O.B.I.T.

Introduction

A new device, the O.B.I.T. machine, allows the observation of anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Plot

While inquiring into the murder of an administrator at a government research facility, a U.S. senator is confronted with paranoia, secrecy, and intimidation. He ultimately learns the cause: An unusual security device that is used to monitor its employees. The Outer Band Individuated Teletracer (known by the acronym O.B.I.T.) is so pervasive and invasive that no one can escape its prying eye, at any time or within 500 miles. It is even deemed addictive by some of its operators. After a missing administrator is found and reveals his knowledge of O.B.I.T., its sinister, unearthly origins and purpose become apparent; the device is, in actuality, an alien invention that was designed to demoralize and desensitize the human race in preparation for invasion. During government hearings, Lomax, one of the projects administrators reveals himself to be an alien, proudly warning onlookers as to horrific impact O.B.I.T. will have on mankind. As he speaks, a nearby O.B.I.T. machine shows Lomax in his true alien form.

Quotes

Lomax: People with nothing to hide have nothing to fear from O.B.I.T. Orville: (scoffs) Are you that perfect, Mr. Lomax? Senator Orville (taking Grover's testimony in the hearing room): Weren't you in favor of O.B.I.T? Colonel Grover: I was at first. But i was wrong. (now fighting to compose himself) It's the most hideous creation ever conceived. No one can laugh... or joke. It watches! Lomax (revealed as an alien): The machines are everywhere! Oh you'll find them all, you're a zealous people. And you'll make a great show of smashing a few of them. But for every one you destroy, hundreds of others will be built. And they will demoralize you, break your spirits, create such rifts and tensions in your society that no one will be able to repair them! Oh, you're a savage, despairing planet, and when we come here to live, you friendless, demoralized flotsam will fall without even a single shot being fired. Senator, enjoy the few years left you. There is no answer. You're all of the same dark persuasion! You demand – insist – on knowing every private thought and hunger of everyone: Your families, your neighbors, everyone — but yourselves.

Cast

Peter Breck – as Senator Orville

Jeff Corey – as Byron Lomax

Harry Townes – as Dr. Clifford Scott

Joanne Gilbert – as Barbara Scott

Alan Baxter – as Col. Grover

Sammy Reese – as Clyde Wyatt

Jason Wingreen – as Fred Severn

C. Lindsay Workman – as Dr. Anderson

Konstantin Shayne – as Phil Fletcher

Robert Beneveds – as James Harrison

Chuck Hamilton – as Armand Younger (uncredited)

William Douglas – as The Creature (uncredited)