Production and Decay of Strange Particles

Infobox Television episode
Title = Production and Decay of Strange Particles
Series = The Outer Limits


Caption =
Season = 1
Episode = 30
Airdate = April 20, 1964
Production = 30
Writer = Leslie Stevens
Director = Leslie Stevens
Photographer = Kenneth Peach
Guests = George Macready
Rudy Solari
Joseph Ruskin
Leonard Nimoy
Signe Hasso
Robert Fortier
Episode list = List of "The Outer Limits" episodes
Prev = A Feasibility Study
Next = The Chameleon

"Production and Decay of Strange Particles" is an episode of the original "The Outer Limits" television show. It first aired on 20 April, 1964, during the first season. The episode was likely the first dramatic film production to incorporate the concept of quasi-stellar objects (abbreviated as quasars or QSOs). These strange objects eject extraordinary amounts of energy, such as x-rays and gamma rays, as well as matter at relativistic speeds. The first quasar was discovered by Dutch astronomer Maarten Schmidt less than a year before this Outer Limits episode aired on U.S. television. In 1978, the first microquasar was discovered. The closest microquasar to Earth is a mere 1,500 light years distant.

Opening narration

:"In recent years, nuclear physicists have discovered a strange world of sub-atomic particles, fragments of atoms smaller than the imagination can picture, fragments of materials which do not obey the laws of gravity. Antimatter composed of inside-out material; shadow-matter that can penetrate ten miles of lead shielding. Hidden deep in the heart of strange new elements are secrets beyond human understanding-new powers, new dimensions, worlds within worlds, unknown."

Plot

While experimenting on sub-atomic particles, a team of physics researchers start a reaction that seemingly controls the researchers themselves. As one scientist after another is consumed, the reaction grows towards a terrible climax, and the survivors fear they may be powerless to stop it.

Closing narration

:"As Man explores the secrets of the universe, strange and inscrutable powers await him. And whether these powers are to become forces of destruction or forces of construction will ultimately depend upon simple but profound human qualities: Inspiration. Integrity. Courage."

Cast

* George Macready – as Dr Marshall
* Signe Hasso – as Laurel Marshall
* Joseph Ruskin – as Collins
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0287279/ Robert Fortier] – as Paul Pollard
* Allyson Ames – as Arndis Pollard
* Rudy Solari – as Griffin
* Leonard Nimoy – as Konig
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751579/ Barry Russo] – as Terrell
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0756082/ Willard Sage] – as Coulter
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0525566/ Paul Lukather] – as Official

External links

* [http://membres.lycos.fr/tmcr/daystar/tol_s1/tol_eps30.shtml Detailed episode guide] by 'Monsieur Vincent'
*