Act 1
The young Gregor arrives in America on a transatlantic liner, with a letter of introduction to the powerful industrial Thomas Edison. The end of the journey gives him the opportunity to demonstrate his skills as he undertakes to repair the ship’s dynamos, which have been damaged by a storm.
Interviewed by the first ever New York Herald’s female journalist, Edison shows himself to be full of ambition and cynicism. He agrees on meeting Gregor but only to challenge him to improve his own concept of generator. As Gregor manages to increase tenfold the power of the machine, Edison sends him off without payment and swears he’ll hinder his career.
Betty, the female journalist, later discovers that Gregor has become a blue-collar in order to survive. She recommends his unique talent to Parker, a wealthy entrepreneur seeking worthwhile investments. Parker takes Gregor under his wing.
Act 2
Thanks to Parker, Gregor now lives in luxury and can continue his research while mingling with New York’s high society. At a function, he meets the philanthropist Norman Axelrod, and his wife Ethel. Norman becomes fond of Gregor while his wife falls in love with him.
Edison decides to smear the reputation of Gregor’s inventions and in particular that of alternating current. He organises public electrocutions of animals and later, the first electric chair test on a death-row inmate. Journalists, Betty included, are invited to chronicle the event.
In the public opinion, Gregor still leads the battle, but expressions of appreciation burden him and he decides to leave for Colorado to continue his research.
Acte 3
Convinced he has established communication with extraterrestrial civilisations, Gregor comes back from Colorado eager to develop use-free energy for the benefit of mankind. The genius is starting to look like an eccentric, despite Ethel’s commitment to stand up to the press. Betty feels she’s the only journalist who understands him.
The turmoil caused, combined with Gregor’s altruism, is inflicting harm on business and Parker withdraws his support, terminating their contract.
Act 4
Gregor now only ever associates with the Axelrods. Norman still sees him has a man of great vision. Ethel declares her love for him and offers him to go to Europe to reignite his career, but Gregor refuses to betray Norman.
Gregor’s researches no longer generate income. He spends his time feeding birds in his neighbourhood while Edison’s technological empire is thriving.
Ethel finally confesses her love for Gregor to Norman and leaves him but, in his shabby hotel room, Gregor has already lost his mind.
