Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones (1980)

04/15/1980 (US) • 1h 34m

Drama, Crime

His sins were unforgivable. His story, unforgettable.

Overview

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.

Top Billed Cast

Powers Boothe

Rev. Jim Jones

2 Episodes

Ned Beatty

Rep. Leo Ryan

2 Episodes

Irene Cara

Alice Jefferson

2 Episodes

Veronica Cartwright

Marceline "Marcy" Jones

2 Episodes

Rosalind Cash

Jenny Hammond

2 Episodes

Brad Dourif

David Langtree

2 Episodes

Meg Foster

Jean Richie

2 Episodes

Michael C. Gwynne

Larry King

2 Episodes

Albert Hall

Otis Jefferson

2 Episodes


Last Season

Miniseries

1980 | 2 Episodes

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.

View All Seasons

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Status

Ended

Network

network

Type

Miniseries

Original Language

English

Keywords

suicide

poison

1970s

paranoia

commune

exploitation

egomania

cult

miniseries

mass suicide

campy

religious cult

guyana

1960s

end times

kool-aid

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