Plot
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.
Cast
as Rev. Jim Jones
as Rep. Leo Ryan
as Alice Jefferson
as Marceline "Marcy" Jones
as Jenny Hammond
as David Langtree
as Jean Richie
as Larry King
as Otis Jefferson
as Karen Bundy
Creator
Network
Status
Ended
First Aired Date
April 15, 1980
Last Aired Date
April 16, 1980
Production Companies
The Königsberg Company
Type
Miniseries
Number of Season
1
Number of Episodes
2
Links
Gallery
Reviews
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 f…
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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.
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