Dimension X

Report on the Barnhouse Effect (Dramatized)

By: Kurt Vonnegut, Claris A. Ross - adaptation

A professor discovers the secret of mind over matter - then struggles to keep his power out of the hands of the military. Based on a Kurt Vonnegut story, this episode of Dimension X originally aired on April 22, 1950.

Featuring "adventures in time and space told in future tense", Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950, through September 29, 1951. The series adapted stories by the modern masters of science fiction, including Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon, and many others.

Hear more science fiction dramatizations.©2006 Radio Spirits Inc. (P)2006 Radio Spirits Inc.

Critic reviews

"The landmark series was Dimension X, which was broadcast by NBC....It was the first radio series to treat science fiction in an adult way." (Mike Ashley, Transformations: The History of the Science-Fiction Magazine 1950 to 1970)

NOT HEINLEIN!!!! But good

I bought this because it had Heinlein's name on it-- I saw the Vonnegut reference but assumed RAH had some hand it the adaptation. This does not appear to be the case-- Heinlein is not mentioned at all. But you know, Vonnegut doesn't stink.

If you're looking for post-fifties production values or acting styles, look elsewhere. But it's a good story, and pretty well done for the time.

Radio story about Man with the Magic Mind!

What did you love best about Dimension X?

The story was imaginative and made you think. What would you do if you had the power to think things into happening? Of course, the military would want you very badly. The dilemna Mr. Barnhouse faces is creative and thought provoking.

What other book might you compare Dimension X to and why?

This was a pretty original story, but I guess there have been some Twilight Zone tv shows that have been similar. Just can't think of any at this time.

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The actors in this play were wonderful, but I doubt are still working today. This is from the 1950's, so I dont' think this is relevant.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the Professor disappeared and was tracked down by another military. The way he solved the problem was the only solution I could think of and also the up in the air ending always is good!

Needs better audio

Great story, Great Actors, but the experience is ruined by very poor audio... the sound effects overwhelm the dialog to the point of making it unbearable to listen to. PLEASE PLEASE check the Levels and re-release.