you tell me there's nothing wrong going on
[00:05:06] Unknown:
are you sure there wasn't anyone else in the car? I'm absolutely positive
[00:05:11] Unknown:
And now he's got some fresh victims in there this very moment. It may already be too late to save them. What do you think we should do? I think you ought to go over there and find out what's happening. Me? Well, you two have always had a friendly way for each other. Mama, I had a long damn factory. I'm tired. Alan, he always comes out about this time of day to tint his garden. Now you go wash yourself up and I'll keep watch. What about our supper? Look. There he is now. Hurry, dear. Now is your chance. What am I supposed to say? I don't know.
But you're a clever boy. Just just don't let him know you suspect anything. And don't worry, dear. I'll be watching you.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Hello? Mister Boulevard? Oh, good evening, Alan. How are you? Why, what? I'm just out for a walk. Really? I've never noticed you were in the habit of taking an evening constitutional Oh, it's my mother I I I'm I mean, She she thought it it would be good for me She doesn't think you get enough exercise on that assembly line, I guess not How is your mother these days?
[00:06:27] Unknown:
Oh, she always seems to find something to do.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
Oh, my mother was the same way. You know, I suspected she wasn't really happy. In fact, when I began to look around me, I discovered that to be true about a great number of people. We find a 100 different ways to distract ourselves from the simple fact that we are discontented. Do you know why we're discontented, Alan? No. Why? Because our lives are in the hands of other people. Our employers, our parents and most of all the government. People in positions of authority ready to bend our lives to their whims. I think I'm pretty happy. Are you?
Really? I don't think so.
[00:07:14] Unknown:
Why not? Can you seem,
[00:07:18] Unknown:
preoccupied? Barlet by something. Oh, no. No. No. I I'm not at all. I'm sure you're saying. And yet you aren't looking at me as you speak. I I I I was just looking at your lawn. I've always admired how you get your grass to grow in so thick. But I've tried receding our yard several times. It just never comes out like this. I think you're evading the issue, Allen. Well, sure. I I could be happier. Who couldn't? I mean I'd like to find a girlfriend I'd like to get a raise in my salary so I could afford some of the things I've always wanted like a motorboat camper And these aren't things that make a person happy.
They're simply further distractions. You seem pretty happy. Oh, I'm even more discontented than most, but I am doing something about it.
[00:08:17] Unknown:
Really? What's that?
[00:08:19] Unknown:
Well, let's say I have a belief, an abiding faith. In God? Oh, of course. In God, but there's something else as well. What? That we can improve upon the life we've all been forced to lead. I sometimes wonder how. I guess I could use a little belief too. Could you? I thought it would help. But not everybody is capable of belief. Why not? Well, a great belief requires a great man. For there are those who would ridicule you, there are those who would you for what you believe. Could you abide such things? Yeah. I'm I mean, if I really had something to believe in, I guess I could. But, can you believe, Alan?
Can you really believe in something almost beyond comprehension and yet so wonderful, so joyous that the mere thought of it makes you determined to take control of your own life and free yourself from your discontent once and for all, Yeah. If if that's what it would do I I mean, why not? And for such a reward would you even be willing to run the risk of death? That maybe those who would kill you for your belief. Well, that's a home you bought and I I don't know. How great is your capacity for belief? Is it as strong as the desires of your heart?
That's the truly happy person, Alan. The one who has the courage to follow his vision. Just what is the vision? Nothing less than the chance of a new life. I like you, Alan. I trust you. You're young. You're strong. And like so many of us, you have a native intelligence that is wasted in your present situation. Well, thank you. Can you come over to my house this evening? I'm holding a meeting. What kind of a meeting? Ma'am, I will tell you when you come. I think when you hear what I have to say, you have no qualms at all. Okay, mister Bolivar.
Come on. I'll see. Fine. Oh, about your lawn. I think the reason you're having difficulty is that you're underestimating the properties of the soil. If one will only appreciate its potential, there's no limit to what the earth can yield. Well, what was he saying? He invited me to his house tonight for a meeting. Oh dear. I don't think I better go. Oh no. Absolutely
[00:11:06] Unknown:
not. Alan, you're all I've got. I could never forgive myself if you disappeared. What did he say the meeting was about? Belief. Belief? In in what? Some kind of new life.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
He said he'd explain it all at the meeting. Oh, but you're right. I don't think I should go
[00:11:29] Unknown:
what time is the meeting? 08:00 If I make you your dinner right away you can be finished by then What? I think you've got to go Oh, no no no Mom! We've got to find out what is happening don't we? I mean all those poor people. Maybe we should just call the police. No. What if they didn't find anything? Then Mr. Bonavar would be after us. I'd be putting my life in danger, mom. Well, yes. Yeah, but forewarned is forearmed. You will be prepared. And Alan, you're much bigger than he is. What can possibly do to you? Yeah, but, Anyway, it's a meeting, isn't it? I mean, there will be other people there so you outnumber him.
Well, you have to go, son. I want to know what's going on.
[00:12:28] Unknown:
Oh, Alan. Good. You decided to come. I'm sorry if I'm late. We've just finished supper. That's perfectly understandable. You're not late at all. Come into the parlor. Just about to begin. I'll introduce you to the other person.
[00:12:43] Unknown:
The the other? You mean there's only one?
[00:12:46] Unknown:
Hello? Joan Larkin. This is Alan Pearson. Alan's a neighbor of mine. How do you do?
[00:12:52] Unknown:
Oh, hello. Well,
[00:12:55] Unknown:
I guess we can begin. No one else is coming? I don't think so. Not not tonight. But as we tend to forget in this day and age of mass conformity, even two individuals can make a quorum. And now, Alan, if you have a seat next to Joan, I'll welcome you to our society and tell you exactly why you're here. A precipice is something villain traditionally leave heroes verging on at the end of an act. But no matter how high the precipice, one can always see where he will fall if he fails to hang on. A precipice of the mind is an altogether different matter, for it affords no view of the abyss that awaits the hapless victim.
We'll find out what kind of a precipice Alan's mother's curiosity has landed him on when I return with act two. The secret society is as old as mankind. Small groups of people who consider themselves the elect have always formed clandestine groups and flatter themselves with secret codes and rituals and sometimes with secret knowledge. Knowledge that they feel gives them insight to the mysteries of life and death. Evan Bolivar has spoken cryptically of the chance of a new life, the chance to escape this world. Let us rejoin him to find out more.
Are you sure we shouldn't wait until more people show up? There won't be any more people tonight, Alan. It's just you and Joan.
[00:14:45] Unknown:
What kind of society is this? Can't he know mister Blue Lion? Not yet Joan.
[00:14:51] Unknown:
You mean you do? Of course. Joan has traveled a great distance to be here tonight. All the way from Lipinski, Ohio. I don't ever want to hear that name again.
[00:15:01] Unknown:
Do you know what's going to happen? Of course I do. That's why I'm here.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
Now I'm gonna have to wait. I'm sorry Joan your intended partners had a last minute change of heart. It happens frequently under the circumstances to be expected.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
They can't be blamed and there's nothing to be done about it. But you'll have to give Alan time to think about it. And I'm all ready to make the journey now. Mhmm. That'll be up to Alan.
[00:15:28] Unknown:
What kind of journey are you talking about? Oh, what what's the name of this society? We call ourselves the Hollow Earth Club.
[00:15:38] Unknown:
The Hollow Earth Club? Mhmm. You you mean you think the Earth is hollow? We don't think so, Alan. We know it is. We have proof.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
This is the other world I was speaking of. It's not somewhere off in space or in the heavens. It exists right here inside our own. It's a civilization of people superior to us in every way, technically and culturally. They live deep inside the earth in towering cities of shimmering crystal. Mister Bolivar, excuse me. But I I mean, are you serious? Where did you ever get a notion like this? The notion has been around for centuries. There are references to the civilization of hollow earth in text dating back to ancient times. The ancient Hebrews and Greeks knew of its existence. Oh, because we're just myths. Many governments have mounted expeditions to try to go into hollow earth.
During World War two, the Germans sent a specially outfitted u boat into the Arctic. The boat never returned. Every government sponsored expedition has met with disaster. Why? Because governments are only interested in interfering and taking over. The hollow earth people do not approve of the mess we've made of surface earth and want no part of it. That's why they've chosen to stay underground. If these people don't let government expeditions into their, their their domain. So what makes you think they'll let you go down there? That, Alan, is the chance we take.
[00:17:20] Unknown:
That is the risk I spoke of this afternoon. It's very important that we make the journey with compassion and understanding. They must know that we respect them and have no desire other than to flee the same world they once did.
[00:17:36] Unknown:
You still look skeptical. Why? It's a pretty fantastic theory. No, Alan. You're wrong. Oh, but everyone knows the earth is solid as a rock. Joan, I guess we're going to have to show Alan our proof, hardly.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
You mean your proof? Thirty years ago, modern man came into actual contact with these wondrous people.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Who actually see you? Yes.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
How?
[00:18:03] Unknown:
There are large openings at the North And South Poles that lead into hollow earth. These openings are normally obscured by snow and ice, but Alexander Hobbes, an arctic explorer, discovered one of them in 1946. He left an account of his visit in a secret diary. It gave me the proof I've been looking for and that's when I moved here. Why here? We'll get to that in a moment. If you'll excuse me I'll fetch Hobbs's diary and you can hear for yourself what he
[00:18:39] Unknown:
discovered Miss Larkin? I You can call me Joan Are you seriously planning to go look for this place? Yes Yes. Why? Oh, it doesn't really matter why. Mr. Bolivar said you drove all the way here from Ohio. I'd rather not talk about it. Right now, my concern is where I'm going.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
That's where I've been. But you don't really believe you're gonna find a civilization of advanced people
[00:19:09] Unknown:
in the middle of the earth, do you? I believe there's got to be a better world than this one. Was it a man? Was it a man?
[00:19:22] Unknown:
Is that why you're so unhappy? That's
[00:19:26] Unknown:
not your business.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
Here we are. This is Admiral Hobbs secret diary. Just give me a minute to find the relevant entry. Here we are. The date is 05/24/1946. My Henson and I were taken from our sled, which we'd used to make the first part of our descent into the Provasse. We were then boarded on a small platform like conveyance with no wheels. It moved us deeper into the earth and finally toward the glowing city with great swiftness. Soon we arrived at the large building of a type I've never seen before. It was constructed of a crystal like material. Our hosts were for the most part, blonde and extremely pale complected.
They received this cordially because they knew we came with no malice. That sounds like something out of Buck Rogers? It does indeed. And where did you get that diary from anyway? It was entrusted to me by a survivor of the expedition. It goes on to describe in detail the nature of the life there in all respects on ideal existence. Are we gonna have to go all the way to the North Pole? No. No. As I mentioned, I moved to this part of the country for a reason. Beneath the fields around our houses here, there's an extensive cave system.
I spent three years digging a tunnel for those caves. The entrance to which is in this very room. Where? Oh, you may see for yourself. And you just give me a hand with this rug. Yeah? Now if you look carefully, you will notice the floorboards have been cut to create a trap
[00:21:22] Unknown:
door Look. There is the entrance to Hollow Earth.
[00:21:28] Unknown:
I have hard hats lights and boots everything you'll need for the descent Why do you keep the entrance hidden? I may be paranoid but I am convinced that the people of Hollow Earth have their eye on us at all times Our success depends on their goodwill and that in turn depends on our discretion. And you you think this cave system will lead you to Hollow Earth? Just just just like those holes in the octet? I know it will. A great many members of our society any of this seriously. Mister Bolivar, just what is in this for you? Nothing.
What's the catch? The members of your club have to pay some enormous sum of money or sign over all their worldly possessions to you before they can go for a ride in your magic tunnel. My only intention is to help people to a chance for a better life. I don't ask for anything in return. Oh, what would you do if I decided not to go? Nothing. But I know your secret. It's no secret, Alan. It's true. We don't seek publicity. But the reasons for that should be obvious. Naturally, people would think we were crackpots. And if I say no?
Well, that's up to you You mean I could leave? All I would ask is that you be discreet about what you've learned this evening Well, oh, okay then.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
I think I think I'll just go home.
[00:23:12] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:23:14] Unknown:
But what's gonna happen to miss Larkin? I'm going down. Hello? But doesn't it bother you that all those other people have just vanished down there? No.
[00:23:25] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar, you're not gonna let her go down there by herself are you? Oh I'd feel much better about it if she were accompanied of course But you won't stop her No? What's the matter, Alan? You having second thoughts? I don't think it's right. She should go down there alone. I can take care of myself. No, Joan.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Alan's right. But he doesn't believe. Perhaps?
[00:23:49] Unknown:
Not yet. But his concern for your safety show the charitable nature of which I'm sure the hollow earth people will approve. Besides, unless I'm very much mistaken, I think I detect just a glimmer of curiosity in him, and curiosity is the beginning of belief. How you doing? I'm alright. This is something, isn't it? I've lived here all my life and never never knew about these caves.
[00:24:29] Unknown:
I bet we're passing into my house at this very minute. Be quiet. The less they hear of your inane shit, the better.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
You think they're listening to us too, I wish you hadn't decided to come I feel very unsafe with you I'm as curious as the next guy I've always liked Mr. Bolivar And I think a theory is, kind of neat But please don't talk about that. They're not going to let anyone ever who just thinks it's all a big joke. Well, now you're not one of those people who's determined to be unhappy no matter what happens, are you? Because, you know, you're not bad looking, you know? Let's ever get some boy to leave you in the lurch.
[00:25:09] Unknown:
How do you know that's what happened? I don't. Don't stop. Stop. Listen to me. My mother's seen a lot of people come into Mr. Boulevard's house, house and she's never seen anyone leave
[00:25:25] Unknown:
it Mr. Bolivar drives their cars away and comes home on foot You are a precious mother Joan
[00:25:31] Unknown:
I'm being serious
[00:25:33] Unknown:
You don't really think those people didn't return because they found some underground Eldorado, do you? I'm not A 100 things could have happened to them They could have fallen off a ledge or gotten lost or starved to death or maybe they just walked right out the other end somewhere into a cornfield and were so embarrassed they just went home This is still all a big joke to you isn't it? I'll get serious when you do I am I don't believe it No one could get hurt so badly that they'd have to buy this crazy story supported by nothing but a fake diary And I think we've let this whole thing go on long enough Now let's just turn around and go back to reality You have no right to give me orders
[00:26:15] Unknown:
You can do whatever you want to Allen but I am going on
[00:26:27] Unknown:
once declared that it hurt more to have a tooth pulled than a belief destroyed because there is no such thing as Novocaine for the mind. Clearly, Joan Larkin is determined not to have Alan Pearson play dentist to her belief that the answer to the ills of the world is to escape to some legendary underground kingdom. On the other hand, I may have used the word legendary with ill advised haste. For as fantastic as the Hollow Earth Club may seem, can we be certain that their journey will come to naught? I'll return with our concluding act in a few moments. Curiosity killed the cat and it's probably been responsible for a lot of other misdemeanors as well. As for the two people whose separate stories have brought them together under the bizarre circumstances we have been following, only one is motivated by curiosity.
The other is driven by a desire to escape and we can only speculate as to how deep that desire must be. Curiosity and desperation, not ideal traveling companions as you say, especially when the journey is as unusual and possibly dangerous as the one they are on.
[00:27:58] Unknown:
Joan Joan, stop for a minute. What's what's the matter now? Now don't you think we've gone far enough? We haven't found the Hollow Earth civilization yet. I mean, can we carry this whole crazy adventure far enough? Alan, you can turn around anytime you want to. I told you. I'm not gonna leave you down here alone. Go ahead. It wouldn't be the first time. Oh, what does that mean? I've been left alone before At least down here nothing can hurt me.
[00:28:28] Unknown:
I wouldn't be real sure about that.
[00:28:30] Unknown:
Are you getting scared? Frankly, yes. I don't have the same stake in this venture that you do. That's right. For you, it's just the luck. Have you thought this whole thing out? I mean, just how do you think you're gonna make contact with this so called civilization? They know we're coming. When we've gone far enough to satisfy them that our intentions are serious they'll make themselves known to us and take us the rest of the way. How do you suppose these crystal cities function, I don't know. And what do they eat? Plants can't grow without sunlight Light can't exist in total darkness Please stop talking like this If you sneer at them they may not let us in Suppose I don't stop What do you mean? Suppose I don't stop sneering Hey you hollower people Here we come ready or not Stop it! They'll hear you! Well that's the idea I mean what if I get them really riled up? Will you turn around and come back then? No!
You have no right to do this Oh, they may decide to get nasty on Joan, wait a minute I'm going on Oh, okay, okay, okay Wait up Oh! Tim, you all right? I just Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
[00:29:56] Unknown:
oh,
[00:29:57] Unknown:
oh, oh, oh
[00:30:02] Unknown:
Oh, my gosh.
[00:30:03] Unknown:
It's a body.
[00:30:05] Unknown:
Stay back. Let let me see your foot. Is
[00:30:10] Unknown:
is is he? Yes.
[00:30:12] Unknown:
He's dead.
[00:30:14] Unknown:
Oh. Are you alright? Shine the light on his face. Miss Jones? It is. Oh, it's Mr. Franklin. You know him? I met him at one of our meetings.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
He was a member of the Hollow Earth Club? Yes.
[00:30:31] Unknown:
I wonder what happened? Oh he must have slipped and struck his head. Yeah look we've got to get back up and report this. No. No. No. I'm going off. Now Joan I've come this far. I can't turn back now. He needs to be given a decent burial. He is buried and that's for decent. This is as decent a burial as he would ever get He was all alone in the world too I'm I'm going on Joan I want to get away from you Okay, you win I'm not going any further. That's fine with me. I'm sorry I laughed at you. Oh skip it. Go on. Goodbye Joan.
[00:31:22] Unknown:
Joan Joan what's the matter? Oh no
[00:31:25] Unknown:
What? The others All the others They're here
[00:31:32] Unknown:
Look at
[00:31:35] Unknown:
that There must be two dozen bodies
[00:31:38] Unknown:
Are they all members of the club?
[00:31:43] Unknown:
Joan, look I I don't wanna become a nag.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
And I I think we better turn back.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
No. Listen, it's ridiculous to continue. Look at this. They're all dead. I I know you're right. What's that noise?
[00:32:03] Unknown:
I hear something. It's coming. Yes. From which direction? It's hard to tell. Turn off your light.
[00:32:15] Unknown:
It's it's right there behind us. Look, there's a light. Hello?
[00:32:24] Unknown:
Somebody there? Mr. Bolivar? Alice? Do you want? Oh, oh, oh, I didn't expect to catch up with you so quickly.
[00:32:34] Unknown:
Why are you coming down now?
[00:32:36] Unknown:
I thought you were going to wait until the last of our members game. I was but I'm afraid I had no choice. I just had a visit from the police. The police? What did they want? I didn't wait around to find out. Why not mister Bolivar? And I'm sorry for those members who will not be able to make the journey with us, but my top priority must be to protect the people of Hollow Earth from the authorities. The government must not be allowed to interfere. Mister Bolivar, we'll we just about to turn around? You mean go back to surface earth? Yes.
Why? Look. Shine your light on the passageway in front of us. Oh. What's happened? We don't know,
[00:33:17] Unknown:
but they're all dead. But these are these are all of us.
[00:33:23] Unknown:
Oh, the fools. I told them over and over that purity of intent was absolutely necessary Oh you don't think that clearly the people of Hollow Earth did not want them to go any further You think they were killed by your super civilized underground people? Even civilized people have the right to defend themselves. Well, Alan, if you had any lingering doubts about the existence of the world into which we are descending, this should certainly dispel them. Is John alright? Yes. I I think so. Good. Then let's push on. Push on. You intend to keep going? Of course. I'm sorry, mister Boulevard. But Joan and I have changed our minds.
You have? Joan, is that true?
[00:34:07] Unknown:
Yes. Someone has to be notified about these bodies. I see. Someone has to be notified about these bodies.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
I see. Well, this does present a problem. Why? As I said, my first priority must be to protect the people of Hollow Earth from government intrusion. What would my chances be of gaining admittance to their world if I let you go back to surface earth and you told the authorities about this secret entrance? I'm afraid we'll have to, Mr. Bolivar,
[00:34:37] Unknown:
I'm afraid you won't. Oh, and he's got a gun. That's right.
[00:34:42] Unknown:
If you two just walk along in front of me, we will proceed. Do you suppose the people of Hollow Earth are gonna want someone in their midst who carries a pistol? They'll understand that it was in their best interest, Alan. Tell me, mister Bolivar. What are you gonna do when we come to the bottom of this cave
[00:35:06] Unknown:
and there's still no sign of a crystal city?
[00:35:11] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar?
[00:35:16] Unknown:
I'm in the not behind us. He isn't there What? Mr. Boba? Mr. Boba? What happened to him? Where did he go? He must have sleep from falling over this ledge. And that cabin He's gone for good then. Fuck. Our knights don't even reach the barn. Alan, let's get out of here. Yes. Give me a hand. Oh, the
[00:35:59] Unknown:
police nonetheless.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
You better call them back right away. Wait. Before you do Helen I want to go. Why? I don't want to talk to the police. I don't want to have to give them a statement. Joan, you're not in some kind of trouble are you with the law? No. It's not that. I just don't want to talk about why I was here. Where are you going? Home.
[00:36:28] Unknown:
You know Joan, if you wanted to stick around here for a while I you know, I mean No.
[00:36:36] Unknown:
Thank you, Ellen. But I think I'd better go. Well, maybe I could come and visit you sometime. It's a long drive. I wouldn't mind. You wouldn't? No. Well, I'd like that. Pitsky, Ohio. Right? Yes. I'll give you a fifteen minute head start for our call, please. Thank you, Mother, I'm home. Thank goodness. Oh, Helen. I've been so worried. Where did you go? I called the police but when they went to Mr. Bolivar's house they said no one was there. So was you who called them. Are you alright? Oh, look at you. You're all covered with dirt. What happened?
[00:37:33] Unknown:
I'll explain in a minute, mom. I have to call the police. Why?
[00:37:37] Unknown:
Alan, where is mister Bolivar? He's dead. Dead? Alan, you didn't No, no, no.
[00:37:45] Unknown:
You said you wanted to know what was going on but I don't think you're gonna believe it. Mr. Bolivar was president of something called the Hollow Earth Club. How What in heaven's name is that? It was a group of people who believe the Earth is hollow and that an advanced civilization
[00:38:02] Unknown:
lived down there. How ridiculous. Oh, I always suspected mister Bolivar was pixelated. The reason you never saw anyone leave the house is because they're all gone down through a tunnel into a cave system to try to find this place Really? And that's where you were when the police came by? Yeah Well? Did you find it? Oh Mother of course not What we found were the dead bodies of all the club members. Oh, how did they die?
[00:38:33] Unknown:
I don't know. Mister Bolivar tried to force us to continue at gunpoint but then he slipped and And what? What?
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Why didn't we hear anything? Alan? I was going to say he fell into a chasm. Hope we should have heard something. We? Who is this
[00:38:58] Unknown:
we? There was a girl there too. Oh, was she pretty?
[00:39:02] Unknown:
Mother, something's wrong. Why is she pretty? Those dead people. Those dead people. How did they die? There weren't any marks on them? Alan, what are you talking about? Alan, where are you going? I thought you were going to call the police? Not yet. Yeah, I I just wanna check some things out first. Don't leave me alone. I I'll come with you. Helen, I don't think we should just go go into Mr. Bolivar's house like this
[00:39:38] Unknown:
There's no need to lower your voice, Mother.
[00:39:41] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar's dead, remember? How can you be sure? You said you didn't hear anything You come through here now What are you going to do?
[00:39:50] Unknown:
I wanna go back down in that cave and have a closer look at those bodies. Now help me move back this rug
[00:39:58] Unknown:
Why don't you just let the police take care of this?
[00:40:02] Unknown:
I want to see for myself There we are What?
[00:40:07] Unknown:
What? There's a trap door
[00:40:10] Unknown:
It leads to the tunnel that takes you into the cave Now Mr. Bolivar said it took him three years to dig it
[00:40:18] Unknown:
What? What's the matter? Mother, the tunnel, it's gone. You need someone filled it in? The Earth, it's packed solid. But there was never a tunnel here at all Are you sure you have the right trap door? Of course I do. Looks to me like someone doesn't want you going back down there. Who? Oh gracious dear I don't know. But we just came up through that tunnel ten minutes ago. How could anyone have filled it in so quickly? Don't look at me, Alan. I've been at home all night. Mother, what if mister Bolivar is right?
[00:41:15] Unknown:
I do not believe today. Everything I believed yesterday. And I wonder, will I believe tomorrow, everything I believed today? So pondered Mark Twain, and so might the rest of us in the sobering afterglow of our story. For even today, it is true that what exists at the center of our planet is as much a mystery as what exists in galaxies millions of light years away. There is one other loose end to our story, but that I can tie up for you when I return shortly.
[00:42:06] Unknown:
Good morning. Good company.
[00:42:13] Unknown:
Maxwell House, coffee you can count on. Always smells good. Always tastes good. Always good to the last drop.
[00:42:21] Unknown:
Good coffee. This
[00:42:27] Unknown:
is Mary Tyler Moore, and I want to tell you about a very special place, a place which can help you cope in this ever changing world of ours. It's the library. At the library, you'll find all the information you need to keep up with current issues, career opportunities, economic changes, and all the new technology. The library even has programs for every age group. Check out the library. That's where you'll find a lot of success stories. A public service message from the American Library Association and this station.
[00:43:07] Unknown:
Is it possible that a race of creatures exists and thrives far beneath the Earth's surface? The possibility is a slim one. There is tremendous heat and pressure exerted on the Earth's core. There's radioactivity, and there are all kinds of practical questions. On the other hand, the Earth's diameter is nearly 8,000 miles. That's a lot of territory. As far as from New York to Siberia, a lot could be going on down there. Our cast included Christopher Tabory, John Beale, and Joan Shea. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview
[00:43:55] Unknown:
of our next tale. You are going to look for the town of Helm. Who told you? You told me. When did I tell you? Last night when you were asleep.
[00:44:05] Unknown:
Oh. Well, you don't want to believe what I say while I'm asleep? Who are not? I can't believe what you say while you're awake. No, sir Lythcott.
[00:44:14] Unknown:
What did he tell you about Helm, the Baron? He told me to find it. Oh, well, you'll find it. You won't have any trouble at all. You know why? Because you're a fool. Sir, I'll risk it. And Helm, do you know what Helm is? Helm is the town of fools. What are you saying? Everyone knows it. That's why the Baron has chosen you. Oh, no. No. Yes, mender LaMoisia. Light is sent to find light.
[00:44:44] Unknown:
I won't go. You must go.
[00:44:47] Unknown:
Mister Baron thinks I'm a fool. Why shouldn't he think so? You are a fool.
[00:44:51] Unknown:
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dream.
[00:45:31] Unknown:
At ADP, we understand the importance of building the right team and offer the data insights to help. Just as importantly, our AI technology helps you pay the team accurately. Grow stronger with ADP, HR talent, time, and payroll.
Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. The world is composed of many different kinds of beliefs and believers. Depending on who you are and where you're from, certain beliefs will seem quite natural and others will not. The world by and large has become a more tolerant place than it used to be. But even so, or perhaps for this very reason, there are people who possess beliefs of such fantastical magnitude. We can scarcely think they are serious and yet they are deadly serious
[00:00:49] Unknown:
We've got to keep going
[00:00:52] Unknown:
We're almost there I'm sure we are I think we'd better turn back while we still can
[00:00:57] Unknown:
Why? You saw the evidence with your own eyes didn't you? Why do you keep calling it evidence?
[00:01:02] Unknown:
That guy is a crackpot and if we keep going we may never come back Our mystery drama The Believers was written especially for the mystery theater by Percy Grainger and stars Christopher someone once said that people believe only in the commonplace that which they are accustomed to see. But Emerson maintained that we are born believing and that we bear beliefs as trees bear apples. Some feel that you can even measure the depth of a person's soul by the magnitude of his belief. But belief is like most other things. Too much of it can be a dangerous thing.
We're in a modest country house on the outskirts of a town in
[00:02:17] Unknown:
the Midwest Brother, I'm home Brother, are you in the kitchen? Mom, where are you?
[00:02:29] Unknown:
Oh thank you, bro You've been in the parlor the whole time You think so still I I didn't even see you
[00:02:36] Unknown:
Why didn't you ask me? Mom, what's the matter? Be quiet I'm waiting Waiting for what? Get away from that Leo. He might see you Who will we move? What's going on? It's something very strange I I I don't see anyone out there Yeah, I know That's just it Oh, no, no, ma'am It's that's labor of ours Mr. Bolivar. Oh no mom, not that again. I tell you Alan something very immoral is happening over there. Now Mr. Bolivar is a perfectly harmless old guy. How does he make his living?
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Well, that's none of our business. But we don't know, do we?
[00:03:15] Unknown:
At least you have an honest job. You leave the house a decent hour each morning and come home from the factory a decent hour each evening with a decent face sweat on your brow. Mister Bonavar never leaves his house at all Well maybe he works at home I mean we we see him out in the garden a lot You do not make a living with the garden Maybe not
[00:03:37] Unknown:
But I sure wish I could get all on to grow like his does
[00:03:40] Unknown:
Look how green and thick he gets his grass to come in Yes, just like a cemetery
[00:03:45] Unknown:
He's probably got people buried in it Oh mom, you gotta stop spending so much time peeping down the road at this house I'm not peeping.
[00:03:54] Unknown:
Something is going on, Alan. And if something is going on, it isn't peeping to try to find out what? You spend your whole day at this window. It's not good for you, mom. Listen to me. It's happened again. What? A woman came to Mr. Bolivar's house. She went in and she hasn't come out. Is that her car in his driveway? Ellen, it's beginning to happen more and more often. People drive up to Mr. Bolivar's house. They go go in and that's the last they are seeing. They probably leave at night. That's what we thought. But I found out this morning that's not true.
But their cars are gone. You've heard them drive away or you've seen them. Do you remember those people who came yesterday? Well, early this morning, the car left. I heard it. It woke me up just like it always does, but this was the first time it hadn't been pitch dark. It was just after dawn. You'd already gone to work. I rushed to the window and you know who was driving the car? Even Bolivar himself and he was all alone. He returned about two hours later on foot Naho, you tell me there's nothing wrong going on
[00:05:06] Unknown:
are you sure there wasn't anyone else in the car? I'm absolutely positive
[00:05:11] Unknown:
And now he's got some fresh victims in there this very moment. It may already be too late to save them. What do you think we should do? I think you ought to go over there and find out what's happening. Me? Well, you two have always had a friendly way for each other. Mama, I had a long damn factory. I'm tired. Alan, he always comes out about this time of day to tint his garden. Now you go wash yourself up and I'll keep watch. What about our supper? Look. There he is now. Hurry, dear. Now is your chance. What am I supposed to say? I don't know.
But you're a clever boy. Just just don't let him know you suspect anything. And don't worry, dear. I'll be watching you.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Hello? Mister Boulevard? Oh, good evening, Alan. How are you? Why, what? I'm just out for a walk. Really? I've never noticed you were in the habit of taking an evening constitutional Oh, it's my mother I I I'm I mean, She she thought it it would be good for me She doesn't think you get enough exercise on that assembly line, I guess not How is your mother these days?
[00:06:27] Unknown:
Oh, she always seems to find something to do.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
Oh, my mother was the same way. You know, I suspected she wasn't really happy. In fact, when I began to look around me, I discovered that to be true about a great number of people. We find a 100 different ways to distract ourselves from the simple fact that we are discontented. Do you know why we're discontented, Alan? No. Why? Because our lives are in the hands of other people. Our employers, our parents and most of all the government. People in positions of authority ready to bend our lives to their whims. I think I'm pretty happy. Are you?
Really? I don't think so.
[00:07:14] Unknown:
Why not? Can you seem,
[00:07:18] Unknown:
preoccupied? Barlet by something. Oh, no. No. No. I I'm not at all. I'm sure you're saying. And yet you aren't looking at me as you speak. I I I I was just looking at your lawn. I've always admired how you get your grass to grow in so thick. But I've tried receding our yard several times. It just never comes out like this. I think you're evading the issue, Allen. Well, sure. I I could be happier. Who couldn't? I mean I'd like to find a girlfriend I'd like to get a raise in my salary so I could afford some of the things I've always wanted like a motorboat camper And these aren't things that make a person happy.
They're simply further distractions. You seem pretty happy. Oh, I'm even more discontented than most, but I am doing something about it.
[00:08:17] Unknown:
Really? What's that?
[00:08:19] Unknown:
Well, let's say I have a belief, an abiding faith. In God? Oh, of course. In God, but there's something else as well. What? That we can improve upon the life we've all been forced to lead. I sometimes wonder how. I guess I could use a little belief too. Could you? I thought it would help. But not everybody is capable of belief. Why not? Well, a great belief requires a great man. For there are those who would ridicule you, there are those who would you for what you believe. Could you abide such things? Yeah. I'm I mean, if I really had something to believe in, I guess I could. But, can you believe, Alan?
Can you really believe in something almost beyond comprehension and yet so wonderful, so joyous that the mere thought of it makes you determined to take control of your own life and free yourself from your discontent once and for all, Yeah. If if that's what it would do I I mean, why not? And for such a reward would you even be willing to run the risk of death? That maybe those who would kill you for your belief. Well, that's a home you bought and I I don't know. How great is your capacity for belief? Is it as strong as the desires of your heart?
That's the truly happy person, Alan. The one who has the courage to follow his vision. Just what is the vision? Nothing less than the chance of a new life. I like you, Alan. I trust you. You're young. You're strong. And like so many of us, you have a native intelligence that is wasted in your present situation. Well, thank you. Can you come over to my house this evening? I'm holding a meeting. What kind of a meeting? Ma'am, I will tell you when you come. I think when you hear what I have to say, you have no qualms at all. Okay, mister Bolivar.
Come on. I'll see. Fine. Oh, about your lawn. I think the reason you're having difficulty is that you're underestimating the properties of the soil. If one will only appreciate its potential, there's no limit to what the earth can yield. Well, what was he saying? He invited me to his house tonight for a meeting. Oh dear. I don't think I better go. Oh no. Absolutely
[00:11:06] Unknown:
not. Alan, you're all I've got. I could never forgive myself if you disappeared. What did he say the meeting was about? Belief. Belief? In in what? Some kind of new life.
[00:11:22] Unknown:
He said he'd explain it all at the meeting. Oh, but you're right. I don't think I should go
[00:11:29] Unknown:
what time is the meeting? 08:00 If I make you your dinner right away you can be finished by then What? I think you've got to go Oh, no no no Mom! We've got to find out what is happening don't we? I mean all those poor people. Maybe we should just call the police. No. What if they didn't find anything? Then Mr. Bonavar would be after us. I'd be putting my life in danger, mom. Well, yes. Yeah, but forewarned is forearmed. You will be prepared. And Alan, you're much bigger than he is. What can possibly do to you? Yeah, but, Anyway, it's a meeting, isn't it? I mean, there will be other people there so you outnumber him.
Well, you have to go, son. I want to know what's going on.
[00:12:28] Unknown:
Oh, Alan. Good. You decided to come. I'm sorry if I'm late. We've just finished supper. That's perfectly understandable. You're not late at all. Come into the parlor. Just about to begin. I'll introduce you to the other person.
[00:12:43] Unknown:
The the other? You mean there's only one?
[00:12:46] Unknown:
Hello? Joan Larkin. This is Alan Pearson. Alan's a neighbor of mine. How do you do?
[00:12:52] Unknown:
Oh, hello. Well,
[00:12:55] Unknown:
I guess we can begin. No one else is coming? I don't think so. Not not tonight. But as we tend to forget in this day and age of mass conformity, even two individuals can make a quorum. And now, Alan, if you have a seat next to Joan, I'll welcome you to our society and tell you exactly why you're here. A precipice is something villain traditionally leave heroes verging on at the end of an act. But no matter how high the precipice, one can always see where he will fall if he fails to hang on. A precipice of the mind is an altogether different matter, for it affords no view of the abyss that awaits the hapless victim.
We'll find out what kind of a precipice Alan's mother's curiosity has landed him on when I return with act two. The secret society is as old as mankind. Small groups of people who consider themselves the elect have always formed clandestine groups and flatter themselves with secret codes and rituals and sometimes with secret knowledge. Knowledge that they feel gives them insight to the mysteries of life and death. Evan Bolivar has spoken cryptically of the chance of a new life, the chance to escape this world. Let us rejoin him to find out more.
Are you sure we shouldn't wait until more people show up? There won't be any more people tonight, Alan. It's just you and Joan.
[00:14:45] Unknown:
What kind of society is this? Can't he know mister Blue Lion? Not yet Joan.
[00:14:51] Unknown:
You mean you do? Of course. Joan has traveled a great distance to be here tonight. All the way from Lipinski, Ohio. I don't ever want to hear that name again.
[00:15:01] Unknown:
Do you know what's going to happen? Of course I do. That's why I'm here.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
Now I'm gonna have to wait. I'm sorry Joan your intended partners had a last minute change of heart. It happens frequently under the circumstances to be expected.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
They can't be blamed and there's nothing to be done about it. But you'll have to give Alan time to think about it. And I'm all ready to make the journey now. Mhmm. That'll be up to Alan.
[00:15:28] Unknown:
What kind of journey are you talking about? Oh, what what's the name of this society? We call ourselves the Hollow Earth Club.
[00:15:38] Unknown:
The Hollow Earth Club? Mhmm. You you mean you think the Earth is hollow? We don't think so, Alan. We know it is. We have proof.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
This is the other world I was speaking of. It's not somewhere off in space or in the heavens. It exists right here inside our own. It's a civilization of people superior to us in every way, technically and culturally. They live deep inside the earth in towering cities of shimmering crystal. Mister Bolivar, excuse me. But I I mean, are you serious? Where did you ever get a notion like this? The notion has been around for centuries. There are references to the civilization of hollow earth in text dating back to ancient times. The ancient Hebrews and Greeks knew of its existence. Oh, because we're just myths. Many governments have mounted expeditions to try to go into hollow earth.
During World War two, the Germans sent a specially outfitted u boat into the Arctic. The boat never returned. Every government sponsored expedition has met with disaster. Why? Because governments are only interested in interfering and taking over. The hollow earth people do not approve of the mess we've made of surface earth and want no part of it. That's why they've chosen to stay underground. If these people don't let government expeditions into their, their their domain. So what makes you think they'll let you go down there? That, Alan, is the chance we take.
[00:17:20] Unknown:
That is the risk I spoke of this afternoon. It's very important that we make the journey with compassion and understanding. They must know that we respect them and have no desire other than to flee the same world they once did.
[00:17:36] Unknown:
You still look skeptical. Why? It's a pretty fantastic theory. No, Alan. You're wrong. Oh, but everyone knows the earth is solid as a rock. Joan, I guess we're going to have to show Alan our proof, hardly.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
You mean your proof? Thirty years ago, modern man came into actual contact with these wondrous people.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Who actually see you? Yes.
[00:18:02] Unknown:
How?
[00:18:03] Unknown:
There are large openings at the North And South Poles that lead into hollow earth. These openings are normally obscured by snow and ice, but Alexander Hobbes, an arctic explorer, discovered one of them in 1946. He left an account of his visit in a secret diary. It gave me the proof I've been looking for and that's when I moved here. Why here? We'll get to that in a moment. If you'll excuse me I'll fetch Hobbs's diary and you can hear for yourself what he
[00:18:39] Unknown:
discovered Miss Larkin? I You can call me Joan Are you seriously planning to go look for this place? Yes Yes. Why? Oh, it doesn't really matter why. Mr. Bolivar said you drove all the way here from Ohio. I'd rather not talk about it. Right now, my concern is where I'm going.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
That's where I've been. But you don't really believe you're gonna find a civilization of advanced people
[00:19:09] Unknown:
in the middle of the earth, do you? I believe there's got to be a better world than this one. Was it a man? Was it a man?
[00:19:22] Unknown:
Is that why you're so unhappy? That's
[00:19:26] Unknown:
not your business.
[00:19:28] Unknown:
Here we are. This is Admiral Hobbs secret diary. Just give me a minute to find the relevant entry. Here we are. The date is 05/24/1946. My Henson and I were taken from our sled, which we'd used to make the first part of our descent into the Provasse. We were then boarded on a small platform like conveyance with no wheels. It moved us deeper into the earth and finally toward the glowing city with great swiftness. Soon we arrived at the large building of a type I've never seen before. It was constructed of a crystal like material. Our hosts were for the most part, blonde and extremely pale complected.
They received this cordially because they knew we came with no malice. That sounds like something out of Buck Rogers? It does indeed. And where did you get that diary from anyway? It was entrusted to me by a survivor of the expedition. It goes on to describe in detail the nature of the life there in all respects on ideal existence. Are we gonna have to go all the way to the North Pole? No. No. As I mentioned, I moved to this part of the country for a reason. Beneath the fields around our houses here, there's an extensive cave system.
I spent three years digging a tunnel for those caves. The entrance to which is in this very room. Where? Oh, you may see for yourself. And you just give me a hand with this rug. Yeah? Now if you look carefully, you will notice the floorboards have been cut to create a trap
[00:21:22] Unknown:
door Look. There is the entrance to Hollow Earth.
[00:21:28] Unknown:
I have hard hats lights and boots everything you'll need for the descent Why do you keep the entrance hidden? I may be paranoid but I am convinced that the people of Hollow Earth have their eye on us at all times Our success depends on their goodwill and that in turn depends on our discretion. And you you think this cave system will lead you to Hollow Earth? Just just just like those holes in the octet? I know it will. A great many members of our society any of this seriously. Mister Bolivar, just what is in this for you? Nothing.
What's the catch? The members of your club have to pay some enormous sum of money or sign over all their worldly possessions to you before they can go for a ride in your magic tunnel. My only intention is to help people to a chance for a better life. I don't ask for anything in return. Oh, what would you do if I decided not to go? Nothing. But I know your secret. It's no secret, Alan. It's true. We don't seek publicity. But the reasons for that should be obvious. Naturally, people would think we were crackpots. And if I say no?
Well, that's up to you You mean I could leave? All I would ask is that you be discreet about what you've learned this evening Well, oh, okay then.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
I think I think I'll just go home.
[00:23:12] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:23:14] Unknown:
But what's gonna happen to miss Larkin? I'm going down. Hello? But doesn't it bother you that all those other people have just vanished down there? No.
[00:23:25] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar, you're not gonna let her go down there by herself are you? Oh I'd feel much better about it if she were accompanied of course But you won't stop her No? What's the matter, Alan? You having second thoughts? I don't think it's right. She should go down there alone. I can take care of myself. No, Joan.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Alan's right. But he doesn't believe. Perhaps?
[00:23:49] Unknown:
Not yet. But his concern for your safety show the charitable nature of which I'm sure the hollow earth people will approve. Besides, unless I'm very much mistaken, I think I detect just a glimmer of curiosity in him, and curiosity is the beginning of belief. How you doing? I'm alright. This is something, isn't it? I've lived here all my life and never never knew about these caves.
[00:24:29] Unknown:
I bet we're passing into my house at this very minute. Be quiet. The less they hear of your inane shit, the better.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
You think they're listening to us too, I wish you hadn't decided to come I feel very unsafe with you I'm as curious as the next guy I've always liked Mr. Bolivar And I think a theory is, kind of neat But please don't talk about that. They're not going to let anyone ever who just thinks it's all a big joke. Well, now you're not one of those people who's determined to be unhappy no matter what happens, are you? Because, you know, you're not bad looking, you know? Let's ever get some boy to leave you in the lurch.
[00:25:09] Unknown:
How do you know that's what happened? I don't. Don't stop. Stop. Listen to me. My mother's seen a lot of people come into Mr. Boulevard's house, house and she's never seen anyone leave
[00:25:25] Unknown:
it Mr. Bolivar drives their cars away and comes home on foot You are a precious mother Joan
[00:25:31] Unknown:
I'm being serious
[00:25:33] Unknown:
You don't really think those people didn't return because they found some underground Eldorado, do you? I'm not A 100 things could have happened to them They could have fallen off a ledge or gotten lost or starved to death or maybe they just walked right out the other end somewhere into a cornfield and were so embarrassed they just went home This is still all a big joke to you isn't it? I'll get serious when you do I am I don't believe it No one could get hurt so badly that they'd have to buy this crazy story supported by nothing but a fake diary And I think we've let this whole thing go on long enough Now let's just turn around and go back to reality You have no right to give me orders
[00:26:15] Unknown:
You can do whatever you want to Allen but I am going on
[00:26:27] Unknown:
once declared that it hurt more to have a tooth pulled than a belief destroyed because there is no such thing as Novocaine for the mind. Clearly, Joan Larkin is determined not to have Alan Pearson play dentist to her belief that the answer to the ills of the world is to escape to some legendary underground kingdom. On the other hand, I may have used the word legendary with ill advised haste. For as fantastic as the Hollow Earth Club may seem, can we be certain that their journey will come to naught? I'll return with our concluding act in a few moments. Curiosity killed the cat and it's probably been responsible for a lot of other misdemeanors as well. As for the two people whose separate stories have brought them together under the bizarre circumstances we have been following, only one is motivated by curiosity.
The other is driven by a desire to escape and we can only speculate as to how deep that desire must be. Curiosity and desperation, not ideal traveling companions as you say, especially when the journey is as unusual and possibly dangerous as the one they are on.
[00:27:58] Unknown:
Joan Joan, stop for a minute. What's what's the matter now? Now don't you think we've gone far enough? We haven't found the Hollow Earth civilization yet. I mean, can we carry this whole crazy adventure far enough? Alan, you can turn around anytime you want to. I told you. I'm not gonna leave you down here alone. Go ahead. It wouldn't be the first time. Oh, what does that mean? I've been left alone before At least down here nothing can hurt me.
[00:28:28] Unknown:
I wouldn't be real sure about that.
[00:28:30] Unknown:
Are you getting scared? Frankly, yes. I don't have the same stake in this venture that you do. That's right. For you, it's just the luck. Have you thought this whole thing out? I mean, just how do you think you're gonna make contact with this so called civilization? They know we're coming. When we've gone far enough to satisfy them that our intentions are serious they'll make themselves known to us and take us the rest of the way. How do you suppose these crystal cities function, I don't know. And what do they eat? Plants can't grow without sunlight Light can't exist in total darkness Please stop talking like this If you sneer at them they may not let us in Suppose I don't stop What do you mean? Suppose I don't stop sneering Hey you hollower people Here we come ready or not Stop it! They'll hear you! Well that's the idea I mean what if I get them really riled up? Will you turn around and come back then? No!
You have no right to do this Oh, they may decide to get nasty on Joan, wait a minute I'm going on Oh, okay, okay, okay Wait up Oh! Tim, you all right? I just Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
[00:29:56] Unknown:
oh,
[00:29:57] Unknown:
oh, oh, oh
[00:30:02] Unknown:
Oh, my gosh.
[00:30:03] Unknown:
It's a body.
[00:30:05] Unknown:
Stay back. Let let me see your foot. Is
[00:30:10] Unknown:
is is he? Yes.
[00:30:12] Unknown:
He's dead.
[00:30:14] Unknown:
Oh. Are you alright? Shine the light on his face. Miss Jones? It is. Oh, it's Mr. Franklin. You know him? I met him at one of our meetings.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
He was a member of the Hollow Earth Club? Yes.
[00:30:31] Unknown:
I wonder what happened? Oh he must have slipped and struck his head. Yeah look we've got to get back up and report this. No. No. No. I'm going off. Now Joan I've come this far. I can't turn back now. He needs to be given a decent burial. He is buried and that's for decent. This is as decent a burial as he would ever get He was all alone in the world too I'm I'm going on Joan I want to get away from you Okay, you win I'm not going any further. That's fine with me. I'm sorry I laughed at you. Oh skip it. Go on. Goodbye Joan.
[00:31:22] Unknown:
Joan Joan what's the matter? Oh no
[00:31:25] Unknown:
What? The others All the others They're here
[00:31:32] Unknown:
Look at
[00:31:35] Unknown:
that There must be two dozen bodies
[00:31:38] Unknown:
Are they all members of the club?
[00:31:43] Unknown:
Joan, look I I don't wanna become a nag.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
And I I think we better turn back.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
No. Listen, it's ridiculous to continue. Look at this. They're all dead. I I know you're right. What's that noise?
[00:32:03] Unknown:
I hear something. It's coming. Yes. From which direction? It's hard to tell. Turn off your light.
[00:32:15] Unknown:
It's it's right there behind us. Look, there's a light. Hello?
[00:32:24] Unknown:
Somebody there? Mr. Bolivar? Alice? Do you want? Oh, oh, oh, I didn't expect to catch up with you so quickly.
[00:32:34] Unknown:
Why are you coming down now?
[00:32:36] Unknown:
I thought you were going to wait until the last of our members game. I was but I'm afraid I had no choice. I just had a visit from the police. The police? What did they want? I didn't wait around to find out. Why not mister Bolivar? And I'm sorry for those members who will not be able to make the journey with us, but my top priority must be to protect the people of Hollow Earth from the authorities. The government must not be allowed to interfere. Mister Bolivar, we'll we just about to turn around? You mean go back to surface earth? Yes.
Why? Look. Shine your light on the passageway in front of us. Oh. What's happened? We don't know,
[00:33:17] Unknown:
but they're all dead. But these are these are all of us.
[00:33:23] Unknown:
Oh, the fools. I told them over and over that purity of intent was absolutely necessary Oh you don't think that clearly the people of Hollow Earth did not want them to go any further You think they were killed by your super civilized underground people? Even civilized people have the right to defend themselves. Well, Alan, if you had any lingering doubts about the existence of the world into which we are descending, this should certainly dispel them. Is John alright? Yes. I I think so. Good. Then let's push on. Push on. You intend to keep going? Of course. I'm sorry, mister Boulevard. But Joan and I have changed our minds.
You have? Joan, is that true?
[00:34:07] Unknown:
Yes. Someone has to be notified about these bodies. I see. Someone has to be notified about these bodies.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
I see. Well, this does present a problem. Why? As I said, my first priority must be to protect the people of Hollow Earth from government intrusion. What would my chances be of gaining admittance to their world if I let you go back to surface earth and you told the authorities about this secret entrance? I'm afraid we'll have to, Mr. Bolivar,
[00:34:37] Unknown:
I'm afraid you won't. Oh, and he's got a gun. That's right.
[00:34:42] Unknown:
If you two just walk along in front of me, we will proceed. Do you suppose the people of Hollow Earth are gonna want someone in their midst who carries a pistol? They'll understand that it was in their best interest, Alan. Tell me, mister Bolivar. What are you gonna do when we come to the bottom of this cave
[00:35:06] Unknown:
and there's still no sign of a crystal city?
[00:35:11] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar?
[00:35:16] Unknown:
I'm in the not behind us. He isn't there What? Mr. Boba? Mr. Boba? What happened to him? Where did he go? He must have sleep from falling over this ledge. And that cabin He's gone for good then. Fuck. Our knights don't even reach the barn. Alan, let's get out of here. Yes. Give me a hand. Oh, the
[00:35:59] Unknown:
police nonetheless.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
You better call them back right away. Wait. Before you do Helen I want to go. Why? I don't want to talk to the police. I don't want to have to give them a statement. Joan, you're not in some kind of trouble are you with the law? No. It's not that. I just don't want to talk about why I was here. Where are you going? Home.
[00:36:28] Unknown:
You know Joan, if you wanted to stick around here for a while I you know, I mean No.
[00:36:36] Unknown:
Thank you, Ellen. But I think I'd better go. Well, maybe I could come and visit you sometime. It's a long drive. I wouldn't mind. You wouldn't? No. Well, I'd like that. Pitsky, Ohio. Right? Yes. I'll give you a fifteen minute head start for our call, please. Thank you, Mother, I'm home. Thank goodness. Oh, Helen. I've been so worried. Where did you go? I called the police but when they went to Mr. Bolivar's house they said no one was there. So was you who called them. Are you alright? Oh, look at you. You're all covered with dirt. What happened?
[00:37:33] Unknown:
I'll explain in a minute, mom. I have to call the police. Why?
[00:37:37] Unknown:
Alan, where is mister Bolivar? He's dead. Dead? Alan, you didn't No, no, no.
[00:37:45] Unknown:
You said you wanted to know what was going on but I don't think you're gonna believe it. Mr. Bolivar was president of something called the Hollow Earth Club. How What in heaven's name is that? It was a group of people who believe the Earth is hollow and that an advanced civilization
[00:38:02] Unknown:
lived down there. How ridiculous. Oh, I always suspected mister Bolivar was pixelated. The reason you never saw anyone leave the house is because they're all gone down through a tunnel into a cave system to try to find this place Really? And that's where you were when the police came by? Yeah Well? Did you find it? Oh Mother of course not What we found were the dead bodies of all the club members. Oh, how did they die?
[00:38:33] Unknown:
I don't know. Mister Bolivar tried to force us to continue at gunpoint but then he slipped and And what? What?
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Why didn't we hear anything? Alan? I was going to say he fell into a chasm. Hope we should have heard something. We? Who is this
[00:38:58] Unknown:
we? There was a girl there too. Oh, was she pretty?
[00:39:02] Unknown:
Mother, something's wrong. Why is she pretty? Those dead people. Those dead people. How did they die? There weren't any marks on them? Alan, what are you talking about? Alan, where are you going? I thought you were going to call the police? Not yet. Yeah, I I just wanna check some things out first. Don't leave me alone. I I'll come with you. Helen, I don't think we should just go go into Mr. Bolivar's house like this
[00:39:38] Unknown:
There's no need to lower your voice, Mother.
[00:39:41] Unknown:
Mr. Bolivar's dead, remember? How can you be sure? You said you didn't hear anything You come through here now What are you going to do?
[00:39:50] Unknown:
I wanna go back down in that cave and have a closer look at those bodies. Now help me move back this rug
[00:39:58] Unknown:
Why don't you just let the police take care of this?
[00:40:02] Unknown:
I want to see for myself There we are What?
[00:40:07] Unknown:
What? There's a trap door
[00:40:10] Unknown:
It leads to the tunnel that takes you into the cave Now Mr. Bolivar said it took him three years to dig it
[00:40:18] Unknown:
What? What's the matter? Mother, the tunnel, it's gone. You need someone filled it in? The Earth, it's packed solid. But there was never a tunnel here at all Are you sure you have the right trap door? Of course I do. Looks to me like someone doesn't want you going back down there. Who? Oh gracious dear I don't know. But we just came up through that tunnel ten minutes ago. How could anyone have filled it in so quickly? Don't look at me, Alan. I've been at home all night. Mother, what if mister Bolivar is right?
[00:41:15] Unknown:
I do not believe today. Everything I believed yesterday. And I wonder, will I believe tomorrow, everything I believed today? So pondered Mark Twain, and so might the rest of us in the sobering afterglow of our story. For even today, it is true that what exists at the center of our planet is as much a mystery as what exists in galaxies millions of light years away. There is one other loose end to our story, but that I can tie up for you when I return shortly.
[00:42:06] Unknown:
Good morning. Good company.
[00:42:13] Unknown:
Maxwell House, coffee you can count on. Always smells good. Always tastes good. Always good to the last drop.
[00:42:21] Unknown:
Good coffee. This
[00:42:27] Unknown:
is Mary Tyler Moore, and I want to tell you about a very special place, a place which can help you cope in this ever changing world of ours. It's the library. At the library, you'll find all the information you need to keep up with current issues, career opportunities, economic changes, and all the new technology. The library even has programs for every age group. Check out the library. That's where you'll find a lot of success stories. A public service message from the American Library Association and this station.
[00:43:07] Unknown:
Is it possible that a race of creatures exists and thrives far beneath the Earth's surface? The possibility is a slim one. There is tremendous heat and pressure exerted on the Earth's core. There's radioactivity, and there are all kinds of practical questions. On the other hand, the Earth's diameter is nearly 8,000 miles. That's a lot of territory. As far as from New York to Siberia, a lot could be going on down there. Our cast included Christopher Tabory, John Beale, and Joan Shea. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview
[00:43:55] Unknown:
of our next tale. You are going to look for the town of Helm. Who told you? You told me. When did I tell you? Last night when you were asleep.
[00:44:05] Unknown:
Oh. Well, you don't want to believe what I say while I'm asleep? Who are not? I can't believe what you say while you're awake. No, sir Lythcott.
[00:44:14] Unknown:
What did he tell you about Helm, the Baron? He told me to find it. Oh, well, you'll find it. You won't have any trouble at all. You know why? Because you're a fool. Sir, I'll risk it. And Helm, do you know what Helm is? Helm is the town of fools. What are you saying? Everyone knows it. That's why the Baron has chosen you. Oh, no. No. Yes, mender LaMoisia. Light is sent to find light.
[00:44:44] Unknown:
I won't go. You must go.
[00:44:47] Unknown:
Mister Baron thinks I'm a fool. Why shouldn't he think so? You are a fool.
[00:44:51] Unknown:
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dream.
[00:45:31] Unknown:
At ADP, we understand the importance of building the right team and offer the data insights to help. Just as importantly, our AI technology helps you pay the team accurately. Grow stronger with ADP, HR talent, time, and payroll.
