4D Man
Encyclopedia
4D Man is a 1959 American
science fiction
independent film
, produced
by Jack H. Harris from his own original screenplay
and directed
by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.
Tony Nelson (James Congdon) develops an amplifier
that allows any object to achieve a 4th dimensional (4D) state. While in this state that object can pass freely through any other object. Unemployed after burning down a college lab, Tony seeks out his brother Scott (Robert Lansing
), a researcher working on a material called cargonite that is so dense as to be impenetrable, with his experiment.
Scott is underpaid and underappreciated at his job but does not have the drive to challenge his employer for greater recognition. When his girlfriend (Lee Meriwether
) falls for Tony, an enraged Scott steals Tony's experiment and starts playing with it, eventually sending himself into a 4D state. When he explains this to Tony, he learns that the amplifier was not functioning at the time, meaning Scott entered the 4D state via his own will.
While in the 4D state, Scott can pass through any solid object. The downside is that while in the 4D state Scott uses up his life at an accelerated rate. To survive he must replenish his lifeforce by taking it from others by passing through them. Scott starts using his newfound power to acquire all the things he felt he was denied: money, recognition, power, and the love of his girlfriend. Tony realizes from the nature of the crimes that the only possible explanation is that Scott is on a rampage with his 4D abilities, and somehow Tony has to find a way to stop a man who is practically unstoppable. The girlfriend shoots Scott after they kiss, where he has a nervous breakdown
and passes through a wall with various cylindrical storage covers on it, ending with his hand passing in and out.
The superimposed end title reads "The End...?"
Cinema of the United States
The cinema of the United States, also known as Hollywood, has had a profound effect on cinema across the world since the early 20th century. Its history is sometimes separated into four main periods: the silent film era, classical Hollywood cinema, New Hollywood, and the contemporary period...
science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
independent film
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
, produced
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
by Jack H. Harris from his own original screenplay
Screenplay
A screenplay or script is a written work that is made especially for a film or television program. Screenplays can be original works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing. In them, the movement, actions, expression, and dialogues of the characters are also narrated...
and directed
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.
Irvin Yeaworth
Irvin Shortess "Shorty" Yeaworth, Jr. was an American film director, producer, screenwriter and theme park builder. He began his career singing at age 10 at KDKA, the world's first radio station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He later became a radio producer...
Plot
Brilliant but irresponsible scientistScientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
Tony Nelson (James Congdon) develops an amplifier
Amplifier
Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is a device for increasing the power of a signal.In popular use, the term usually describes an electronic amplifier, in which the input "signal" is usually a voltage or a current. In audio applications, amplifiers drive the loudspeakers used in PA systems to...
that allows any object to achieve a 4th dimensional (4D) state. While in this state that object can pass freely through any other object. Unemployed after burning down a college lab, Tony seeks out his brother Scott (Robert Lansing
Robert Lansing (actor)
Robert Lansing was an American stage, film and television actor.Born in San Diego, California as Robert Howell Brown, he reportedly took his acting surname from the state capital of Michigan. As a young actor in New York City, he was hired to join a stock company in Michigan, but was told he would...
), a researcher working on a material called cargonite that is so dense as to be impenetrable, with his experiment.
Scott is underpaid and underappreciated at his job but does not have the drive to challenge his employer for greater recognition. When his girlfriend (Lee Meriwether
Lee Meriwether
Lee Ann Meriwether is an American actress, former model, and the winner of the 1955 Miss America pageant. She is perhaps best known for her role as Betty Jones, the crime-solving partner in the long-running 1970s crime drama, Barnaby Jones. The role earned her two Golden Globe Award nominations in...
) falls for Tony, an enraged Scott steals Tony's experiment and starts playing with it, eventually sending himself into a 4D state. When he explains this to Tony, he learns that the amplifier was not functioning at the time, meaning Scott entered the 4D state via his own will.
While in the 4D state, Scott can pass through any solid object. The downside is that while in the 4D state Scott uses up his life at an accelerated rate. To survive he must replenish his lifeforce by taking it from others by passing through them. Scott starts using his newfound power to acquire all the things he felt he was denied: money, recognition, power, and the love of his girlfriend. Tony realizes from the nature of the crimes that the only possible explanation is that Scott is on a rampage with his 4D abilities, and somehow Tony has to find a way to stop a man who is practically unstoppable. The girlfriend shoots Scott after they kiss, where he has a nervous breakdown
Nervous breakdown
Mental breakdown is a non-medical term used to describe an acute, time-limited phase of a specific disorder that presents primarily with features of depression or anxiety.-Definition:...
and passes through a wall with various cylindrical storage covers on it, ending with his hand passing in and out.
The superimposed end title reads "The End...?"