In Search of... - Season 1

First aired: 4/17/1977 24 episodes

Leonard Nimoy hosts investigations into various mysteries.

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Episodes

1. Other Voices

Aired: 4/17/1977

Examines groundbreaking experiments that show the possibility that plants respond to people's thoughts.

2. Strange Visitors (aka Oracle Chamber)

Aired: 4/24/1977

In this episode we investigate New Hampshire's Mystery Hill and the "Oracle Chamber." Was this site, as some believe, built by ancient Phoenicians, who traveled to America in the dim past, thousands of years ago? Or is it an elaborate hoax? Scientists and Archaeologists discuss their views and their theories on what the ruins may mean and who might have built them. Some of the stones seem to indicate their use was to track the solstices, equinoxes, and other celestial events. Some experts even believe that aliens may have been responsible for the site while others attribute it to Native Americans.

3. Ancient Aviators (aka Ancient Flight)

Aired: 4/24/1977

In this episode we investigate the mysterious markings on the plains of Nazca in Peru. What are these mysterious markings, who made them, and why? Were they an ancient landing field for aliens? The signs and symbols of various birds and insects are only discernible from the air. How then could the ancient Nazca's have made them unless they had an aerial view in which to work them out? What are the mysterious arrow straight lines that seem to lead nowhere and why are they there? These and other strange markings in the area make us wonder who made them and why? Were they man made or did someone else put them there?

4. The Bermuda Triangle

Aired: 4/27/1977

This episode investigates the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, that expanse of the Atlantic bounded by Miami, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. An area where ships and planes routinely disappear without a trace. An area filed with strange phenomenon, mysterious fogs, mists, erroneous compass readings, strange lights, and time warps. A place where these disappearances date from the time of Christopher Columbus. Believers and skeptics, eyewitness and scientists all give there views and theories on what is going on in that strange part of the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Bigfoot

Aired: 4/28/1977

This episode investigates the Native American Legend of Bigfoot or "Sasquatch" as the Native Americans call it. A large, hairy beast, resembling a man. Scientists and Cryptozoologists discuss the possibility that this creature may inhabit the thousands of square miles of uninhabited timberland in the American Northwest. The legend of Bigfoot dates back many centuries. Sightings have been reported continuously since before the white man came to this region of America, and they continue today. Archival footage of a suspected Bigfoot is shown and discussed with both witnesses and scientists evaluating the film.

6. Killer Bees

Aired: 5/1/1977

In this episode, the advance of Killer Bees, originally imported to South America from Africa, and their march northward into Central America, Mexico, and their eventual expected entry into the United States is investigated. We look at what these bees have done and their impact on Brazil, and other areas into which they have moved. The deadly threat they pose to humans and animals when disturbed, their interbreeding with domestic bees, and their possible impact on the U.S. if their advance is not stopped before they reach America. This is one of the episodes that is a bit dated since killer bees have now invaded the United States and have been responsible for the deaths of several humans and animals.

7. Earthquakes

Aired: 5/7/1977

In this episode we investigate earthquakes, the natural phenomenon caused by movements in the earth's crust. Various approaches and efforts in earthquake prediction are covered as well as discussion of earthquakes around the world. Faults, cracks in the earth's crust, where earthquakes happen frequently are shown as well as footage from earthquakes around the world. The forces exerted by earthquakes and how man is powerless to stop them. The famous Californian San Andreas Fault is covered in detail as well as new methods that are hoped will enable scientist to for tell a quake before it occurs.

8. The Mummy's Curse

Aired: 5/14/1977

In this episode we investigate the "Mummy's Curse" or the supposed curse that struck the members of the Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter expedition that discovered and then entered the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamen in 1922. The validity of this curse is investigated to see if it was responsible for the several mysterious deaths, including that of Lord Carnarvon himself. Was there a real curse on the tomb or were the events that happened merely a strange mix of ancient mold and coincidence? Did the boy king reach out from the grave to punish the intruders who disturbed his eternal rest and his journey to the afterlife?

9. Martians

Aired: 5/21/1977

This episode investigates the possibility of life on the planet Mars. Does it exist and/or did it ever exist on the Red Planet? The show not only discusses the possibility of intelligent life on Mars but on that of plants and other forms of life. The changes that have taken place to the planet over the eons and the possibility that the same fate could await Earth. Footage from various observatories of the planet are shown and scientists discuss the past and future exploration of our neighbor in space.

10. Atlantis

Aired: 5/22/1977

This episode investigates Atlantis, the legendary island that was supposed to have existed "beyond the Pillars of Hercules" (Straits of Gibraltar) and whether or not it really every existed. Plato's dialog on Atlantis is discussed as well as the possible locations of Atlantis. Was it near the Bahamas, was it in the Mediterranean itself, or was it the ancient island of Santorine that was blown into oblivion by a volcanic eruption? Scientist discuss underwater archeology of the region and that of the Bahamas and historians debate the historical accuracy and validity of Plato's dialog on the legendary island.

11. Psychic Detectives

Aired: 5/26/1977

In "Psychic Detectives" we investigate E.S.P. (Extrasensory Perception) and its possible uses in law enforcement in both the apprehension of criminals to its use to help solve cases. A noted psychic, who has helped law enforcement agencies in the past, discusses how she helped in several criminal investigations. Also, a detective squad that has been trained in not only E.S.P. but telepathy and the use of Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE), dreams, and other forms of psychic methods is detailed. Is this the new form of criminal investigation, or is it too sporadic and unreliable to be of value to law enforcement? Or, is it altogether fake?

12. A Call from Space

Aired: 5/28/1977

In the episode "Call from Space" we investigate the varied methods in use to communicate with life in outer space. Covered are the methods used, the rationale for wanting to communicate, as well as the various levels of communication. What would it be like to talk to another intelligent race from space? Could we converse on their level or would talking to them be like us talking to a garden slug? Have we had messages already and if so, what are we doing about them? What language or code do we use and how do we know if the one we are using is the right one? And, have they been trying to reach us?

13. Learning ESP

Aired: 5/28/1977

This episode explores Extrasensory Perception or ESP. Does ESP exist and can it be taught and learned? Is it a trait that we all used to have before language took its place? Is it a gift that only a few have? These and other questions are discussed as well as the work being done by laboratories and scientists around the world. Is ESP real and can it be of value? A study being performed at the University of California, Davis is looked at in detail and both believers and non-believers weigh in on the subject.

14. Nazi Plunder

Aired: 5/29/1977

In this episode we investigate the possibility that items stolen by the Nazi's during World War II worth billions of dollars lie hidden somewhere, still waiting to be found. Documentation of the well known theft of treasures from around Europe to be used in Hitler's new capital that would be in Linz, Austria is presented. To this end, thousands of art works, paintings, statues, etc. as well as gold and currency were taken and hidden by the Nazis during the war. Some of these items have been discovered. Many remain missing. Discussed are where the items may be hidden, the impact this loss has on our culture, and the chances that some of it will ever be recovered.

15. Amelia Earhart

Aired: 6/1/1977

This episode investigates the life and mysterious death of Amelia Earhart, one of the most famous women aviators who disappeared while trying to become the first woman to fly around the world. After compiling records as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, the first woman to fly across the United States, and from Hawaii to California, she set her sights on a trip around the world. Tragically, she disappeared, along with her navigator, Fred Noonan, on one of the last legs of her flight, in the South Pacific, somewhere near her destination of Howland Island. Or did she? Theories abound that she was really a spy for the U.S. and was on a spy mission of Japanese bases and the build up leading to World War II. Others say she was just as she appeared, a woman aviator trying to be the first woman to fly around the world, and died in the effort. Others claim there is evidence that she was captured and killed by the Japanese as a spy.

16. Dracula

Aired: 6/8/1977

In this episode we investigate Dracula, the fictional character from Bram Stoker's novel. But was there a real Dracula? Was this character based on a real person? The life of Vlad "The Impaler", the Romanian Count who lived in the Transylvania's during the 18th century must have surely been the model for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. The Order of Dracul, the meaning of the word Dracula is included, as well as the presence today of the ruins of Vlad's castle. Local legends and historical evidence is reviewed.

17. The Easter Island Massacre

Aired: 6/15/1977

This episodes explores the mystery of the Moai of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), who might have build these giant statues and even more mysteriously, why were some of them mutilated and destroyed. Easter Island, first discovered by Dutch travelers on Easter Sunday, 1722, took it's name from this event. However, not the Dutch nor anyone since has been able to determine who or why these giant statues were mutilated and/or destroyed. Many have been found partially hued out of the rock, still lying there, half finished. Archeologists give their views on how and why this destruction took place and what caused it.

18. Ghosts

Aired: 6/22/1977

This episode studies specters and a parapsychologist's theory that they are troubled earthbound souls in need of help.

19. Life After Death (aka Near Death Experiences)

Aired: 6/29/1977

A visit to a soul research institute for firsthand accounts of people who claim they have died and come back to life.

20. The Loch Ness Monster

Aired: 7/6/1977

A hunt for the leviathan which has so far eluded all expeditions to prove that it truly exists.

21. UFOs

Aired: 7/13/1977

An evaluation of reports by people who have seen "saucers", and the growing body of evidence that America is regularly being visited by UFOs.

22. Voodoo

Aired: 7/26/1977

Experience an actual voodoo rite, and meet a priest dedicated to disarming its effects.

23. Inca Treasures

Aired: 8/11/1977

Camera crews accompany a Peruvian excavation party in quest of a great Inca city believed lost for 300 years.

24. The Magic of Stonehenge

Aired: 9/10/1977

The mysteries of Stonehenge, a circular arrangement of prehistoric megaliths and lintels in southwestern England are investigated.