Simon

The Institute for Advanced Concepts decides to fabricate a national hysteria by brainwashing a man into believing he is extraterrestrial. They recruit their talking computer Doris to conduct a nationwide search and selection process for a suitable subject. They settle on psychology professor Simon Mendelssohn, who matches their criteria of vulnerability and potential influence.

Simon Mendelssohn is selected as the subject and subjected to an isolation tank experiment at the institute. After an extended session, he emerges in a weakened mental state and begins to reenact the entire history of evolution from single-celled organisms to modern man.

While in the altered state, the scientists plant hypnotic suggestions that his mother is an alien spaceship and that he was made as a machine rather than born naturally. This manipulation ensures the beliefs they aim to trigger when his ramblings are broadcast.

The scientists broadcast Simon's ramblings through national channels to provoke mass hysteria. The broadcasts spark a nationwide search and quickly turn Simon into a celebrity figure.

With public fascination growing, Simon becomes a figure of celebrity and begins offering proposals to reform American culture. The institute watches with growing concern as his influence expands beyond their control.

As his influence escalates, the scientists decide he has become too dangerous and call in the military to kill him. The plan marks a turning point as the pursuit shifts from manipulation to elimination.

Lisa, Simon's girlfriend, intervenes and helps him escape the attempted killing. The couple goes on the run, trying to outrun both the military and the Institute's machinations.

On the road, they encounter a commune that worships a television, calling it the 'magic box'. The founder, a former ABC employee, has a truck with a high-powered transmitter that amplifies Simon's signals.

The military locates the origins of Simon's hijacked TV signals, forcing the couple to flee again. They must stay ahead of the search while the Institute's apparatus continues to pull strings from the shadows.

Lisa reveals to Simon that she is pregnant, persuading him that he is human. Her revelation shatters his belief in his alien ancestry and strengthens their bond.

Dr. Becker blames a release of gas that reduces IQs on Simon. The four remaining scientists, acting childish, and a military commander arrange a rocket launch to get rid of Simon.

Simon overpowers Becker, straps him into the rocket seat, and escapes in a NASA uniform as Becker is launched into space. The chase continues, but Simon gains the upper hand and seizes control of his fate.

Simon and Lisa settle in Canada with their child, choosing a quiet life away from American media. They plan to live in peace and obscurity while the search for Simon continues.

A radio broadcast informs Lisa that Simon has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his suggested reforms to American life. The prize signals international recognition of his controversial ideas amidst continuing media intrigue.