Hynek vs. The Psychics!

In June, 1977, CBC debuted a television series called Beyond Reason, which I remember watching as a kid. The show orginated as a summer replacement for the popular quiz show Front Page Challenge.

It was a panel show based on the contemporary interest in psychic phenomena. The program's creator, Allan Spraggett, appeared as the show's expert and adjudicator. The panelists included astrologer Geoff Gray-Cobb of Vancouver, clairvoyant Irene Hughes of Chicago, palmist Marcel Broekman of New York, and graphologist Marilyn Rossner of Montreal.

They were brought to the National Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, where the show was taped, with CBC Winnipeg announcer Bill Guest as moderator. As in Front Page Challenge, the panelists had to guess the identity of mystery guests. However, the panelists were given information appropriate to their practice (Gray-Cobb was given the date, time, and place of birth of the guest; Hughes was provided with personal possessions from which to gain impressions; Broekman had a handprint; and Rossner had a sample of the guest's handwriting). The psychics were also kept in isolation to keep them from communicating with each other.

The show lasted until October, 1980. As a kid, I thought it was a lot of fun, in a goofy way.

Legendary ufologist Dr. J. Allen Hynek appeared on the program (as did Betty Hill). For a good chuckle, and some fond memories of Hynek, you can watch his appearance here.

I won't tell you whether Hynek succeeded in stumping the paranormal "experts" - you'll have to see for yourself. The results may surprise you, unless you're a psychic, in which case you already know the answer - don't you!

Either way, make sure you stick around for the interview section with Hynek.

Paul Kimball