Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (1997) s03e05 Episode Script
The Nightmare/The Stalker/The Impossible Car Dream/The Dresser/The Burial
[music playing]
NARRATOR: Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction,
hosted by Jonathan Frakes.
Tonight, your challenge
is to separate what
is true from what is false.
Five stories, some
real, some fake.
Can you judge which are
fact and which are fiction?
To find out, you
must enter a world
of both truth and deception,
a world that is Beyond Belief.
A curious illusion.
To the naked eye, this appears
to be a perfect triangle.
Yet here's the truth.
A disconnected shape,
the two sides separated
by a significant space.
So it is with our
stories tonight.
At first glance, they may
seem connected to the truth
but viewed from the
proper perspective,
your opinion might change.
We'll tell you which
are real and which are
fake at the end of our show.
Judge carefully
because, as always,
there are two sides
to every story.
Or in some cases,
it might be three.
Do you believe that dreams
foretell the future?
Millions do.
Walk into any library, it's easy
to find books on the subject.
Some cultures believe in
the power of dream catchers.
Nightmares get caught in
the webbing while you sleep
and only the good
dreams filter through.
Deborah Wilkins could use
a dream catcher these days.
She's having a dream
that's most disturbing.
The nightmare returns
night after night
and it's more than
just frightening.
It's the kind of dream that
can scare one to death.
[distorted] Deborah!
I need your help.
Please don't.
I need your help!
Stop!
Stop!
Brian!
Morning, sir.
You have a good work out?
I felt comfortable and
accepted by everyone.
I hated to spoil our
idyllic lifestyle
with my neurotic
dreams, but I had
to share my fears with Brian.
It was too upsetting to
envision the man I loved being
murdered night after night.
I just couldn't
keep it to myself.
Morning, Andy.
NARRATOR: Morning, Mr. Wilkins.
Garden looks beautiful.
That's my job.
Morning.
You all right?
I had the nightmare.
Again.
The same man attacked
you from behind
with the long bladed knife.
I still can't see his face.
Deborah, it's just
a dream, nothing more.
I'm so afraid of losing you.
You're not going to lose me.
I'm yours forever.
Forever.
I love you, Brian.
No.
No, please.
No, don't.
No, don't hurt him, please.
Deborah, I need
you to help me.
Brian!
Brian!
Brian, I saw him.
This time, I saw his face.
- Calm down, honey.
Calm down.
- No, no.
I saw him.
It was Andy, the groundskeeper.
He murdered you
with a long knife.
You have to get rid of him.
He has to go.
Please, Brian.
Honey, let's try
to be rational here.
Andy's been with the
family for 20 years.
I admit, he's a little strange
but he'd never hurt me.
Can you be absolutely sure?
Can you?
Andy, I have to talk to you.
Yeah?
Look, this isn't easy for me.
I've been having some
financial problems.
Financial problems?
You?
What I'm trying to say is,
I'm going to have to let you go.
I'm sorry.
What?
It's nothing personal.
It really isn't.
I just have to make
some changes here.
Well, how come I'm
the one that's gotta go?
I've been here
longer than anybody?
Your daddy hired
me 20 years ago.
I know.
I told you, I don't
feel good about it.
You oughn't feel
good about it.
It ain't right.
It just ain't right.
Look, I always done a good
job for you and your wife,
hadn't I?
Well, hadn't I?
OK.
Take it easy.
I'll give you six months
severance and references.
You can't afford to keep
me on but you can afford
six months pay for no work?
That's the way it is.
I want you to leave today.
Fine.
I don't need your
stinking references.
You look so beautiful today.
Have a good ride.
A little more
skittish than usual.
Here, let me have him.
Easy.
Easy, boy.
Easy.
Easy, boy.
Easy, boy.
It's me, Chestnut.
Easy, boy, easy.
Whoa.
Easy.
Whoa, whoa.
Whoa.
Easy.
Easy!
No!
No, easy.
Easy!
Whoa, whoa.
No!
No!
[screaming]
Brian died of the wound
inflicted by the hedge trimmer
that had been left in the bushes
by Andy when he was dismissed.
My husband died just as in
my dream, stabbed in the back
by our groundskeeper.
Deborah Wilkins never
recovered completely
from her husband's death.
She continued to blame herself.
Of course, logic would
tell us that her husband's
death was just accidental,
a terrible coincidence.
But then how do you
explain the recurring
dream that identified
the gardener
as her husband's murderer?
Doesn't this go past
coincidence, even past irony?
Is this story based
on an actual happening
or are we simply leading
you down the garden path?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, another premonition
and a deadly stalker.
Sometimes, the
simplest of objects
can get us through
periods of emotional pain.
Take this compact.
15-year-old Rena Newland
is never without it.
It was a gift given
to her by her father,
before his untimely death.
The small, uncomplicated
little gift
has sustained her
through the most
terrifying years of her life.
But Rena's terror
is far from over
and the mysteries of what's
contained inside this compact
are about to come to light.
It had been almost three years
since the death of my husband.
He was an Air Force pilot who
died in a training mission
over the Persian Gulf.
The loss devastated
both my daughter and me,
but that wasn't the reason
we moved cross-country
from New York to Oregon.
My husband's death had left
me extremely vulnerable.
That's when I met another
man, named Jeffrey Walker.
To my horror, Jeffrey
turned out to be
a violent and abusive man.
When I tried to get rid of him,
my life became a living hell.
He stalked me day and night.
Finally, Jeffrey was
arrested and sent
to prison for assaulting me.
Don't you just love this
place, the fresh air
and all the trees?
It's OK.
The experience with
Jeffrey, coming right
on top of the loss
of her father,
had left Rena with
emotional scars.
I hoped we could start over,
far away from the past.
Despite all my optimism, there
was a strained relationship
between Rena and me.
And I couldn't help but
feel guilty about what
my terrible relationship with
Jeffrey had put her through.
It was about then that I noticed
the odd light on the cabinet.
What's that, sweetheart?
It's the compact
daddy gave me.
He told me we'd
always be together.
I just looked inside.
He was right.
What's wrong?
I just get these bad feelings
sometimes, like Jeffrey's
going to come back.
Rena, I told you, he's never
going to bother us again.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that Jeffrey
ever happened, baby.
I really am.
I felt so sorry for Rena.
She would go from periods
of quiet isolation
to being an exposed nerve
ending and I never knew when
the next explosion was coming.
I love you and I miss you.
Mom!
Mom!
What is it?
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
Mom!
It was Jeffrey!
He was right outside my window!
I don't see anyone.
I don't see him.
Are you sure?
It was him.
It was him.
He looked, he looked horrible.
I saw him in my compact mirror.
He was staring at me.
No, Rena.
No.
He knows where we are.
- No, honey.
- Yes!
No.
You're sure?
Yes, you're absolutely sure?
OK.
OK.
Yes, thank you for your time.
Rena, the man at the
prison says that Jeffrey
is still locked up.
But I saw him.
I saw him!
I know, honey, but sometimes
the mind plays tricks
and Jeffrey couldn't
possibly have been here.
I know what I saw!
I know.
Two days later, Rena
saw Jeffrey's reflection
in the compact mirror again
and, just like the time
before, she became hysterical.
I called a psychologist,
Dr. David Bloughshield.
Jeffrey obviously created
some sort of trauma in her mind.
She has a great fear of him.
I'll just never forgive
myself for bringing him
into our lives.
Well, Rena said
that her father gave
her the compact before he died?
Yes, he did, and it
means so much to her.
Yeah.
You know, it could be
a contributing factor.
Maybe you should put
it away for a while.
I'll do anything.
I just can't stand to
see her go through this.
I understand.
Let's set up a
session for next week.
Honey?
You didn't get the compact
out of my drawer, did you?
No.
Why?
Nothing.
How's your homework coming?
Fine.
Well, if you need
any help, let me know.
I'm going to go
jump in the shower.
OK, Mom.
Rena
Seemed to be feeling
uneasy, but that
was nothing compared to what we
were both about to experience.
It was that light again,
the same one I'd been
seeing for the last few days.
It seemed to be coming
from Rena's compact,
but that didn't seem possible.
Hi, there.
Jeffrey?
Eleanor, you surprised?
I thought we could
try a reconcilitation.
- How did you gtet out
- Oh, it was easy.
Just like finding and calling
your mother and told her
I was an old friend
from high school.
Here I am in the flesh.
Jeffrey, you don't
want to do this.
Oh, I do!
I do!
No, no, please!
Stop it!
Look at us, back
together again, just one
big, happy family.
The police
extradited Jeffrey back
to the same New York
state prison he'd
escaped from three days before.
Rena and I moved
to another location
and have felt safe ever since.
And now, when Rena
looks in the compact,
the only thing she sees is
her face next to her father's.
How could Rena
have possibly seen
the stalker's reflection while
he was still thousands of miles
away?
Was it only her imagination?
If so, how do you explain his
appearance so soon afterwards?
Was it a premonition of
impending danger or was it
a warning sent by the spirit
of a dead father, still
trying to protect his daughter?
Is this story of the strange
mirror a series of lies,
or does it reflect the truth?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, we continue our theme
of dreams and revenge.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
Have you thought
about buying a used car lately?
There are Lots of ways to do
it, everything from visiting
the used car lots in person
to surfing the internet,
but most people still
rely on the hundreds
of listings in the classifieds
and hand out publications.
Ronnie Mercer has been
combing through these
of late for a bargain.
He's getting ready
to start college
and his parents have promised
him a car of his own.
But Ronnie's dream
is about to unravel
and it may just
turn out to be more
than he ever bargained for.
Bob Mercer was an honest,
hardworking accountant
employed by John Cutler, a
dishonest and devious boss.
I certainly couldn't
ask for anything more,
except a smarter accountant.
For each of the
last three quarters,
I asked you to write off
those research costs.
Look, Mr. Cutler,
as I indicated before,
those costs can't be
claimed as research.
Isn't your son going
off to college soon?
Yes, next month.
You have another chance
to make it right, Bob.
The fourth quarter report can
be a happy ending for everybody.
But those expenditures
netted an asset,
which is a taxable event.
And--
How's this for an event,
you pathetic bean counter?
You're fired!
JONATHAN FRAKES: And
so Bob Mercer's career
at John Cutler
and Associates was
ended, by John Cutler himself.
That night, Bob broke the
news to his wife Susan.
I think it'd be best
if I talked to him alone.
OK.
OK.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
But the hardest part
would be to tell his son
Ronnie, who'd been counting
on a new car paid for by dad.
In fact, it seemed that
a car was the only thing
on Ronnie's mind.
Nice work.
How many does this make?
Stopped counting at 200.
Two hundred?
Wow.
What's wrong, Dad?
I was fired today.
Mr. Cutler fired me.
You'll get something
better., Dad.
I know it.
We'll see.
But until I do, with school
starting and now this,
I'm sorry but I think we're
going have to wait on a car.
Well, it'll just give me
more time to shop around.
Sir, for $1 this
could be yours.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
That night, Ronnie
would have the strangest
dream of his life.
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this beauty.
That's right, $1
drives this car off.
No down payment,
no financing terms.
Just $1 $1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
For $1, this can be yours.
For just $1, this
car can be yours.
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this beauty.
That's right, $1
drives this car off.
No down payment, no
financing terms, just $1.
$1.
$1.
JONATHAN FRAKES: The next
morning, Ronnie couldn't
get the dream out of his mind.
I had a dream about the
classifieds last night.
God, it was so weird.
I was in front of
this huge house
and there was this car that
was for sale out front.
And the most awesome part
about it was it only cost $1.
No one sells a car for $1.
Stop dreaming.
But Dad, it was so real.
I'll be in the den.
I'll take the help
wanted ads with me.
Mom!
Mom, One at this!
It's here.
Look at this.
- Oh, come on, honey.
Your dad's right.
Nobody sells a car--
One.
For $1.
We gotta go.
Right now, let's go.
No, it's a mistake, Ronnie.
It's either a misprint
or it's a joke.
There isn't even a
phone number, Ronnie.
This was exactly
like my dream.
Would you do me a favor and
not mention this again, OK?
Your dad's got a lot--
Mom, we have to go right now.
[shushing] All right.
OK, OK.
I will drive you.
It's going to be a
big waste of time.
Come on.
JONATHAN FRAKES: When
Ronnie and his mother
arrived at the address, Ronnie
couldn't believe his eyes.
The house was just like
the one in his dream.
Susan Mercer decided not to
try and calm her son down.
He would learn soon
enough that dreams
don't come true very
often, especially
impossible car dreams.
The mother braced herself for
the inevitable disappointment
that her son was
about to experience.
It didn't seem to
make any sense.
The woman at the door had
invited Ronnie inside.
Susan was beginning
to feel very strange
about the entire incident.
Mom, Mom, come see my new car!
JONATHAN FRAKES: There it
was, the same shiny sports
car that Ronnie had
described in his dream.
And from the way
he was acting, he
had actually bought it for $1.
Ronnie ran off to use the
car phone to tell his dad,
while Susan stayed
behind to learn
exactly what was going on.
Your son is a delight.
Thank you.
I'm just not sure I understand
what's going on here.
I mean, surely you're not--
Selling this for $1?
Why?
You think it's too much?
- No.
I just don't get it.
Well, it's a story I'm
sure you've heard before.
After 30 years of
marriage, my husband is
trading me in on a newer model.
He was always
afraid some creditor
would come after his beloved
car, so it's in my name.
Selling it is going
to break his heart.
In fact, he should be home
from work any time now.
I hope your son enjoys this
car as much as my husband did.
Oh.
Oh, he will!
He will!
JONATHAN FRAKES: And who was
the man who lost his most
precious possession for $1?
Where's my car?
Where is my car?
JONATHAN FRAKES:
It was John Cutler.
Your precious car traded
you in, John Cutler,
and for a much younger
model, I should add.
But don't worry, I drove
a very hard bargain.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
The same John Cutler
who had fired Ronnie's father.
Was this just an astounding
coincidence or did
young Ronnie want
his dream car so
badly that he made it happen?
Can people control their own
future by sheer force of will,
and what about the irony
of his father's boss
becoming the victim
of Ronnie's dream?
Is this story of the impossible
used car deal based on reality
or have we traded in the
truth for another lie?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, another firing
results in terror.
One of the pleasures
of life for many people
is window shopping.
Mannequins like these,
in creative poses,
provide hours of eye candy
along some of the most
famous streets of the world.
Gerald Stanley has been dressing
mannequins for over 25 years.
He treats them with respect
and takes pride in his
every display.
Lately, Gerald has been a
mentor for an eager assistant,
Craig Venton.
But some have
noticed the assistant
is a little too eager lately.
His next move may put his
mentor in a financial crisis
but before it's over,
it will cost much
more than an arm and a leg.
Something's not right.
What do you think, Craig?
Yeah, I agree.
There's something off.
It just doesn't look right.
I love my job, and part
of it was teaching the ropes
to green young kids like Craig.
- That's it.
That's exactly what it needed.
You're a genius when it comes
to the little touches, Gerald.
That's what it's all about.
Little touches make
up the big picture.
I know I've told
you this before,
but working for you has really
been a great education for me.
Someday, you'll be a
chief decorator somewhere
and then you can put all
you've learned to good use.
Yeah, I'll definitely
put it to good use.
Of course, I didn't
know that Craig did
his best work behind my back.
Mr. Duncan, Mr. Duncan?
Yes?
Gerald's making the window
look like Jurassic Park.
I mean, it's prehistoric,
not to mention
it's taking him forever.
I hate to say it, but he's
so far behind schedule,
he'll never be ready for
the spring fling opening.
What?
Yeah.
Wait a minute.
What are you telling me?
Spring fling starts
the day after tomorrow.
And Gerald is not ready?
No, I thought you
should know, sir.
I can't delay that opening.
It'll cost us a fortune!
I don't want to start
trouble, but I could
redo the entire window tonight.
And it would be more like the
times we live in, you know?
Edgier.
Edgier?
Edgier.
OK.
Edgier.
I don't believe this.
You want to give Craig Vinton
the spring fling display?
He's just an assistant!
Listen, Gerald, you're falling
farther and farther behind
in your work and, quite
frankly, your displays
are somewhat old fashion.
Old fashioned?
Management wants something
a little younger, hip.
You know, edgier.
And they don't think you
could give us that anymore.
You're firing me.
I really don't have a choice.
After 25 years?
Sorry, Gerald.
It's business.
I took one last look at
the figures in my shop.
They were almost like
real people to me.
Craig wasted no time.
He dismantled my display
before I even had the chance
to clean out my desk.
What are you
doing to my troops?
These aren't your
troops, Gerald.
They're just plastic dummies.
They're just tools for my art.
I'm creating something
new, different,
something you
wouldn't understand.
You know what you are, Craig?
You're a miserable, two
faced, little suck up.
Yeah, but I get
your job old man.
You--
Back off, Gerald or
I'll call security.
There was so much I
wanted to do and say,
but I had to maintain my
dignity, if not for Craig
than at least in
front of my figures,
the only true friends I had.
You'll be sorry you did this.
Yeah, right.
I'll feel real bad.
He was trying to hurt
me by hurting them.
It was almost as if
I felt their pain
at Craig's abusive treatment.
Craig couldn't wait to
reveal his edgy new concept,
a wild display of
disembodied body
parts scattered around the
floor in eye catching poses.
What's going on?
Like Craig himself, his ideas
were imaginative and creative,
and sick.
Where's the display?
I don't understand.
I worked on it all night.
It was here when I left!
It was beautiful.
I had pieces of
mannequin everywhere,
with clothes draped over them.
It's Gerald.
I mean, it has to be him.
Look, I don't know
what your game is,
but you've got a spring
fling display by tonight
or you're out of here.
Yes sir.
I'll recreate it at once.
Craig thought I had
sabotaged his display,
but I was out of town.
I don't believe this.
The maniac put them all
back together again.
We may never know
the truth, but this
is what Craig claims
happened to him that night,
in a completely empty store.
How did that happen?
Gerald?
Gerald?
Where are you?
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me.
I know you are!
Stop it!
Stop it!
Gerald?
Gerald, I know you're in here.
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me.
I know you are!
Craig quit the next
morning and I was reinstated.
Who could have possibly
attacked Craig that night?
It couldn't have been me.
I was out of town.
Were Craig's problems
with the mannikins just
a result of his own clumsiness?
If not, what could have possibly
caused the mannequin's assault
on Craig?
Was a deposed Gerald controlling
things from behind the scenes
or is the explanation
more mystical?
Could it be the
mannikins actually
had human feelings of hatred
for their new dresser?
Do you think this story
puts the truth on display
or is it merely window dressing?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next a mysterious
tale of the Old South.
Southern hospitality, a
genteel, refined way of life.
Of course, like all
regions of our country,
the south has endured
political, social, and sometimes
violent change.
Yet a quick visit
to any southern city
reminds us that the concept
of southern hospitality
is alive and well.
Our story tonight takes
place before the time
of Scarlett and Rhett.
It evokes memories of
warm southern breezes,
weeping willows, and
things beyond belief.
As I write these words in my
journal, it is the year 1806
and I'm looking back
on a life honored
by my service to the
United States of America.
I've been a calvary commander,
held a seat in Congress,
finally I obtained the
governorship of Virginia
but the best thing that
has ever happened to me
is my beautiful young wife, Ann.
She's barely 26 years old
and she has already given me
three beautiful children.
Harry, my darling,
you must stop working
and see what I bought today.
Just a moment, darling.
I'm almost finished.
There.
Now you can see everything.
You are incorrigable.
All right, you have
my full attention.
Oh Harry, it's
all so beautiful.
It's all the latest
fashions from Paris.
Look at this one,
this is my favorite.
There, what do you think?
Do I look Parisian?
I think that that
hat is lucky to have
your pretty head to sit up on.
Oh, Harry.
Why are you so good to me?
Well, it's quite
simple, my darling.
I love you.
Now, evenings
on our plantation
were most comfortable.
There were many pleasant
dinners with good friends
and all political allies.
I really wish you
would consider writing
for my newspaper, Harry.
I know you're a busy man,
but your views on federalism
should be read by the people.
You compliment me, Alexander.
I agree.
You're a fine author, Harry.
Your description of George
Washington as first in war,
first in peace, and first in
the hearts of his countrymen
will go down in history.
Thank you, Thomas.
Of course, I esteem
your opinion Alexander,
and I will consider your offer.
I'm sorry to
interrupt, gentlemen.
but I'm suddenly feeling unwell.
What is it, Anne?
I'm sure it's nothing, Harry.
Perhaps you should
retire for the evening.
Anne?
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I'd never seen Annie
taken ill before.
I was shaken by it, and
extremely concerned.
What's the matter?
What's wrong with her?
She has a very high fever and
is in and out of consciousness.
I'll be honest with you, sir.
I don't know what the malady is.
Well, she's young, strong.
She will recover.
I truly hope so.
I'm going to prescribe sulfates.
Perhaps they'll help.
All we can do is
keep an eye on her.
Thank you, doctor.
Thank you for coming to us.
Dear Lord, please
let her recover.
But Anne's condition
did not improve
and only continued to worsen.
Dr. Bradley used
everything at his disposal
but she did not respond.
Harry.
What is it, darling?
I've given you
three fine children.
Maybe my time here is done.
You mustn't say that.
Don't give up, Anne.
Fight on.
I love you.
I love you, Harry.
Harry?
Annie?
Annie, don't leave me, please!
I'm sorry.
Anne never regained
consciousness after that.
Dr. Bradley pronounced
her dead later that day.
I found myself frozen in
place, unable to move.
I'd weathered so
many battles and seen
so much death in my
time, but nothing
had ever left me so devastated.
Grave diggers were to start
their work that evening.
I wanted the moment of
Annie's actual burial
to be a private one, just
shared by the two of us.
How can I put you in the
ground, my beautiful darling?
[scratching sounds]
I must be going crazy.
ANNIE: Help me.
Help me!
Harry?
Help me, Harry!
It can't be.
Annie!
Oh my God, Annie!
What happened?
In hindsight, Dr. Bradley
guessed that Annie must
have been in a living death.
Once the illness had run
its course, she revived.
One year later, my wife, Anne
Lee, gave me another child.
It was a boy.
My dreams were that he
would follow in my footsteps
and become a leader of men.
We named him Robert E. Lee.
There are many recorded
incidents of premature
burials in the early 1800's.
Medical science
was still growing
and diagnosis were often wrong.
Is that what happened
here or did fate step in?
Was Anne Lee
brought back to life
because history had plans for
her yet unborn son Robert E?
Is this story that takes
place in the antebellum era
inspired by an
actual event or have
our writers gone south on us?
NARRATOR: Next, you'll find out
which of our stories are fact
and which are fiction,
when Beyond Belief: Fact
or Fiction returns.
And now it's time to
see which of our stories
are inspired by actual events
and which are totally made up.
Let's look back at the
story of the premonition
dream that resulted in death.
True or false?
No, no.
No, don't.
No, don't hurt him, please.
Deborah, I need
you to help me.
Help me!
If you guessed this
one was based on fact,
we played a trick on you.
It never happened.
How did you judge the
one about the young girl
who saw the stalker
in her compact mirror?
Real or unreal?
Hi, there.
Jeffrey!
Eleanor, you surprised?
I thought we could
try a reconcilitation.
How did you get out?
It was easy, just
like finding you.
I called your mother
and I told her
I was an old friend
from high school
and here I am in the flesh.
Jeffrey, you don't
want to do this!
Oh, I do.
NARRATOR: No!
No, please!
Stop it!
Look at us, back
together again, just one
big, happy family.
If you thought this tale
was fiction, we fooled you.
Our research shows this happened
to a family in the Washington
DC area in the early 80s.
It's fact.
How did you judge the
one about the college
student whose dream of buying
a car for $1 came true?
Was this real or fake?
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this car.
That's right, $1
drives this car away.
No down payment, no
finance terms, just $1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
Just $1.
$1.
For $1, this can be yours.
For just $1, this car can be--
What does our research
show on this one?
Absolutely nothing.
We made it up.
It's false.
Let's look at the story of the
ambitious window dresser who
meets his match in mannekins.
True or false?
How did that happen?
Gerald?
Gerald?
Where are you?
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me!
I know you are!
Did you think this one
was based on reality?
Not this time.
It's a fake.
How about the tale
of the Old South,
the premature burial, and the
birth of General Robert E Lee?
History or hogwash?
How can I put you in the
ground, my beautiful darling?
[scratching sounds]
I must be going crazy.
Harry?
Help me.
Help me!
Harry?
Help me, Harry!
It can't be!
Annie!
Oh my God, Annie!
If you thought we made
this story up, you're wrong.
It's based on actual
published stories
about Robert E Lee and his
father, Lighthorse Harry.
How did you do at separating
fact from fiction tonight?
We've tried to demonstrate
that it's not an easy task,
for sometimes
truth and falsehood
live in the same world, a
world that's Beyond Belief.
I'm Jonathan Frakes.
NARRATOR: The story
entitled The Stalker is
based on firsthand
research conducted
by author Robert Traylands.
For Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction,
this is Don Lafountain.
[theme music]
NARRATOR: Beyond
Belief: Fact or Fiction,
hosted by Jonathan Frakes.
Tonight, your challenge
is to separate what
is true from what is false.
Five stories, some
real, some fake.
Can you judge which are
fact and which are fiction?
To find out, you
must enter a world
of both truth and deception,
a world that is Beyond Belief.
A curious illusion.
To the naked eye, this appears
to be a perfect triangle.
Yet here's the truth.
A disconnected shape,
the two sides separated
by a significant space.
So it is with our
stories tonight.
At first glance, they may
seem connected to the truth
but viewed from the
proper perspective,
your opinion might change.
We'll tell you which
are real and which are
fake at the end of our show.
Judge carefully
because, as always,
there are two sides
to every story.
Or in some cases,
it might be three.
Do you believe that dreams
foretell the future?
Millions do.
Walk into any library, it's easy
to find books on the subject.
Some cultures believe in
the power of dream catchers.
Nightmares get caught in
the webbing while you sleep
and only the good
dreams filter through.
Deborah Wilkins could use
a dream catcher these days.
She's having a dream
that's most disturbing.
The nightmare returns
night after night
and it's more than
just frightening.
It's the kind of dream that
can scare one to death.
[distorted] Deborah!
I need your help.
Please don't.
I need your help!
Stop!
Stop!
Brian!
Morning, sir.
You have a good work out?
I felt comfortable and
accepted by everyone.
I hated to spoil our
idyllic lifestyle
with my neurotic
dreams, but I had
to share my fears with Brian.
It was too upsetting to
envision the man I loved being
murdered night after night.
I just couldn't
keep it to myself.
Morning, Andy.
NARRATOR: Morning, Mr. Wilkins.
Garden looks beautiful.
That's my job.
Morning.
You all right?
I had the nightmare.
Again.
The same man attacked
you from behind
with the long bladed knife.
I still can't see his face.
Deborah, it's just
a dream, nothing more.
I'm so afraid of losing you.
You're not going to lose me.
I'm yours forever.
Forever.
I love you, Brian.
No.
No, please.
No, don't.
No, don't hurt him, please.
Deborah, I need
you to help me.
Brian!
Brian!
Brian, I saw him.
This time, I saw his face.
- Calm down, honey.
Calm down.
- No, no.
I saw him.
It was Andy, the groundskeeper.
He murdered you
with a long knife.
You have to get rid of him.
He has to go.
Please, Brian.
Honey, let's try
to be rational here.
Andy's been with the
family for 20 years.
I admit, he's a little strange
but he'd never hurt me.
Can you be absolutely sure?
Can you?
Andy, I have to talk to you.
Yeah?
Look, this isn't easy for me.
I've been having some
financial problems.
Financial problems?
You?
What I'm trying to say is,
I'm going to have to let you go.
I'm sorry.
What?
It's nothing personal.
It really isn't.
I just have to make
some changes here.
Well, how come I'm
the one that's gotta go?
I've been here
longer than anybody?
Your daddy hired
me 20 years ago.
I know.
I told you, I don't
feel good about it.
You oughn't feel
good about it.
It ain't right.
It just ain't right.
Look, I always done a good
job for you and your wife,
hadn't I?
Well, hadn't I?
OK.
Take it easy.
I'll give you six months
severance and references.
You can't afford to keep
me on but you can afford
six months pay for no work?
That's the way it is.
I want you to leave today.
Fine.
I don't need your
stinking references.
You look so beautiful today.
Have a good ride.
A little more
skittish than usual.
Here, let me have him.
Easy.
Easy, boy.
Easy.
Easy, boy.
Easy, boy.
It's me, Chestnut.
Easy, boy, easy.
Whoa.
Easy.
Whoa, whoa.
Whoa.
Easy.
Easy!
No!
No, easy.
Easy!
Whoa, whoa.
No!
No!
[screaming]
Brian died of the wound
inflicted by the hedge trimmer
that had been left in the bushes
by Andy when he was dismissed.
My husband died just as in
my dream, stabbed in the back
by our groundskeeper.
Deborah Wilkins never
recovered completely
from her husband's death.
She continued to blame herself.
Of course, logic would
tell us that her husband's
death was just accidental,
a terrible coincidence.
But then how do you
explain the recurring
dream that identified
the gardener
as her husband's murderer?
Doesn't this go past
coincidence, even past irony?
Is this story based
on an actual happening
or are we simply leading
you down the garden path?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, another premonition
and a deadly stalker.
Sometimes, the
simplest of objects
can get us through
periods of emotional pain.
Take this compact.
15-year-old Rena Newland
is never without it.
It was a gift given
to her by her father,
before his untimely death.
The small, uncomplicated
little gift
has sustained her
through the most
terrifying years of her life.
But Rena's terror
is far from over
and the mysteries of what's
contained inside this compact
are about to come to light.
It had been almost three years
since the death of my husband.
He was an Air Force pilot who
died in a training mission
over the Persian Gulf.
The loss devastated
both my daughter and me,
but that wasn't the reason
we moved cross-country
from New York to Oregon.
My husband's death had left
me extremely vulnerable.
That's when I met another
man, named Jeffrey Walker.
To my horror, Jeffrey
turned out to be
a violent and abusive man.
When I tried to get rid of him,
my life became a living hell.
He stalked me day and night.
Finally, Jeffrey was
arrested and sent
to prison for assaulting me.
Don't you just love this
place, the fresh air
and all the trees?
It's OK.
The experience with
Jeffrey, coming right
on top of the loss
of her father,
had left Rena with
emotional scars.
I hoped we could start over,
far away from the past.
Despite all my optimism, there
was a strained relationship
between Rena and me.
And I couldn't help but
feel guilty about what
my terrible relationship with
Jeffrey had put her through.
It was about then that I noticed
the odd light on the cabinet.
What's that, sweetheart?
It's the compact
daddy gave me.
He told me we'd
always be together.
I just looked inside.
He was right.
What's wrong?
I just get these bad feelings
sometimes, like Jeffrey's
going to come back.
Rena, I told you, he's never
going to bother us again.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that Jeffrey
ever happened, baby.
I really am.
I felt so sorry for Rena.
She would go from periods
of quiet isolation
to being an exposed nerve
ending and I never knew when
the next explosion was coming.
I love you and I miss you.
Mom!
Mom!
What is it?
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
Mom!
It was Jeffrey!
He was right outside my window!
I don't see anyone.
I don't see him.
Are you sure?
It was him.
It was him.
He looked, he looked horrible.
I saw him in my compact mirror.
He was staring at me.
No, Rena.
No.
He knows where we are.
- No, honey.
- Yes!
No.
You're sure?
Yes, you're absolutely sure?
OK.
OK.
Yes, thank you for your time.
Rena, the man at the
prison says that Jeffrey
is still locked up.
But I saw him.
I saw him!
I know, honey, but sometimes
the mind plays tricks
and Jeffrey couldn't
possibly have been here.
I know what I saw!
I know.
Two days later, Rena
saw Jeffrey's reflection
in the compact mirror again
and, just like the time
before, she became hysterical.
I called a psychologist,
Dr. David Bloughshield.
Jeffrey obviously created
some sort of trauma in her mind.
She has a great fear of him.
I'll just never forgive
myself for bringing him
into our lives.
Well, Rena said
that her father gave
her the compact before he died?
Yes, he did, and it
means so much to her.
Yeah.
You know, it could be
a contributing factor.
Maybe you should put
it away for a while.
I'll do anything.
I just can't stand to
see her go through this.
I understand.
Let's set up a
session for next week.
Honey?
You didn't get the compact
out of my drawer, did you?
No.
Why?
Nothing.
How's your homework coming?
Fine.
Well, if you need
any help, let me know.
I'm going to go
jump in the shower.
OK, Mom.
Rena
Seemed to be feeling
uneasy, but that
was nothing compared to what we
were both about to experience.
It was that light again,
the same one I'd been
seeing for the last few days.
It seemed to be coming
from Rena's compact,
but that didn't seem possible.
Hi, there.
Jeffrey?
Eleanor, you surprised?
I thought we could
try a reconcilitation.
- How did you gtet out
- Oh, it was easy.
Just like finding and calling
your mother and told her
I was an old friend
from high school.
Here I am in the flesh.
Jeffrey, you don't
want to do this.
Oh, I do!
I do!
No, no, please!
Stop it!
Look at us, back
together again, just one
big, happy family.
The police
extradited Jeffrey back
to the same New York
state prison he'd
escaped from three days before.
Rena and I moved
to another location
and have felt safe ever since.
And now, when Rena
looks in the compact,
the only thing she sees is
her face next to her father's.
How could Rena
have possibly seen
the stalker's reflection while
he was still thousands of miles
away?
Was it only her imagination?
If so, how do you explain his
appearance so soon afterwards?
Was it a premonition of
impending danger or was it
a warning sent by the spirit
of a dead father, still
trying to protect his daughter?
Is this story of the strange
mirror a series of lies,
or does it reflect the truth?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, we continue our theme
of dreams and revenge.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
Have you thought
about buying a used car lately?
There are Lots of ways to do
it, everything from visiting
the used car lots in person
to surfing the internet,
but most people still
rely on the hundreds
of listings in the classifieds
and hand out publications.
Ronnie Mercer has been
combing through these
of late for a bargain.
He's getting ready
to start college
and his parents have promised
him a car of his own.
But Ronnie's dream
is about to unravel
and it may just
turn out to be more
than he ever bargained for.
Bob Mercer was an honest,
hardworking accountant
employed by John Cutler, a
dishonest and devious boss.
I certainly couldn't
ask for anything more,
except a smarter accountant.
For each of the
last three quarters,
I asked you to write off
those research costs.
Look, Mr. Cutler,
as I indicated before,
those costs can't be
claimed as research.
Isn't your son going
off to college soon?
Yes, next month.
You have another chance
to make it right, Bob.
The fourth quarter report can
be a happy ending for everybody.
But those expenditures
netted an asset,
which is a taxable event.
And--
How's this for an event,
you pathetic bean counter?
You're fired!
JONATHAN FRAKES: And
so Bob Mercer's career
at John Cutler
and Associates was
ended, by John Cutler himself.
That night, Bob broke the
news to his wife Susan.
I think it'd be best
if I talked to him alone.
OK.
OK.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
But the hardest part
would be to tell his son
Ronnie, who'd been counting
on a new car paid for by dad.
In fact, it seemed that
a car was the only thing
on Ronnie's mind.
Nice work.
How many does this make?
Stopped counting at 200.
Two hundred?
Wow.
What's wrong, Dad?
I was fired today.
Mr. Cutler fired me.
You'll get something
better., Dad.
I know it.
We'll see.
But until I do, with school
starting and now this,
I'm sorry but I think we're
going have to wait on a car.
Well, it'll just give me
more time to shop around.
Sir, for $1 this
could be yours.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
That night, Ronnie
would have the strangest
dream of his life.
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this beauty.
That's right, $1
drives this car off.
No down payment,
no financing terms.
Just $1 $1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
For $1, this can be yours.
For just $1, this
car can be yours.
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this beauty.
That's right, $1
drives this car off.
No down payment, no
financing terms, just $1.
$1.
$1.
JONATHAN FRAKES: The next
morning, Ronnie couldn't
get the dream out of his mind.
I had a dream about the
classifieds last night.
God, it was so weird.
I was in front of
this huge house
and there was this car that
was for sale out front.
And the most awesome part
about it was it only cost $1.
No one sells a car for $1.
Stop dreaming.
But Dad, it was so real.
I'll be in the den.
I'll take the help
wanted ads with me.
Mom!
Mom, One at this!
It's here.
Look at this.
- Oh, come on, honey.
Your dad's right.
Nobody sells a car--
One.
For $1.
We gotta go.
Right now, let's go.
No, it's a mistake, Ronnie.
It's either a misprint
or it's a joke.
There isn't even a
phone number, Ronnie.
This was exactly
like my dream.
Would you do me a favor and
not mention this again, OK?
Your dad's got a lot--
Mom, we have to go right now.
[shushing] All right.
OK, OK.
I will drive you.
It's going to be a
big waste of time.
Come on.
JONATHAN FRAKES: When
Ronnie and his mother
arrived at the address, Ronnie
couldn't believe his eyes.
The house was just like
the one in his dream.
Susan Mercer decided not to
try and calm her son down.
He would learn soon
enough that dreams
don't come true very
often, especially
impossible car dreams.
The mother braced herself for
the inevitable disappointment
that her son was
about to experience.
It didn't seem to
make any sense.
The woman at the door had
invited Ronnie inside.
Susan was beginning
to feel very strange
about the entire incident.
Mom, Mom, come see my new car!
JONATHAN FRAKES: There it
was, the same shiny sports
car that Ronnie had
described in his dream.
And from the way
he was acting, he
had actually bought it for $1.
Ronnie ran off to use the
car phone to tell his dad,
while Susan stayed
behind to learn
exactly what was going on.
Your son is a delight.
Thank you.
I'm just not sure I understand
what's going on here.
I mean, surely you're not--
Selling this for $1?
Why?
You think it's too much?
- No.
I just don't get it.
Well, it's a story I'm
sure you've heard before.
After 30 years of
marriage, my husband is
trading me in on a newer model.
He was always
afraid some creditor
would come after his beloved
car, so it's in my name.
Selling it is going
to break his heart.
In fact, he should be home
from work any time now.
I hope your son enjoys this
car as much as my husband did.
Oh.
Oh, he will!
He will!
JONATHAN FRAKES: And who was
the man who lost his most
precious possession for $1?
Where's my car?
Where is my car?
JONATHAN FRAKES:
It was John Cutler.
Your precious car traded
you in, John Cutler,
and for a much younger
model, I should add.
But don't worry, I drove
a very hard bargain.
JONATHAN FRAKES:
The same John Cutler
who had fired Ronnie's father.
Was this just an astounding
coincidence or did
young Ronnie want
his dream car so
badly that he made it happen?
Can people control their own
future by sheer force of will,
and what about the irony
of his father's boss
becoming the victim
of Ronnie's dream?
Is this story of the impossible
used car deal based on reality
or have we traded in the
truth for another lie?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next, another firing
results in terror.
One of the pleasures
of life for many people
is window shopping.
Mannequins like these,
in creative poses,
provide hours of eye candy
along some of the most
famous streets of the world.
Gerald Stanley has been dressing
mannequins for over 25 years.
He treats them with respect
and takes pride in his
every display.
Lately, Gerald has been a
mentor for an eager assistant,
Craig Venton.
But some have
noticed the assistant
is a little too eager lately.
His next move may put his
mentor in a financial crisis
but before it's over,
it will cost much
more than an arm and a leg.
Something's not right.
What do you think, Craig?
Yeah, I agree.
There's something off.
It just doesn't look right.
I love my job, and part
of it was teaching the ropes
to green young kids like Craig.
- That's it.
That's exactly what it needed.
You're a genius when it comes
to the little touches, Gerald.
That's what it's all about.
Little touches make
up the big picture.
I know I've told
you this before,
but working for you has really
been a great education for me.
Someday, you'll be a
chief decorator somewhere
and then you can put all
you've learned to good use.
Yeah, I'll definitely
put it to good use.
Of course, I didn't
know that Craig did
his best work behind my back.
Mr. Duncan, Mr. Duncan?
Yes?
Gerald's making the window
look like Jurassic Park.
I mean, it's prehistoric,
not to mention
it's taking him forever.
I hate to say it, but he's
so far behind schedule,
he'll never be ready for
the spring fling opening.
What?
Yeah.
Wait a minute.
What are you telling me?
Spring fling starts
the day after tomorrow.
And Gerald is not ready?
No, I thought you
should know, sir.
I can't delay that opening.
It'll cost us a fortune!
I don't want to start
trouble, but I could
redo the entire window tonight.
And it would be more like the
times we live in, you know?
Edgier.
Edgier?
Edgier.
OK.
Edgier.
I don't believe this.
You want to give Craig Vinton
the spring fling display?
He's just an assistant!
Listen, Gerald, you're falling
farther and farther behind
in your work and, quite
frankly, your displays
are somewhat old fashion.
Old fashioned?
Management wants something
a little younger, hip.
You know, edgier.
And they don't think you
could give us that anymore.
You're firing me.
I really don't have a choice.
After 25 years?
Sorry, Gerald.
It's business.
I took one last look at
the figures in my shop.
They were almost like
real people to me.
Craig wasted no time.
He dismantled my display
before I even had the chance
to clean out my desk.
What are you
doing to my troops?
These aren't your
troops, Gerald.
They're just plastic dummies.
They're just tools for my art.
I'm creating something
new, different,
something you
wouldn't understand.
You know what you are, Craig?
You're a miserable, two
faced, little suck up.
Yeah, but I get
your job old man.
You--
Back off, Gerald or
I'll call security.
There was so much I
wanted to do and say,
but I had to maintain my
dignity, if not for Craig
than at least in
front of my figures,
the only true friends I had.
You'll be sorry you did this.
Yeah, right.
I'll feel real bad.
He was trying to hurt
me by hurting them.
It was almost as if
I felt their pain
at Craig's abusive treatment.
Craig couldn't wait to
reveal his edgy new concept,
a wild display of
disembodied body
parts scattered around the
floor in eye catching poses.
What's going on?
Like Craig himself, his ideas
were imaginative and creative,
and sick.
Where's the display?
I don't understand.
I worked on it all night.
It was here when I left!
It was beautiful.
I had pieces of
mannequin everywhere,
with clothes draped over them.
It's Gerald.
I mean, it has to be him.
Look, I don't know
what your game is,
but you've got a spring
fling display by tonight
or you're out of here.
Yes sir.
I'll recreate it at once.
Craig thought I had
sabotaged his display,
but I was out of town.
I don't believe this.
The maniac put them all
back together again.
We may never know
the truth, but this
is what Craig claims
happened to him that night,
in a completely empty store.
How did that happen?
Gerald?
Gerald?
Where are you?
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me.
I know you are!
Stop it!
Stop it!
Gerald?
Gerald, I know you're in here.
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me.
I know you are!
Craig quit the next
morning and I was reinstated.
Who could have possibly
attacked Craig that night?
It couldn't have been me.
I was out of town.
Were Craig's problems
with the mannikins just
a result of his own clumsiness?
If not, what could have possibly
caused the mannequin's assault
on Craig?
Was a deposed Gerald controlling
things from behind the scenes
or is the explanation
more mystical?
Could it be the
mannikins actually
had human feelings of hatred
for their new dresser?
Do you think this story
puts the truth on display
or is it merely window dressing?
NARRATOR: A story based on
fact or a work of fiction?
We'll tell you at
the end of our show.
Next a mysterious
tale of the Old South.
Southern hospitality, a
genteel, refined way of life.
Of course, like all
regions of our country,
the south has endured
political, social, and sometimes
violent change.
Yet a quick visit
to any southern city
reminds us that the concept
of southern hospitality
is alive and well.
Our story tonight takes
place before the time
of Scarlett and Rhett.
It evokes memories of
warm southern breezes,
weeping willows, and
things beyond belief.
As I write these words in my
journal, it is the year 1806
and I'm looking back
on a life honored
by my service to the
United States of America.
I've been a calvary commander,
held a seat in Congress,
finally I obtained the
governorship of Virginia
but the best thing that
has ever happened to me
is my beautiful young wife, Ann.
She's barely 26 years old
and she has already given me
three beautiful children.
Harry, my darling,
you must stop working
and see what I bought today.
Just a moment, darling.
I'm almost finished.
There.
Now you can see everything.
You are incorrigable.
All right, you have
my full attention.
Oh Harry, it's
all so beautiful.
It's all the latest
fashions from Paris.
Look at this one,
this is my favorite.
There, what do you think?
Do I look Parisian?
I think that that
hat is lucky to have
your pretty head to sit up on.
Oh, Harry.
Why are you so good to me?
Well, it's quite
simple, my darling.
I love you.
Now, evenings
on our plantation
were most comfortable.
There were many pleasant
dinners with good friends
and all political allies.
I really wish you
would consider writing
for my newspaper, Harry.
I know you're a busy man,
but your views on federalism
should be read by the people.
You compliment me, Alexander.
I agree.
You're a fine author, Harry.
Your description of George
Washington as first in war,
first in peace, and first in
the hearts of his countrymen
will go down in history.
Thank you, Thomas.
Of course, I esteem
your opinion Alexander,
and I will consider your offer.
I'm sorry to
interrupt, gentlemen.
but I'm suddenly feeling unwell.
What is it, Anne?
I'm sure it's nothing, Harry.
Perhaps you should
retire for the evening.
Anne?
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I'd never seen Annie
taken ill before.
I was shaken by it, and
extremely concerned.
What's the matter?
What's wrong with her?
She has a very high fever and
is in and out of consciousness.
I'll be honest with you, sir.
I don't know what the malady is.
Well, she's young, strong.
She will recover.
I truly hope so.
I'm going to prescribe sulfates.
Perhaps they'll help.
All we can do is
keep an eye on her.
Thank you, doctor.
Thank you for coming to us.
Dear Lord, please
let her recover.
But Anne's condition
did not improve
and only continued to worsen.
Dr. Bradley used
everything at his disposal
but she did not respond.
Harry.
What is it, darling?
I've given you
three fine children.
Maybe my time here is done.
You mustn't say that.
Don't give up, Anne.
Fight on.
I love you.
I love you, Harry.
Harry?
Annie?
Annie, don't leave me, please!
I'm sorry.
Anne never regained
consciousness after that.
Dr. Bradley pronounced
her dead later that day.
I found myself frozen in
place, unable to move.
I'd weathered so
many battles and seen
so much death in my
time, but nothing
had ever left me so devastated.
Grave diggers were to start
their work that evening.
I wanted the moment of
Annie's actual burial
to be a private one, just
shared by the two of us.
How can I put you in the
ground, my beautiful darling?
[scratching sounds]
I must be going crazy.
ANNIE: Help me.
Help me!
Harry?
Help me, Harry!
It can't be.
Annie!
Oh my God, Annie!
What happened?
In hindsight, Dr. Bradley
guessed that Annie must
have been in a living death.
Once the illness had run
its course, she revived.
One year later, my wife, Anne
Lee, gave me another child.
It was a boy.
My dreams were that he
would follow in my footsteps
and become a leader of men.
We named him Robert E. Lee.
There are many recorded
incidents of premature
burials in the early 1800's.
Medical science
was still growing
and diagnosis were often wrong.
Is that what happened
here or did fate step in?
Was Anne Lee
brought back to life
because history had plans for
her yet unborn son Robert E?
Is this story that takes
place in the antebellum era
inspired by an
actual event or have
our writers gone south on us?
NARRATOR: Next, you'll find out
which of our stories are fact
and which are fiction,
when Beyond Belief: Fact
or Fiction returns.
And now it's time to
see which of our stories
are inspired by actual events
and which are totally made up.
Let's look back at the
story of the premonition
dream that resulted in death.
True or false?
No, no.
No, don't.
No, don't hurt him, please.
Deborah, I need
you to help me.
Help me!
If you guessed this
one was based on fact,
we played a trick on you.
It never happened.
How did you judge the
one about the young girl
who saw the stalker
in her compact mirror?
Real or unreal?
Hi, there.
Jeffrey!
Eleanor, you surprised?
I thought we could
try a reconcilitation.
How did you get out?
It was easy, just
like finding you.
I called your mother
and I told her
I was an old friend
from high school
and here I am in the flesh.
Jeffrey, you don't
want to do this!
Oh, I do.
NARRATOR: No!
No, please!
Stop it!
Look at us, back
together again, just one
big, happy family.
If you thought this tale
was fiction, we fooled you.
Our research shows this happened
to a family in the Washington
DC area in the early 80s.
It's fact.
How did you judge the
one about the college
student whose dream of buying
a car for $1 came true?
Was this real or fake?
Looking for a
used car, my friend?
Well, just $1 buys this car.
That's right, $1
drives this car away.
No down payment, no
finance terms, just $1.
$1.
$1.
$1.
Just $1.
$1.
For $1, this can be yours.
For just $1, this car can be--
What does our research
show on this one?
Absolutely nothing.
We made it up.
It's false.
Let's look at the story of the
ambitious window dresser who
meets his match in mannekins.
True or false?
How did that happen?
Gerald?
Gerald?
Where are you?
Come out and face me!
Gerald, where are you?
I know you're doing this to me!
I know you are!
Did you think this one
was based on reality?
Not this time.
It's a fake.
How about the tale
of the Old South,
the premature burial, and the
birth of General Robert E Lee?
History or hogwash?
How can I put you in the
ground, my beautiful darling?
[scratching sounds]
I must be going crazy.
Harry?
Help me.
Help me!
Harry?
Help me, Harry!
It can't be!
Annie!
Oh my God, Annie!
If you thought we made
this story up, you're wrong.
It's based on actual
published stories
about Robert E Lee and his
father, Lighthorse Harry.
How did you do at separating
fact from fiction tonight?
We've tried to demonstrate
that it's not an easy task,
for sometimes
truth and falsehood
live in the same world, a
world that's Beyond Belief.
I'm Jonathan Frakes.
NARRATOR: The story
entitled The Stalker is
based on firsthand
research conducted
by author Robert Traylands.
For Beyond Belief:
Fact or Fiction,
this is Don Lafountain.
[theme music]