Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones

7.2
19801h 34m

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.

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Thumbnail for video: "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones" (1980 - William A. Graham)

"Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones" (1980 - William A. Graham)

Seasons

2 Episodes • Premiered 1980

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.

Still image for Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones season 1 episode 1: Episode 1

1. Episode 1

5.0

Still image for Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones season 1 episode 2: Episode 2

2. Episode 2

6.0

Cast

Photo of Powers Boothe

Powers Boothe

Rev. Jim Jones

Photo of Ned Beatty

Ned Beatty

Rep. Leo Ryan

Photo of Irene Cara

Irene Cara

Alice Jefferson

Photo of Veronica Cartwright

Veronica Cartwright

Marceline "Marcy" Jones

Photo of Rosalind Cash

Rosalind Cash

Jenny Hammond

Photo of Brad Dourif

Brad Dourif

David Langtree

Photo of Meg Foster

Meg Foster

Jean Richie

Photo of Albert Hall

Albert Hall

Otis Jefferson

Photo of Linda Haynes

Linda Haynes

Karen Bundy

Photo of Diane Ladd

Diane Ladd

Lynette Jones

Photo of Ron O'Neal

Ron O'Neal

Col. Robles

Photo of Randy Quaid

Randy Quaid

Clayton Ritchie

Photo of Diana Scarwid

Diana Scarwid

Sheila Langtree

Photo of Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair

Mrs. Jefferson

Photo of Brenda Vaccaro

Brenda Vaccaro

Jane Briggs

Photo of Dimitra Arliss

Dimitra Arliss

Sister Fleming

Photo of LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

Richard Jefferson

Photo of Colleen Dewhurst

Colleen Dewhurst

Myrtle Kennedy

Photo of Clifton James

Clifton James

Barber Charlie Amos

Photo of James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones

Father Divine

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Reviews

A

adorablepanic

8/10

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

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