MK Ultra (2022) Movie Script
1
(bright music)
(rousing dramatic music)
(suspenseful music)
- [Interviewer] Did
you ever consider
what would've happened if
any of these substances
were given to say,
unwitting people?
- [Scientist] Oh,
I don't remember
having considered
that specifically, I.
- [Interviewer] What
if you, I trust perhaps
you've thought about it.
- Well, I haven't
worried about it.
I, your question again,
what would I have
thought had I known that?
- [Interviewer] Any of
these substances would be.
- Would've been given to?
- [Interviewer]
Unwitting persons.
- You mean a hostile agent
of another government?
- No, I mean, test. -
I mean, that'srobably
what I had in mind.
- [Interviewer] I
mean testing it out
on an American citizen.
(dramatic music)
- I.
I guess I must seem very,
very cold-blooded about this,
but I don't recall
ever having been
very much preoccupied
with that issue.
(dramatic music continues)
- [Narrator] But many drugs
were tested in this way.
A decision was made at the
highest levels of the CIA
to do testing on
unwitting Americans.
As one CIA document says,
"Such testing would be
operationally realistic."
A former CIA official who worked
on these programs describes
for the first time how
the decision was made.
He did not wish to be
filmed or recorded.
Thus, his remarks are
read by someone else.
- [CIA Agent] I think every
last one of us felt sorry
to attempt this kind of thing.
We knew we were crossing a line.
Every decent kid knows
he shouldn't steal,
but he does it sometimes.
We knew damn well we
didn't want anyone else
to know what we were doing.
(dramatic music continues)
(typewriter keys clacking)
(gentle suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(electricity buzzing)
(gentle suspenseful
music continues)
(electricity buzzing)
(water splashing)
(clock ticking)
(knuckles rapping)
- [Rose] Come to bed.
- [Ford] I'll be in soon.
- They're gonna approve
the funding. Come.
(Ford coughing)
(soft suspenseful music)
- [Ford] This study
aims to provide
a chemical enhancement
of such memories
as to allow the subject
to replay the
role-defining moments
and physicians such as myself,
a path towards
reconstruction of the events
with a variable outcome.
- [Dr Miller] Given the current
success rates that we're seeing
with the
electroconvulsive therapy,
what would be the
reasoning at this time
that the board would consider
diverting precious funds
to explore a path, which
in my professional opinion,
is already working?
- We're treating
trauma, using trauma.
- I'm painting a picture here.
Like I said, Dr. Strauss here
is looking for taxpayer funding
to test psychedelic
drugs on patients
to alter people's minds.
- [Senator Mathis] Motion
for funding is denied.
Dr. Strauss, thank
you for your time.
(clock ticking)
- They were looking for
fundamental information
on compounds that were,
that would be capable
of causing changes
in behavior, changes
in mental attitude.
- [Narrator] The
decision was made
to do testing on
unwitting victims.
It was decided they should
be on the fringes of society
because they were
most vulnerable.
- [Reporter] It was the
borderline underworld,
prostitutes, drug addicts,
and other small-timers
that would be powerless to seek
any kind of revenge in
case they found out.
(woman moaning)
(knuckles rapping)
(woman chuckling)
(door banging)
(soft melancholic music)
(Galvin whistles)
(soft melancholic
music continues)
- [Galvin] We're out of time.
(thunder rumbling)
(soft solemn music)
- [CIA Handler] We
had the board denying
Ford's funding today.
It's time to recruit him.
About that subject that escaped,
make sure Townsend gets him
before anybody sees him.
I don't wanna have
to call Langley.
- Don't, no reason to worry 'em.
You'll hear from me.
(Galvin inhales sharply)
- [Ford] Uh, sorry to keep you.
Right, Brian.
- [Margret Mercer] How is he?
- Nurse, would you and Brian
excuse us for a moment?
- [Nurse Irwin] Of course,
doctor. - Thank you.
- Come on, Brian, let's
get you to your room.
- Kevin, it's Kevin, right, and?
- Margaret.
- And Margaret,
Kevin and Margaret,
um, like I said,
Brian is a very strong young man
and disabilities
won't change that.
- [Kevin Mercer] Is he
still a pig butcher?
It's a simple question, doctor.
He killed eight of my cattle.
Now you fix him or you
keep him, ain't that right?
- All right.
This is Dr. Miller's contact.
He's highly regarded.
Like I say,
a strong young man
there in Brian,
all he needs is
patience and care.
As far as your refund,
feel free to take that
up with the state.
Nurse, could you show the
Mercers out, thank you.
- [Nurse] Sure, doctor.
- Get in the car.
I wasn't asking.
(soft slow solemn music)
(sirens wailing)
It's gone to shit.
But this shit reminds me
of why we do what we do.
Gives us a reason to
get up in the morning.
Reason to iron your
suit, shine your shoes.
Gives us men meaning.
You understand that,
don't you, Ford?
(soft dramatic music)
You're a Kraut, Strauss?
Strauss is a Kraut name, right?
- No.
- [Galvin] Ah, that's too bad.
'Cause then you'd understand.
- Understand what?
- Understand that if
we turn our eyes away
for even a moment, one moment,
filth will overcome us.
- What does any of this
have to do with me?
- Because I'm gonna fund
your research, Dr. Ford.
- Why would the Bureau of
Narcotics fund research
into psychological psychedelia?
- [Galvin] Because I'm
a company man first.
- What company?
- The potential that you have
to accomplish here is singular.
To push the
boundaries of science,
with the full support
of the government.
- And in exchange?
- The chance to learn.
With access to your
research, your patients,
maybe even a chance to
help fix the broken, hm?
Ford, look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Understand?
That's good.
- [TV Reporter] In the
Guatemalan foothills
there's a mysterious
training depot,
where some of the raiders
may have been based.
The government there
denies that Cubans
are among the soldiers
being instructed,
but observers have
said otherwise.
Professional soldiers
are among the teachers
and once trained, a man
can seriously disappear.
Guatemala has held no briefs
with the Castro regime,
and has aided the rebels.
In Cuba itself, the people
have been exhorted by Castro
to push back the invaders.
And 300,000 militia
men have mobilized.
The invasion was successful
in its early hours
with Castro of course blaming-
- Ford?
Sweetheart, I picked up dinner.
Are you in your office?
I brought us supper.
- [TV Announcer]
Denies that Cubans
are among the soldiers
being instructed,
but observers have
said otherwise.
- [Rose] What can I do?
- I told you, nothing.
- [Rose] Come.
- Hey.
Hey.
(Rose moans)
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
It's not you, okay?
It's not you.
- Then what is it?
- I don't, I don't know.
- (sniffs) Is it, is it us?
- No, no, it's not us.
- Then is it me?
Because I can't-
- No, of course,
of course not, no.
Something happened today.
- What?
- After they passed,
I got an offer.
- By who?
- (groans) It's federal.
- Federal, why I thought
that's what you always wanted.
- Yeah, but this is different,
they want control, access.
(sighs) I can't figure
out what to make of 'em.
- [Rose] Who?
- I don't know.
(gentle dramatic music)
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
- Come on, wake up.
There you go. (groans)
There you go.
Thank you.
Won't you get in, get
in, watch your head.
There you go.
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
- Nurse Irwin?
Nurse Irwin.
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
Nurse?
Nurse, what are you?
What in the hell do
you think you're doing?
- [Nurse] The patient is
prepped for the leukotomy.
- Thank you, nurse.
- Un-prep him, you're not
lobotomizing my fucking patient.
- Mr. Mercer is no longer
your patient, Dr. Strauss.
Step aside.
- The hell I will.
- You gotta be
careful, Dr. Strauss.
(slow dramatic music)
(phone line ringing)
- [Galvin On Phone] It's me.
- Yes, okay, I'll do it,
but I need a favor, right now.
(saw whirring)
(telephone ringing)
(slow dramatic music)
(telephone ringing)
- Will you fucking
get that, please?
- It's for you.
- [Dr. Miller] For fuck sake.
(dramatic music)
(train horn blaring)
(slow suspenseful music)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
- Um, I have to be
work at some point,
so how long you?
What's this?
(suspenseful music)
- [Dwyer] Hello, Dr.
Strauss, I'm Agent Dwyer.
I'm a colleague
of Agent Morgan's.
And I'm here to ask you a
few questions this morning.
- All right, what is this place?
- All right, I'm gonna
need you to relax.
Take a few deep breaths.
- It's a little hard
with the hood, and-
- Breathe.
(inhales sharply) Huh,
are you ready to begin?
- Yes.
- State your full name.
- You just said it a moment ago.
- Don't make him repeat himself.
- [Dwyer] Again,
state your full name.
- Ford Joseph Strauss.
- State of birth.
- Pennsylvania.
- Answer each of the
following questions
with only a yes or a no.
Are you connected to
or pledge allegiance
to the beliefs of
the communist party
or organizations within
the communist party?
- No.
- Are you a member or have ties
to extremist groups
or organizations
with desire to
overthrow or challenge
the sovereignty of the
United States government?
- [Ford] No.
- [Dwyer] Do you have any
debt or financial obligations?
- [Ford] No.
- Do you use drugs or alcohol?
- Socially, but
only really only on-
- [Dwyer] Yes or no?
- Yes.
- [Dwyer] Both?
- Yes.
- Do you consider yourself
reliable and trustworthy?
- I do, yes.
(dramatic music)
- I have one more question.
Do you trust Agent Morgan?
- What?
- I said,
do you trust Agent
Galvin Morgan?
(suspenseful music)
(Dwyer laughing)
- [Townsend] That's a joke.
- You're good to go, doc.
Ah, pleasure meeting you.
- Yeah, you as well.
- All right, open
up your arm there.
- Yeah.
- [Dwyer] Thank
you, Dr. Strauss.
(paper rustling)
- It's your consulting in
confidentiality agreement.
It's just procedural,
we all sign in.
- [Ford] Well, what's it say?
- To keep your
fucking mouth shut.
- Oh, you, you mean my, my work,
it's gonna be my research.
- About us, not to talk
about us, ever, that's all.
Go ahead.
That enough to keep you busy?
- It's enough to drug
the whole fucking state.
Are, ah, we gonna be okay here?
- [Dwyer] We got it handled.
- Wow.
- [Narrator] Millions of dollars
would be spent on LSD research
at universities
throughout the country.
And word would begin
to spread on campus
about this so-called
mind-blowing drug.
And suddenly there was the
counterculture of the '60s.
- I give the CIA a total credit
for sponsoring and initiating
the entire
consciousness movement,
counterculture
events of the 1960s.
The CIA funded and
supported and encouraged
hundreds of young psychiatrists
to experiment with this drug.
(slow dramatic music)
- [Nurse Irwin] Who's that?
- Research assistant.
- Should I introduce myself?
- Doesn't talk much.
- First patient, Luther Donovan,
diagnosed schizophrenic.
- Bring him in.
(slow dramatic music continues)
I am Dr. Strauss.
Tell me about yourself.
- [Nurse Irwin] Shelly
Powers, arsonist.
- Show her in.
Shelly, tell me what happened
the night of March 3rd, 1959.
- My parents died.
- [Ford] And how
did that fire start?
- Doctor, patient
nine, Desmond Wallace.
- Hello, Mr. Wallace,
I'm Dr. Strauss.
Tell me about your addiction.
I like Wallace and Shelly.
Let's see what the
afternoon brings.
- Keep moving.
- Who is that?
- Laurence Stanley, he was
transferred in this morning.
- Arrest?
- It was non-voluntary.
- Schedule her in.
- Him.
(clock ticking)
- Why were you arrested?
- [Laura] Look at me.
- I am.
- Then why ask?
- [Ford] It's my job
to ask questions.
- Doesn't sound
like much of a job.
- It can be.
- [Laura] You have a cigarette?
- I do.
- [Laura] Well, can I have one?
- Don't see why not.
- [Laura] How long
do I have to be here?
- [Ford] Until you're healthy.
- You think I'm sick?
- I don't know, Laurence.
Did I say something wrong?
- It's Laura.
- Laura, I'm running
a drug study.
- So you wanna drug me up and?
- [Ford] Help you
re-find yourself.
(solemn music)
- [Laura] I'm sorry
to disappoint doctor,
but this is all you'll find.
- Then you'll be released and
at least you'll have some fun.
- I'll do it if I
can be transferred
to the ward with
the other girls.
- That is not an option.
- Nurse, wait outside. Now.
(solemn music continues)
She's right.
But what if I find
you your own room?
- And I want my
cross and my hair.
- Good, look forward to be
working with you, Laura.
Send in the next
patient, please.
- I have Mr. Mercer for you.
- Good afternoon, Brian.
(solemn music continues)
You ready to try something new?
Gender dysphoria and addiction.
It's a good spectrum.
Could have guessed you
wouldn't say anything.
- Goodnight, doc.
- Goodnight.
(slow suspenseful music)
(gun clicks)
- [Narrator] The
hallucinogens are drugs
whose primary effects
are on the mind.
So they are frequently
called psychedelic.
They include mescaline
and psilocybin.
The best known is
lysergic acid diethylamide
derived from a fungus
that grows on rye grain.
Pure LSD is very powerful.
One ounce is enough for
300,000 average doses.
Extensive experimentation
has failed to establish
a medical use for LSD,
but study continues,
and the legal supply of
the drug is restricted
for use in these carefully
supervised research settings.
- [LSD] This is where I
have my effect, in the mind.
That seven inches of inner space
between the root of the nose
and the back of the head.
It is, on all accounts,
man's most prized possession.
And in many ways,
his most complicated.
I'm like a depth charge here,
among the brain's
12 billion cells,
but it's one of my
most perplexing secrets
that no one really
knows yet how I work.
Some have suggested that
I affect the midbrain,
the brain's computer,
and prevent it from
regulating signals
from the eyes and the ears
and the other sense organs.
But while there's much
uncertainty about how I work,
there is no uncertainty
about what I can do.
With just a very few micrograms
of me inside the body,
colors, shapes,
smells, textures,
the whole range of
things that can be seen,
heard, smelled,
touched, and tasted
take on incredible distortions
which seem absolutely
and totally real.
With just a few
micrograms of me,
all sorts of hallucinations
are possible.
- [User] I couldn't see
anything except colors.
And I thought, "Well, you know,
this is supposed to be
reality," but it wasn't.
It wasn't anything except just
things that weren't objects.
And after a while you
don't know who you are
and you don't know who
the other person is.
It's happening and
it's happening so fast,
and you can't stop it and
you just can't do anything.
You just have to.
- [LSD] The most dangerous act
can look attractive
and easy to accomplish
because I can make
those sparkling lights
look colorful and inviting,
a moving tapestry which
can beckon and lure
a traveler to join them.
(car horns honking)
(dramatic music)
Well, that's just a rough idea
of what a few
micrograms of me can do.
About the same amount
that you saw in the
point of a pin, remember.
But in spite of my
overwhelming power,
I have yet to kill
anyone from an overdose.
They don't think I'm
physiologically addicting.
And when I'm
swallowed I disappear,
because they haven't yet
perfected a good field test
to detect me inside the body.
Altogether, I'm one
of the most perplexing
and powerful drugs conceivable.
(train horn blaring)
(wind whooshing)
- Day one, initial observation
of patients during
administration
of 400 micrograms of
lysergic acid diethylamide,
without outside interference.
- [Townsend] That's
a heavy dose.
- Might as well jump right in.
(pill crunches)
(gentle bright music)
- What now?
- We wait.
(gentle bright music continues)
(clock ticking)
(Shelly giggles)
(gentle bright music continues)
The effects of the
lysergic acid diethylamide
I'd first seen in subject
two, Shelly Powers.
She exhibits increased
energy and excitement
mixed with minor hallucinations.
- Ah. (panting)
It's so, so fucking hot.
- Subject's pupils are dilated
and she exhibits
extreme perspiration.
She's removed her clothing.
- Subject one is
having a reaction.
- Subject one, Brian Mercer,
shows signs of
hyperreflexia onset
and visual discomfort.
(Brian coughing)
- I should get in there.
- Standby.
Subject is experiencing emesis
of common side effect
with chemical induction.
We'll continue monitoring
with suggestion
of lower dosage
for further trials.
(somber music)
Patient one is
experiencing paranoia
and fear of being watched
by unseen being or beings.
Grab a guard and give him 200
milligrams of chlorpromazine
to reduce the effects.
- Yes, doctor.
- And start an IV
for dehydration.
We'll substitute diamorphine
for the patient moving forward.
Patient three, Laurence Stanley,
is subdued in a fetal position.
His knees to his chest.
- Give us this day
our daily bread.
- [Ford] He mouths words.
- And forgive us our trespasses.
- Can you tell what he's saying?
Is he praying?
(hand banging)
- Fuck you. Fuck you.
What the fuck is this shit?
Give me a hit, man, I'm need it.
What the fuck!
- Patient four,
Desmond Wallace shows
heightened emotions.
He is less affected by the LSD
than the other patients
due to potential buildup
of chemical tolerance.
Recommend alternative
0.7 micrograms,
3-part quinuclidinol benzoate.
- [Townsend] How
long will it last?
- Eight hours.
- [Townsend] Eight hours, woah.
(Desmond banging)
(Desmond shouting)
- [Dr. Miller] The
last person I'd expect.
- I was just grabbing
the, ah, the Mercer file.
Are you moving offices?
- No. No, I'm, um, I'm not.
- Sorry.
- Don't be.
I mean, you played the
game. I could have.
Have a drink with me.
- I really should be-
- No, no, sit.
You're a good man Ford.
But you need to be careful.
- I'm not sure what
you're talking about.
- Politics and science
make the worst of friends.
- I'm just doing my job.
- I know you believe that.
But medicine is business
and in business you always
have to ask yourself
why, why do they pay?
What do they want that has
that much value to them?
- My intentions are good.
- Your intentions
never worried me.
But what do I know?
I'm just an old
man without a job.
- What, what are you suggesting?
- Into whatsoever
houses I enter,
I will enter to help the sick.
I will abstain from
all intentional
wrong-doing and harm,
especially abusing
the body as a man.
- [Ford] Or woman, bond or free.
- Follow it and pray.
(Ford chuckles)
You laugh.
And science can't
explain everything.
Just a continual evolution
without consequence,
but in life, Jesus,
that's all there is.
Action, consequence.
- What if I just don't believe?
- Hmm, then you
haven't yet been lost.
We all need
something to save us.
(suspenseful music)
- I need your notes, doc.
- Where are you
taking all of this?
- Ask Morgan.
- Tell him I'd like
to talk to him.
- You got his number.
(suspenseful music continues)
Call him.
(suspenseful music continues)
(man yelling)
(eerie dramatic music)
(eerie dramatic music continues)
- [Narrator] Other experiments
were not as conventional.
Neurophysicist, Dr. Jose
Delgado was financed
by the office of Naval Research.
In this experiment
the bull is sedated.
Electrodes are
implanted in its brain.
Delgado transmits an
electronic impulse
to the center of
the bull's brain.
Delgado has remote
control of the animal.
Recently released
CIA documents refer
to the feasibility of
remote control of animals,
and that special investigations
will be conducted
toward the application
of selected elements
of these techniques to man.
(fan clanging)
- Dallas, you sees me, Dallas?
Ict see rot, rot, I say.
(German exclaims)
(telephone ringing)
- (sighs) Yeah.
- You called?
- Yeah.
Ford's asking questions.
- [Galvin] Just
keep him focused,
we need the facade to
continue for the funding.
- He wants to see you.
- [Galvin] I'll be
there in a week or two,
very busy here.
Our German is making
some progress.
How are things there?
- We moved in.
Dwyer's at work.
- [Galvin] You'll hear from me.
(camera rattles)
(slow soft dramatic music)
- If I wasn't here,
would you wanna hold it?
- Maybe.
I like you.
- [Ford] Why do you like me?
- You see me.
- Do others not see you?
- They choose not to.
Always so high.
So I make them.
- Shelly, keep your shirt on.
- Do you want me, Dr. Ford?
I want you to fuck me.
(panting) Look at me.
- Nurse.
- Don't make me burn
you, motherfucker.
(suspenseful music)
- Can you get me the
deprivation mask, thank you.
Do you trust me, Brian?
- You can't keep them away.
(panting) You, you
can't keep them away.
- I'm going to help you now.
So I need you to
relax for a moment.
Sh, sh, sh.
Slow your breathing.
There you go.
Now this is just a mask.
(Brian panting)
Can you breathe?
Are you in that field
you've been talking about?
- [Brian] Yes, it's dark.
And cold.
- Is anyone with you?
- No, alone.
- [Ford] Alone?
- No. No.
No.
- What is it?
- [Brian] I, I hear
them, they're coming.
- Who's coming?
- The beasts.
- Leave the field.
- I can't, I can't leave.
- Why not?
- It's locked,
the door's locked.
- [Ford] Then knock.
- They won't answer.
- Try.
- They won't, they
won't let me in,
and they're coming.
- Who?
- Not till I'm a man.
- Brian?
Who won't let you in Brian?
- They're, they're here.
- Who?
- No, no, no!
- Who?
- [Brian] No, no, no, no!
No, stop!
(dramatic music)
(Brian yelling)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(camera rattling)
- I need a hit.
I'm dying here.
I'm hurting inside.
- [Ford] You see this?
- Give it to me.
Give it to me now.
- It's empty.
- You fucking with me.
You fucking with me.
- This is all it provides
your life, nothing.
Makes you empty inside.
Makes you meaningless,
meaningless and empty.
(Desmond whimpering)
(Desmond yelling)
- [Desmond] Fucking
with my head.
- You should rest, drink fluids.
- [Ford] What's Laura's status.
- The 500 micrograms of
lysergic acid diethylamide
kicked in about an hour ago.
- [Ford] Then we continue.
Would you hand me
my spare glasses,
they should be in
the top drawer.
- Yes, doctor.
- Thank you.
- [Nurse Irwin] Everything okay?
- It's just a
different prescription.
- [Nurse Irwin] Good.
- Nurse, make sure someone stays
with patient Powers
at all times.
I'll be right in.
- Yes, doctor.
- [Townsend] What
was all that about?
- He's out. Too
much of a liability.
We transfer him
to rehabilitation.
- Talking about the girl.
Why can't you leave her alone?
- Shelly, (sighs) she, ah,
she seems to,
Shelly's actions seem to
be based on a past series
of neglect, based on an
addicted parental structure.
She's ah, she acts
out for attention
and she's after the
result, not the desire.
- She liked your pretty face.
- Well, drugs seem to be
working, at least for these two.
The real mystery.
Was this before you were Laura?
- [Laura] I have
always been Laura.
- [Ford] Always?
- [Laura] Yes.
- What about Laurence?
- Always Laura.
- All right, tell me,
tell me again
about your parents.
- I love them.
They love me.
- Did they ever do
anything to hurt you?
- No. I'm their daughter.
- Then why did you leave home?
- [Laura] So people
would stop judging them.
- Why do people judge them?
- Only God can judge.
- I understand.
And what does God
think about your lying?
- [Laura] That's
between him and me.
- [Ford] What do you think?
- That he forgives.
Our father who art in heaven.
- What's going on?
- [Laura] Hallowed be thy
name, thy kingdom come.
(somber music)
- [Ford] Didn't know
you were coming.
- Should I have called first?
- [Ford] No, it's fine.
- What happened?
- [Ford] One of the
patients turned violent.
- Oh, that's a shame.
This one over here
is interesting.
- Actually, she's the only one
who doesn't seem to be
responding to the treatment.
You should actually take a look
at the progress from
patient Brian Mercer.
- [Galvin] I like this one.
I heard you asked for me.
- (sighs) Yes, I
asked weeks ago.
- Well, I'm here.
- I had some questions
about where my research
is being taken.
- I like questions.
- Agent Galvin, I
wanna be very sure
that we are both on
the same page here.
- [Galvin] Has your
funding been arriving?
It's been coming, the money?
- Yes, but that has nothing to
do with the subject at hand.
- Do your job.
Anything else?
- No.
- Good.
Keep up the good work, doc.
(car engine rumbling)
- You okay?
Lucky it wasn't worse.
- It's not that.
- What is it then?
- I can't figure her out.
- Who?
- Patient, down to three now,
so it's hardly a study.
Stands little chance
of getting published,
but there's this one,
she perplexes me.
It's like the deeper I
look the less I find.
(gentle dramatic music)
- Well, maybe there
isn't anything.
Maybe you're searching so hard
because you want
there to be something,
but there really isn't anything.
- 50% Success rates.
It's nothing, it's
the toss of a coin.
- Then maybe you should stop.
It's okay to stop.
Something isn't right.
(door thuds)
- [Ford] Sorry I'm late.
- How do you feel?
- Like shit. Is
everyone prepped?
Where's Laura?
- [Nurse Irwin] The state came
and took Laurence this morning.
- What you talking about?
- I thought you knew.
- Of course I
didn't fucking know.
- [Townsend] She's gone.
- That can't happen.
- It happened.
- That, I, look, look!
I'm down to two patients,
that is not a fucking study.
- [Townsend] Get some more.
- You, (sighs) this,
we're weeks in,
you can't just
replicate information,
it doesn't work like that.
It, it takes time and I
need her back, come on.
- You're not gonna
see her again.
- What's he doing with her?
Come on, fuck you
with the silence.
Come on, there's gotta
be something, okay?
- There's nothing.
- All right, well I, I guess
I don't like that
answer very much.
- No one needs you to be happy.
- Yes, so what if I'm out too?
- It's not your choice anymore.
That's not an option
anymore for you.
So I suggest you take a moment
and breathe.
And then I'll see
you back in there.
It's time to go to work.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(Shelly squeaks)
(somber music continues)
(triumphant music)
- [Narrator] The existence
of these safe houses
was disclosed last year.
Details of what took
place within them
has not been told.
A former CIA official who
worked in the safe houses,
reveals that they were used
not only for drug testing,
but to study sexual behavior
and how it could be used
to manipulate people.
- [Official] We
did quite a study
of prostitutes and
their behavior.
How do you take a woman
who's willing to use her body
to get money out of a guy
to get him to talk about things
which are much more
important, like state secrets?
(camera rattling)
- You ready, Brian?
Okay.
(solemn music)
That's good.
That's good.
(goat bleating)
- Meh.
(solemn music continues)
(soft dramatic music)
- [Ford] Laura, Laura?
Laura! Laura?
(hand banging)
Laura!
Laura!
(soft dramatic music continues)
(soft dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music)
(camera rattling)
(film cans clanking)
(door bangs)
(suspenseful music)
(projector whirring)
(soft eerie music)
(soft eerie music continues)
(soft eerie music continues)
(soft eerie music continues)
(dramatic eerie music)
(projector whirring)
(birds chirping)
(telephone dial whirring)
(phone line ringing)
- [Officer] Police department,
how may I help you?
(dramatic music)
(phone line ringing)
- It's me.
- [CIA Handler] Where
the fuck you been?
- Sarah?
- [CIA Handler] She's fine.
Ford's seen too
much, scrub it all.
- I gotta go.
(dramatic music continues)
- [TV Announcer] The
day was already underway
when the Senate prepared
the subcommittee,
holding hearings on this issue.
The White House
responded rapidly
to the board's recommendations.
Dr. James Killian,
who had just assumed
his new position
as special assistant
to the president.
- And some technology.
- [TV Announcer]
Arranged a meeting
for the first week of
December among the president,
the director of
Central Intelligence,
Mr. Allen Dulles.
- [Nurse Irwin] It's Nurse
Irwin, there's been an incident.
- What happened?
- [Nurse Irwin] There was
a fire in your office.
Everything is gone.
- My files. What about my files?
- [Nurse Irwin] Shelly
escaped from her quarters
shortly after we left.
She doused herself in accelerant
before she lit up the room.
- [Ford] Oh, fuck.
No, it wasn't her.
(monitor beeping)
(somber music)
- [Doctor] Okay.
The moment of truth.
Will you let us know
when you're through?
- Yes.
- All right.
- Shelly?
(somber music continues)
Shelly, it's Dr. Strauss.
(Shelly moaning)
Listen to me.
I know this wasn't you.
And I am so sorry.
(Shelly gasping)
What?
- [Shelly] Cameraman.
- Yeah, cameraman.
(car engine revving)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(Ford gasping)
- I'm sorry.
(typewriter keys clacking)
(gun bangs)
(melancholic music)
(woman shrieking)
(melancholic music continues)
(both grunting)
(gun bangs)
(Ford groans)
(melancholic music continues)
(body squelching)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
- [Narrator] And one of those
who took part in these programs.
In 1977, the Senate
subcommittee heard testimony
from many of them,
but the testimony was
not that revealing.
According to one of them,
they agreed amongst
themselves to keep the inquiry
within bounds that would
satisfy the committee.
Former narcotics
officer Charles Siragusa
says that he was asked
to limit his testimony
by the man he reported
to at the CIA.
- He warned me not
to say anything.
- [Interviewer] To
perjure yourself.
- That's right.
Well, either that, I'd
have to perjure myself
or take the fifth amendment.
and I'm not about to take the
fifth amendment for anybody.
- Has mind control
been achieved?
From all of the available
evidence it appears doubtful.
The human will has
prevailed up to this point.
But as we have seen, work
is continuing in this field.
Work that we still don't
know very much about.
How deeply are the Russians
and other dictatorships
into all of this?
We really can't say,
and the CIA is reluctant to
give out information about it.
But the basic question remains.
What place does all of this
have within a democracy?
One final point should be made.
As one of the persons who worked
on these programs told us,
"We have very capable,
conscientious,
and very dedicated scientists
working for our country.
Their work speaks for itself."
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(soft dramatic music)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(somber music)
(bright music)
(rousing dramatic music)
(suspenseful music)
- [Interviewer] Did
you ever consider
what would've happened if
any of these substances
were given to say,
unwitting people?
- [Scientist] Oh,
I don't remember
having considered
that specifically, I.
- [Interviewer] What
if you, I trust perhaps
you've thought about it.
- Well, I haven't
worried about it.
I, your question again,
what would I have
thought had I known that?
- [Interviewer] Any of
these substances would be.
- Would've been given to?
- [Interviewer]
Unwitting persons.
- You mean a hostile agent
of another government?
- No, I mean, test. -
I mean, that'srobably
what I had in mind.
- [Interviewer] I
mean testing it out
on an American citizen.
(dramatic music)
- I.
I guess I must seem very,
very cold-blooded about this,
but I don't recall
ever having been
very much preoccupied
with that issue.
(dramatic music continues)
- [Narrator] But many drugs
were tested in this way.
A decision was made at the
highest levels of the CIA
to do testing on
unwitting Americans.
As one CIA document says,
"Such testing would be
operationally realistic."
A former CIA official who worked
on these programs describes
for the first time how
the decision was made.
He did not wish to be
filmed or recorded.
Thus, his remarks are
read by someone else.
- [CIA Agent] I think every
last one of us felt sorry
to attempt this kind of thing.
We knew we were crossing a line.
Every decent kid knows
he shouldn't steal,
but he does it sometimes.
We knew damn well we
didn't want anyone else
to know what we were doing.
(dramatic music continues)
(typewriter keys clacking)
(gentle suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(electricity buzzing)
(gentle suspenseful
music continues)
(electricity buzzing)
(water splashing)
(clock ticking)
(knuckles rapping)
- [Rose] Come to bed.
- [Ford] I'll be in soon.
- They're gonna approve
the funding. Come.
(Ford coughing)
(soft suspenseful music)
- [Ford] This study
aims to provide
a chemical enhancement
of such memories
as to allow the subject
to replay the
role-defining moments
and physicians such as myself,
a path towards
reconstruction of the events
with a variable outcome.
- [Dr Miller] Given the current
success rates that we're seeing
with the
electroconvulsive therapy,
what would be the
reasoning at this time
that the board would consider
diverting precious funds
to explore a path, which
in my professional opinion,
is already working?
- We're treating
trauma, using trauma.
- I'm painting a picture here.
Like I said, Dr. Strauss here
is looking for taxpayer funding
to test psychedelic
drugs on patients
to alter people's minds.
- [Senator Mathis] Motion
for funding is denied.
Dr. Strauss, thank
you for your time.
(clock ticking)
- They were looking for
fundamental information
on compounds that were,
that would be capable
of causing changes
in behavior, changes
in mental attitude.
- [Narrator] The
decision was made
to do testing on
unwitting victims.
It was decided they should
be on the fringes of society
because they were
most vulnerable.
- [Reporter] It was the
borderline underworld,
prostitutes, drug addicts,
and other small-timers
that would be powerless to seek
any kind of revenge in
case they found out.
(woman moaning)
(knuckles rapping)
(woman chuckling)
(door banging)
(soft melancholic music)
(Galvin whistles)
(soft melancholic
music continues)
- [Galvin] We're out of time.
(thunder rumbling)
(soft solemn music)
- [CIA Handler] We
had the board denying
Ford's funding today.
It's time to recruit him.
About that subject that escaped,
make sure Townsend gets him
before anybody sees him.
I don't wanna have
to call Langley.
- Don't, no reason to worry 'em.
You'll hear from me.
(Galvin inhales sharply)
- [Ford] Uh, sorry to keep you.
Right, Brian.
- [Margret Mercer] How is he?
- Nurse, would you and Brian
excuse us for a moment?
- [Nurse Irwin] Of course,
doctor. - Thank you.
- Come on, Brian, let's
get you to your room.
- Kevin, it's Kevin, right, and?
- Margaret.
- And Margaret,
Kevin and Margaret,
um, like I said,
Brian is a very strong young man
and disabilities
won't change that.
- [Kevin Mercer] Is he
still a pig butcher?
It's a simple question, doctor.
He killed eight of my cattle.
Now you fix him or you
keep him, ain't that right?
- All right.
This is Dr. Miller's contact.
He's highly regarded.
Like I say,
a strong young man
there in Brian,
all he needs is
patience and care.
As far as your refund,
feel free to take that
up with the state.
Nurse, could you show the
Mercers out, thank you.
- [Nurse] Sure, doctor.
- Get in the car.
I wasn't asking.
(soft slow solemn music)
(sirens wailing)
It's gone to shit.
But this shit reminds me
of why we do what we do.
Gives us a reason to
get up in the morning.
Reason to iron your
suit, shine your shoes.
Gives us men meaning.
You understand that,
don't you, Ford?
(soft dramatic music)
You're a Kraut, Strauss?
Strauss is a Kraut name, right?
- No.
- [Galvin] Ah, that's too bad.
'Cause then you'd understand.
- Understand what?
- Understand that if
we turn our eyes away
for even a moment, one moment,
filth will overcome us.
- What does any of this
have to do with me?
- Because I'm gonna fund
your research, Dr. Ford.
- Why would the Bureau of
Narcotics fund research
into psychological psychedelia?
- [Galvin] Because I'm
a company man first.
- What company?
- The potential that you have
to accomplish here is singular.
To push the
boundaries of science,
with the full support
of the government.
- And in exchange?
- The chance to learn.
With access to your
research, your patients,
maybe even a chance to
help fix the broken, hm?
Ford, look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Understand?
That's good.
- [TV Reporter] In the
Guatemalan foothills
there's a mysterious
training depot,
where some of the raiders
may have been based.
The government there
denies that Cubans
are among the soldiers
being instructed,
but observers have
said otherwise.
Professional soldiers
are among the teachers
and once trained, a man
can seriously disappear.
Guatemala has held no briefs
with the Castro regime,
and has aided the rebels.
In Cuba itself, the people
have been exhorted by Castro
to push back the invaders.
And 300,000 militia
men have mobilized.
The invasion was successful
in its early hours
with Castro of course blaming-
- Ford?
Sweetheart, I picked up dinner.
Are you in your office?
I brought us supper.
- [TV Announcer]
Denies that Cubans
are among the soldiers
being instructed,
but observers have
said otherwise.
- [Rose] What can I do?
- I told you, nothing.
- [Rose] Come.
- Hey.
Hey.
(Rose moans)
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
It's not you, okay?
It's not you.
- Then what is it?
- I don't, I don't know.
- (sniffs) Is it, is it us?
- No, no, it's not us.
- Then is it me?
Because I can't-
- No, of course,
of course not, no.
Something happened today.
- What?
- After they passed,
I got an offer.
- By who?
- (groans) It's federal.
- Federal, why I thought
that's what you always wanted.
- Yeah, but this is different,
they want control, access.
(sighs) I can't figure
out what to make of 'em.
- [Rose] Who?
- I don't know.
(gentle dramatic music)
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
- Come on, wake up.
There you go. (groans)
There you go.
Thank you.
Won't you get in, get
in, watch your head.
There you go.
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
- Nurse Irwin?
Nurse Irwin.
(gentle dramatic
music continues)
Nurse?
Nurse, what are you?
What in the hell do
you think you're doing?
- [Nurse] The patient is
prepped for the leukotomy.
- Thank you, nurse.
- Un-prep him, you're not
lobotomizing my fucking patient.
- Mr. Mercer is no longer
your patient, Dr. Strauss.
Step aside.
- The hell I will.
- You gotta be
careful, Dr. Strauss.
(slow dramatic music)
(phone line ringing)
- [Galvin On Phone] It's me.
- Yes, okay, I'll do it,
but I need a favor, right now.
(saw whirring)
(telephone ringing)
(slow dramatic music)
(telephone ringing)
- Will you fucking
get that, please?
- It's for you.
- [Dr. Miller] For fuck sake.
(dramatic music)
(train horn blaring)
(slow suspenseful music)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
- Um, I have to be
work at some point,
so how long you?
What's this?
(suspenseful music)
- [Dwyer] Hello, Dr.
Strauss, I'm Agent Dwyer.
I'm a colleague
of Agent Morgan's.
And I'm here to ask you a
few questions this morning.
- All right, what is this place?
- All right, I'm gonna
need you to relax.
Take a few deep breaths.
- It's a little hard
with the hood, and-
- Breathe.
(inhales sharply) Huh,
are you ready to begin?
- Yes.
- State your full name.
- You just said it a moment ago.
- Don't make him repeat himself.
- [Dwyer] Again,
state your full name.
- Ford Joseph Strauss.
- State of birth.
- Pennsylvania.
- Answer each of the
following questions
with only a yes or a no.
Are you connected to
or pledge allegiance
to the beliefs of
the communist party
or organizations within
the communist party?
- No.
- Are you a member or have ties
to extremist groups
or organizations
with desire to
overthrow or challenge
the sovereignty of the
United States government?
- [Ford] No.
- [Dwyer] Do you have any
debt or financial obligations?
- [Ford] No.
- Do you use drugs or alcohol?
- Socially, but
only really only on-
- [Dwyer] Yes or no?
- Yes.
- [Dwyer] Both?
- Yes.
- Do you consider yourself
reliable and trustworthy?
- I do, yes.
(dramatic music)
- I have one more question.
Do you trust Agent Morgan?
- What?
- I said,
do you trust Agent
Galvin Morgan?
(suspenseful music)
(Dwyer laughing)
- [Townsend] That's a joke.
- You're good to go, doc.
Ah, pleasure meeting you.
- Yeah, you as well.
- All right, open
up your arm there.
- Yeah.
- [Dwyer] Thank
you, Dr. Strauss.
(paper rustling)
- It's your consulting in
confidentiality agreement.
It's just procedural,
we all sign in.
- [Ford] Well, what's it say?
- To keep your
fucking mouth shut.
- Oh, you, you mean my, my work,
it's gonna be my research.
- About us, not to talk
about us, ever, that's all.
Go ahead.
That enough to keep you busy?
- It's enough to drug
the whole fucking state.
Are, ah, we gonna be okay here?
- [Dwyer] We got it handled.
- Wow.
- [Narrator] Millions of dollars
would be spent on LSD research
at universities
throughout the country.
And word would begin
to spread on campus
about this so-called
mind-blowing drug.
And suddenly there was the
counterculture of the '60s.
- I give the CIA a total credit
for sponsoring and initiating
the entire
consciousness movement,
counterculture
events of the 1960s.
The CIA funded and
supported and encouraged
hundreds of young psychiatrists
to experiment with this drug.
(slow dramatic music)
- [Nurse Irwin] Who's that?
- Research assistant.
- Should I introduce myself?
- Doesn't talk much.
- First patient, Luther Donovan,
diagnosed schizophrenic.
- Bring him in.
(slow dramatic music continues)
I am Dr. Strauss.
Tell me about yourself.
- [Nurse Irwin] Shelly
Powers, arsonist.
- Show her in.
Shelly, tell me what happened
the night of March 3rd, 1959.
- My parents died.
- [Ford] And how
did that fire start?
- Doctor, patient
nine, Desmond Wallace.
- Hello, Mr. Wallace,
I'm Dr. Strauss.
Tell me about your addiction.
I like Wallace and Shelly.
Let's see what the
afternoon brings.
- Keep moving.
- Who is that?
- Laurence Stanley, he was
transferred in this morning.
- Arrest?
- It was non-voluntary.
- Schedule her in.
- Him.
(clock ticking)
- Why were you arrested?
- [Laura] Look at me.
- I am.
- Then why ask?
- [Ford] It's my job
to ask questions.
- Doesn't sound
like much of a job.
- It can be.
- [Laura] You have a cigarette?
- I do.
- [Laura] Well, can I have one?
- Don't see why not.
- [Laura] How long
do I have to be here?
- [Ford] Until you're healthy.
- You think I'm sick?
- I don't know, Laurence.
Did I say something wrong?
- It's Laura.
- Laura, I'm running
a drug study.
- So you wanna drug me up and?
- [Ford] Help you
re-find yourself.
(solemn music)
- [Laura] I'm sorry
to disappoint doctor,
but this is all you'll find.
- Then you'll be released and
at least you'll have some fun.
- I'll do it if I
can be transferred
to the ward with
the other girls.
- That is not an option.
- Nurse, wait outside. Now.
(solemn music continues)
She's right.
But what if I find
you your own room?
- And I want my
cross and my hair.
- Good, look forward to be
working with you, Laura.
Send in the next
patient, please.
- I have Mr. Mercer for you.
- Good afternoon, Brian.
(solemn music continues)
You ready to try something new?
Gender dysphoria and addiction.
It's a good spectrum.
Could have guessed you
wouldn't say anything.
- Goodnight, doc.
- Goodnight.
(slow suspenseful music)
(gun clicks)
- [Narrator] The
hallucinogens are drugs
whose primary effects
are on the mind.
So they are frequently
called psychedelic.
They include mescaline
and psilocybin.
The best known is
lysergic acid diethylamide
derived from a fungus
that grows on rye grain.
Pure LSD is very powerful.
One ounce is enough for
300,000 average doses.
Extensive experimentation
has failed to establish
a medical use for LSD,
but study continues,
and the legal supply of
the drug is restricted
for use in these carefully
supervised research settings.
- [LSD] This is where I
have my effect, in the mind.
That seven inches of inner space
between the root of the nose
and the back of the head.
It is, on all accounts,
man's most prized possession.
And in many ways,
his most complicated.
I'm like a depth charge here,
among the brain's
12 billion cells,
but it's one of my
most perplexing secrets
that no one really
knows yet how I work.
Some have suggested that
I affect the midbrain,
the brain's computer,
and prevent it from
regulating signals
from the eyes and the ears
and the other sense organs.
But while there's much
uncertainty about how I work,
there is no uncertainty
about what I can do.
With just a very few micrograms
of me inside the body,
colors, shapes,
smells, textures,
the whole range of
things that can be seen,
heard, smelled,
touched, and tasted
take on incredible distortions
which seem absolutely
and totally real.
With just a few
micrograms of me,
all sorts of hallucinations
are possible.
- [User] I couldn't see
anything except colors.
And I thought, "Well, you know,
this is supposed to be
reality," but it wasn't.
It wasn't anything except just
things that weren't objects.
And after a while you
don't know who you are
and you don't know who
the other person is.
It's happening and
it's happening so fast,
and you can't stop it and
you just can't do anything.
You just have to.
- [LSD] The most dangerous act
can look attractive
and easy to accomplish
because I can make
those sparkling lights
look colorful and inviting,
a moving tapestry which
can beckon and lure
a traveler to join them.
(car horns honking)
(dramatic music)
Well, that's just a rough idea
of what a few
micrograms of me can do.
About the same amount
that you saw in the
point of a pin, remember.
But in spite of my
overwhelming power,
I have yet to kill
anyone from an overdose.
They don't think I'm
physiologically addicting.
And when I'm
swallowed I disappear,
because they haven't yet
perfected a good field test
to detect me inside the body.
Altogether, I'm one
of the most perplexing
and powerful drugs conceivable.
(train horn blaring)
(wind whooshing)
- Day one, initial observation
of patients during
administration
of 400 micrograms of
lysergic acid diethylamide,
without outside interference.
- [Townsend] That's
a heavy dose.
- Might as well jump right in.
(pill crunches)
(gentle bright music)
- What now?
- We wait.
(gentle bright music continues)
(clock ticking)
(Shelly giggles)
(gentle bright music continues)
The effects of the
lysergic acid diethylamide
I'd first seen in subject
two, Shelly Powers.
She exhibits increased
energy and excitement
mixed with minor hallucinations.
- Ah. (panting)
It's so, so fucking hot.
- Subject's pupils are dilated
and she exhibits
extreme perspiration.
She's removed her clothing.
- Subject one is
having a reaction.
- Subject one, Brian Mercer,
shows signs of
hyperreflexia onset
and visual discomfort.
(Brian coughing)
- I should get in there.
- Standby.
Subject is experiencing emesis
of common side effect
with chemical induction.
We'll continue monitoring
with suggestion
of lower dosage
for further trials.
(somber music)
Patient one is
experiencing paranoia
and fear of being watched
by unseen being or beings.
Grab a guard and give him 200
milligrams of chlorpromazine
to reduce the effects.
- Yes, doctor.
- And start an IV
for dehydration.
We'll substitute diamorphine
for the patient moving forward.
Patient three, Laurence Stanley,
is subdued in a fetal position.
His knees to his chest.
- Give us this day
our daily bread.
- [Ford] He mouths words.
- And forgive us our trespasses.
- Can you tell what he's saying?
Is he praying?
(hand banging)
- Fuck you. Fuck you.
What the fuck is this shit?
Give me a hit, man, I'm need it.
What the fuck!
- Patient four,
Desmond Wallace shows
heightened emotions.
He is less affected by the LSD
than the other patients
due to potential buildup
of chemical tolerance.
Recommend alternative
0.7 micrograms,
3-part quinuclidinol benzoate.
- [Townsend] How
long will it last?
- Eight hours.
- [Townsend] Eight hours, woah.
(Desmond banging)
(Desmond shouting)
- [Dr. Miller] The
last person I'd expect.
- I was just grabbing
the, ah, the Mercer file.
Are you moving offices?
- No. No, I'm, um, I'm not.
- Sorry.
- Don't be.
I mean, you played the
game. I could have.
Have a drink with me.
- I really should be-
- No, no, sit.
You're a good man Ford.
But you need to be careful.
- I'm not sure what
you're talking about.
- Politics and science
make the worst of friends.
- I'm just doing my job.
- I know you believe that.
But medicine is business
and in business you always
have to ask yourself
why, why do they pay?
What do they want that has
that much value to them?
- My intentions are good.
- Your intentions
never worried me.
But what do I know?
I'm just an old
man without a job.
- What, what are you suggesting?
- Into whatsoever
houses I enter,
I will enter to help the sick.
I will abstain from
all intentional
wrong-doing and harm,
especially abusing
the body as a man.
- [Ford] Or woman, bond or free.
- Follow it and pray.
(Ford chuckles)
You laugh.
And science can't
explain everything.
Just a continual evolution
without consequence,
but in life, Jesus,
that's all there is.
Action, consequence.
- What if I just don't believe?
- Hmm, then you
haven't yet been lost.
We all need
something to save us.
(suspenseful music)
- I need your notes, doc.
- Where are you
taking all of this?
- Ask Morgan.
- Tell him I'd like
to talk to him.
- You got his number.
(suspenseful music continues)
Call him.
(suspenseful music continues)
(man yelling)
(eerie dramatic music)
(eerie dramatic music continues)
- [Narrator] Other experiments
were not as conventional.
Neurophysicist, Dr. Jose
Delgado was financed
by the office of Naval Research.
In this experiment
the bull is sedated.
Electrodes are
implanted in its brain.
Delgado transmits an
electronic impulse
to the center of
the bull's brain.
Delgado has remote
control of the animal.
Recently released
CIA documents refer
to the feasibility of
remote control of animals,
and that special investigations
will be conducted
toward the application
of selected elements
of these techniques to man.
(fan clanging)
- Dallas, you sees me, Dallas?
Ict see rot, rot, I say.
(German exclaims)
(telephone ringing)
- (sighs) Yeah.
- You called?
- Yeah.
Ford's asking questions.
- [Galvin] Just
keep him focused,
we need the facade to
continue for the funding.
- He wants to see you.
- [Galvin] I'll be
there in a week or two,
very busy here.
Our German is making
some progress.
How are things there?
- We moved in.
Dwyer's at work.
- [Galvin] You'll hear from me.
(camera rattles)
(slow soft dramatic music)
- If I wasn't here,
would you wanna hold it?
- Maybe.
I like you.
- [Ford] Why do you like me?
- You see me.
- Do others not see you?
- They choose not to.
Always so high.
So I make them.
- Shelly, keep your shirt on.
- Do you want me, Dr. Ford?
I want you to fuck me.
(panting) Look at me.
- Nurse.
- Don't make me burn
you, motherfucker.
(suspenseful music)
- Can you get me the
deprivation mask, thank you.
Do you trust me, Brian?
- You can't keep them away.
(panting) You, you
can't keep them away.
- I'm going to help you now.
So I need you to
relax for a moment.
Sh, sh, sh.
Slow your breathing.
There you go.
Now this is just a mask.
(Brian panting)
Can you breathe?
Are you in that field
you've been talking about?
- [Brian] Yes, it's dark.
And cold.
- Is anyone with you?
- No, alone.
- [Ford] Alone?
- No. No.
No.
- What is it?
- [Brian] I, I hear
them, they're coming.
- Who's coming?
- The beasts.
- Leave the field.
- I can't, I can't leave.
- Why not?
- It's locked,
the door's locked.
- [Ford] Then knock.
- They won't answer.
- Try.
- They won't, they
won't let me in,
and they're coming.
- Who?
- Not till I'm a man.
- Brian?
Who won't let you in Brian?
- They're, they're here.
- Who?
- No, no, no!
- Who?
- [Brian] No, no, no, no!
No, stop!
(dramatic music)
(Brian yelling)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(camera rattling)
- I need a hit.
I'm dying here.
I'm hurting inside.
- [Ford] You see this?
- Give it to me.
Give it to me now.
- It's empty.
- You fucking with me.
You fucking with me.
- This is all it provides
your life, nothing.
Makes you empty inside.
Makes you meaningless,
meaningless and empty.
(Desmond whimpering)
(Desmond yelling)
- [Desmond] Fucking
with my head.
- You should rest, drink fluids.
- [Ford] What's Laura's status.
- The 500 micrograms of
lysergic acid diethylamide
kicked in about an hour ago.
- [Ford] Then we continue.
Would you hand me
my spare glasses,
they should be in
the top drawer.
- Yes, doctor.
- Thank you.
- [Nurse Irwin] Everything okay?
- It's just a
different prescription.
- [Nurse Irwin] Good.
- Nurse, make sure someone stays
with patient Powers
at all times.
I'll be right in.
- Yes, doctor.
- [Townsend] What
was all that about?
- He's out. Too
much of a liability.
We transfer him
to rehabilitation.
- Talking about the girl.
Why can't you leave her alone?
- Shelly, (sighs) she, ah,
she seems to,
Shelly's actions seem to
be based on a past series
of neglect, based on an
addicted parental structure.
She's ah, she acts
out for attention
and she's after the
result, not the desire.
- She liked your pretty face.
- Well, drugs seem to be
working, at least for these two.
The real mystery.
Was this before you were Laura?
- [Laura] I have
always been Laura.
- [Ford] Always?
- [Laura] Yes.
- What about Laurence?
- Always Laura.
- All right, tell me,
tell me again
about your parents.
- I love them.
They love me.
- Did they ever do
anything to hurt you?
- No. I'm their daughter.
- Then why did you leave home?
- [Laura] So people
would stop judging them.
- Why do people judge them?
- Only God can judge.
- I understand.
And what does God
think about your lying?
- [Laura] That's
between him and me.
- [Ford] What do you think?
- That he forgives.
Our father who art in heaven.
- What's going on?
- [Laura] Hallowed be thy
name, thy kingdom come.
(somber music)
- [Ford] Didn't know
you were coming.
- Should I have called first?
- [Ford] No, it's fine.
- What happened?
- [Ford] One of the
patients turned violent.
- Oh, that's a shame.
This one over here
is interesting.
- Actually, she's the only one
who doesn't seem to be
responding to the treatment.
You should actually take a look
at the progress from
patient Brian Mercer.
- [Galvin] I like this one.
I heard you asked for me.
- (sighs) Yes, I
asked weeks ago.
- Well, I'm here.
- I had some questions
about where my research
is being taken.
- I like questions.
- Agent Galvin, I
wanna be very sure
that we are both on
the same page here.
- [Galvin] Has your
funding been arriving?
It's been coming, the money?
- Yes, but that has nothing to
do with the subject at hand.
- Do your job.
Anything else?
- No.
- Good.
Keep up the good work, doc.
(car engine rumbling)
- You okay?
Lucky it wasn't worse.
- It's not that.
- What is it then?
- I can't figure her out.
- Who?
- Patient, down to three now,
so it's hardly a study.
Stands little chance
of getting published,
but there's this one,
she perplexes me.
It's like the deeper I
look the less I find.
(gentle dramatic music)
- Well, maybe there
isn't anything.
Maybe you're searching so hard
because you want
there to be something,
but there really isn't anything.
- 50% Success rates.
It's nothing, it's
the toss of a coin.
- Then maybe you should stop.
It's okay to stop.
Something isn't right.
(door thuds)
- [Ford] Sorry I'm late.
- How do you feel?
- Like shit. Is
everyone prepped?
Where's Laura?
- [Nurse Irwin] The state came
and took Laurence this morning.
- What you talking about?
- I thought you knew.
- Of course I
didn't fucking know.
- [Townsend] She's gone.
- That can't happen.
- It happened.
- That, I, look, look!
I'm down to two patients,
that is not a fucking study.
- [Townsend] Get some more.
- You, (sighs) this,
we're weeks in,
you can't just
replicate information,
it doesn't work like that.
It, it takes time and I
need her back, come on.
- You're not gonna
see her again.
- What's he doing with her?
Come on, fuck you
with the silence.
Come on, there's gotta
be something, okay?
- There's nothing.
- All right, well I, I guess
I don't like that
answer very much.
- No one needs you to be happy.
- Yes, so what if I'm out too?
- It's not your choice anymore.
That's not an option
anymore for you.
So I suggest you take a moment
and breathe.
And then I'll see
you back in there.
It's time to go to work.
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
(Shelly squeaks)
(somber music continues)
(triumphant music)
- [Narrator] The existence
of these safe houses
was disclosed last year.
Details of what took
place within them
has not been told.
A former CIA official who
worked in the safe houses,
reveals that they were used
not only for drug testing,
but to study sexual behavior
and how it could be used
to manipulate people.
- [Official] We
did quite a study
of prostitutes and
their behavior.
How do you take a woman
who's willing to use her body
to get money out of a guy
to get him to talk about things
which are much more
important, like state secrets?
(camera rattling)
- You ready, Brian?
Okay.
(solemn music)
That's good.
That's good.
(goat bleating)
- Meh.
(solemn music continues)
(soft dramatic music)
- [Ford] Laura, Laura?
Laura! Laura?
(hand banging)
Laura!
Laura!
(soft dramatic music continues)
(soft dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music)
(camera rattling)
(film cans clanking)
(door bangs)
(suspenseful music)
(projector whirring)
(soft eerie music)
(soft eerie music continues)
(soft eerie music continues)
(soft eerie music continues)
(dramatic eerie music)
(projector whirring)
(birds chirping)
(telephone dial whirring)
(phone line ringing)
- [Officer] Police department,
how may I help you?
(dramatic music)
(phone line ringing)
- It's me.
- [CIA Handler] Where
the fuck you been?
- Sarah?
- [CIA Handler] She's fine.
Ford's seen too
much, scrub it all.
- I gotta go.
(dramatic music continues)
- [TV Announcer] The
day was already underway
when the Senate prepared
the subcommittee,
holding hearings on this issue.
The White House
responded rapidly
to the board's recommendations.
Dr. James Killian,
who had just assumed
his new position
as special assistant
to the president.
- And some technology.
- [TV Announcer]
Arranged a meeting
for the first week of
December among the president,
the director of
Central Intelligence,
Mr. Allen Dulles.
- [Nurse Irwin] It's Nurse
Irwin, there's been an incident.
- What happened?
- [Nurse Irwin] There was
a fire in your office.
Everything is gone.
- My files. What about my files?
- [Nurse Irwin] Shelly
escaped from her quarters
shortly after we left.
She doused herself in accelerant
before she lit up the room.
- [Ford] Oh, fuck.
No, it wasn't her.
(monitor beeping)
(somber music)
- [Doctor] Okay.
The moment of truth.
Will you let us know
when you're through?
- Yes.
- All right.
- Shelly?
(somber music continues)
Shelly, it's Dr. Strauss.
(Shelly moaning)
Listen to me.
I know this wasn't you.
And I am so sorry.
(Shelly gasping)
What?
- [Shelly] Cameraman.
- Yeah, cameraman.
(car engine revving)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(Ford gasping)
- I'm sorry.
(typewriter keys clacking)
(gun bangs)
(melancholic music)
(woman shrieking)
(melancholic music continues)
(both grunting)
(gun bangs)
(Ford groans)
(melancholic music continues)
(body squelching)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
(melancholic music continues)
- [Narrator] And one of those
who took part in these programs.
In 1977, the Senate
subcommittee heard testimony
from many of them,
but the testimony was
not that revealing.
According to one of them,
they agreed amongst
themselves to keep the inquiry
within bounds that would
satisfy the committee.
Former narcotics
officer Charles Siragusa
says that he was asked
to limit his testimony
by the man he reported
to at the CIA.
- He warned me not
to say anything.
- [Interviewer] To
perjure yourself.
- That's right.
Well, either that, I'd
have to perjure myself
or take the fifth amendment.
and I'm not about to take the
fifth amendment for anybody.
- Has mind control
been achieved?
From all of the available
evidence it appears doubtful.
The human will has
prevailed up to this point.
But as we have seen, work
is continuing in this field.
Work that we still don't
know very much about.
How deeply are the Russians
and other dictatorships
into all of this?
We really can't say,
and the CIA is reluctant to
give out information about it.
But the basic question remains.
What place does all of this
have within a democracy?
One final point should be made.
As one of the persons who worked
on these programs told us,
"We have very capable,
conscientious,
and very dedicated scientists
working for our country.
Their work speaks for itself."
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(soft dramatic music)
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(somber music)