'There you go,' he said. 'His office is just here.'

The Doctor and Ben got out and walked through a large glass revolving door.

As they entered the building they saw Leon Zane standing against the reception desk chatting to the girl behind it.

'Ah, Doctor!' he said as he saw the visitors. 'What an unexpected pleasure it was to receive your phone call.' 'Hello, Mr Zane,' the Doctor said.

Zane smiled. 'I knew you'd come round to my way of thinking eventually.' He gestured through a door. 'In my office?'

Ben and the Doctor walked into Zane's office and sat down.

The Doctor wasted no time in getting to the point.

'Mr Zane, I take it you've beard about the explosion at Leonard De Sande's mansion?'

Zane nodded. 'Indeed. I hear much of his duplication plant was destroyed, and the prints of his new film, no less.' He had a wicked glim in his eye. 'What a tragedy.'

'Mr Zane, I think you know who planted the bomb, or at least have an idea who is responsible.'

Zane shook his head. 'Listen, Doctor, Hollywood is one giant business, and the number one rule in business is that there are no rules. There's rumours flying around about Star Light's latest opus, rumours which have got every studio in town worried. The bomb could have been set up by anyone, so don't go accusing my company of anything, not without proof.'

'Yes, well,' the Doctor said, 'the thing is it made me realise their are other people out there who could prove useful allies in my attempts to block the film's release. So I want you to talk to everyone and ask them to leave the situation alone. I'm as intrigued by Dying in the Sun Dying in the Sun as you are, but I'm conducting my own investigation in my own time. I'd really appreciate it if you, and all the other studios expressing concern, would trust me to deal with the situation and not interfere. I appreciate the bomber's gesture, and want to stop this film as much as you do, but please, let me handle things my way. If we're too brutal, too exposed, then we risk ruining everything.' as you are, but I'm conducting my own investigation in my own time. I'd really appreciate it if you, and all the other studios expressing concern, would trust me to deal with the situation and not interfere. I appreciate the bomber's gesture, and want to stop this film as much as you do, but please, let me handle things my way. If we're too brutal, too exposed, then we risk ruining everything.'

Zane's expression was serious. Although he hadn't admitted anything, it was clear he had assessed the Doctor well enough to know that there was no point in making a big show of protesting his innocence. 'You'll never find out anything about the film now, Doctor. All the prints have been destroyed.'

'That's what you think, mate,' Ben said.

'The prints were moved,' the Doctor told Zane, 'Just before the bomb exploded. They'd been making them more quickly than planned. There are far more copies of Dying in the Sun Dying in the Sun out there than you realise.' out there than you realise.'

Zane's face paled. He took a deep breath, then turned and stared out of his office window. 'What can we do now?'

'Don't worry,' said the Doctor, trying to reassure him, 'I'm going to do everything in my power to stop this film from reaching the cinemas. I don't think your studio will be in much danger.'

'Do you really think you can succeed?'

The Doctor's face was grave. 'I must succeed.'

The Doctor's quest to stop the film being released began at the post office. Ninety-seven urgent telegrams were sent out to cinemas in the area, urging them not to accept prints of Dying in Dying in the Sun the Sun. The prints were faulty, the Doctor told them. The film reels they had were not the ones they should have.

Next, the Doctor returned to the hotel and spent several hours on the telephone to cinemas and distribution warehouses, desperately trying to convince them that they should do everything in their power to stop the general public from being exposed to Dying in the Sun Dying in the Sun. He was walking a fine line between convincing them of the film's danger and convincing them that he was a lunatic.

Problems with the prints, censorship issues, even claiming that the film contained subliminal messages planted by Communists... the Doctor tried everything to get his way. Most people laughed. Most said they'd look into it, in patronising voices that meant they wouldn't. One or two seemed genuinely concerned and promised to send the reels back to their source, but generally the Doctor had little luck. The movie had been sent to the cinemas. It was too late to stop the Dying in the Sun Dying in the Sun contagion. No matter how many prints were destroyed or stolen, other cinemas would still have theirs. The genie had been let out of its bottle. contagion. No matter how many prints were destroyed or stolen, other cinemas would still have theirs. The genie had been let out of its bottle.

The Doctor finally let the old lady who had been tapping her watch indignantly as he made his never-ending stream of calls use the phone, and he and Ben slouched down in two comfortable armchairs in the hotel lobby.

'Any joy then?' said a familiar voice. Zane had just walked in through the revolving doors. He sat down on a sofa next to the Doctor and Ben.

'We've tried everything,' Ben told him. 'Do you have any idea how ridiculous it sounds? "Stop the film, it's dangerous."

I've never felt so embarrassed in all my life.'

'Embarrassment is a small price to pay for saving this city from Selyoid servitude,' the Doctor pointed out. 'We have to stop the film, but I don't know what else we can do.'

'You guys don't even work in the industry,' Zane said, 'so I don't see why you want to stop De Sande's picture, but you clearly need my help. Let's go down to Star Light's distribution office and work some magic. They're the only people who can stop this film, no questions asked.'

The Doctor sighed and stood up. 'It's our last chance. If they don't recall the film there's nothing we can do to stop it.

Do we need an appointment to see whoever's in charge down there?' 'Most certainly,' Zane said.

The Doctor grinned and began to walk towards the revolving doors. 'In that case, let's go down there now,' he called back. 'We'll surprise them.'

Zane and Ben exchanged bemused glances before following the Doctor out of the hotel.

James Hensleigh, head of distribution at Star Light Pictures, took a long puff from his cigar and stared with beady eyes at the newcomers. 'So you want me to pull our greatest picture before anyone has had the chance to see it? Are you insane?'

Ben looked around the office. Sparse, with movie posters decorating the walls. This place was functional and efficient. To Ben's left sat Zane who was being very quiet, listening intently to the Doctor's pleas.

'There's more at stake here than your profit margins,' the Doctor insisted. 'This film is the most essential piece of propaganda in a plan to make Americans slaves to... outside influences.'

Hensleigh shrugged. 'I'm sorry, Doctor, it's perfectly legal. If you're that worried about subversive motion pictures then give HUAC a call and let them pay us a visit.'

'It's not as simple as that,' the Doctor said, clearly frustrated.

'If this film gets out it could have a disastrous effect on the health of the nation. It could turn America into a race of slaves.'

A shrill laugh from Hensleigh mixed with his cigar smoke and he started to cough. 'I'm sorry Doctor,' he said, once he'd recovered, 'I just don't see how it could. Do you want me to get security to escort you out of here?'

'Have you seen the film yet?' the Doctor asked. Hensleigh shook his head.

'A few of my people have, but I'm waiting until this evening's premiere.'

'That will be too late,' the Doctor said agitatedly.

'I don't care,' Hensleigh said. 'Look, the prints are already in or on their way to theatres. There's nothing you can do to stop the film now.'

'Nothing except a direct order from you blocking its display,' the Doctor pointed out.

'And why would I want to do that?' Hensleigh asked.

The Doctor put his index finger to his lip, clearly thinking something through in his mind. 'You said you didn't want to see the film until the premiere, but am I right in thinking you could see it earlier if you wanted to?'

Hensleigh nodded. 'Of course. There are several prints of the movie downstairs.'

'Then I beg of you, please watch it as soon as you can.

Watch it with an open mind and think about what I've told you.

Look at what you see on screen and then think about your emotions, think about your feelings. Think whether the actual contents of the film should have made you feel that. Unnatural techniques are being used to, for lack of a better word, brainwash the public. Your life, the lives of everyone in this city, possibly everyone in the country, depend on this film being stopped.'

Hensleigh took a long deep breath and paused for a moment to consider. He glanced across at Ben and Zane as if trying to assess whether they genuinely believed the Doctor's wild claims, but seemed to find nothing in their eyes to help him. Eventually he lifted his hands and sat up. 'OK, Doctor.' He glanced down at his watch. 'I've got a couple of hours clear here. Let's head down to the screening room and take a look. You can point out what's amiss, and if I believe you I'll pull the film. How's that sound?'

The Doctor nodded his head. 'That would be ideal, thank you.'

The Doctor, Ben and Zane followed Hensleigh down several flights of steps to the screening room. It took ten minutes for the reels to be loaded into the projector, but at last the lights dimmed and once again the screen filled with the haunting images of the Dying in the Sun Dying in the Sun title sequence. title sequence.

As the film played out the Doctor began to explain what the director was intending at each stage. He pointed out how De Sande filled frames where nothing happened with action, how the emotion of each scene was heightened. Watching the film for the first time since discovering the existence of the Selyoids, Ben began to forget once more why the Doctor wanted the film stopped. He felt wonderful and at peace, but had to keep telling himself that those feelings were only due to the Selyoids'

influence on his mind, due to the subliminal messages they were sending out.

'There don't seem to be any of the three-dimensional effects I remember,' commented the Doctor.

'I think I can explain that,' Hensleigh said. 'The film uses some new technology that requires modifications to existing projectors for the full effect to be achieved. All of Star Light's theatres have been modified but the projectors in this screening room haven't been altered yet.'

Despite the lack of effects, watching the film still had as much impact on Ben as it had had on the previous occasions when he'd seen it. The Doctor had told him that the film changed according to the audience that was watching it, that the Selyoids had acute senses that could pick up on the mood of those in the room. Today they seemed to pick up on the hostility from the audience, and responded in kind. The lead character's break-up with his girlfriend involved them shouting and screaming at each other. As the man ran down the street he was confronted by a policeman and disembowelled him with a knife to get him out of the way.

The film dually finished, and the lights went up.

'As you can see,' the Doctor concluded, 'this film is a threat to everything your nation holds dear, and there's no way you can let it be unleashed on the general public.'

Hensleigh stood up and let out a hearty laugh. 'Doctor, you really are insane.'

'I'm ruined,' a quiet voice moaned.

'Are you all right, Mr Zane?' the Doctor asked.

Zane shook his head and buried it in his hands. 'That film...

It's worse than I thought. My studio is ruined. We II never be able to create anything with as much impact.'

'Not unless you too learn the secrets that make the film so different.'

Zane looked up, tears welling in his eyes. 'No, Doctor. What would be the point? That film is perfect, we could never equal it, and even if we could... why would we?'

'Money?' suggested Ben, Zane let out a disdainful laugh. 'You saw that film. You must have felt the same way. Who cares about money now?

There are just too many other more important things in life.'

'But don't you see!' said the Doctor, raising his voice. 'Don't you see how it has changed you, how you're not the same?

Whatever good De Sande claims it's doing, it's changing people without their consent.'

'Doctor, please!' Hensleigh shouted. 'That's enough. That film is the finest motion picture I've ever seen and I'd never dream of stopping its release. As for changing peoples'

emotions... Well, that's the power of a good story.'

The Doctor shook his head. 'No,' he pleaded. 'Don't you understand? There's more to it than that!'

'Doctor,' Ben said, trying to calm his friend down. 'Maybe they're right? Maybe the film will bring peace? Maybe the Selyoids' intentions are good?'

'Ben,' the Doctor said. 'Try to keep a clear head. I know the film has affected you too, but can't you see... it's just not right.

We have to fight it!'

'Now leave,' Hensleigh ordered. 'Now.'

The Doctor sighed. 'I'm sorry, Mr Hensleigh. I don't mean to be a pain. Maybe I just need to watch the film in the right atmosphere.'

Hensleigh shrugged.

A plan seemed to be forming in the Doctor's mind. 'You wouldn't be able to get hold of tickets to the premiere would you?' he asked. 'I suppose they've all sold out by now?'

Hensleigh shook his head. 'De Sande's kept this film pretty secret, so there's still plenty of space. And yes, I can get tickets.

I'm head of distribution, for Christ's sake!'

'I don't suppose you could get a couple of tickets for me, could you?' the Doctor asked. 'I think I will find the response there quite educational.'

A smile crept across Hensleigh s face and he led them back to his office. Once there, he hurried over to a filing cabinet, opened a drawer and took out three small pieces of cardboard.

'Here you go,' he said as he handed the tickets to the Doctor. 'I think it will be quite funny to see you amongst all that lot, actually. Watch it again, see how the audience love it, then try telling me I should stop it.'

The Doctor took the tickets from Hensleigh s grasp. 'Thank you. I won't waste any more of your time.'

Hensleigh gave an insincere wave as the Doctor, Ben and Zane walked out of his office, and called out after them. 'See you at the premiere. Doctor! Seven o'clock tonight, don't be late!' 'Oh I won't be,' said the Doctor gravely. 'I wouldn't miss it for the world.'

Chapter Twenty.