Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997) s01e03 Episode Script
The Prophecy/Couch Potato/Love over the Counter/Imaginary Friend/Last Man on Earth
[music playing]
[footsteps]
What is real?
And what is illusion?
Many times it depends
on your point of view.
DON LAFONTAINE: 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.
We've all heard the riddle
of the half-filled glass.
Is the glass that holds
this drink half full,
or is it half empty?
Or maybe it really
isn't a drink at all.
Be on your guard tonight.
We're about to show
you stories that
will challenge your concepts
of fact and fiction.
We've changed names and dates.
But the events that
inspired our stories remain.
Can you tell which are
authentic and which are just
pieces of a fictional puzzle?
Here's to the challenge.
Do you believe in crystal balls,
cards that tell your fortune?
Do you read your
horoscope every day?
Well, millions do,
because there's
always been a human need
to want to know the future.
Of course, we don't have
to take it too seriously.
We might just dabble
in the mystical,
like the three girls
in our next story.
They were just trying
to have a little scary
fun while they were home alone.
At least they thought
they were home alone.
Summer?
OK.
Hey, they're out of here.
We've got the place to
ourselves this weekend.
I know.
Well, pick Brooke
up and come on over.
How long will it take you?
OK, cool.
Bye.
JILL (VOICEOVER):
I'll never forget
that weekend as long as I live.
Looking back, I wish we'd
never played that night.
Hey.
Hi.
Did you bring it?
Of course.
Have I ever forgotten?
Are we ready?
Yup.
Let's do it.
OK-- we are the pure vessels
in search of greater knowledge.
We do not fear you,
for you are the truth.
And in the truth there
is no danger, only wisdom.
Should I date Justin?
[laughter]
What do you mean, should you?
He's just the hottest
guy in school.
Shh, I want the answer.
JILL (VOICEOVER): Now
came the spooky part.
The game piece seemed to move
by itself to spell the answer.
No?
Brooke, you were moving it.
Uh-uh, I did not.
OK, come on, you guys.
We have to be serious
for this to work.
JILL (VOICEOVER): Even Brooke
was getting into it now.
Stop moving it.
I'm not moving It, I swear!
JILL (VOICEOVER):
Suddenly, the game
piece started to spell a name--
- V--
JILL (VOICEOVER):
Almost by itself.
K--
ALL: T, R.
Victor?
Who's Victor?
JILL (VOICEOVER):
We probably should
have been more frightened.
Who are you?
ALL: S, O, S.
Help?
But who are you?
[ominous music]
Free me.
How?
Pages are turning.
But how?
Maybe it's Victor.
Oh, come on, you guys.
I'm sure it's just a draft.
Do not turn to
spirits or ghosts.
Do not seek them out.
[thunder]
[nervous laughter]
It's a warning.
It's got to be a coincidence.
Only one way to find out.
Come on, Brooke.
Don't be such a wuss.
What do you want?
ALL: You.
[banging]
What the hell was that?
That's it.
I'm freaking out.
It's-- it's nothing, you guys.
It's just the wind.
Let's go.
Hands on.
Die?
Who, us?
Oh, this is too weird.
Maybe we should just stop.
No.
Just a couple more questions.
Let's find out where Victor is.
Where are you, Victor?
ALL: A, T, T, I, C.
[bang]
[gasp] Uh-uh.
No, no.
That's it.
I'm done.
I'm out of here.
JILL: Don't worry, Brooke.
The only thing that could
possibly be up in the attic
are a couple of rats.
And my dad put traps out
last weekend to catch them.
Jill--
[creaking]
That ain't no rat.
It's Victor.
Don't be silly.
No, you guys, what if
we somehow released him?
[banging]
Just stay calm.
We said the meditation
before we started.
That protects us.
Why?
We made it up.
[clattering]
- What are we going to do?
- I don't know.
But do something.
He's gone.
Oh, thank God.
It's over.
Let's make a vow right now,
that we're never going to mess
around with that stuff again.
Definitely.
Come on, you guys.
Let's go watch a movie.
Oh, my God.
It's Victor!
[ominous music]
Got you!
Oh, very funny, Jill.
Now for sure, we're
watching a comedy.
Come on, you guys.
We gotta go.
JILL (VOICEOVER):
The next morning, we
were going out for breakfast.
Where's Brooke?
I don't know.
I thought she was with you.
No, she's not with me.
Well, I was just in her
room, and she wasn't there.
Her bed was made.
It looked like she didn't
even sleep there last night.
The board!
What's going on here?
Brooke must have pulled it
out of the fire last night.
Maybe she's playing
some sort of joke.
Well, I don't think
it's very funny.
Where is she?
Let's ask the board.
Where is Brooke?
W, I, T, H--
with.
M-- with me!
[spooky laughter]
Was one of the girls
secretly maneuvering the piece
to spell out the answers?
If so, where was Brooke?
She was never seen
again after that night.
Did she use this
bizarre opportunity
to disappear and start a
new life somewhere else?
Or did the girls cross over a
line beyond the world of games,
and stumble into a
terrifying strange truth?
DON LAFONTAINE: Was
this story real?
We'll find out at
the end of our show.
Next, the strange story of
a man and his television
that's truly beyond belief.
The next story is kind
of a change of pace.
It's a bit larger than life.
But then, so is
our main character.
There's some laughs to be found
here, along with some chills.
As you watch this rather
bizarre tale, keep in mind
that at its core, it's
really a love story--
the story of a 450-pound
man hopelessly in love
with a 26-inch television.
Watch.
What a nice, nice
day to go fishing.
SPEAKER (ON TV): They've
entered a world--
Gee, look at that thing.
SPEAKER (ON TV): Does not exist.
A world of gliding movements
and strange colors, of serenity.
This is a very
special sandwich, Brad.
Do you know why?
Because it's the last sandwich
I'm ever going to serve you!
Now, come on, Shelly.
I can't see this.
Brad, turn off the TV.
Let's go for a
walk or something.
Take a walk?
Now, why should I go
outside when I can sit
home and watch nature on TV?
Wow, look at that.
Now-- now, Shelly.
Come on, I told you before.
I work hard all week.
And when I'm not working,
I like to sit home
and enjoy my favorite hobby.
And TV is my hobby!
Wow, look at that group.
Brad Lewis wasn't
the type of man
who cared about the
quality of life,
just the quality of his picture.
What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Just some bad reception.
Oh, good.
You had me scared for a sec.
I thought it was an
emergency, you getting
out of your chair and all.
Come on, Cupcake.
Come on.
Why don't you just kick it?
Kick it?
This is my baby.
There.
Oh, I love you.
[tv playing]
OK, I'm ready.
Ready for what?
We're going out
to dinner, remember?
I can't.
Look what's on tonight.
That's it.
Brad, I'm leaving you.
I am sick and tired of
being in a menage a trois
with a television!
[giggling]
Do you hear me?
Brad!
Do you hear me?
Brad!
[giggling]
[door slams]
Goodbye, Brad.
I'm going to stay with my mom.
So you and your TV can be alone.
Did you hear me?
I can't live with you anymore.
[sniffling]
Oh, Brad.
You really don't want me to go.
Shh.
Please, Shelly.
This is the part where
they shoot the dog.
Ah--
[thump]
Brad!
[beeping]
We're losing him.
Oh, my God.
Do something, please!
Let's shock him.
Oh!
Clear-- again.
Clear.
That's it.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
There's nothing more
we can do for him.
Let's transport him.
All right, lift him on 3--
1, 2, 3.
[groaning]
[glass shatters]
Wait, set him down.
Set him down.
Oh, my God, what happened?
[beeping]
- Holy Toledo.
- What is it?
What is it?
His heart's beating again.
I'll be damned.
[tv playing]
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Brad Lewis, recently divorced
and now unemployed,
believes the television
was responsible for
saving his life.
Now, Brad tells us he has
all the time in the world
to devote to his
hobby, best friend,
and the love of his life.
[giggling]
I never really
paid much attention
to this label back here.
You know, the one
that says "Warning--
Electrocution Hazard"?
But now that I've
seen the last story,
I'm definitely taking
this into the shop.
Is the voltage running through
a TV set strong enough to revive
a heart that stopped beating?
And did this story
really happen?
Well, if there is a real
Brad Lewis out there,
he's probably watching
this show right now.
And we can only
hope for one thing--
that he's a Nielsen household.
Bon appetit, Brad.
DON LAFONTAINE: The
truth about this story
will be revealed
in our final act.
Next, can a widow communicate
with her dead husband?
You decide, on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
[musicbox playing]
We've all seen couples who
can communicate without words.
They use gestures and body
language, or a special look.
There are even couples who
seem to communicate by sending
thoughts to each other.
The marriage of
Patricia and John Kelly
was built upon communication.
People said they had a constant
open phone line to each other.
But what happens when one
side of that line goes dead?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I'll never
forget that morning when Chris
came by to pick up the things.
Thanks so much for
taking this stuff in.
It was hard enough
just packing it up.
Sure.
It's no problem.
So, are you going to be OK?
Yeah.
It's going to take a while.
I really miss him.
He was my best
friend, you know.
I miss him, too.
Oh, God, I don't know
how to tell you this,
especially at a time like this.
What?
Chris, tell me.
I had a look at his
stock market accounts,
like you asked me.
He was doing really
well there for a while.
And then-- I don't know, he made
a couple bad trades, I guess.
Wha-- what?
The account's empty.
Empty?
Yeah.
You mean there is no money?
Oh, my God.
No, no, no, no, no.
I'm-- I'm real
sorry, Patricia, OK?
Listen, let me-- let me help
you out until you get back--
- I-- I can't.
- Yes.
Yes.
Now, it's $1,000.
I know it's not going to go far.
But it's a start.
Oh--
Take the money, Patty.
You know Jonathan
would want you to.
Please?
Look, things are going
to turn around real soon.
And until they do, I'm
here if you need anything.
Anything, I mean.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I spent
the next morning in a panic,
trying to find a job.
Experience?
No-- no, not exactly.
But I'm sure that I could
be very easily trained.
[dial tone]
Oh, my God.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
I thought the coffee
spill was another
sign that things were
going all wrong in my life.
But then a feeling
started to overtake me.
As I looked down at
the paper, I could
sense Jonathan's presence.
It was almost as if Jonathan
was sending me a message.
I looked at the stock again.
Something or someone was
definitely telling me to take
$1,000 and buy 500 shares.
And I couldn't help but think
that someone was Jonathan.
Hi, Chris, it's me.
Um, listen.
I need you to do me a favor.
800, 900, 1,000.
[chuckling]
Bet you didn't think I was
going to pay you back so fast.
No, no.
I did not.
Oh, and I paid my rent
three months in advance.
That was quite
a hunch you had.
Uh-huh.
And you tried to
talk me out of it.
The question is,
what do I buy next?
Oh, you're kidding, right?
- Uh-uh.
- Come on, Patty.
You had a little luck.
I really don't think
you should push it.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
It was happening again.
I could feel Jonathan sending
me another hunch to play.
[glasses clink]
To our success.
To Unifend.
Um-- um-hmm.
Um-- let's dance.
What?
[laughing]
Listen, I don't
know how you knew.
But I'm real glad
I bought some too.
Hey, you know what?
If this keeps up,
soon you're going
to be able to buy that
big house Jonathan
was always promising you, hmm?
Wouldn't that be wild?
[doorbell]
Oh, hang on.
Excuse me.
Mmm, will you come on back?
We're right in the
middle of a celebration.
That's funny.
I only get the morning paper.
[wind blows]
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I
looked down at the stocks,
waiting for the one
that would be my pick.
And there it was.
Do you see what I see?
Well, it depends on where
you're looking, I suppose.
I was looking
at the stock page.
I think I have my next hunch--
Avco Mining.
I know better than to
trying to talk you out of it.
Buy me as much
as I can afford,
first thing in the morning.
Whatever you say.
Thanks.
Look, Chris, it's
getting late, and I'm--
Oh, say no more.
Uh, do you mind if
I make a phone call?
No, not at all.
I'm just going to
go in the kitchen
and clean up a little bit.
Uh-uh-- thanks.
Sure.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I could
tell that Chris couldn't
wait to jump on my hunch.
Well, here's to us.
It's been a long wait.
But you're worth it.
Mmm.
[phone dialing]
Yeah, hi, Malcolm it's me.
Glad I caught you.
Listen, I want you to take all
of my accounts, everything--
checking, savings, all of it.
Transfer it to Avco Mining.
[clattering]
Jonathan?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
It took me a moment
to realize that our wedding
picture had fallen over.
Oh, the picture.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
When I reached down
to pick up the photo, I
also found something else
that I had never seen before.
It was a financial report
on Jonathan's investments.
I knew it was Jonathan again.
In fact, I remembered how
he loved to light candles
late at night.
And something compelled
me to do the same.
Those candles made me
feel closer to Jonathan.
But I knew I had a lot of
reading ahead of me that night.
And candlelight just
wasn't going to be enough.
I was one of those wives
who never asked questions
about our investments.
Jonathan seemed to
enjoy it so much.
I just let it be a
part of his world.
I wasn't even sure I'd be able
to read one of those reports.
But to my surprise, it
was pretty easy to follow.
The first sheet showed
a balance of $16,300.
But Chris had said Jonathan's
investments had failed.
I caught on to the
system pretty quickly.
It was just like that cliche
you hear all the time--
get to the bottom line.
And that bottom line was
looking better all the time.
$46,300.
What was going on here?
Then I saw the reason
Jonathan's account was empty.
Sell, sell, sell.
But why?
All his investments
were showing a profit.
Account closed, all
funds withdrawn.
From nearly $95,000 to nothing.
I wasn't sure of the answer.
I still needed help.
[gust of wind]
Jonathan, what are
you trying to tell me?
Steel-- steal?
Chris?
Chris took the money.
[telephone rings]
PATRICIA (ON SPEAKER):
Hi, this is Patricia.
I'm not in.
Leave a message.
[beep]
CHRIS (ON SPEAKER): Hey, you.
What's up?
This is the fifth message
I've left in four days.
What, did you go out
of town or something?
Listen, if you did, you
better come back soon.
Our stock's gone
up like a bullet.
Good news, huh?
Well, call me when you
think we should sell, OK?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
Nice try, Chris.
But I was waiting for my
next sign from Jonathan.
And I didn't have to wait long.
This had to be Jonathan
again, telling me to sell now.
OK, Jonathan.
I guess it's time to sell.
This time I was sure exactly
what I was supposed to do.
[phone dialing]
[clears throat]
Hi.
Yeah, I have an account
at Merritt Dickerson
that I would like transferred
to your brokerage house
as soon as possible.
Yes.
Yeah.
And-- and I have a lot of
shares with Avco Mining
that I would like
to sell immediately.
How soon do you think you can--
uh-huh.
OK, great.
Thank you.
I'll be right down, yeah.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): It was
Jonathan's last message to me
through the paper--
except, of course, for the one
I discovered later that day.
Poor Chris.
I had a hunch that would happen.
Patricia Kelly had never
played the stock market
before her husband's death.
She may have actually had
a talent for it all along.
But lacking confidence, she
may have psychologically
transferred her own decisions to
the spirit of her late husband.
That's what a therapist
might tell us.
But maybe the real
explanation lies
in a communication of souls so
strong it can never be broken.
Or-- maybe it's all a hoax.
DON LAFONTAINE: True or false?
We'll find out at the
conclusion of our show.
Next, a sweet little girl
with a terrifying imagination
on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
As we grow into adulthood,
our bodies become stronger.
And our knowledge increases.
And the only thing that seems
to diminish is our imagination.
To a child, the
separation between reality
and make-believe can
be a very thin line,
some might say an
imaginary line.
Take little Alice.
Her vivid imagination often made
the make-believe seem real--
frighteningly real.
Yes, thank you.
Would you like some more tea?
You're my best friend, too.
What's that?
Oh, dear.
That's terrible.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
My daughter, Alice,
always seemed to be lost
in a world of her own--
an innocent, childlike
world, or so I thought.
It started like
another typical day.
Alice was playing make-believe.
And I was entertaining
our neighbor, Liz Kimball.
Who's Alice talking to?
Oh, Sidney.
It's an imaginary friend.
Ah.
Well, she seems to be
taking it very seriously.
Aren't you concerned
about that, Maggie?
Well, sometimes.
But I had an imaginary
friend when I was little.
Doesn't Sally?
Well, yes, she had one.
But she gave that up years ago.
Really?
Well, Alice has always
had an active imagination.
It's Nothing we're
worried about.
Alice, honey, time to get
ready for ballet class.
OK, Mom.
Now, Sidney, I've got
to go to dance class.
You be good.
I'll be back soon.
Look, Maggie, if
you get concerned,
I know a really good therapist.
Oh-- well, thanks, Liz.
I think it's just a phase
Alice will grow out of.
Oh, you're probably right.
I'm probably reading much
more into this than there is.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): I
thought Liz was overreacting.
But then Alice said
something I'll never forget.
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Kimball.
About what, Alice?
About your divorce.
Alice!
What have I told you
about making up stories?
I'm not making it up.
Sidney told me.
I'm-- I'm so sorry, Liz.
Maggie-- Maggie, it's true.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): I'd
known Liz for five years.
We'd shared everything.
How could Alice have
known, when I didn't?
I don't know, Diane.
The slogan's just
not working for me.
I think we need to
punch up the copy.
Um, could you hold
on a second, Diane?
Sure.
What is it, honey?
Mommy's working.
Mommy, Ms. Emory
should check on Rebecca.
She's really sick.
She could die!
Alice, how many times
do I have to tell you?
Mommy, Ms. Emory has
to check on Rebecca.
It's really important.
Sidney told me.
Um, I need a
minute with Alice.
Well, what did she say?
Oh, no.
Rebecca's fine.
She's playing in her room.
Oh, listen, don't
worry about it.
Just call me when
you're finished.
Great.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
Diane couldn't
help but check on Rebecca.
And thank goodness she did.
Rebecca-- Rebecca?
Rebecca, sweetheart!
Oh, my gosh.
You're burning up!
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): Diane
got her to the hospital
just in time.
This whole Sidney thing was
making me very uncomfortable.
So I decided to talk
to Alice about it.
Oh, honey, you are
doing such a nice job.
How come these don't
have any icing on them?
Because Sidney doesn't
like icing on his cookies.
Oh.
Alice, I think we need to have
a little talk about Sidney.
Why, Mommy?
Honey, because you're scaring
people with your stories.
But Mommy, they're all true.
Sidney doesn't lie.
Alice, I don't want you
to talk to Sidney anymore.
Why, you're getting
to be such a big girl.
Don't you think it's
time that you stopped
pretending Sidney was real?
But Mommy, he is real.
Aren't you, Sidney?
No, honey.
He's not real.
No one else can see him.
He doesn't want
anybody else to see him,
because he's my best friend.
I thought that Rebecca
was your best friend.
Aunt Doris is dead.
Alice.
[phone rings]
Hello?
Yes.
Oh my God.
Sidney told me.
No.
Here you go, Sidney.
I made this one
especially for you.
There's no icing.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
I forbid Alice
to ever play with Sidney again.
Mmm aren't these good?
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): But
every night, I heard
sounds coming from her room.
My mom said she doesn't want
me playing with you anymore.
I don't think it's fair either.
No, she's not mean, Sidney.
She's pretty nice.
Of course I can keep a secret.
Oh, Sidney, that's a great idea!
You can stay in here.
It'll be our secret.
Of course.
I'll never leave you.
I love you, Sidney.
Was Alice really
getting psychic messages
from an imaginary friend?
Or maybe she was
a clairvoyant who
was too young to
understand her own powers,
so she invented a friend
to cope with it all.
There must be some
explanation for her ability
to predict so many events.
Or is our story of the imaginary
friend completely imaginary?
Mmm-- the cookies are real.
DON LAFONTAINE: Was this
story truth or falsehood?
We'll tell you in the final
moments of tonight's show.
Next, a dream marriage
turns into a nightmare
on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
The diamond
Ring for many, the symbol
of a loving relationship.
But in the search for
that perfect relationship,
what are the odds that we will
ever find that one soul mate
who will make us happy forever?
Yet sometimes we see a
couple that makes us believe
those odds can be overcome.
Well, Steven and Brenda were
like that-- young, attractive,
hopelessly in love.
When they got married,
it truly seemed
to be a match made in heaven.
[glass breaks]
What, are you crazy?
You could have killed me.
Next time, don't duck.
And I will!
Oh, that's it!
I cannot wait to get out of
this house and away from you.
Not - than me.
Marrying you was the
biggest mistake of my life!
You want to talk
about big mistakes?
We're a big mistake!
Ah, if I ever see you
again, it'll be too soon.
Well, I've got news for you.
I never want to see
you again, even if you
were the last man on earth!
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Steven and Brenda
went their separate ways,
and stopped all contact.
They didn't care about
anything except being
away from each other.
Ironically, they picked
the same place to move to--
Los Angeles, the City of Angels.
But neither of them knew the
other one lived there, too.
[tv playing]
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): Each had
to endure the challenge of
every couple that breaks up--
learning how to
date all over again.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow, this looks fantastic.
- Oh--
- It really does.
You've done a
wonderful job, Barbara.
Brenda
The best meal I
have ever eaten.
I can't believe I
finally met a man
who knows how to cook a steak.
Ah, well, thank you.
And the vegetables--
Uh-huh.
I mean, it was like you just
picked them from the garden.
They were cooked perfectly.
[chuckling]
And the wine--
what is that?
It's a-- a pinot ni-war.
There
[splurts] [gasps]
Are you-- are you--
[gasping and coughing]
Oh, are you all right?
[gasping and coughing]
This is pi--
pinot noir.
Yeah.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Sometimes your song plays
at just the wrong time.
I think that we should uh--
call-- call it a night.
It's getting late.
And I've got to get up
early in the morning.
Um, well.
I-- I'd love to do
it again sometime.
Call me.
Good night.
RICKY STRONG (ON
SPEAKER): You're
listening to Ricky Strong.
Our next dedication
is for two lovebirds,
Brenda and Steven, who didn't
give their love a chance.
So Brenda and Steven, if
you're out there listening,
this is for you,
because the two of you
were meant for each other.
Steven and Brenda,
it's time to make up.
I want you to drop
whatever you're doing
and meet at the Santa
Monica Pier in one hour.
[romantic music playing]
I must be nuts.
She doesn't even live here.
[romantic music playing]
Brenda!
Steven!
Brenda, I am so sorry.
I should have never--
No, no.
It was-- it was all my fault.
I have such a temper and I--
we should have tried harder.
We both should have.
Looks like we have
a second chance.
We don't have to
mess it up this time.
That was really
sweet, what you told
the DJ to say on the radio.
DJ, what are you--
I thought you made
the dedication?
No.
I-- I didn't even know
you were living in LA.
Steven!
Brenda!
Ah!
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER): So
in the end, boy gets girl.
But is it the right
boy and the right girl?
And just how many
Stevens and Brendas
were reunited that night?
What really happened here?
It wasn't simply that
they heard a message meant
for another Steven and Brenda,
because when they checked out
every radio station in Los
Angeles the next morning,
no one reported broadcasting
any such message.
But radio waves have
strange properties.
They can become crossed
in the atmosphere--
even be received in
people's dental work.
Maybe this was a broadcast from
another city, another country.
Or was it a communication from
some other world altogether?
After all, it supposedly took
place in the City of Angels.
DON LAFONTAINE: Next, we'll find
out which stories are inspired
by actually events and which are
fabrications on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
And now, the portion
of our show that
separates the real
from the unreal.
Several of the stories
we've seen tonight
were inspired by actual events,
while others have been invented
for your entertainment.
Let's revisit them one by one,
and learn the true answers.
Our first plot was about
the three girls and
their frightening board game.
Oh my God!
It's Victor!
Got you!
So did you guess this
story was a complete fraud?
You guessed absolutely right.
We made it up.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
And then there
was the couch potato
whose life was somehow
saved by his beloved TV.
[beep]
[tv playing]
[glass shatters]
[beeping]
Holy Toledo!
What is it?
What is it?
His heart's beating again.
Could this story
have really happened?
Well, anything is possible.
But not in this case--
it's completely false.
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): And what's
your opinion of the
story about the widow
who seemed to receive stock
tips from her late husband?
Jonathan, What are
you trying to tell me?
Steel?
Do you think that you've
got this one figured out?
Did the events take place?
Yes, they did.
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): And how
about that story of
the little girl and
her special imaginary friend?
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Kimball.
About what, Alice?
About your divorce.
Alice!
What have I told you
about making up stories?
I'm not making it up!
Sidney told me.
Did you think this story was
a stretch of the imagination?
Everyone's entitled
to their opinion.
But the events in
this story did happen.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
And our last story
was about the divorced
couple who were reunited
by a strange radio
announcement that some
say was never broadcast.
RICKY STRONG (ON SPEAKER): You
are listening to Ricky Strong.
Our next dedication
is for two lovebirds,
Brenda and Steven, who didn't
give their love a chance.
So Brenda, and Steven, if
you're out there listening,
this is for you.
What's your
judgment this time?
Do you think a story like
this could have happened?
Well, it did.
So, how was your
judgment tonight?
Three of our plots were
inspired by actual events.
But the other two
were totally false.
Perhaps we've changed your
perception of what is real
and what is unreal tonight.
Sometimes they're almost
impossible to tell apart.
And that's a strange truth.
Good night.
DON LAFONTAINE: Join us
next time on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
This is Don LaFontaine.
[music playing]
[footsteps]
What is real?
And what is illusion?
Many times it depends
on your point of view.
DON LAFONTAINE: 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.
We've all heard the riddle
of the half-filled glass.
Is the glass that holds
this drink half full,
or is it half empty?
Or maybe it really
isn't a drink at all.
Be on your guard tonight.
We're about to show
you stories that
will challenge your concepts
of fact and fiction.
We've changed names and dates.
But the events that
inspired our stories remain.
Can you tell which are
authentic and which are just
pieces of a fictional puzzle?
Here's to the challenge.
Do you believe in crystal balls,
cards that tell your fortune?
Do you read your
horoscope every day?
Well, millions do,
because there's
always been a human need
to want to know the future.
Of course, we don't have
to take it too seriously.
We might just dabble
in the mystical,
like the three girls
in our next story.
They were just trying
to have a little scary
fun while they were home alone.
At least they thought
they were home alone.
Summer?
OK.
Hey, they're out of here.
We've got the place to
ourselves this weekend.
I know.
Well, pick Brooke
up and come on over.
How long will it take you?
OK, cool.
Bye.
JILL (VOICEOVER):
I'll never forget
that weekend as long as I live.
Looking back, I wish we'd
never played that night.
Hey.
Hi.
Did you bring it?
Of course.
Have I ever forgotten?
Are we ready?
Yup.
Let's do it.
OK-- we are the pure vessels
in search of greater knowledge.
We do not fear you,
for you are the truth.
And in the truth there
is no danger, only wisdom.
Should I date Justin?
[laughter]
What do you mean, should you?
He's just the hottest
guy in school.
Shh, I want the answer.
JILL (VOICEOVER): Now
came the spooky part.
The game piece seemed to move
by itself to spell the answer.
No?
Brooke, you were moving it.
Uh-uh, I did not.
OK, come on, you guys.
We have to be serious
for this to work.
JILL (VOICEOVER): Even Brooke
was getting into it now.
Stop moving it.
I'm not moving It, I swear!
JILL (VOICEOVER):
Suddenly, the game
piece started to spell a name--
- V--
JILL (VOICEOVER):
Almost by itself.
K--
ALL: T, R.
Victor?
Who's Victor?
JILL (VOICEOVER):
We probably should
have been more frightened.
Who are you?
ALL: S, O, S.
Help?
But who are you?
[ominous music]
Free me.
How?
Pages are turning.
But how?
Maybe it's Victor.
Oh, come on, you guys.
I'm sure it's just a draft.
Do not turn to
spirits or ghosts.
Do not seek them out.
[thunder]
[nervous laughter]
It's a warning.
It's got to be a coincidence.
Only one way to find out.
Come on, Brooke.
Don't be such a wuss.
What do you want?
ALL: You.
[banging]
What the hell was that?
That's it.
I'm freaking out.
It's-- it's nothing, you guys.
It's just the wind.
Let's go.
Hands on.
Die?
Who, us?
Oh, this is too weird.
Maybe we should just stop.
No.
Just a couple more questions.
Let's find out where Victor is.
Where are you, Victor?
ALL: A, T, T, I, C.
[bang]
[gasp] Uh-uh.
No, no.
That's it.
I'm done.
I'm out of here.
JILL: Don't worry, Brooke.
The only thing that could
possibly be up in the attic
are a couple of rats.
And my dad put traps out
last weekend to catch them.
Jill--
[creaking]
That ain't no rat.
It's Victor.
Don't be silly.
No, you guys, what if
we somehow released him?
[banging]
Just stay calm.
We said the meditation
before we started.
That protects us.
Why?
We made it up.
[clattering]
- What are we going to do?
- I don't know.
But do something.
He's gone.
Oh, thank God.
It's over.
Let's make a vow right now,
that we're never going to mess
around with that stuff again.
Definitely.
Come on, you guys.
Let's go watch a movie.
Oh, my God.
It's Victor!
[ominous music]
Got you!
Oh, very funny, Jill.
Now for sure, we're
watching a comedy.
Come on, you guys.
We gotta go.
JILL (VOICEOVER):
The next morning, we
were going out for breakfast.
Where's Brooke?
I don't know.
I thought she was with you.
No, she's not with me.
Well, I was just in her
room, and she wasn't there.
Her bed was made.
It looked like she didn't
even sleep there last night.
The board!
What's going on here?
Brooke must have pulled it
out of the fire last night.
Maybe she's playing
some sort of joke.
Well, I don't think
it's very funny.
Where is she?
Let's ask the board.
Where is Brooke?
W, I, T, H--
with.
M-- with me!
[spooky laughter]
Was one of the girls
secretly maneuvering the piece
to spell out the answers?
If so, where was Brooke?
She was never seen
again after that night.
Did she use this
bizarre opportunity
to disappear and start a
new life somewhere else?
Or did the girls cross over a
line beyond the world of games,
and stumble into a
terrifying strange truth?
DON LAFONTAINE: Was
this story real?
We'll find out at
the end of our show.
Next, the strange story of
a man and his television
that's truly beyond belief.
The next story is kind
of a change of pace.
It's a bit larger than life.
But then, so is
our main character.
There's some laughs to be found
here, along with some chills.
As you watch this rather
bizarre tale, keep in mind
that at its core, it's
really a love story--
the story of a 450-pound
man hopelessly in love
with a 26-inch television.
Watch.
What a nice, nice
day to go fishing.
SPEAKER (ON TV): They've
entered a world--
Gee, look at that thing.
SPEAKER (ON TV): Does not exist.
A world of gliding movements
and strange colors, of serenity.
This is a very
special sandwich, Brad.
Do you know why?
Because it's the last sandwich
I'm ever going to serve you!
Now, come on, Shelly.
I can't see this.
Brad, turn off the TV.
Let's go for a
walk or something.
Take a walk?
Now, why should I go
outside when I can sit
home and watch nature on TV?
Wow, look at that.
Now-- now, Shelly.
Come on, I told you before.
I work hard all week.
And when I'm not working,
I like to sit home
and enjoy my favorite hobby.
And TV is my hobby!
Wow, look at that group.
Brad Lewis wasn't
the type of man
who cared about the
quality of life,
just the quality of his picture.
What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Just some bad reception.
Oh, good.
You had me scared for a sec.
I thought it was an
emergency, you getting
out of your chair and all.
Come on, Cupcake.
Come on.
Why don't you just kick it?
Kick it?
This is my baby.
There.
Oh, I love you.
[tv playing]
OK, I'm ready.
Ready for what?
We're going out
to dinner, remember?
I can't.
Look what's on tonight.
That's it.
Brad, I'm leaving you.
I am sick and tired of
being in a menage a trois
with a television!
[giggling]
Do you hear me?
Brad!
Do you hear me?
Brad!
[giggling]
[door slams]
Goodbye, Brad.
I'm going to stay with my mom.
So you and your TV can be alone.
Did you hear me?
I can't live with you anymore.
[sniffling]
Oh, Brad.
You really don't want me to go.
Shh.
Please, Shelly.
This is the part where
they shoot the dog.
Ah--
[thump]
Brad!
[beeping]
We're losing him.
Oh, my God.
Do something, please!
Let's shock him.
Oh!
Clear-- again.
Clear.
That's it.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
There's nothing more
we can do for him.
Let's transport him.
All right, lift him on 3--
1, 2, 3.
[groaning]
[glass shatters]
Wait, set him down.
Set him down.
Oh, my God, what happened?
[beeping]
- Holy Toledo.
- What is it?
What is it?
His heart's beating again.
I'll be damned.
[tv playing]
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Brad Lewis, recently divorced
and now unemployed,
believes the television
was responsible for
saving his life.
Now, Brad tells us he has
all the time in the world
to devote to his
hobby, best friend,
and the love of his life.
[giggling]
I never really
paid much attention
to this label back here.
You know, the one
that says "Warning--
Electrocution Hazard"?
But now that I've
seen the last story,
I'm definitely taking
this into the shop.
Is the voltage running through
a TV set strong enough to revive
a heart that stopped beating?
And did this story
really happen?
Well, if there is a real
Brad Lewis out there,
he's probably watching
this show right now.
And we can only
hope for one thing--
that he's a Nielsen household.
Bon appetit, Brad.
DON LAFONTAINE: The
truth about this story
will be revealed
in our final act.
Next, can a widow communicate
with her dead husband?
You decide, on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
[musicbox playing]
We've all seen couples who
can communicate without words.
They use gestures and body
language, or a special look.
There are even couples who
seem to communicate by sending
thoughts to each other.
The marriage of
Patricia and John Kelly
was built upon communication.
People said they had a constant
open phone line to each other.
But what happens when one
side of that line goes dead?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I'll never
forget that morning when Chris
came by to pick up the things.
Thanks so much for
taking this stuff in.
It was hard enough
just packing it up.
Sure.
It's no problem.
So, are you going to be OK?
Yeah.
It's going to take a while.
I really miss him.
He was my best
friend, you know.
I miss him, too.
Oh, God, I don't know
how to tell you this,
especially at a time like this.
What?
Chris, tell me.
I had a look at his
stock market accounts,
like you asked me.
He was doing really
well there for a while.
And then-- I don't know, he made
a couple bad trades, I guess.
Wha-- what?
The account's empty.
Empty?
Yeah.
You mean there is no money?
Oh, my God.
No, no, no, no, no.
I'm-- I'm real
sorry, Patricia, OK?
Listen, let me-- let me help
you out until you get back--
- I-- I can't.
- Yes.
Yes.
Now, it's $1,000.
I know it's not going to go far.
But it's a start.
Oh--
Take the money, Patty.
You know Jonathan
would want you to.
Please?
Look, things are going
to turn around real soon.
And until they do, I'm
here if you need anything.
Anything, I mean.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I spent
the next morning in a panic,
trying to find a job.
Experience?
No-- no, not exactly.
But I'm sure that I could
be very easily trained.
[dial tone]
Oh, my God.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
I thought the coffee
spill was another
sign that things were
going all wrong in my life.
But then a feeling
started to overtake me.
As I looked down at
the paper, I could
sense Jonathan's presence.
It was almost as if Jonathan
was sending me a message.
I looked at the stock again.
Something or someone was
definitely telling me to take
$1,000 and buy 500 shares.
And I couldn't help but think
that someone was Jonathan.
Hi, Chris, it's me.
Um, listen.
I need you to do me a favor.
800, 900, 1,000.
[chuckling]
Bet you didn't think I was
going to pay you back so fast.
No, no.
I did not.
Oh, and I paid my rent
three months in advance.
That was quite
a hunch you had.
Uh-huh.
And you tried to
talk me out of it.
The question is,
what do I buy next?
Oh, you're kidding, right?
- Uh-uh.
- Come on, Patty.
You had a little luck.
I really don't think
you should push it.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
It was happening again.
I could feel Jonathan sending
me another hunch to play.
[glasses clink]
To our success.
To Unifend.
Um-- um-hmm.
Um-- let's dance.
What?
[laughing]
Listen, I don't
know how you knew.
But I'm real glad
I bought some too.
Hey, you know what?
If this keeps up,
soon you're going
to be able to buy that
big house Jonathan
was always promising you, hmm?
Wouldn't that be wild?
[doorbell]
Oh, hang on.
Excuse me.
Mmm, will you come on back?
We're right in the
middle of a celebration.
That's funny.
I only get the morning paper.
[wind blows]
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I
looked down at the stocks,
waiting for the one
that would be my pick.
And there it was.
Do you see what I see?
Well, it depends on where
you're looking, I suppose.
I was looking
at the stock page.
I think I have my next hunch--
Avco Mining.
I know better than to
trying to talk you out of it.
Buy me as much
as I can afford,
first thing in the morning.
Whatever you say.
Thanks.
Look, Chris, it's
getting late, and I'm--
Oh, say no more.
Uh, do you mind if
I make a phone call?
No, not at all.
I'm just going to
go in the kitchen
and clean up a little bit.
Uh-uh-- thanks.
Sure.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): I could
tell that Chris couldn't
wait to jump on my hunch.
Well, here's to us.
It's been a long wait.
But you're worth it.
Mmm.
[phone dialing]
Yeah, hi, Malcolm it's me.
Glad I caught you.
Listen, I want you to take all
of my accounts, everything--
checking, savings, all of it.
Transfer it to Avco Mining.
[clattering]
Jonathan?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
It took me a moment
to realize that our wedding
picture had fallen over.
Oh, the picture.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
When I reached down
to pick up the photo, I
also found something else
that I had never seen before.
It was a financial report
on Jonathan's investments.
I knew it was Jonathan again.
In fact, I remembered how
he loved to light candles
late at night.
And something compelled
me to do the same.
Those candles made me
feel closer to Jonathan.
But I knew I had a lot of
reading ahead of me that night.
And candlelight just
wasn't going to be enough.
I was one of those wives
who never asked questions
about our investments.
Jonathan seemed to
enjoy it so much.
I just let it be a
part of his world.
I wasn't even sure I'd be able
to read one of those reports.
But to my surprise, it
was pretty easy to follow.
The first sheet showed
a balance of $16,300.
But Chris had said Jonathan's
investments had failed.
I caught on to the
system pretty quickly.
It was just like that cliche
you hear all the time--
get to the bottom line.
And that bottom line was
looking better all the time.
$46,300.
What was going on here?
Then I saw the reason
Jonathan's account was empty.
Sell, sell, sell.
But why?
All his investments
were showing a profit.
Account closed, all
funds withdrawn.
From nearly $95,000 to nothing.
I wasn't sure of the answer.
I still needed help.
[gust of wind]
Jonathan, what are
you trying to tell me?
Steel-- steal?
Chris?
Chris took the money.
[telephone rings]
PATRICIA (ON SPEAKER):
Hi, this is Patricia.
I'm not in.
Leave a message.
[beep]
CHRIS (ON SPEAKER): Hey, you.
What's up?
This is the fifth message
I've left in four days.
What, did you go out
of town or something?
Listen, if you did, you
better come back soon.
Our stock's gone
up like a bullet.
Good news, huh?
Well, call me when you
think we should sell, OK?
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER):
Nice try, Chris.
But I was waiting for my
next sign from Jonathan.
And I didn't have to wait long.
This had to be Jonathan
again, telling me to sell now.
OK, Jonathan.
I guess it's time to sell.
This time I was sure exactly
what I was supposed to do.
[phone dialing]
[clears throat]
Hi.
Yeah, I have an account
at Merritt Dickerson
that I would like transferred
to your brokerage house
as soon as possible.
Yes.
Yeah.
And-- and I have a lot of
shares with Avco Mining
that I would like
to sell immediately.
How soon do you think you can--
uh-huh.
OK, great.
Thank you.
I'll be right down, yeah.
PATRICIA (VOICEOVER): It was
Jonathan's last message to me
through the paper--
except, of course, for the one
I discovered later that day.
Poor Chris.
I had a hunch that would happen.
Patricia Kelly had never
played the stock market
before her husband's death.
She may have actually had
a talent for it all along.
But lacking confidence, she
may have psychologically
transferred her own decisions to
the spirit of her late husband.
That's what a therapist
might tell us.
But maybe the real
explanation lies
in a communication of souls so
strong it can never be broken.
Or-- maybe it's all a hoax.
DON LAFONTAINE: True or false?
We'll find out at the
conclusion of our show.
Next, a sweet little girl
with a terrifying imagination
on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
As we grow into adulthood,
our bodies become stronger.
And our knowledge increases.
And the only thing that seems
to diminish is our imagination.
To a child, the
separation between reality
and make-believe can
be a very thin line,
some might say an
imaginary line.
Take little Alice.
Her vivid imagination often made
the make-believe seem real--
frighteningly real.
Yes, thank you.
Would you like some more tea?
You're my best friend, too.
What's that?
Oh, dear.
That's terrible.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
My daughter, Alice,
always seemed to be lost
in a world of her own--
an innocent, childlike
world, or so I thought.
It started like
another typical day.
Alice was playing make-believe.
And I was entertaining
our neighbor, Liz Kimball.
Who's Alice talking to?
Oh, Sidney.
It's an imaginary friend.
Ah.
Well, she seems to be
taking it very seriously.
Aren't you concerned
about that, Maggie?
Well, sometimes.
But I had an imaginary
friend when I was little.
Doesn't Sally?
Well, yes, she had one.
But she gave that up years ago.
Really?
Well, Alice has always
had an active imagination.
It's Nothing we're
worried about.
Alice, honey, time to get
ready for ballet class.
OK, Mom.
Now, Sidney, I've got
to go to dance class.
You be good.
I'll be back soon.
Look, Maggie, if
you get concerned,
I know a really good therapist.
Oh-- well, thanks, Liz.
I think it's just a phase
Alice will grow out of.
Oh, you're probably right.
I'm probably reading much
more into this than there is.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): I
thought Liz was overreacting.
But then Alice said
something I'll never forget.
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Kimball.
About what, Alice?
About your divorce.
Alice!
What have I told you
about making up stories?
I'm not making it up.
Sidney told me.
I'm-- I'm so sorry, Liz.
Maggie-- Maggie, it's true.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): I'd
known Liz for five years.
We'd shared everything.
How could Alice have
known, when I didn't?
I don't know, Diane.
The slogan's just
not working for me.
I think we need to
punch up the copy.
Um, could you hold
on a second, Diane?
Sure.
What is it, honey?
Mommy's working.
Mommy, Ms. Emory
should check on Rebecca.
She's really sick.
She could die!
Alice, how many times
do I have to tell you?
Mommy, Ms. Emory has
to check on Rebecca.
It's really important.
Sidney told me.
Um, I need a
minute with Alice.
Well, what did she say?
Oh, no.
Rebecca's fine.
She's playing in her room.
Oh, listen, don't
worry about it.
Just call me when
you're finished.
Great.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
Diane couldn't
help but check on Rebecca.
And thank goodness she did.
Rebecca-- Rebecca?
Rebecca, sweetheart!
Oh, my gosh.
You're burning up!
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): Diane
got her to the hospital
just in time.
This whole Sidney thing was
making me very uncomfortable.
So I decided to talk
to Alice about it.
Oh, honey, you are
doing such a nice job.
How come these don't
have any icing on them?
Because Sidney doesn't
like icing on his cookies.
Oh.
Alice, I think we need to have
a little talk about Sidney.
Why, Mommy?
Honey, because you're scaring
people with your stories.
But Mommy, they're all true.
Sidney doesn't lie.
Alice, I don't want you
to talk to Sidney anymore.
Why, you're getting
to be such a big girl.
Don't you think it's
time that you stopped
pretending Sidney was real?
But Mommy, he is real.
Aren't you, Sidney?
No, honey.
He's not real.
No one else can see him.
He doesn't want
anybody else to see him,
because he's my best friend.
I thought that Rebecca
was your best friend.
Aunt Doris is dead.
Alice.
[phone rings]
Hello?
Yes.
Oh my God.
Sidney told me.
No.
Here you go, Sidney.
I made this one
especially for you.
There's no icing.
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER):
I forbid Alice
to ever play with Sidney again.
Mmm aren't these good?
MAGGIE (VOICEOVER): But
every night, I heard
sounds coming from her room.
My mom said she doesn't want
me playing with you anymore.
I don't think it's fair either.
No, she's not mean, Sidney.
She's pretty nice.
Of course I can keep a secret.
Oh, Sidney, that's a great idea!
You can stay in here.
It'll be our secret.
Of course.
I'll never leave you.
I love you, Sidney.
Was Alice really
getting psychic messages
from an imaginary friend?
Or maybe she was
a clairvoyant who
was too young to
understand her own powers,
so she invented a friend
to cope with it all.
There must be some
explanation for her ability
to predict so many events.
Or is our story of the imaginary
friend completely imaginary?
Mmm-- the cookies are real.
DON LAFONTAINE: Was this
story truth or falsehood?
We'll tell you in the final
moments of tonight's show.
Next, a dream marriage
turns into a nightmare
on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
The diamond
Ring for many, the symbol
of a loving relationship.
But in the search for
that perfect relationship,
what are the odds that we will
ever find that one soul mate
who will make us happy forever?
Yet sometimes we see a
couple that makes us believe
those odds can be overcome.
Well, Steven and Brenda were
like that-- young, attractive,
hopelessly in love.
When they got married,
it truly seemed
to be a match made in heaven.
[glass breaks]
What, are you crazy?
You could have killed me.
Next time, don't duck.
And I will!
Oh, that's it!
I cannot wait to get out of
this house and away from you.
Not - than me.
Marrying you was the
biggest mistake of my life!
You want to talk
about big mistakes?
We're a big mistake!
Ah, if I ever see you
again, it'll be too soon.
Well, I've got news for you.
I never want to see
you again, even if you
were the last man on earth!
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Steven and Brenda
went their separate ways,
and stopped all contact.
They didn't care about
anything except being
away from each other.
Ironically, they picked
the same place to move to--
Los Angeles, the City of Angels.
But neither of them knew the
other one lived there, too.
[tv playing]
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): Each had
to endure the challenge of
every couple that breaks up--
learning how to
date all over again.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow, this looks fantastic.
- Oh--
- It really does.
You've done a
wonderful job, Barbara.
Brenda
The best meal I
have ever eaten.
I can't believe I
finally met a man
who knows how to cook a steak.
Ah, well, thank you.
And the vegetables--
Uh-huh.
I mean, it was like you just
picked them from the garden.
They were cooked perfectly.
[chuckling]
And the wine--
what is that?
It's a-- a pinot ni-war.
There
[splurts] [gasps]
Are you-- are you--
[gasping and coughing]
Oh, are you all right?
[gasping and coughing]
This is pi--
pinot noir.
Yeah.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
Sometimes your song plays
at just the wrong time.
I think that we should uh--
call-- call it a night.
It's getting late.
And I've got to get up
early in the morning.
Um, well.
I-- I'd love to do
it again sometime.
Call me.
Good night.
RICKY STRONG (ON
SPEAKER): You're
listening to Ricky Strong.
Our next dedication
is for two lovebirds,
Brenda and Steven, who didn't
give their love a chance.
So Brenda and Steven, if
you're out there listening,
this is for you,
because the two of you
were meant for each other.
Steven and Brenda,
it's time to make up.
I want you to drop
whatever you're doing
and meet at the Santa
Monica Pier in one hour.
[romantic music playing]
I must be nuts.
She doesn't even live here.
[romantic music playing]
Brenda!
Steven!
Brenda, I am so sorry.
I should have never--
No, no.
It was-- it was all my fault.
I have such a temper and I--
we should have tried harder.
We both should have.
Looks like we have
a second chance.
We don't have to
mess it up this time.
That was really
sweet, what you told
the DJ to say on the radio.
DJ, what are you--
I thought you made
the dedication?
No.
I-- I didn't even know
you were living in LA.
Steven!
Brenda!
Ah!
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER): So
in the end, boy gets girl.
But is it the right
boy and the right girl?
And just how many
Stevens and Brendas
were reunited that night?
What really happened here?
It wasn't simply that
they heard a message meant
for another Steven and Brenda,
because when they checked out
every radio station in Los
Angeles the next morning,
no one reported broadcasting
any such message.
But radio waves have
strange properties.
They can become crossed
in the atmosphere--
even be received in
people's dental work.
Maybe this was a broadcast from
another city, another country.
Or was it a communication from
some other world altogether?
After all, it supposedly took
place in the City of Angels.
DON LAFONTAINE: Next, we'll find
out which stories are inspired
by actually events and which are
fabrications on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
And now, the portion
of our show that
separates the real
from the unreal.
Several of the stories
we've seen tonight
were inspired by actual events,
while others have been invented
for your entertainment.
Let's revisit them one by one,
and learn the true answers.
Our first plot was about
the three girls and
their frightening board game.
Oh my God!
It's Victor!
Got you!
So did you guess this
story was a complete fraud?
You guessed absolutely right.
We made it up.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
And then there
was the couch potato
whose life was somehow
saved by his beloved TV.
[beep]
[tv playing]
[glass shatters]
[beeping]
Holy Toledo!
What is it?
What is it?
His heart's beating again.
Could this story
have really happened?
Well, anything is possible.
But not in this case--
it's completely false.
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): And what's
your opinion of the
story about the widow
who seemed to receive stock
tips from her late husband?
Jonathan, What are
you trying to tell me?
Steel?
Do you think that you've
got this one figured out?
Did the events take place?
Yes, they did.
JAMES BROLIN
(VOICEOVER): And how
about that story of
the little girl and
her special imaginary friend?
I'm very sorry, Mrs. Kimball.
About what, Alice?
About your divorce.
Alice!
What have I told you
about making up stories?
I'm not making it up!
Sidney told me.
Did you think this story was
a stretch of the imagination?
Everyone's entitled
to their opinion.
But the events in
this story did happen.
JAMES BROLIN (VOICEOVER):
And our last story
was about the divorced
couple who were reunited
by a strange radio
announcement that some
say was never broadcast.
RICKY STRONG (ON SPEAKER): You
are listening to Ricky Strong.
Our next dedication
is for two lovebirds,
Brenda and Steven, who didn't
give their love a chance.
So Brenda, and Steven, if
you're out there listening,
this is for you.
What's your
judgment this time?
Do you think a story like
this could have happened?
Well, it did.
So, how was your
judgment tonight?
Three of our plots were
inspired by actual events.
But the other two
were totally false.
Perhaps we've changed your
perception of what is real
and what is unreal tonight.
Sometimes they're almost
impossible to tell apart.
And that's a strange truth.
Good night.
DON LAFONTAINE: Join us
next time on Beyond Belief--
Fact or Fiction.
This is Don LaFontaine.
[music playing]