One of the topics related to Mathematics Awareness Week 1997 - Mathematics and the Internet - is cryptography. Participating institutions were encouraged to record the following program, which was broadcast nationally by PBS on February 2, for viewing and discussion as part of their MAW activities. Hugh Whitemore received the JPBM Communications Award in 1990.

The following press release was disseminated by the Public Broadcasting Service.

MOBIL MASTERPIECE THEATRE airing on PBS Sundays, 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) - "The Blackmail of a Mathematical Genius".

"Breaking the Code" (2/2) Based on the play by Hugh Whitemore and the book, "Alan Turing: the Enigma" by Andrew Hodges, this program tells the story of Turing (Derek Jacobi), the mathematical genius who was responsible for designing the computer that enabled the allies to crack the German Enigma code and, some would argue, win the war. On Churchill's specific instructions, Turing was given all the resources he required and his personal behavior was tolerated - Turing was an active homosexual at a time when homosexuality was illegal. Amanda Root, Prunella Scales, Harold Pinter, Alun Armstrong and Richard Johnson also star.