One of my favourite documentaries of last year was director Stanley Nelson’s ‘Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple’. (You can read my review here.)
The film takes a look at the power of Jim Jones and the influence he held over a group of desperate, god loving folks. Ultimately, the details of the Jonestown massacre have been since summed up by a one phrase: ‘drink the kool aid’, a reference to Jone’s prescribed poison of choice. (Technically it was poisoned ‘Flavor Aid’. I guess Jones was a cheapskate.) I’m sure some of you have used the term, completely unaware of where it even came from. Luckily, this film sheds some light on the story behind the tragedy, giving us a look at Jones’ upbringing and the way he manipulated his followers. It also includes some previously unseen footage shot at the Jonestown compound. Some pretty chilling stuff. PBS has just announced their plans to air the documentary Monday, April 9, 2007, at 9pm. I must insist that you set some time aside to catch this film, or at least PVR it. For more info on ‘Jonestown’ and it’s PBS presentation, visit PBS’ official website by following the link below. I’ve also included a video set to the final sermon given by Jim Jones during the mass suicide at the Peoples in Guyana. Pretty eerie stuff.

Related Link: PBS AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple”

Related Video: The Jonestown Death Tape (FBI No. Q 042) (November 18, 1978)

Related Video: Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple Trailer