The Power (1968) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Power" (1968) in the Pacific Northwest. "The Wild, Wild Planet" (1966) was the second feature. "The Power" played Portland later this year as a second feature.

The Power (1968)
Byron Haskin’s "The Power" is a moody, cerebral thriller that blends science fiction with psychological suspense, offering a compelling meditation on the nature of intellect and control. Set within the confines of a government research facility, the film follows a group of scientists whose work on human endurance is disrupted by the discovery that one among them possesses a superhuman mind—an intellect so advanced it can manipulate others without their knowledge. What unfolds is a tense and increasingly surreal investigation into identity, paranoia, and the limits of rationality.

Rather than relying on flashy effects or overt action, "The Power" builds its tension through atmosphere and suggestion. Haskin’s direction emphasizes shadowy interiors, disorienting hallucinations, and a creeping sense of dread that mirrors the protagonist’s unraveling grip on reality. The film’s visual style, paired with Miklós Rózsa’s eerie score, evokes a noir-like sensibility that heightens the psychological stakes.

George Hamilton delivers a surprisingly restrained performance as the lead scientist, whose journey from skepticism to existential crisis anchors the narrative. Suzanne Pleshette adds emotional nuance, and the supporting cast contributes to the film’s escalating ambiguity, each character a potential threat or victim. The screenplay, adapted from Frank M. Robinson’s novel, is rich with philosophical undertones, questioning the ethics of scientific advancement and the dangers of unchecked power.

Though overshadowed by more visually ambitious science fiction films released the same year, "The Power" stands out for its intellectual ambition and its prescient exploration of themes that would dominate the paranoid thrillers of the 1970s. It’s a film that rewards close attention and invites reflection, offering a slow-burning mystery that lingers long after the credits roll.

Director: Byron Haskin
Writers: John Gay, Frank M. Robinson
Stars: George Hamilton, Suzanne Pleshette, Richard Carlson
Buy "The Power" (1968) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

February 28, 1968 ad (Seattle)