1969 06 00 Male - John Keel - Bedroom Invaders

Magazine Overview

This issue of the magazine, identified by page number 22, features a prominent cover story titled "THE BEDROOM Frightening," exploring the unsettling phenomenon of entities encountered in bedrooms, often described as mysterious intruders who can appear and disappear like ghosts. The article posits a connection between these experiences and the flying saucer phenomenon, citing numerous reports of strange, unidentified persons of unusual stature and appearance seen worldwide in recent years.

The Bedroom Invaders

The main article, "THE BEDROOM Frightening," begins by asking readers if they have ever woken up with the distinct feeling of someone or something standing in their bedroom. It highlights that these are not ordinary burglars but bizarre entities. The piece then transitions into "INVADERS: New UFO-Pilot Mystery," a pre-publication excerpt from John A. Keel's upcoming book, "Operation Trojan Horse." Keel, a world-respected ufologist, presents his research on flying saucers and new theories on the phenomenon.

"Mystery Men" and Their Encounters

Keel's article details numerous accounts of these "mystery men." In many cases, they are described as wearing capes and hoods, similar to a monk's cowl, and are nearly always of unusual size. Initially dismissed as pranks, identical reports have emerged from across the United States and overseas, consistently appearing in UFO "flap" areas. These "prowlers" are often described as big, broad-shouldered men in capes and hoods, seen walking along desolate roads in thinly populated areas.

One incident recounts two boys in Elizabeth, New Jersey, encountering a man described as the "biggest man I ever saw," standing behind a fence. He was dressed in a "sparkling green" coverall garment with a wide black belt and had a dark complexion with "little round eyes." The boys were unable to discern his hair, ears, or nose, and his hands were hidden. Later, rumors circulated of a "tall green man" chasing a resident down the same street.

Another account details Woodrow Derenberger's experience in West Virginia, where a UFO landed in front of his truck. A man emerged, described as being less than 6 feet tall, with a dark complexion, elongated eyes, wearing a dark coat and shiny blue trousers. The man communicated with Derenberger telepathically, identifying himself as "Cold" and from a less powerful country than the United States.

The "Man in the Checkered Shirt" and Other Variants

The article also discusses the "man in the checkered shirt," a recurring figure in reports. One woman reported waking to find a large, heavily built man with a grinning face standing over her bed. Another witness described a "man in the checkered shirt" who appeared in her room and then disappeared. This detail is noted as being present in occult literature concerning "ghosts."

Further accounts include a sighting in West Virginia of a big, caped man walking beside the road, who vanished when the witnesses looked back. In England, reports from July 28, 1963, described eight men in thick black cowls running and leaping across the road. The historical figure of "Springheeled Jack" from the 1830s in England, known for his swiftness and leaping ability, is also mentioned as a possible precursor.

UFO Pilots and "Ghost Airplanes"

Caped and hooded men have occasionally been reported as the pilots of "flying saucers" and unidentified flying objects. The article references a massive wave of sightings of "ghost airplanes" and strange flying lights in Norway, Sweden, and Finland beginning in December 1933. During this period, a Norwegian freighter, the "Tordenskiold," reported a "great greyish machine" that swooped over the ship, emitting a brilliant beam of light. The pilot was described as being dressed in a cloak or cape with a hood, and wearing large glasses or goggles.

Associated Phenomena

The issue highlights several associated phenomena. The family of Mr. and Mrs. James Lilly in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, experienced numerous UFO activities, including brilliant flying lights, malfunctioning televisions and telephones, and cars stalling. Mrs. Doris Lilly reported receiving strange, metallic-voiced phone calls. The article also notes a correlation between UFO sightings and mysterious fires, citing instances where homes of witnesses have burned down shortly after UFO events.

Psychological and Sociological Aspects

Keel touches upon the psychological aspects, noting that children of UFO witnesses sometimes become obsessed with the idea of a stranger in their room. He contrasts these accounts with typical psychiatric explanations like hysteria or schizophrenia, pointing out the consistent similarities in witness descriptions that are hard to dismiss as mere delusion. The article suggests that these entities might represent an "outside influence" or glimpses into a parallel world that coexists with ours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysterious "mystery men" or entities associated with UFO sightings, their varied descriptions, and their connection to the broader UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance, as presented through John A. Keel's work, is one of serious investigation into these unexplained occurrences, suggesting they are more than mere hoaxes or psychological aberrations. The magazine appears to advocate for a deeper, multidisciplinary study of UFOs, involving not just astronomers and physicists but also psychiatrists, psychologists, and those who study the occult, to understand the full scope of these manifestations.