Cor blimey. I first saw this film (or part of it) in the 70's, and I found it intriguing. I didn't know what it was and in those days there was no easy way of finding out, so I just assumed it would be on again sometime. I was wrong - I never saw anything of it again. Then a few days ago I stumbled across the DVD while browsing on Amazon. It was under the Italian title 'La Forza Invisibile', but the original English soundtrack is present. Strange, unsettling events begin to take place at a research centre for human development, and a gruesome death starts Jim Tanner (Hamilton) on a quest to find a mystery man and figure out what is happening. Byron Haskin's direction keeps us moving on nicely and some of the special effects are pretty nifty - the toy soldiers are particularly neat. It has the look of a TV movie or a pilot for a TV series, but in the late 60's a lot of US films had this appearance. All in all an interesting SF/thriller which left us both impressed.

Long before David Cronenberg's SCANNERS (or even STEREO, the short that preceded SCANNERS), there was THE POWER. Part murder mystery, part sci-fi shocker, THE POWER boasts George Hamilton's finest performance ever (which I say because I'm not a big fan of his, but I liked him here) as well as some taut direction by Byron Haskin (who directed many of the very best episodes of THE OUTER LIMITS, earlier in the decade). The "seance" that opens the movie pretty much sets the tone for all that follows: a group of scientists researching the limits of human endurance for the space program are seated around an oval table; a piece of paper speared with a pencil held upright between the pages of a book stood on end begins slowly to spin. WHO is causing it to spin...? That's the Big Question in this one: WHO is the Super Man with The Power...? Before you can say Agatha Christie, scientists start turning up dead (easily the most gruesome involves a centrifuge); some of the gags are beautifully done, and the relatively high caliber of the performances all around help elevate this one several notches above most of the fare being cranked out during this period. THE POWER is an unheralded gem.

This story was first televised live during the summer of 1956 on one of the high quality drama series that flourished during the 1950's. Perhaps it was The United States Steel Hour. I was an eleven year old kid at the time and was fascinated with the basic plot. I have searched for information about the original teleplay, but have been unsuccessful. Does anyone out there have any info on the TV broadcast of this story?Several years later, I read Frank M. Robinson's novel, from which the two movies were made and enjoyed the 1968 film version. It had a terrific musical score, featuring a zither-like instrument played with felt hammers. George Hamilton did a fine job in the lead role.

I really can't understand why "The Power" isn't more highly regarded than it is. It has a great story, is beautifully photographed and well-directed, and has one of the best casts ever assembled for a sci-fi movie.Hamilton and Pleshette are members of an academic committee. As the story develops, the committee members begin to realize that one member is an evil force who is determined to kill everyone else. Hamilton decides to solve the mystery, and is the subject of numerous attempts on his life. The final confrontation with Rennie is dynamite.All members of the cast provide great performances, though I was a little disappointed with Merrill, who I think took his "tough detective" routine a little too far. I also admit that the idea of George Hamilton and Suzanne Pleshette appearing in a deep, cerebral science fiction film seems a little odd, but don't be fooled, both are excellent. O'Connell, Holliman, Rennie, Carlson, Ray, De Carlo, and Persoff are all superb in their roles.The film suffers on the small screen and should only be viewed in letterbox format. Just pay attention and you'll be rewarded with a great movie.