Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim JonesHis sins were unforgivable. His story, unforgettable.
In the 1960s, Reverend Jim Jones began as an idealist helping minorities and working against racism. After a move to San Francisco and increased power and attention, Jones became focused on his belief in nuclear holocaust, declared himself a prophet, and founded the Peoples Temple. With a loyal following of over 1,000, who donated their entire life savings to him and to join his commune, he moves them to Guyana. When possible crimes come to the attention of the authorities, and once notified that some individuals are being held against their will, an investigation begins. Rather than face the charges, Jones commits suicide, and roughly 900 of his followers do the same.
DirectorWilliam A. Graham
WritersCharles A. Krause, Ernest Tidyman
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GUYANA TRAGEDY: THE STORY OF JIM JONES (1980) wasn't the first attempt to depict the mass suicide/murder undertaken by the Jones-led Peoples Temple: Universal Pictures managed to get their star-sprinkled exploitation pickup, GUYANA: CULT OF THE DAMNED, into American theaters four months earlier. But this made-for-television event (shown over two nights) was the first serious look at Jones' life from childhood to tragedy. Featuring an Emmy-winning turn from Powers Boothe and a cast that included eight Oscar nominees, its quality is even more impressive when you realize that it aired a mere 17 months following the actual event
