Teslas Financial Crisis

In Westinghouse's Pittsburgh office Tesla is showing him photographs of his Wardenclyffe Tower, the Laboratory and prospectus. Westinghouse's response is guarded, "Most impressive Nikola, most impressive. Thanks for considering the Westinghouse Corporation and good luck with it."

"I've been crushed in the panic, George. I'm scrapping the bottom of the barrel, yet this project is worth $200,000. With only $50,000 more I can complete my World Broadcasting Center. With its wireless communication my AC revenues will pale in comparison."

Westinghouse responds, "I'm sure you're right, but I can't join you in this venture. It's taken us from the day we bought your patents until now to pay off the hundred million dollar debt."

"Most of that was spent on legalities, George!"

"You tell that to our creditors. We're presently quite unable to go into ANY other enterprise."

Tesla sounds desperate, "I'll be blunt, George. I believe you owe me. In your time of crisis I destroyed a contract worth twenty times more than what I'm asking from you now. Was our relationship merely business?"

"I'd help you if I could, but I can't. I'm just a powerless figurehead now. The board forced me out."

Tesla softens, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"I told them that we were investing in America. The truth is, I'm only kept on for advertising purposes and worker morale. I can loan a few thousand out of my pocket, but my 'wealth' is locked up in company stock."

Now almost depressed, Tesla says, "This is a very sad day, George. I don't want YOUR money."

At the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where Tesla has been living for 20 years, the manager, Mr. Boldt, gestures him into the back office.

"It pains me to bring this up, Mr. Tesla, but your rent is late again. I am forced to seize your assets."

"My good man, we have known each other for 20 years. Have I not paid my rent for 19 of them?"

"Yes, you've paid for 19 of them."

"With the war and the financial crash, it is taking me much longer to recover from the debts. Can you wait a little bit longer?"

Boldt answered, "Only until the end of the month."

The Yugoslavian government intervened and helped Tesla paid for a place for him to stay.

In Tesla's laboratory he appears haggard and his usual neat laboratory is quite messy. His laboratory is now a warehouse. He drags himself to a table, hooks up some electric wires to his wrists, and then sends electricity through his body. He shakes his head and appears to have regained some energy. He has aged quite a bit. Czito is still his loyal assistant. Czito turns to him, "Sir, what can I do to help you?"