Hibernatus 1969

Discovery of a man frozen in the North Pole

A man is found encased in ice at the North Pole during a scientific polar expedition. He is revived and brought back to life by a team of researchers. The freezing preserves him for 65 years, making him appear as a ninety-year-old when awakened.

Revival in the research facility

Professor Edouard Lauriebat leads the revival operation in a high-tech lab. He carefully restores the man and monitors his physical condition. The team quickly learns that the years haven't diminished his memory or personality, only his appearance.

Paul Fournier identified as the 1905 explorer

The revived man is identified as Paul Fournier, who originally explored the pole in 1905. Because of the hibernation, he now looks about ninety years old while still carrying memories from the past. The discovery raises questions about identity and how time is experienced by a person.

Edmée de Tartas revealed as Paul’s granddaughter

Edmée de Tartas is revealed to be Paul Fournier's granddaughter, forging a direct lineage between the man and the living family. She learns that her family name carries the memory of the expedition. This discovery strengthens her resolve to see Paul returned to his kin.

Family decides to reclaim Paul for the Fournier lineage

Edmée and her husband Hubert push for returning Paul to his family rather than keeping him as a research subject. They argue it is essential for his dignity and mental health. They insist that a return to his old environment is the best remedy.

Government stance: treat Paul as a research subject

The government initially resists releasing Paul, viewing him as a valuable subject for study. This stance creates friction with Edmée and Hubert, who insist on reuniting him with his family.

Kidnapping and pursuit flare up

A kidnapping attempt occurs and a pursuit ensues, escalating the conflict. The attempt to move Paul against his will triggers a tense chase through the research facility and surrounding area. The episode forces the authorities to admit that keeping Paul captive is not sustainable.

Agreement to keep Paul in a 1905 environment

The authorities finally agree to release Paul, but only if his environment is kept the same as in 1905. They insist that Paul live within a setting that mirrors the year 1905 to preserve his mental health. Edmée and Hubert accept, arranging a controlled recreation of the past.

Paul believes Edmée is his mother; Hubert plays the suitor

Paul believes Edmée is his mother from the past, which complicates the family dynamics. To maintain the illusion, Hubert is forced to play the role of a devoted suitor to Edmée. This deception keeps Paul's agitation in check for a time, but it pushes the family into a fragile balance.

Didier joins as a student living with the family

Didier, the son of Edmée and Hubert, is introduced as a student living with the family. He adapts to the 1905-style household and becomes part of the daily routine. His presence amplifies the complexity of keeping up the ruse.

Initial control begins to fail

The initial control over Paul begins to fail as his old memories and impulses push through. Paul's behavior gradually grows more volatile. The 1905 environment struggles to contain him, and cracks begin to show.