Introduction

A 2004 documentary about the US military’s development of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons.

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Outline

On a calm Sunday morning in 1978 residents of Bell Island, Newfoundland hear an odd, high-pitched hum, immediately followed by a sudden and terrifying blast resounding for hundreds of miles. Outbuildings are destroyed, livestock electrocuted, televisions explode and power lines vaporise. The Invisible Machine unravels the mystery of the Bell Island boom and in doing so takes a chilling look at the US military’s experimentation with EMP weapons.

Imagine the future – a strange new weapon is detonated high over a large city. There is no explosion, no visible destruction, but everything electronic within the range of this weapon will go out … permanently. Every electronic gadget in every home and office – disabled. No computers, no T.V., no life support systems in hospitals, no water supply, no heat, no lights – truly, a return to the dark ages. Imagine a full range of new weapons; one can take out the electricity in your city, another can destroy you.

If you have not heard about these weapons, it is no surprise. Their development has been secretive and they sound more like science fiction than reality. When did this reality really begin and how far advanced is it now? This revealing documentary opens the window on this – until now – secretive science.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Barbara Doran and Jon Whalen.
• Producer(s): Barbara Doran and Lynne Wilson.
• Writer(s): Barbara Doran and Jon Whalen.
• Production: Morag Productions.
• Distributor(s): Morag Productions.
• Release Date: 22 May 2004.
• Running Time: 46 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.