How a 1970s British mockumentary spawned a lasting conspiracy theory about vanishing scientists
By
Guardian staff reporter
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
A 1970s British mockumentary called "Alternative 3" about scientists disappearing as part of a sinister space conspiracy has spawned a real-world conspiracy theory that persists 50 years later. The theory, recently revived by the Daily Mail and online platforms, claims scientists in aerospace and nuclear research are dying or going missing in a "chilling pattern." The article explores how this fictional TV show has fueled real paranoia, even prompting a Trump-era government investigation, and examines the psychology behind why such conspiracy theories take hold in the public imagination.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled'Wow, it really worked!'
The disappearances form a 'chilling pattern'
scientists whose work related to aerospace and nuclear research are either dying or going missing
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