Ep 7. The Sound Machine

In season 4 episode 7 of Tales of the Unexpected, titled "The Sound Machine," we are introduced to a brilliant inventor named Klausner who develops a machine that can amplify sound frequencies beyond human range.

The story begins with Klausner's neighbor, a typically nosy and unpleasant woman, complaining incessantly about the sounds of nature, specifically bird songs. Her complaints prompt Klausner to develop a machine that can quiet the sounds of nature and make them inaudible to humans. He names his invention, the "Silence-A-Matic."

Initially, Klausner and his friend, a biologist named Paul, test the machine on different animals in the lab. However, Klausner becomes increasingly curious about how the machine would work on humans and decides to test it on himself. As he tests the machine on himself, Klausner discovers that the Silence-A-Matic not only makes sounds inaudible but also intensifies sounds beyond human range.

Klausner is thrilled with his discovery and decides to share his invention with the world. He promptly invites his neighbor and Paul to his house for a demonstration. However, the demonstration does not go as planned. The neighbor is horrified to find that the sounds of nature are now replaced with sounds of agony and suffering that the machine has amplified. Paul is also taken aback by the discovery and fears that Klausner has created a dangerous device.

As the day progresses, Klausner continues to experiment with the machine's ability to amplify sound. Things take a disturbing turn when Paul discovers that Klausner has been eavesdropping on his colleagues' conversations, something that he would never have been able to do without the machine's amplification ability. Paul becomes increasingly concerned about the machine's potential use for espionage and confronts Klausner about it. Klausner becomes agitated and defensive, and their conversation takes a violent turn.

As the night wears on, Klausner continues to experiment despite Paul's warnings. Klausner amplifies the sound of a nearby owl and quickly discovers that the sound is actually that of the owl's prey being killed. Klausner becomes obsessed with amplifying the sounds of death and destruction, causing Paul to intervene once more. Paul attempts to destroy the machine, but Klausner violently attacks him, revealing his unstable state.

As the night comes to a close, Klausner's invention has left him isolated and alone. The thoughts and sounds that once brought him pleasure are now amplified to a point of madness, his obsession with the machine allowing any sound to be twisted into something terrifying. Klausner's desperate quest for knowledge and recognition has left him alone in the dark, struggling to comprehend the repercussions of his obsession with sound.

Overall, "The Sound Machine" is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of technology and obsession. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge must be tempered with responsibility, and that the consequences of a single invention can be far-reaching and devastating. This episode is sure to leave viewers both entertained and deeply unsettled.