Episode no. Season 2
Episode 19 Written by Rod Serling Original air date March 3, 1961 | Directed by John Brahm Production code 173-3644 | |
"Mr. Dingle, the Strong" is episode 55 of the American television anthology series The Twilight Zone. It originally aired on March 3, 1961 on CBS.
Contents
Plot
In an experiment, a two-headed Martian scientist, who is invisible to Earthlings, gives vacuum-cleaner salesman and perennial loser Luther Dingle superhuman strength. After discovering his inexplicable powers, Dingle begins performing various feats of strength, from lifting statues to splitting boulders, and gains a great deal of publicity.
The two-headed Martian returns and is disappointed to see that Dingle is using his strength only for show. The Martian takes his strength away just as Dingle attempts to lift a building before a live television audience. Unable to make good on his claims or repeat any of his previous feats, Dingle becomes a laughingstock.
As the two-headed Martian scientist leaves, it meets two Venusians searching for a suitable Earthling for their own experiment. The two-headed Martian scientist recommends Dingle and the Venusians give Dingle super-intelligence. Discovering his new powers Dingle starts thinking aloud at an alarming rate and demonstrates incredible powers of prediction.
Cast
Short story adaptation
In the short story version of this episode, the bettor is named Hubert Kransky and the two-headed Martian is named Xurthya. Dingle also beats up Hubert at one point. Additionally, Dingle takes his brilliance to change the world at Harvard.