Punt, PI: The Case of the Death Ray (Episode 2, Series 4)

Episode 2 of Series 4 of 'Punt PI' sees Steve Punt trying to get to the truth about the British inventor of a so-called 'Death Ray'. His leads take him via the valleys of South Wales, the control tower of Croydon Airport, the banks of the River Severn and the strongrooms of records offices. Harry Grindell Matthews, maverick scientist and showman entrepreneur, was celebrated for inventions which included mobile phones, talking pictures and remote control craft; yet all of these were overshadowed once he unveiled his 'Death Ray'. Designed to shoot down enemy aircraft in the 1920's, his creation earned headlines around the world but also stirred controversy. He fell foul of the establishment and withdrew to a mountain laboratory, closely monitored by the government. As an inter-war arms and technology race developed what would happen to Grindell Matthews and his secret weapon: the infamous death ray? Producer: Neil McCarthy.