Conclusion of the series' only two-part episode sees Albert Salmi continuing in the role of real life psychic Peter Hurkos, who here has given up his stage act, and now works exclusively with a scientist named Lindstrom(played by Alf Kjellin) in his laboratory, convinced that Peter's power is generated by electrical impulses from his brain, which does seem to be a possibility. However, the police have learned of this ability, and plead with Hurkos to help them solve the murder of a woman, which he does, leading to a prime suspect(played by Andrew Prine). The psychic will make a personal appearance at the end with John Newland in effective conclusion to this story.
4 Reviews
"When I touch things I know, and when I don't touch things I know."
classicsoncall10 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The real Peter Hurkos had his detractors as well as believers in his amazing psychic ability, discovered after he revived from a coma with the power to see things past, present and future (shown in Part 1). If one is inclined to discard such ideas as impossible, this episode probably won't make an impression enough to change one's mind. In this story, Hurkos undergoes a barrage of testing to determine whether his ability is real or not, as Dr. Lars Lindstrom (Alf Kjellin) is impressed by the man's stunning success rate. Hurkos is 'tricked' into aiding the police on an unsolved murder case, taking both a detective and the scientist who tested him to a location where the dead person was buried. Eventually, Hurkos was called in on additional cases, including such high profile ones as The Boston Strangler and the Sharon Tate murders, though with less than successful results. Even with a well documented individual like Peter Hurkos, who makes an appearance on "One Step Beyond" as the guest of host John Newland, one must consider the evidence and form one's own opinion. I thought Newland should have spent more time interviewing Hurkos; his presence on the show was treated almost as an afterthought.
More fiction than most episodes
cbmd-373521 January 2023
PeterHurkos was studied by a single parapsychologist who was impressed, most police much less so. It's unclear if the murders recounted in this episode really happened. If he was really good Hurkos should have picked up on the tragedies ahead for the actors playing him and the murderer. Andrew Prine was a little over the top as the killer. He would also play a killer in an episode of Peter Gunn before becoming a suspect in an actual murder. He and his estranged girlfriend received letters threatening their lives, and then she was found murdered. It turned out she had sent all the letters, and the murder was never solved.
Albert Salmi played Hurkos, making him quite believable . When separated from his second wife and severely depressed he apparently killed her and then committed suicide. Real life beats this self serving episode.
Albert Salmi played Hurkos, making him quite believable . When separated from his second wife and severely depressed he apparently killed her and then committed suicide. Real life beats this self serving episode.
(Yes, He's) The Great Pretender
wes-connors21 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This week's concluding half-hour begins by documenting Hurkos (Albert Salmi)'s work with Dr. Lars Lindstrom (Alf Kjellin), a likely parapsychologist. The doctor puts Hurkos through the obligatory ESP (extra sensory perception) tests. Hurkos does very well - but, really, how could he not? "God gave such a gift," it's explained. Then, Hurkos helps police find murders, like bowling alley worker Andrew Prine (as Walter Bird). Later, Hurkos claimed to have identified both the Boston Strangler and Charles Manson. Finally, the real Hurkos is brought on camera by host John Newland. Not very convincing.
** The Peter Hurkos Story, pt 2 (4/26/60) John Newland ~ Albert Salmi, Andrew Prine, Peter Hurkos
** The Peter Hurkos Story, pt 2 (4/26/60) John Newland ~ Albert Salmi, Andrew Prine, Peter Hurkos
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