Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997) s01e02 Episode Script
The Viewing/The Subway/Kid in the Closet/Justice is Served/The Tractor
Every day, we are faced with
the challenge of separating
fact from fiction.
ANNOUNCER: "Beyond
Belief, Fact or Fiction--"
hosted by James Brolin.
We live in a world where
the real and the unreal
live side by side,
where substance
is disguised as illusion,
and the only explanations
are unexplainable.
Will you be able to
separate stories of truth
from fantasy tonight?
To do so, you must break through
the web of your experience
and open your mind to
things beyond belief.
What appears to be one thing,
like this carving of a duck,
might really be another,
like a carving of a rabbit.
It's all a matter of perception.
Tonight, we present several
stories for your entertainment,
but we ask you to
test your perception
as you watch them unfold.
Are these stories
constructed from whole cloth,
or are they inspired
by real events?
You have until the
program's end to decide.
By the way, we reserve
the right to change
the names and details.
So let's begin our little
game of cat and mouse,
or should we say,
duck and rabbit?
A disturbing piece of
furniture, isn't it?
The last bed we
will ever sleep in.
To even view it empty,
like this, sends shivers
down many people's spines.
But for others, it
has no effect at all.
Adam Foster was not shaken
by the sight of a coffin.
His family ran the
foster funeral home.
There were always
several of these
in their downstairs parlor,
usually with occupants.
No big deal, until the
night of March 18th.
Fred?
Fred, are you in here?
Come on, Fred, if you're
in here, just come out now.
I'm not going to waste
my time looking for you.
I don't have to.
[screams]
That's not funny.
It was just a joke.
You know you're
not supposed to be
fooling around in the coffins.
Oh, come on, don't
be such a stiff.
All right, let's go.
Come on.
Has anyone seen my keys?
It won't be funny when
they bury you alive.
There you are.
We were going to
leave without you.
Now you don't want to be
late for Billy's, do you?
Get going.
Oh, he was fooling around
in the coffins again.
- Well--
- I was not.
Adam's lost his sense of humor.
Has anyone seen my keys?
Brent, I've told you before,
stay out of the caskets.
They're for sale.
Now scoot.
Oh, Mom.
MR. FOSTER: Brent,
have you seen my keys?
The movie's over at 10:30.
We'll be home by 11:00.
MR. FOSTER: Someone
help me find my keys!
[telephone rings]
We are never going
to get out of here.
Foster Funeral Home.
I'm sorry, we're closed.
BEVERLY HENN (ON PHONE): Mr.
Foster, it's Beverly Hannon.
I'm sorry to be calling so late.
Oh Mrs. Hannon, good
evening, how can I help you?
I was wondering could
we possibly postpone
my husband's funeral tomorrow?
Postpone it?
I know this is an
odd request, but you
see, before Reginald died,
he made me promise to bury
him with his war metals.
Now I can't find them any place.
Is there any
possible way we could
just postpone the funeral?
Well, it is getting very late.
I'm not sure that I
can contact everyone.
BEVERLY HANNON (ON PHONE):
You just don't understand.
If Reginald wanted something
done in a certain way,
come hell or high water, he
made sure it was done that way.
I'm not going to let
him down with this.
Now, Mrs. Hannon, I know
how important this is to you,
but if you keep
looking for them,
I'm sure that you
will find them.
And we can talk about
this again in the morning.
In the morning.
Goodnight.
[phone beeps]
Let's go.
Bye, honey.
Bye, Mom.
BRENT: See you, buttface.
ADAM (VOICEOVER): I used
to get the creeps when
they left me alone,
especially when
there was a body in the chapel.
But I guess I was kind
of used to it by now.
[knocking]
I'm comng, I'm coming.
[knocking]
I'm sorry, we're closed.
I need to see Reginald Hannon.
I'm sorry, sir, viewing
hours ended at 7:30.
I can't come to
the funeral tomorrow.
I must see him tonight.
Please, it's very important.
I have these.
These are the medals his
wife's been looking for her.
He's supposed to be
buried with them tomorrow.
Please let me see him
for just a moment.
I can't let him be
buried without them.
All right, come
on, through here.
I appreciate it.
ADAM (VOICEOVER): It
was way after hours,
and Dad would be furious
with me for letting him in.
But he did have the medals, so
I figured he must know the guy.
Would you mind
signing the registry?
[surreal ambient music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER): This guy
was starting to get to me.
I couldn't wait
for him to leave.
May I go in now, please?
Yeah, it's right through here.
[classical music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER):
This was the part
I hated the most,
getting anywhere
near those dead bodies.
Would you mind if
I had a moment alone?
Yeah.
Thank you, my boy.
Thank you.
[bells toll over music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER): It was OK with
me to get away from the casket.
I guess my nerves were
getting the best of me.
The sooner that guy came
out, the happier I'd be.
[surreal ambient music playing]
Was this guy ever
going to come out?
I mean how close was
he to Reginald Hannon?
What was he doing in
there for so long anyhow?
Hey, mister, I'm going to need
you to cut it short, all right?
My dad's not going to
like the fact that I let
somebody in after hours, OK.
Hello?
Come on, mister, I
was nice enough to let
you in in the first place.
How about it?
Sir?
Hello?
ADAM (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't find him anywhere.
What was going on here?
That's when I found the bag
that the medals were in.
[dramatic organ music playing]
What really happened here?
How could the
stranger at the door
have disappeared from sight?
Did Adam miss the
stranger's exit
while he was tying his shoe?
If so, why did the stranger
appear to be the same man
who was in the casket?
Was there an identical
twin involved
that nobody knew about?
If that was the case, why did
he sign in as the deceased?
Or was this the story
of a restless spirit
who couldn't find peace until
his mission was completed?
Complete fiction
or a strange truth?
[dramatic music playing]
ANNOUNCER: Was this
story true or false?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, a frightening subway
ride to a world beyond belief.
How many times do
your plans work out?
Not just the big plans like
career, marriage, family.
But the simple plans
like getting from point A
to point B. That's all Al
and Anne Larkin wanted to do.
They were going to take the
subway from their apartment
to a dance club.
And they had no idea that this
simple plan would take them
for the ride of their lives.
[DRAMATIC ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING]
ANNE (VOICEOVER): Al
and I were finally
getting a night out
together, something
we both really needed.
It was Al's firs
night off in a month,
and he really wanted
to stay home and sleep.
But I insisted we go out.
We live near a subway stop
in downtown Los Angeles.
And we decided to try it out.
It was a decision neither
one of us would ever forget.
I was so excited to
be out for the evening
that I didn't even notice that
we were the only ones standing
on the subway platform.
I was hoping for one of
those romantic nights filled
with spontaneous excitement.
But Al was tired, and
it was all I could
do to keep his spirits up.
Besides, we were about to
get all of the excitement
we could handle.
We won't be out late, OK.
Dinner, a movie, that's all.
Then we'll go home.
Yeah, after midnight.
Oh, come on.
[laughter]
Hey, bandleader?
Or an undertaker.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
The man in the tuxedo
was just the start
of the strange things
that we would
experience that night.
And as our subway pulled
into the first stop,
things just didn't seem right.
There was a weird
energy going on.
And Al was feeling
it more than I was.
Are we on the right--
are we on the right train?
I don't know.
Excuse me, does this
train go to Melrose?
This train goes nowhere.
[dramatic music playing]
Hey, where did he go?
I don't know.
You know, it's Saturday night.
This car should be packed.
I know where
are the signs that
tell you which line you're on?
I don't know.
A station, look!
Is that Melrose?
I couldn't tell.
Great.
We're on a train that's
been taken out of service.
Are you sure about that?
I don't know.
Then what do we do now?
We find the conductor.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
Of course, there
was no conductor anywhere.
Every car was empty.
And then without any warning,
the train began to speed up.
And then it didn't feel like
a speeding train anymore.
It felt like a nightmare
that was out of control.
I'm trying to calm down.
I can barely stand up!
AL: Please, the
train is speeding up.
ANNE (VOICEOVER): My heart
is beating out of my chest.
No matter how hard
I would breathe,
I couldn't get enough
air inside my lungs.
I was in a total panic.
And the train seemed to be
going faster and faster.
What's going on in here?
Where are the people?
[whimpers]
It'll be all right.
I don't know, I don't know.
I can't-- just stop.
What's going on, man?
[heart beats quickly]
We're stopping!
We're stopping!
Al, do something!
We're backing up!
I just want to get off.
Al-- [whimpers]
We're not getting out.
Go, go, go.
I'm trying!
Come on.
I can't do this.
Wait a minute,
there's a station here.
Where?
Right here.
I don't care what station
this is, we are getting off.
Come on, come on.
[dramatic music playing]
ANNE (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't believe it.
The train seemed to actually
be coming to a stop.
I was just praying
with all of my heart
that the doors would open.
We're right back
where we started?
Well, good.
Let's go home.
Come on.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
Unbelievably, we had
only been gone for 30 minutes.
But so you're OK, right?
Yeah, I am.
I smell gas.
It's coming from Mrs. Ewing!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): It was our
nextdoor neighbor's apartment.
Mrs. Ewing!
Mrs. Ewing, it's me, Anne!
Watch out, I got this.
Mrs. Ewing!
OK, maybe we should
call the super.
There's no time!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): And
then I remembered the key.
Wait, wait, the key.
Oh, the key, yeah.
The chain.
Mrs. Ewing!
I got it, I got it.
[crashes]
Mrs. Ewing!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): Al
raced over to Mrs. Ewing
while I turned off the gas.
If it weren't for
that train ride that
scared us into
coming back early,
Mrs. Ewing would
have surely died.
I should have gone into
the other room to help Al,
but something caught my eye.
[dramatic music playing]
Come on, you got
to get out of here.
Come on.
Mrs. Ewing-- Get out
of here, baby, come on.
[coughing]
I must have turned the heater
on and forgot to light it.
Maybe we should take
you to the emergency room.
No, no, I'm all right.
I'm just lucky you
two smelled the gas.
Mrs. Ewing, who is this?
Why, that's
Edward, my husband.
He passed away 29 years ago.
He said he'd always
watch over me.
ANNE (VOICEOVER): We were
looking at the same man
we saw on the train.
He said he'd never leave me.
Is this story possible?
There are subway service
trains that test equipment.
They don't stop at any stations.
They don't pick
up any passengers,
and they go at higher
speeds than normal trains.
Could Al and Anne have gotten
aboard one of those trains
by mistake?
But then where did that other
mysterious passenger come from?
And was he really a double
for Mrs. Ewing's late husband,
or were the shadows
of the subway
playing tricks on their minds?
Or are we playing
tricks on yours?
ANNOUNCER: Was this story real?
We'll find out at
the end of our show.
Next, a boy lives in fear
of a monster in his closet
on Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction.
What were your childhood
fears, the bogeyman,
the monster under
the bed, or simply
being afraid of the dark?
Most of us outgrow these
fears at an early age.
But for some, the
fears hang on longer.
Take Danny Johnson.
He's 10 now.
But ever since he was two,
he's been afraid of something
in his closet.
And now that the other
kids have found out,
he really has something to fear.
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER):
This is a very difficult
story for a mother to tell.
But years have passed
now, so I'll try.
My youngest son,
Danny, was 10 years old
and living in constant terror.
His days were filled
with threats and taunts
from the kids at school.
His nights were filled
with terrible dreams
about a monster inside
the closet in his room.
My older children had no
sympathy for Danny either.
And that's a memory
I can't lose.
Could I have done
something to change things?
It's a question I ask
myself over and over.
But what could I
have possibly done?
[banging and shouting]
I found Danny
sleeping downstairs
in the middle of the night.
That was a common
occurrence in our house.
Hey, Danny.
Honey, wake up.
Hey, you can't keep
sleeping out here.
I don't want to go up there.
How long is this
going to go on, huh?
You have nothing to
be frightened of.
OK?
OK, let's go to bed.
I'll tuck you in.
[surreal ambient music playing]
OK, Danny.
[rumbles]
Mom!
Come here.
Look.
Let's see, here?
No, no.
Let's check up this sleeve here.
Nothing!
Let's see down here.
Do you see anything?
No.
No, there's nothing in here.
Let's get in bed.
And I want you to stay there.
OK.
All right, that a boy.
You comfortable?
- Yeah.
Good.
Please stay with me, Mom.
Oh, honey, you've
got to get over this.
But I am afraid to.
I know.
Nothing is going to get you.
There's nothing in the closet.
OK?
All right.
Oh, and if you don't stay in
bed, I'm going to get you.
[laughter]
Goodnight, Mom.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Good dreams.
You, too.
Sweet dreams.
Turn off the light,
shut the door.
Love you, honey.
[dramatic music playing]
Brian, honey, would you get the
juice out of the fridge for me?
No, Mom, I can't.
What?
I'm afraid.
There's a monster
in the refrigerator!
All right, Brian,
would you just stop it.
You should be thankful you
don't have an imagination
like your brother Danny.
If you ask me, and
nobody has, Danny
is just seeking attention.
Mom, everybody's
laughing at him at school.
All right, all
right, that's enough.
I want you to leave your
brother alone, understood?
- Yes, Mom.
- Danny, come on!
You're gonna miss the bus.
Let's go, you guys,
you're gonna be late.
I love you.
Love you.
Be good.
Here's your lunch.
Come here.
Don't let them get you down.
I won't, Mother.
OK, I love you.
Bye, sweetheart.
Have fun!
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER):
Danny continued to live
his life as the outsider.
He wanted desperately to fit
in and be a part of things.
But he was labeled as
a coward, the kid who
was still afraid of monsters.
But as painful as these
memories were for Danny,
he always knew there were
worst moments to come.
My older son, Brian, was part of
that group that was tormenting
Danny this particular day,
a day that would change
all of our lives forever.
[banging and shouting]
Open the door,
Danny, I've got a key.
Hey, you guys, we'll
get him tomorrow.
Let's go, come on, you guys.
Yeah, it's locked anyway.
I've had it with you guys!
Hey Danny, what are you
going to do with that bat?
Oh, we're so scared.
Hey, Danny, you
better watch out.
A monster will get you!
[laughter]
Shut up!
I'm not afraid of any of you.
I'll take you all on.
[shouting]
Come on, Danny.
We're going upstairs.
No, don't!
Let me go!
Please don't!
[shouting]
[laughter]
Yeah, Danny.
You guys, shush.
Hey, Danny, is that the closet?
Is that where the monster lives?
Oh, I bet the
monster's really hungry.
Hey, what do you say, we
TOGETHER: Open the door.
What are you guys doing?
Danny was about to
meet his little monster.
Mom's not going to like that.
Mom's not going to
know, is she, Debbie?
You know this could have a
lasting, psychological effect
on Danny.
Shut up, Debbie.
If you're so brave, why
don't you go in the closet?
Well, OK, baby.
Yeah, Brian, show him.
But you're next.
[dramatic music playing]
[shouts]
Help me!
Help me!
Get me out of here!
Be careful.
You're next.
Very funny, Brian.
Open the door!
What's going on in here?
Huh?
What?
No way.
What's this?
That's Brian shirt.
- Where did he go?
- Who?
Brian, he went
into the closet.
He's gone?
I told you there was
a monster in there!
[surreal ambient music playing]
There's no way the kid could
have gotten out of this closet,
except through the door.
Mrs. Johnson, let
me ask you again.
Is there any reason
why your son would
want to run away from home?
Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson, I
need to speak to my partner.
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't hear exactly what
the police were
saying to each other,
but I guessed what
the report would read.
My son Brian would
be officially listed
as a missing person,
another young boy
who ran away from home.
This is really weird.
The kid just seems to have
vanished into thin air.
Well, what do you want
me to write in the report?
That the kid was
eaten by a monster?
[surreal ambient music playing]
Danny's brother was never
seen or heard from again.
And what really happened here?
Did Danny's brother
run away from home?
Was there really a
way out of that closet
that nobody ever found?
Or maybe this was
a tragic lesson
about being kind to others human
beings, taught by a spirit,
hidden deep in a boy's closet.
Or maybe, it came
from the deep recesses
of our writer's imagination.
ANNOUNCER: The truth
about this story
will be revealed
in our final act.
Next, a surprise witness
makes an appearance at a trial
that's beyond belief.
After countless movies and
television dramas, live cameras
in the courtroom, and
extensive news coverage,
we sort of know what to expect
in the court of law these days.
At least, that's what
the defense lawyer
in this next murder trial
thought, until he defended
Robert Miller and experienced
the strangest day in court
he had ever seen.
ATTORNEY (VOICEOVER):
There he was, my client.
The manicure, the fancy jewelry,
why would a man like Robert
Miller commit murder?
No client of mine had
ever been found guilty.
But this one was going
to be tougher than most.
The lady DA was
making her case now,
and I had to advise
Miller to keep calm.
Mr. O'Neill, what is your
position at the yacht club?
I am the head custodian
at the Calabash Yacht Club.
And on the day
in question, what
were the weather conditions?
There was a storm coming in.
I tried to warn Mr. Miller,
but he wouldn't listen.
That was his way.
So Mr. Miller took a boat out,
knowing the storm was coming?
Yeah, he said they'd
be back in a couple hours
and not to worry.
They being Mr. Robert
Miller and Elizabeth
Warren, the deceased?
Yes.
What was their demeanor?
Pardon?
Were they getting along?
Oh, they were happy,
like they were celebrating.
How could you tell?
Oh, the lady had a
big bottle of champagne,
and she was drinking.
And the defendant?
No, he was sober.
Mr. Miller never drank.
Did Mr. Miller come back
within a couple of hours?
Oh, yeah.
Was Elizabeth Warren with him?
No ma'am.
What did he tell
you had happened?
He said that Mrs. Warren
had fallen overboard.
He was pretty upset.
But Mr. Miller said,
he went in after her,
and he couldn't find her.
So his clothes were wet?
Yes, they were.
Oh, the cause of death
was not from drowning.
How do you know?
We found no
water in her lungs.
What was the cause of
death then, Dr. Harding?
Blunt trauma to the head.
- As if someone had hit her?
- I object.
The prosecution is asking the
coroner to make a conclusion.
Sustained.
I'll ask it another way.
Is it your testimony,
Dr. Harding
that Elizabeth Warren was
dead before she hit the water?
Yes.
[murmuring]
Order.
[knocks gavel]
Order.
Proceed, Mr. Montgomery.
Your honor, I call Mr.
Robert Miller to the stand.
How long had you and Elizabeth
Warren been business partners?
Nearly 20 years.
We were just out of college.
And you were close?
Inseparable.
We were not only
business partners.
We were best friends.
And why on the day
of September 23 did you
and the deceased
go out on the boat?
[dramatic music playing]
I thought I got rid of that.
Mr. Miller?
Oh, pardon?
Why were you and Elizabeth
Warren on the boat, Mr. Miller?
Oh, we were celebrating
the acquisition of Quintel,
the computer software company.
And how would you describe
your feelings on that day?
It was the happiest
day of our lives.
[dramatic music playing]
Mr. Miller, are you all right?
Yeah, I'm sorry.
This has just been a very
difficult time for me.
I understand, sir.
Mr. Miller, the
prosecution is trying
to make the case that
you killed your friend
and business partner.
Did you?
I could never do that.
[dramatic music playing]
[murmuring]
Mr. Miller, I
think we've covered
all we need to cover right now.
I can understand
how upsetting it
is to be accused of murdering
your partner and friend
of 20 years.
I have no more questions.
Your witness.
Mr. Miller, you
stated that Elizabeth
Warren was your best friend.
But yet it was widely
reported that she
was going to start
a new company,
get out from under your shadow?
No, that's ridiculous.
She needed me more
than I needed her.
They're not going
to buy it, Robert.
They all know you're lying.
Why are you lying, Robert?
I'm not lying.
You would have been
nothing without me.
What do you mean she would
have been nothing without you?
Mr. Miller.
I'm sorry.
I meant we were a team.
Elizabeth was the idea person,
and I was the sales guy.
Sounds to me like you would
have been nothing without her?
It's all starting
to unravel, Robert.
No, it's not.
I won't let it.
Who are you talking
to, Mr. Miller?
Your honor, I
request a recess.
I must confer with my client.
This is it Robert.
No one believes you.
They all know you killed me.
And your next stop
is the gas chamber.
Stay away from me!
I'm not going to
the gas chamber!
[knocks gavel]
Order.
Order!
- You always--
Your Honor, this
is an outrage.
I must insist that
my client's rights
against self-incrimination
be protected.
Order!
Order!
I put an end to that,
didn't I, Elizabeth?
The people rest, your Honor.
It was so easy.
I got you, Elizabeth.
Will the defendant
please rise?
In the case of the people
versus Robert Elgin Miller,
what find you?
We find the defendant
Robert Elgin Miller not
guilty by reason of insanity.
Robert Miller,
I'm releasing you
to the custody of
the State Psychiatric
Hospital in Northpoint.
You will remain
there until such time
as you are deemed
mentally competent.
Bailiff.
[dramatic music playing]
[gibbers]
I'll be back.
I'll get out.
You'll see.
ATTORNEY (VOICEOVER):
Was he really insane?
That's not my call.
No client of mine has
ever been found guilty.
Was it strained nerves,
or a guilty conscience
that trapped the killer?
Or did Robert actually
see the woman he murdered?
Prior to taking the stand,
he seemed perfectly calm
and collected.
Yet moments later,
he was carrying
on bizarre conversations
with an unseen presence.
Or perhaps, it was
all just a clever ploy
to avoid the death penalty.
Fiction or inspired
by actual events?
You be the judge.
ANNOUNCER: Fact or fiction?
We'll find out at the
conclusion of tonight's show.
Next, a visit to the country
turns into an experience
that's beyond belief.
You ever long for
life in the country,
to leave the city behind for
the fresh air, the open space,
and the sounds of nature?
Julia Randall was lucky
to have experienced
that life as a
youngster when she
visited her grandfather's farm.
Those were happy,
carefree times.
But things change.
Julia has grown up now.
Listen to her story of a visit
to the childhood memories,
memories that would
soon turn to terror.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): On the ride
from the airport to the farm,
I thought about how loving
Grandpa Buck used to be.
But the stroke had left him
without the use of his legs.
And he had too much time to sit
around and think about dreams
that would never come true.
I knew I used to
be his favorite.
And I was looking
forward to returning
some of the love
and attention he
showed me when I was a child.
Grandpa?
Grandpa, it's me!
You don't have to yell.
I can hear ya.
I'm not deaf.
I had a stroke.
You scared me.
Don't you knock?
You're luck I recognized you.
I'd have shot ya.
I'm going to go get my stuff.
Just stay out of my way.
I want you to know I
don't need you here.
I don't want you here.
I get along just fine by myself.
I have for longer than
you've been alive.
JULIA (VOICEOVER):
He completely ignored
me until the next morning.
It hurt but, Grandpa had always
taught me to be a fighter.
I was going to give
this my best shot.
How did you sleep, Grandpa?
I slept great.
There's nothing like fresh air.
I can't wait to get outside.
Do you still have the chickens?
What about the cows?
What was the name of the
one you taught me to milk?
Was it Susie?
This is the worst
coffee I ever tasted.
A cripple like me can make
better coffee than you.
Well, maybe it's too
strong for you, Buck.
Too strong?
I'll show you too strong.
Here, you clean it up.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): What
Grandpa didn't know,
what I couldn't tell him
was that the bank was
about to foreclose on the farm.
Without his knowledge,
I found a buyer
for the back parcel, a
deal that would allow
Grandpa to stay on his land.
But it also set off
a chain of events
that would haunt my dreams
for the rest of my life.
RUSS JOHNSON: Hello?
I asked Russ Johnson to
come over this morning.
He's got someone who's
interested in the back parcel.
I thought you should
at least hear him out.
RUSS JOHNSON: Hello?
You're going to
listen this time.
You have to, please.
Thanks for coming, Russ.
Can I get you some coffee.
No, no thanks, that's OK.
You're wasting
your time, Russ.
I'm not selling anything.
Russ has worked really hard.
Do not take this out on him.
I'm sorry.
Please sit down.
Buck, I know how hard this is.
We had to do the same
thing for my dad.
Your dad died.
I'm not dead yet.
Just some people think I am.
So what do you
have for us, Russ?
Well, I got an offer
on the back parcel.
He says, he'll give
you what you're asking.
Real nice guy from
the next county.
His folks have been
farming these parts
as long as you have, Buck.
And the best thing is you
get to stay in the house
and keep the rest of the land.
That sounds really great.
What do you think, Grandpa?
Doesn't matter what I think.
Well, I'll bring the
paperwork by in the morning.
I'm really sorry, Julia.
I wish there was an easier way.
No, no, thank
you for everything.
You happy now?
Got what you want?
What makes you so better?
What, you think you can
come here and mess up my life?
You think I want to be here?
You don't even
like me Grandpa.
You been nothing but
mean to me since I
walked through that door.
Well, then leave.
Go on, get out.
I'm not going to miss you.
I'm going to go put
the tractor in the barn.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): I wasn't sure
I could still drive a tractor.
And I could feel
his eyes on me, just
like he watched me so many
times when I was growing up.
Start it up.
[rumbles]
That's it.
[clanking]
Now hit the clutch out.
No!
Julia!
[clanking]
[dramatic music playing]
Julia!
Julia!
Julia!
[grunts]
[grunts]
No!
Julia, there, Julia.
[somber music playing]
A final act of love by a
man who seemed to have no love
left.
Could Buck's paralyzed legs have
found the power to walk again,
to save his granddaughter?
There are stories of mothers
who have summoned superhuman
strength to lift heavy boulders,
even cars off their children.
Did Buck experience that
kind of miracle, or maybe
his paralysis was
only in his mind?
And he could walk all along.
Or perhaps, this
story never happened?
ANNOUNCER: Next, we'll find
out which stories were inspired
by actual events and which are
fabrications on Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction.
If you're like me, you've
been forming an opinion
about our stories tonight,
trying to guess which stories
are inspired by actual
events and which stories are
simply a counterfeit reality.
Well, now comes the moment
when we reveal the answers.
Our first story was
about the young man
who was put in charge of
his family's funeral home
and encountered the
shock of his young life.
Is truth stranger than fiction?
Did a story like this
really take place?
Yes, it did.
And what about the
runaway subway train?
Excuse me, does this
train go to Melrose?
This train goes nowhere.
Would it surprise you to learn
that this story was inspired
by an actual experience?
It was.
And what's your guess on the
story about the boy who feared
the monster in his closet?
What's this?
That's Brian's shirt.
Where did he go?
Who?
Brian, he went
into the closet.
He's gone?
I told you there was
a monster in there.
Could the idea for
a story like this have
come from a real-life event?
Yes, it did.
And what's your verdict on
the defendant and the ghost
he confronted in the courtroom?
What was the cause of
death then, Dr. Hanning?
It's all starting
to unravel, Robert.
No, it's not.
I won't let it.
Who are you talking
to, Mr. Miller?
This is it, Robert.
No one believes you.
Did this seem like a clever
tale, crafted by the mind
of a writer out to fool you?
That's what it was,
complete fiction.
Our last story tonight
was about the stroke
victim who left his
wheelchair to save
his granddaughter's life.
Julia!
If you thought that story
really happened, we gotcha.
It was fictional.
So were you able to tell
fact from fiction tonight?
Our first three stories
were inspired by fact.
The last two were
designed to fool you.
That's the end of
tonight's show.
We'll see you next week when
we attempt to demonstrate
that truth can be
stranger than fiction,
especially strange truth.
Good night.
ANNOUNCER: Join us next time on
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
This is Don LaFontaine.
[theme music playing]
the challenge of separating
fact from fiction.
ANNOUNCER: "Beyond
Belief, Fact or Fiction--"
hosted by James Brolin.
We live in a world where
the real and the unreal
live side by side,
where substance
is disguised as illusion,
and the only explanations
are unexplainable.
Will you be able to
separate stories of truth
from fantasy tonight?
To do so, you must break through
the web of your experience
and open your mind to
things beyond belief.
What appears to be one thing,
like this carving of a duck,
might really be another,
like a carving of a rabbit.
It's all a matter of perception.
Tonight, we present several
stories for your entertainment,
but we ask you to
test your perception
as you watch them unfold.
Are these stories
constructed from whole cloth,
or are they inspired
by real events?
You have until the
program's end to decide.
By the way, we reserve
the right to change
the names and details.
So let's begin our little
game of cat and mouse,
or should we say,
duck and rabbit?
A disturbing piece of
furniture, isn't it?
The last bed we
will ever sleep in.
To even view it empty,
like this, sends shivers
down many people's spines.
But for others, it
has no effect at all.
Adam Foster was not shaken
by the sight of a coffin.
His family ran the
foster funeral home.
There were always
several of these
in their downstairs parlor,
usually with occupants.
No big deal, until the
night of March 18th.
Fred?
Fred, are you in here?
Come on, Fred, if you're
in here, just come out now.
I'm not going to waste
my time looking for you.
I don't have to.
[screams]
That's not funny.
It was just a joke.
You know you're
not supposed to be
fooling around in the coffins.
Oh, come on, don't
be such a stiff.
All right, let's go.
Come on.
Has anyone seen my keys?
It won't be funny when
they bury you alive.
There you are.
We were going to
leave without you.
Now you don't want to be
late for Billy's, do you?
Get going.
Oh, he was fooling around
in the coffins again.
- Well--
- I was not.
Adam's lost his sense of humor.
Has anyone seen my keys?
Brent, I've told you before,
stay out of the caskets.
They're for sale.
Now scoot.
Oh, Mom.
MR. FOSTER: Brent,
have you seen my keys?
The movie's over at 10:30.
We'll be home by 11:00.
MR. FOSTER: Someone
help me find my keys!
[telephone rings]
We are never going
to get out of here.
Foster Funeral Home.
I'm sorry, we're closed.
BEVERLY HENN (ON PHONE): Mr.
Foster, it's Beverly Hannon.
I'm sorry to be calling so late.
Oh Mrs. Hannon, good
evening, how can I help you?
I was wondering could
we possibly postpone
my husband's funeral tomorrow?
Postpone it?
I know this is an
odd request, but you
see, before Reginald died,
he made me promise to bury
him with his war metals.
Now I can't find them any place.
Is there any
possible way we could
just postpone the funeral?
Well, it is getting very late.
I'm not sure that I
can contact everyone.
BEVERLY HANNON (ON PHONE):
You just don't understand.
If Reginald wanted something
done in a certain way,
come hell or high water, he
made sure it was done that way.
I'm not going to let
him down with this.
Now, Mrs. Hannon, I know
how important this is to you,
but if you keep
looking for them,
I'm sure that you
will find them.
And we can talk about
this again in the morning.
In the morning.
Goodnight.
[phone beeps]
Let's go.
Bye, honey.
Bye, Mom.
BRENT: See you, buttface.
ADAM (VOICEOVER): I used
to get the creeps when
they left me alone,
especially when
there was a body in the chapel.
But I guess I was kind
of used to it by now.
[knocking]
I'm comng, I'm coming.
[knocking]
I'm sorry, we're closed.
I need to see Reginald Hannon.
I'm sorry, sir, viewing
hours ended at 7:30.
I can't come to
the funeral tomorrow.
I must see him tonight.
Please, it's very important.
I have these.
These are the medals his
wife's been looking for her.
He's supposed to be
buried with them tomorrow.
Please let me see him
for just a moment.
I can't let him be
buried without them.
All right, come
on, through here.
I appreciate it.
ADAM (VOICEOVER): It
was way after hours,
and Dad would be furious
with me for letting him in.
But he did have the medals, so
I figured he must know the guy.
Would you mind
signing the registry?
[surreal ambient music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER): This guy
was starting to get to me.
I couldn't wait
for him to leave.
May I go in now, please?
Yeah, it's right through here.
[classical music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER):
This was the part
I hated the most,
getting anywhere
near those dead bodies.
Would you mind if
I had a moment alone?
Yeah.
Thank you, my boy.
Thank you.
[bells toll over music playing]
ADAM (VOICEOVER): It was OK with
me to get away from the casket.
I guess my nerves were
getting the best of me.
The sooner that guy came
out, the happier I'd be.
[surreal ambient music playing]
Was this guy ever
going to come out?
I mean how close was
he to Reginald Hannon?
What was he doing in
there for so long anyhow?
Hey, mister, I'm going to need
you to cut it short, all right?
My dad's not going to
like the fact that I let
somebody in after hours, OK.
Hello?
Come on, mister, I
was nice enough to let
you in in the first place.
How about it?
Sir?
Hello?
ADAM (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't find him anywhere.
What was going on here?
That's when I found the bag
that the medals were in.
[dramatic organ music playing]
What really happened here?
How could the
stranger at the door
have disappeared from sight?
Did Adam miss the
stranger's exit
while he was tying his shoe?
If so, why did the stranger
appear to be the same man
who was in the casket?
Was there an identical
twin involved
that nobody knew about?
If that was the case, why did
he sign in as the deceased?
Or was this the story
of a restless spirit
who couldn't find peace until
his mission was completed?
Complete fiction
or a strange truth?
[dramatic music playing]
ANNOUNCER: Was this
story true or false?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, a frightening subway
ride to a world beyond belief.
How many times do
your plans work out?
Not just the big plans like
career, marriage, family.
But the simple plans
like getting from point A
to point B. That's all Al
and Anne Larkin wanted to do.
They were going to take the
subway from their apartment
to a dance club.
And they had no idea that this
simple plan would take them
for the ride of their lives.
[DRAMATIC ELECTRONIC MUSIC
PLAYING]
ANNE (VOICEOVER): Al
and I were finally
getting a night out
together, something
we both really needed.
It was Al's firs
night off in a month,
and he really wanted
to stay home and sleep.
But I insisted we go out.
We live near a subway stop
in downtown Los Angeles.
And we decided to try it out.
It was a decision neither
one of us would ever forget.
I was so excited to
be out for the evening
that I didn't even notice that
we were the only ones standing
on the subway platform.
I was hoping for one of
those romantic nights filled
with spontaneous excitement.
But Al was tired, and
it was all I could
do to keep his spirits up.
Besides, we were about to
get all of the excitement
we could handle.
We won't be out late, OK.
Dinner, a movie, that's all.
Then we'll go home.
Yeah, after midnight.
Oh, come on.
[laughter]
Hey, bandleader?
Or an undertaker.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
The man in the tuxedo
was just the start
of the strange things
that we would
experience that night.
And as our subway pulled
into the first stop,
things just didn't seem right.
There was a weird
energy going on.
And Al was feeling
it more than I was.
Are we on the right--
are we on the right train?
I don't know.
Excuse me, does this
train go to Melrose?
This train goes nowhere.
[dramatic music playing]
Hey, where did he go?
I don't know.
You know, it's Saturday night.
This car should be packed.
I know where
are the signs that
tell you which line you're on?
I don't know.
A station, look!
Is that Melrose?
I couldn't tell.
Great.
We're on a train that's
been taken out of service.
Are you sure about that?
I don't know.
Then what do we do now?
We find the conductor.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
Of course, there
was no conductor anywhere.
Every car was empty.
And then without any warning,
the train began to speed up.
And then it didn't feel like
a speeding train anymore.
It felt like a nightmare
that was out of control.
I'm trying to calm down.
I can barely stand up!
AL: Please, the
train is speeding up.
ANNE (VOICEOVER): My heart
is beating out of my chest.
No matter how hard
I would breathe,
I couldn't get enough
air inside my lungs.
I was in a total panic.
And the train seemed to be
going faster and faster.
What's going on in here?
Where are the people?
[whimpers]
It'll be all right.
I don't know, I don't know.
I can't-- just stop.
What's going on, man?
[heart beats quickly]
We're stopping!
We're stopping!
Al, do something!
We're backing up!
I just want to get off.
Al-- [whimpers]
We're not getting out.
Go, go, go.
I'm trying!
Come on.
I can't do this.
Wait a minute,
there's a station here.
Where?
Right here.
I don't care what station
this is, we are getting off.
Come on, come on.
[dramatic music playing]
ANNE (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't believe it.
The train seemed to actually
be coming to a stop.
I was just praying
with all of my heart
that the doors would open.
We're right back
where we started?
Well, good.
Let's go home.
Come on.
ANNE (VOICEOVER):
Unbelievably, we had
only been gone for 30 minutes.
But so you're OK, right?
Yeah, I am.
I smell gas.
It's coming from Mrs. Ewing!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): It was our
nextdoor neighbor's apartment.
Mrs. Ewing!
Mrs. Ewing, it's me, Anne!
Watch out, I got this.
Mrs. Ewing!
OK, maybe we should
call the super.
There's no time!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): And
then I remembered the key.
Wait, wait, the key.
Oh, the key, yeah.
The chain.
Mrs. Ewing!
I got it, I got it.
[crashes]
Mrs. Ewing!
ANNE (VOICEOVER): Al
raced over to Mrs. Ewing
while I turned off the gas.
If it weren't for
that train ride that
scared us into
coming back early,
Mrs. Ewing would
have surely died.
I should have gone into
the other room to help Al,
but something caught my eye.
[dramatic music playing]
Come on, you got
to get out of here.
Come on.
Mrs. Ewing-- Get out
of here, baby, come on.
[coughing]
I must have turned the heater
on and forgot to light it.
Maybe we should take
you to the emergency room.
No, no, I'm all right.
I'm just lucky you
two smelled the gas.
Mrs. Ewing, who is this?
Why, that's
Edward, my husband.
He passed away 29 years ago.
He said he'd always
watch over me.
ANNE (VOICEOVER): We were
looking at the same man
we saw on the train.
He said he'd never leave me.
Is this story possible?
There are subway service
trains that test equipment.
They don't stop at any stations.
They don't pick
up any passengers,
and they go at higher
speeds than normal trains.
Could Al and Anne have gotten
aboard one of those trains
by mistake?
But then where did that other
mysterious passenger come from?
And was he really a double
for Mrs. Ewing's late husband,
or were the shadows
of the subway
playing tricks on their minds?
Or are we playing
tricks on yours?
ANNOUNCER: Was this story real?
We'll find out at
the end of our show.
Next, a boy lives in fear
of a monster in his closet
on Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction.
What were your childhood
fears, the bogeyman,
the monster under
the bed, or simply
being afraid of the dark?
Most of us outgrow these
fears at an early age.
But for some, the
fears hang on longer.
Take Danny Johnson.
He's 10 now.
But ever since he was two,
he's been afraid of something
in his closet.
And now that the other
kids have found out,
he really has something to fear.
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER):
This is a very difficult
story for a mother to tell.
But years have passed
now, so I'll try.
My youngest son,
Danny, was 10 years old
and living in constant terror.
His days were filled
with threats and taunts
from the kids at school.
His nights were filled
with terrible dreams
about a monster inside
the closet in his room.
My older children had no
sympathy for Danny either.
And that's a memory
I can't lose.
Could I have done
something to change things?
It's a question I ask
myself over and over.
But what could I
have possibly done?
[banging and shouting]
I found Danny
sleeping downstairs
in the middle of the night.
That was a common
occurrence in our house.
Hey, Danny.
Honey, wake up.
Hey, you can't keep
sleeping out here.
I don't want to go up there.
How long is this
going to go on, huh?
You have nothing to
be frightened of.
OK?
OK, let's go to bed.
I'll tuck you in.
[surreal ambient music playing]
OK, Danny.
[rumbles]
Mom!
Come here.
Look.
Let's see, here?
No, no.
Let's check up this sleeve here.
Nothing!
Let's see down here.
Do you see anything?
No.
No, there's nothing in here.
Let's get in bed.
And I want you to stay there.
OK.
All right, that a boy.
You comfortable?
- Yeah.
Good.
Please stay with me, Mom.
Oh, honey, you've
got to get over this.
But I am afraid to.
I know.
Nothing is going to get you.
There's nothing in the closet.
OK?
All right.
Oh, and if you don't stay in
bed, I'm going to get you.
[laughter]
Goodnight, Mom.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Good dreams.
You, too.
Sweet dreams.
Turn off the light,
shut the door.
Love you, honey.
[dramatic music playing]
Brian, honey, would you get the
juice out of the fridge for me?
No, Mom, I can't.
What?
I'm afraid.
There's a monster
in the refrigerator!
All right, Brian,
would you just stop it.
You should be thankful you
don't have an imagination
like your brother Danny.
If you ask me, and
nobody has, Danny
is just seeking attention.
Mom, everybody's
laughing at him at school.
All right, all
right, that's enough.
I want you to leave your
brother alone, understood?
- Yes, Mom.
- Danny, come on!
You're gonna miss the bus.
Let's go, you guys,
you're gonna be late.
I love you.
Love you.
Be good.
Here's your lunch.
Come here.
Don't let them get you down.
I won't, Mother.
OK, I love you.
Bye, sweetheart.
Have fun!
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER):
Danny continued to live
his life as the outsider.
He wanted desperately to fit
in and be a part of things.
But he was labeled as
a coward, the kid who
was still afraid of monsters.
But as painful as these
memories were for Danny,
he always knew there were
worst moments to come.
My older son, Brian, was part of
that group that was tormenting
Danny this particular day,
a day that would change
all of our lives forever.
[banging and shouting]
Open the door,
Danny, I've got a key.
Hey, you guys, we'll
get him tomorrow.
Let's go, come on, you guys.
Yeah, it's locked anyway.
I've had it with you guys!
Hey Danny, what are you
going to do with that bat?
Oh, we're so scared.
Hey, Danny, you
better watch out.
A monster will get you!
[laughter]
Shut up!
I'm not afraid of any of you.
I'll take you all on.
[shouting]
Come on, Danny.
We're going upstairs.
No, don't!
Let me go!
Please don't!
[shouting]
[laughter]
Yeah, Danny.
You guys, shush.
Hey, Danny, is that the closet?
Is that where the monster lives?
Oh, I bet the
monster's really hungry.
Hey, what do you say, we
TOGETHER: Open the door.
What are you guys doing?
Danny was about to
meet his little monster.
Mom's not going to like that.
Mom's not going to
know, is she, Debbie?
You know this could have a
lasting, psychological effect
on Danny.
Shut up, Debbie.
If you're so brave, why
don't you go in the closet?
Well, OK, baby.
Yeah, Brian, show him.
But you're next.
[dramatic music playing]
[shouts]
Help me!
Help me!
Get me out of here!
Be careful.
You're next.
Very funny, Brian.
Open the door!
What's going on in here?
Huh?
What?
No way.
What's this?
That's Brian shirt.
- Where did he go?
- Who?
Brian, he went
into the closet.
He's gone?
I told you there was
a monster in there!
[surreal ambient music playing]
There's no way the kid could
have gotten out of this closet,
except through the door.
Mrs. Johnson, let
me ask you again.
Is there any reason
why your son would
want to run away from home?
Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson, I
need to speak to my partner.
MRS. JOHNSON (VOICEOVER): I
couldn't hear exactly what
the police were
saying to each other,
but I guessed what
the report would read.
My son Brian would
be officially listed
as a missing person,
another young boy
who ran away from home.
This is really weird.
The kid just seems to have
vanished into thin air.
Well, what do you want
me to write in the report?
That the kid was
eaten by a monster?
[surreal ambient music playing]
Danny's brother was never
seen or heard from again.
And what really happened here?
Did Danny's brother
run away from home?
Was there really a
way out of that closet
that nobody ever found?
Or maybe this was
a tragic lesson
about being kind to others human
beings, taught by a spirit,
hidden deep in a boy's closet.
Or maybe, it came
from the deep recesses
of our writer's imagination.
ANNOUNCER: The truth
about this story
will be revealed
in our final act.
Next, a surprise witness
makes an appearance at a trial
that's beyond belief.
After countless movies and
television dramas, live cameras
in the courtroom, and
extensive news coverage,
we sort of know what to expect
in the court of law these days.
At least, that's what
the defense lawyer
in this next murder trial
thought, until he defended
Robert Miller and experienced
the strangest day in court
he had ever seen.
ATTORNEY (VOICEOVER):
There he was, my client.
The manicure, the fancy jewelry,
why would a man like Robert
Miller commit murder?
No client of mine had
ever been found guilty.
But this one was going
to be tougher than most.
The lady DA was
making her case now,
and I had to advise
Miller to keep calm.
Mr. O'Neill, what is your
position at the yacht club?
I am the head custodian
at the Calabash Yacht Club.
And on the day
in question, what
were the weather conditions?
There was a storm coming in.
I tried to warn Mr. Miller,
but he wouldn't listen.
That was his way.
So Mr. Miller took a boat out,
knowing the storm was coming?
Yeah, he said they'd
be back in a couple hours
and not to worry.
They being Mr. Robert
Miller and Elizabeth
Warren, the deceased?
Yes.
What was their demeanor?
Pardon?
Were they getting along?
Oh, they were happy,
like they were celebrating.
How could you tell?
Oh, the lady had a
big bottle of champagne,
and she was drinking.
And the defendant?
No, he was sober.
Mr. Miller never drank.
Did Mr. Miller come back
within a couple of hours?
Oh, yeah.
Was Elizabeth Warren with him?
No ma'am.
What did he tell
you had happened?
He said that Mrs. Warren
had fallen overboard.
He was pretty upset.
But Mr. Miller said,
he went in after her,
and he couldn't find her.
So his clothes were wet?
Yes, they were.
Oh, the cause of death
was not from drowning.
How do you know?
We found no
water in her lungs.
What was the cause of
death then, Dr. Harding?
Blunt trauma to the head.
- As if someone had hit her?
- I object.
The prosecution is asking the
coroner to make a conclusion.
Sustained.
I'll ask it another way.
Is it your testimony,
Dr. Harding
that Elizabeth Warren was
dead before she hit the water?
Yes.
[murmuring]
Order.
[knocks gavel]
Order.
Proceed, Mr. Montgomery.
Your honor, I call Mr.
Robert Miller to the stand.
How long had you and Elizabeth
Warren been business partners?
Nearly 20 years.
We were just out of college.
And you were close?
Inseparable.
We were not only
business partners.
We were best friends.
And why on the day
of September 23 did you
and the deceased
go out on the boat?
[dramatic music playing]
I thought I got rid of that.
Mr. Miller?
Oh, pardon?
Why were you and Elizabeth
Warren on the boat, Mr. Miller?
Oh, we were celebrating
the acquisition of Quintel,
the computer software company.
And how would you describe
your feelings on that day?
It was the happiest
day of our lives.
[dramatic music playing]
Mr. Miller, are you all right?
Yeah, I'm sorry.
This has just been a very
difficult time for me.
I understand, sir.
Mr. Miller, the
prosecution is trying
to make the case that
you killed your friend
and business partner.
Did you?
I could never do that.
[dramatic music playing]
[murmuring]
Mr. Miller, I
think we've covered
all we need to cover right now.
I can understand
how upsetting it
is to be accused of murdering
your partner and friend
of 20 years.
I have no more questions.
Your witness.
Mr. Miller, you
stated that Elizabeth
Warren was your best friend.
But yet it was widely
reported that she
was going to start
a new company,
get out from under your shadow?
No, that's ridiculous.
She needed me more
than I needed her.
They're not going
to buy it, Robert.
They all know you're lying.
Why are you lying, Robert?
I'm not lying.
You would have been
nothing without me.
What do you mean she would
have been nothing without you?
Mr. Miller.
I'm sorry.
I meant we were a team.
Elizabeth was the idea person,
and I was the sales guy.
Sounds to me like you would
have been nothing without her?
It's all starting
to unravel, Robert.
No, it's not.
I won't let it.
Who are you talking
to, Mr. Miller?
Your honor, I
request a recess.
I must confer with my client.
This is it Robert.
No one believes you.
They all know you killed me.
And your next stop
is the gas chamber.
Stay away from me!
I'm not going to
the gas chamber!
[knocks gavel]
Order.
Order!
- You always--
Your Honor, this
is an outrage.
I must insist that
my client's rights
against self-incrimination
be protected.
Order!
Order!
I put an end to that,
didn't I, Elizabeth?
The people rest, your Honor.
It was so easy.
I got you, Elizabeth.
Will the defendant
please rise?
In the case of the people
versus Robert Elgin Miller,
what find you?
We find the defendant
Robert Elgin Miller not
guilty by reason of insanity.
Robert Miller,
I'm releasing you
to the custody of
the State Psychiatric
Hospital in Northpoint.
You will remain
there until such time
as you are deemed
mentally competent.
Bailiff.
[dramatic music playing]
[gibbers]
I'll be back.
I'll get out.
You'll see.
ATTORNEY (VOICEOVER):
Was he really insane?
That's not my call.
No client of mine has
ever been found guilty.
Was it strained nerves,
or a guilty conscience
that trapped the killer?
Or did Robert actually
see the woman he murdered?
Prior to taking the stand,
he seemed perfectly calm
and collected.
Yet moments later,
he was carrying
on bizarre conversations
with an unseen presence.
Or perhaps, it was
all just a clever ploy
to avoid the death penalty.
Fiction or inspired
by actual events?
You be the judge.
ANNOUNCER: Fact or fiction?
We'll find out at the
conclusion of tonight's show.
Next, a visit to the country
turns into an experience
that's beyond belief.
You ever long for
life in the country,
to leave the city behind for
the fresh air, the open space,
and the sounds of nature?
Julia Randall was lucky
to have experienced
that life as a
youngster when she
visited her grandfather's farm.
Those were happy,
carefree times.
But things change.
Julia has grown up now.
Listen to her story of a visit
to the childhood memories,
memories that would
soon turn to terror.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): On the ride
from the airport to the farm,
I thought about how loving
Grandpa Buck used to be.
But the stroke had left him
without the use of his legs.
And he had too much time to sit
around and think about dreams
that would never come true.
I knew I used to
be his favorite.
And I was looking
forward to returning
some of the love
and attention he
showed me when I was a child.
Grandpa?
Grandpa, it's me!
You don't have to yell.
I can hear ya.
I'm not deaf.
I had a stroke.
You scared me.
Don't you knock?
You're luck I recognized you.
I'd have shot ya.
I'm going to go get my stuff.
Just stay out of my way.
I want you to know I
don't need you here.
I don't want you here.
I get along just fine by myself.
I have for longer than
you've been alive.
JULIA (VOICEOVER):
He completely ignored
me until the next morning.
It hurt but, Grandpa had always
taught me to be a fighter.
I was going to give
this my best shot.
How did you sleep, Grandpa?
I slept great.
There's nothing like fresh air.
I can't wait to get outside.
Do you still have the chickens?
What about the cows?
What was the name of the
one you taught me to milk?
Was it Susie?
This is the worst
coffee I ever tasted.
A cripple like me can make
better coffee than you.
Well, maybe it's too
strong for you, Buck.
Too strong?
I'll show you too strong.
Here, you clean it up.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): What
Grandpa didn't know,
what I couldn't tell him
was that the bank was
about to foreclose on the farm.
Without his knowledge,
I found a buyer
for the back parcel, a
deal that would allow
Grandpa to stay on his land.
But it also set off
a chain of events
that would haunt my dreams
for the rest of my life.
RUSS JOHNSON: Hello?
I asked Russ Johnson to
come over this morning.
He's got someone who's
interested in the back parcel.
I thought you should
at least hear him out.
RUSS JOHNSON: Hello?
You're going to
listen this time.
You have to, please.
Thanks for coming, Russ.
Can I get you some coffee.
No, no thanks, that's OK.
You're wasting
your time, Russ.
I'm not selling anything.
Russ has worked really hard.
Do not take this out on him.
I'm sorry.
Please sit down.
Buck, I know how hard this is.
We had to do the same
thing for my dad.
Your dad died.
I'm not dead yet.
Just some people think I am.
So what do you
have for us, Russ?
Well, I got an offer
on the back parcel.
He says, he'll give
you what you're asking.
Real nice guy from
the next county.
His folks have been
farming these parts
as long as you have, Buck.
And the best thing is you
get to stay in the house
and keep the rest of the land.
That sounds really great.
What do you think, Grandpa?
Doesn't matter what I think.
Well, I'll bring the
paperwork by in the morning.
I'm really sorry, Julia.
I wish there was an easier way.
No, no, thank
you for everything.
You happy now?
Got what you want?
What makes you so better?
What, you think you can
come here and mess up my life?
You think I want to be here?
You don't even
like me Grandpa.
You been nothing but
mean to me since I
walked through that door.
Well, then leave.
Go on, get out.
I'm not going to miss you.
I'm going to go put
the tractor in the barn.
JULIA (VOICEOVER): I wasn't sure
I could still drive a tractor.
And I could feel
his eyes on me, just
like he watched me so many
times when I was growing up.
Start it up.
[rumbles]
That's it.
[clanking]
Now hit the clutch out.
No!
Julia!
[clanking]
[dramatic music playing]
Julia!
Julia!
Julia!
[grunts]
[grunts]
No!
Julia, there, Julia.
[somber music playing]
A final act of love by a
man who seemed to have no love
left.
Could Buck's paralyzed legs have
found the power to walk again,
to save his granddaughter?
There are stories of mothers
who have summoned superhuman
strength to lift heavy boulders,
even cars off their children.
Did Buck experience that
kind of miracle, or maybe
his paralysis was
only in his mind?
And he could walk all along.
Or perhaps, this
story never happened?
ANNOUNCER: Next, we'll find
out which stories were inspired
by actual events and which are
fabrications on Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction.
If you're like me, you've
been forming an opinion
about our stories tonight,
trying to guess which stories
are inspired by actual
events and which stories are
simply a counterfeit reality.
Well, now comes the moment
when we reveal the answers.
Our first story was
about the young man
who was put in charge of
his family's funeral home
and encountered the
shock of his young life.
Is truth stranger than fiction?
Did a story like this
really take place?
Yes, it did.
And what about the
runaway subway train?
Excuse me, does this
train go to Melrose?
This train goes nowhere.
Would it surprise you to learn
that this story was inspired
by an actual experience?
It was.
And what's your guess on the
story about the boy who feared
the monster in his closet?
What's this?
That's Brian's shirt.
Where did he go?
Who?
Brian, he went
into the closet.
He's gone?
I told you there was
a monster in there.
Could the idea for
a story like this have
come from a real-life event?
Yes, it did.
And what's your verdict on
the defendant and the ghost
he confronted in the courtroom?
What was the cause of
death then, Dr. Hanning?
It's all starting
to unravel, Robert.
No, it's not.
I won't let it.
Who are you talking
to, Mr. Miller?
This is it, Robert.
No one believes you.
Did this seem like a clever
tale, crafted by the mind
of a writer out to fool you?
That's what it was,
complete fiction.
Our last story tonight
was about the stroke
victim who left his
wheelchair to save
his granddaughter's life.
Julia!
If you thought that story
really happened, we gotcha.
It was fictional.
So were you able to tell
fact from fiction tonight?
Our first three stories
were inspired by fact.
The last two were
designed to fool you.
That's the end of
tonight's show.
We'll see you next week when
we attempt to demonstrate
that truth can be
stranger than fiction,
especially strange truth.
Good night.
ANNOUNCER: Join us next time on
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
This is Don LaFontaine.
[theme music playing]