Deceived - The Jonestown Tragedy | Documentary by Mel White

[@danischeel4846]

When anyone compares themselves to God or Jesus,and claims healing powers- RUN as fast and far as you can.

[@dakingltroyproductofdade3579]

Facts 💯 run forest run 🏃‍♂️

[@kevmichael2064]

Yes I agree...big time

[@wildandbarefoot]

It's the Pope!..... run

[@canaloabominavel210]

@Wadely Pierce yes. He was a self declared socialist!

[@neilcooper9508]

Blyme I think I wood have run when he mentioned the word suicide I wood have been off think most people wood

[@DrVonChilla]

I've been a serious student of this case since my 1978 high school days, and I've gotta say this is EASILY the best documentary ever produced regarding the saga. The modern companion is "Jonestown: The Life And Death Of Peoples Temple". The interviews with surviving PT members are astonishing.

[@marymongan6360]

I also think it’s a very good video’s on peoples temple This video is when it was the last of the good nights and days of peoples temple when everyone was innocent and happy and carefree,, They loved the church and that way of life,, As poor as they were Jim jones took what little they had,, Making the people do false cure’s and healings etc etc etc etc,, I think this church was beautiful and all the singing dancing and other good things they did,,,,, The people really believed that they were doing something good but it was all about Jim jones and greed ,,,,, Don’t forget about those who helped Jim jones in his lies and fraud’s,,,,, Really enjoyed watching all the videos about jones town but it was so hard to see them people die in the end)) Rest in peace to everyone of them

[@intermilan9731]

Just a CIA experiment.

[@isjones2112]

Have you listen to transmissions from jonestown podcast? It shows the true crazy brain washing sign.

[@patriciapettit1685]

​

[@b3ckyb33]

@@isjones2112 can you please share a link?

[@hollykate354]

“they’re dead now.” what a powerful way to start this documentary.

[@kevmichael2064]

That is chilling!!!!

[@ma3stro681]

Apart from the kids they all went to Guyana willingly. Weak minded fools … 😵

[@AmazonElf]

Hearing such a sweet cheery song from kids that never grew up is just ugh! 😢

[@golden8972]

I know.

[@AmazonElf]

Kate Maloney 😢

[@BarrywHiteFTW]

That hurts to hear and see. They were just kids. They had no idea what was coming. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that they didn't.

[@Cory-q6b]

That song is sooo cute and catchy, I memorized it same day I 1st watched this, super sad the kids never had a fighting chance

[@JennyBenFoldsFan421]

The way this is introduced is absolutely genius That split-second jump from little kids singing in the choir and happy music playing to an empty sanctuary and the opening remarks about they're all dead now… The children singing in the choir…. The people in the pews… That is one hell of a sucker punch… It makes you sit up and pay attention and gives just the right amount of uncomfortable which I think is the intent…

[@billslocum9819]

You're right, but then there's that second sucker punch you get when Mr. Gurvich tells his story, and you see him fly over this beautiful pristine jungle and then see the pavilion come into view. Then there's the tag at the end from the death tape. You get comfortable with the talking head stuff, but it's sneaky hard to watch.

[@CriticalThinking-ql2hh]

It's an attention getting line, "They're all dead now." But it is not correct and I am sure that he did not know at the time. There was a survivor from that group... Her name is Leslie Wagner-Wilson. jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30359

[@gilsgal6094]

@@CriticalThinking-ql2hh There were actually several survivors. There were 3 who were actually there during the poisonings who were able to hide or walk away.

[@g.b569]

That contrast got me too and at the end of the images of the empty church while the death tape is playing is gut-wrenching

[@DuaneHHLyon]

Great perspective!

[@Ausvet2]

The choir master at the start leading the children's choir did not die in Jonestown. Don Beck died July 9th in Ireland after a lifetime teaching children in Ukiah and San Diego, he was a very intelligent benign gentle giant loved by all who knew him. I cared for him for almost 20 years and he suffered nightmares constantly from his experience, he also lost his son in Jonestown.

[@mikhailabunidal9146]

That music instructor , was that the late Don Beck (1942-2021)?

[@Ausvet2]

@@mikhailabunidal9146 Yes Don died July 9th in Sligo Ireland.

[@Ausvet2]

@zill leth Don was a gentle giant, he loved the children wherever he went and remained an amazing teacher in San Diego until his retirement in 2002, he had a book his past pupils did thanking him. One girl was talking and giggling in class and dropped her pen and upon picking it off the floor she spotted a pair of black shoes in front of her. " Sorry Mr Beck " " Never be sorry for being happy " was his reply to her.

[@golden8972]

Omg. How terrible. The guilt he suffered.

[@arniezanzibar5309]

He was so intelligent that he fell for JJs bs

[@jreeves1666]

I am a nerd so I remember something Captain Picard from Star Trek said, “Villians who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged.”

[@Chad_Dabal]

By far the most harrowing, intimate documentary about Jonestown I've seen. Really grabs your heart and soul and brings you as close as possible to experiencing The People's Temple. This will stick with me forever. Well done.

[@billgatesleavingyamomshous8177]

Good stuff

[@matthewbryant958]

Let’s be honest more than half of the people that died definitely did not want to die. This guy was fucking insane so was his higher up members

[@dyoralexan9351]

Radical christians

[@ladyjenny1746]

One of the best documentaries on Jonestown, giving us a deeper understanding of the people of The Temple.

[@tla9895]

Omg😞That poor Father.. His grief is palpable.. My heart goes out to every single victim and their family in this tragedy..

[@sarah2.017]

It sounded like she wasn't so much religious, as she wanted to improve the world, and felt this was the way to do it.

[@MariaPitman]

😢sad

[@MariaPitman]

Poor guy. Poor father of the deceived.

[@lynnkayee1015]

Someone broke in and chopped an entire box of onions while I was watching that poor dad speak at the end. I just cannot even.

[@oldironsides4107]

Why did you have a big box of onions?

[@stephaniebarg9441]

If these people didn't leave their churches that they attended before, they would have been alive today.

[@benadam7753]

Never put your faith in a man, a pastor, a politician and a political party! Trust in God and yourself alone!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Trust yourself and you'll do fine.

[@LethalSaliva]

@Ben Adam775 That should be a quote.

[@BeautifulOne-h1x]

Y'ALL ALWAYS RUNNING OFF AT THE MOUTH. JUST STFU AND LISTEN, DAMN!!!!

[@dyoralexan9351]

But jesus is a man not a GOD. Dont worship a man. Dont worship jesus. Worship the father aka the true one GOD

[@briannat1086]

God? Wtf. Belief in such nonsense makes tragedies like this to occur. As of 2024, where do you see this 'god' blessing the world's children? ANYWHERE on this planet? If 'HE' exists, HE SUCKS.

[@jerseytomato100]

That poor father looking for his daughter, walking past all the bodies...so sad.

[@jeffstipp6872]

jerseytomato100-Agree with you 100%; I feel so bad for that guy.

[@williamjarrell3541]

James Reston Jr.'s book Our Father Who Art in Hell has an entire chapter about Jann Gurvich and her father.

[@NewsHistorian]

@@williamjarrell3541 That's true. His daughter Jann was deeply involved with the San Quentin Six trial. People's Temple was a Marxist cult and and many idealistic people of that era were seduced by Jones and other extremest left-wing charlatans who generally got away with the carnage they enabled and are incredibly still venerated today.

[@JSkyGemini]

Just heart breaking.

[@67nairb]

@@NewsHistorian Jones was in fact an atheist and a member of the Communist Party USA. He told his discipels that the Bible was sexist and to drop it on the floor, reject it and it's teaching. "Don't believe in any "Sky God," Jones told his followers, because there is none." The People's Temple was most definitely a Marxist cult and Jim Jones saw himself as the reincarnation of Marx and Lenin. He wanted to build his Jonestown setttlment on a Socialist vision and look what resulted. He was so dedicated to socialism, he gave some thought of moving himself and his congregation to the Soviet Union and have his people learn Russian. Why would the Russian government allow a freaky religous cult and it's fanatical leader into an atheistic communist country? Jones tried to tell his flock that capitalism was an evil system meaning that it brought great wealth to very few people, mass poverty for most others. He believed and professed to his followers to that socialism and Marxism were the wave of future where everyone was equal where no one's better than the other that socialism would lead to a Utopia. Socialism would turn slaves free. In fact it's the other way around, socialism actually turns free people into slaves and Jonestown, especially it's fanatical, decietful charlatan of a leader and his harried followers was testmony to a failed and oppressive system of government. A book was written in 1997 called The Black Book of Communism for the 80th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution in which the death toll of that failed system was about 100 million people. The Jonestown mass suicide/massacre should be included in that book as an example of what the failed system of communism could lead to.The 911 who died that November 18, 1978 were victims of socialism and communism. BTW Karl Marx and his pal Friedrich Engles were racists.

[@eliseovaldez1335]

Their screams as they died. The horror they must’ve experienced as they slowly drifted away from this world is just pure evil. Poor children.

[@rochellekeels8026]

Hitler

[@MG-cd9ek]

They wanted to go

[@MariaGarciaTrustinGod]

@@MG-cd9ek your right they wanted to go.I don't think they wanted to die.. They were deceive ...

[@MG-cd9ek]

@@MariaGarciaTrustinGod these people are no diffrent than the rotten hateful violent liberals of today. Killing rioting looting burning etc... The question shouldn't be how could this happen But Why isn't it happening more, Liberals are demonic and possessed. They hate the fetus and God and anyone who loves God. They are amoral, violent maniacs. Same as today.

[@MariaGarciaTrustinGod]

@@MG-cd9ek I want to believe not all people are bad... Some temple people saw what was going on and they wanted to leave... Didn't you see documentary I believe in heart that some people wanted to leave some probably were force to give those little innocent the poison. ... And were force either way they knew their were all going die.. THOSE INNOCENT PEOPLE WERE BRAIN WASH....THEY Couldn't tell what was real or fantasy anymore they had fear in their eyes.... Some were scare for their lives. I think in general people should be aware of people that think like Jim Jones there many crazies out there... They first start with good intentions but then they become to greedy they start using drugs and spiral out of control ... I think when people get in involved in any church they should investigate little bit more to see if they want to be part of that congregation ... or investigate the pastor or priest an so on. Temple people are not bad people the one's that die. They want to change the world 🌎 they wanted to make a difference but unfortunately they got caught up in the lies of the dictator......

[@eltiochusma]

Thank you for posting this important work, Mr. White.

[@Absynthe12]

This documentary makes a very good point about how Christians want to be in an organization that really helps people. Jim Jones took advantage of the sincere desire people have to serve God. It is very hard to find that today.

[@M60gunner1971]

Jim Jones packed most of these peoples fudge.

[@DonnaBrooks]

It's not just Christians who want to help people! In fact, lots of Christians in the U.S. today don't give a shit about the suffering of others. It's all about "family values" and "God bless me", and hating people.

[@lovinliverpool]

@@DonnaBrooks You know the OP meant no harm. Of course the OP isn't saying you need to be christian to be a good person. Most REAL christians are trying to do good by Jesus. I grew up a Jehovah's Witness and the people I knew when I was in were good people doing what they felt was best for this world. It's the leaders that fuck everything up and caused me to leave. It's best to follow the Bible on your own in my opinion if you believe in it.

[@nenamii]

Donna Brooks i used to go to church, i don’t anymore because you’re right, the pastors and the people are snakes and lying rats whom only want the congregations money. i totally agree on that, yet, there are still good Christians out there that want to help people and become a better version of themselves. it’s not good to judge a whole religion based on encounters you’ve had.

[@gowdsake7103]

THEY ALL TAKE advantage sheesh

[@sweetsugar1014]

I've seen other Jim Jones documentaries, but never this one. I'm glad I ran across this one. This lets you know that if we're not careful, anyone of us can be deceived. At the beginning, these people were describing their churches who claimed they had Jesus in their lives, but show little to no love. I see that on today. So sad. So, it was easy for these people to wanna be at a church like Jim Jones where initially he encouraged love and acceptance. The problem occurred when the people became so close to Jones that they 'refused' to see the bad changes in him. They were following much too closely behind him rather than God. That's a common mistake that many church members make even today at these churches. For example look at how closely and dedicated and committed many of Kenneth Copeland's members are and some other huge churches. They almost view their pastors as a type of god. This is so very sad though.

[@moonmann4072]

Sweet Sugar 101 Kenneth Copeland looks like cult leader too be honest.

[@moonmann4072]

Kelly-Beth Byerly I'm curious as too why you like this guy so much considering the fact that he uses peoples prays to make more money. If you like him that's fine but if I were you I'd do a little research on your pastor before you jump the gun. You never know what you find.

[@moonmann4072]

Kelly-Beth Byerly Well if your happy that's you.

[@miraclewyp]

Yes many were deceived, but they were trapped as well. They had no money, all communications were controlled, passports confiscated and guns pointed at them. And on the day it all happened, they watched the children die and any resistance was met with violence and force. Our freedoms, relationships, wealth and love are all of vital importance. Guard them diligently.

[@dorothychristine4780]

Sweet Sugar....I agree. Sadly Ive experienced that alone feeling in a congregation of over 1000 members. its a very uneasy feeling :( my heart goes out to all who feel that way. Im blessed enough to have Gods Holy Spirit deep in my heart. Its helped me see thru many a Pastor before. God bless !

[@neoasura]

This was shot in 1979, not even 1 year after the Jonestown tragedy, so memories were still fresh.

[@BeautifulOne-h1x]

DUUUUH

[@kimmyymmik]

@@BeautifulOne-h1xbased on your comment you’re very immature so If I tried to explain the reason the op commented that, your tiny pea brain wouldn’t understand 😂

[@CriticalThinking-ql2hh]

Thank you so much for the documentary. It answers a lot of questions on how the Jonestown tragedy could happen. It's so important to explain the beginning, middle and ending. Most documentaries only speak about the fatal end which has lead to a lot of misunderstanding of what this movement was trying to achieve.

[@ĪScīLy9]

Yea I’m curious on how they ended up in Jonestown. So many questions

[@cbthethird]

Some rare stuff in this footage. REALLY good upload! Thanks so much, Mr White. I have an old copy of your book in my Jonestown/PT library.

[@pamcarson1180]

I've seen just about every documentary about Jones. This one was one of the better ones in that you really came to understand how people were pulled in. This man took societies most loving people. People who really wanted change and exploited them in the worst way. Its heart breaking.

[@gowdsake7103]

Like religion has always done

[@hiswayservicesblog9288]

That's tragic

[@sarah2.017]

@@gowdsake7103 Like FALSE religion has always done.

[@dwjoseph59]

@@gowdsake7103 yep

[@alenelevin1757]

Yes. This is really good.

[@candace872]

That father looking for his daughter...it’s just heartbreaking. I’ve seen other documentaries about Jim Jones but never this one. We cannot forget or we risk this happening again.

[@samsalamander8147]

The pain in that fathers voice hurt my soul

[@joemartin1253]

samantha ferrell That is one of the saddest things I have ever seen.

[@belfiore_18]

@@joemartin1253 For me too :(

[@purplealiensdotcom4362]

well said. I don't know if I would have been able to talk about it if it were my child.

[@renebrown7394]

I cried so much when he began to weep...

[@ilovethetampabaylightning92]

I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child.

[@phoradio1277]

14:43 Christine Miller, the woman who stood up against Jones on the final day trying to convince everyone that the children should live.

[@evangelisajackson7782]

How do u know

[@phoradio1277]

@@evangelisajackson7782 Because I know who she is and what she looks like. There's actually a dozen people in this documentary that had some level on culpability on Nov 18 1978. Would you like me to time stamp some more?

[@phoradio1277]

*OF culpability......Auto Correct such a punchable face😞

[@morganwaede1092]

Pho King #1 yes please!

[@phoradio1277]

@@morganwaede1092 I will watch it closely and list time stamps for you. This is actually not the "best video" to identify people from but I still see people from the "assassins" to inner circle members and people who were responsible for the tragedy. Give me a few days👍

[@miz_logo_lee]

Thank you for posting this. I was friends with Daphene, it was very moving to see her interviewed.

[@dwjoseph59]

So sad to hear about the unfortunate deaths of al, jeannie & daphene later. They were all taken way too soon. Can't believe that their murder case remains unsolved. They seemed like nice people & someone just couldn't handle them waking up & leaving the church. Your friend daphene seems like she was such a good person & was a very beautiful woman. Makes me wonder what all 3 of them: al, jeannie & daphene; would be doin if they were still with us today & not taken away? Al & jeannie would probably be retired, still helping people & spending time with their grandbabies, daphene's kids, and/or their great grandbabies, daphene's kids kids. So sad 😔😔😥😥. #R.I.P. AL, JEANNIE, DAPHENE

[@DavidKerley]

Thanks, Mel. Never saw this one before. Deception is a powerful tool. We're seeing it a lot now in churches and politics. It is difficult sometimes filtering truth from fantasy.

[@dianacalahorra9467]

We need a new accurate movie, to show it to our youth. History always repeats itself.

[@carlosreyes5371]

Guyana Tragedy, starring the late Powers Boothe, is convincing enough...

[@Blackadder367]

History repeats if people refuse to learn.

[@Pepsolman]

Play it to the MAGA cult.

[@rockytopvfl8350]

@@Pepsolman funny considering they were a bunch of leftist socialist you dumbass

[@Pepsolman]

Rockytop VFL a capitalist madman used authoritarian rule to capitalize on the vulnerable and broken people there. It had nothing to do with the economic structure.

[@caseystrange]

Oh my Goodness! This is from 1979 and it was uploaded by the film maker! Thank you, Mr. White! This is very early in the game. And it includes interviews with many people from the Concerned Relateives group out of San Francisco who were instrumental in getting Leo Ryan to visit Jonestown. Tim and Grace Stoen know a lot more than they are telling people. Tim filed a lot of frivelous law suits against People's Temple. One on behalf of a member whom he assisted while in the temple in incriminating himself on documents. The footage though is a true gem and time capsule. There is a lot to be learned from this film.

[@tuutts39]

I absolutely agree with your Stoens angle. Tim especially. He was a viper for the church.

[@kelly3014]

Jim Jones was a narcissistic from the beginning. He wanted power, and he got it through the guise of religion. Those poor, poor people....

[@MTD4dz]

Yer this is the individual at the core of socialist and communist ideals. I always tell socialists to go and research Jonestown

[@M60gunner1971]

The Peoples Temple was a front for Jim Jones closeted homosexuality. He packed their fudge.

[@stacischuck3844]

@@M60gunner1971 he may have been bisexual are even preferred men but that has nothing to do with the movement he created and the various crimes committed the guise of religion. Lots of gay people don't become cult leaders

[@usamarafieck1715]

He also was suicidal?

[@phoradio1277]

@@usamarafieck1715 is that a question? Yes Jones was very suicidal. Even before the Exodus you can hear the tapes and he is urging people to prepare for their deaths. He would state that before him the people had nothing to live for and now he was giving them something to die for. One of his favorite lines was, "I'm just so tired of it all I wish I could just bring it all to a glorious halt in one final act but I can't do that because of you and it would be the death of the movement".

[@n4musica]

It’s crazy how at the beginning he seems like such a normal pastor. Growing up, I had a pastor that reminds me of Jim Jones early in this documentary. Kind, warm, knows everyone’s names... I loved that church. I remember wanting to go there to spend my birthday with my church friends rather than school friends. Not that that’s a problem, but I think that’s how they get got. Build a loving support system, then isolate, then belittle/make them think that the only people that would want them are in their community, then they’re trapped :( It could happen to anyone of us.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Does happen. It's called domestic violence.

[@formernifb6864]

Jim Jones was a homosexual also an extreme communist he once stated the Holy Bible is a "paper idol" And he said he needs to get rid of it he currently burning in hell.

[@ronaldshank7589]

It happened to me! Thankfully, though, God had somebody in place to tell me that I was going the wrong way, and I snapped out of it! It took years to totally break free, but I thank God that he helped me to get away from those people! They looked Godly on the outside...but a good many of them were rotten on the inside... including the "Pastor" & his Wife. No more for me-never, never again!

[@user-cy4vw1qj9m]

@@ronaldshank7589 it's awful. Tg some got out. What else can I say. I remember when it happened too bad for words

[@gowdsake7103]

Did you escape from the lie of the church tho ?

[@Al_NERi]

Despite all the material I've seen over the years about Jonestown I have never before seen that aerial shot from the helicopter as it circles the pavilion in slow descent. My heart practically jumped into my mouth.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I still don't see 918 dead, tho. A bit confused by that.

[@IsmailofeRegime]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Many of the dead were underneath other people.

[@philyeary8809]

@@IsmailofeRegime bullshit. Dr Mootoo calls that a lie. Know who he is?

[@jaelzion]

I was 14 when this happened and growing up in San Francisco. This event cast a long shadow over my childhood. I'll never forget getting dressed for school while watching those incredible pictures of all the bodies.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

This is an incredible harrowing and brutally honest historical document. Very well explained how good members of society can be manipulated

[@barnabyhughes5656]

This is the best documentary I have seen regarding Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. I particularly like the sensitivity and respect they show when interviewing the survivors. I'm also very impressed with how the narrator quoted scripture from the Bible regarding Jesus and the apostle Paul's warning about false prophets. I recommend this documentary to everybody to watch as a cautionary tale of when Satan takes hold of a church.

[@scarlettbutler2873]

This is probably the oldest doc on Jonestown and certainly the best.

[@purplealiensdotcom4362]

I've never seen this documentary either, as others have mentioned. This has a lot more in it than later ones, such as exactly how the members were treated, and it gives more insight as to how one could be deceived and led by Jones. In my quest to understand, this got me closer than other, later documentaries.

[@jonesy2892]

That one woman being interviewed said children were receiving electric shocks in that church. Anyone who knew about that and still stayed in the church and went on to Jonestown was complicit in child abuse. It's hard to feel sorry for them when you hear crap like that.

[@Ravie3]

Yeah I can't feel very sorry for the adults, especially the ones with children, who knew about this stuff and went along with it. The Peoples Temple had been around for so long that some of the adults were young adults who had been raised in the cult since childhood, and they may not have known any better, but anyone who joined as an adult, knew about the abuse, and still went along with it was an enabler of Jim Jones at best.

[@vintageragdoll1991]

I had no idea about some of the details in this documentary. This was approximately only a year after what happened.

[@CanadianMonarchist]

If I saw someone beating a child with a paddle, I would intervene and call the police. Unfortunately in those days corporal punishment was more common and more elaborate, so it wouldn’t have shocked people to the same degree. It was also a gradual thing. 3 whacks with a belt led to 75 whacks with a paddle.

[@neilcooper9508]

Yes iv thourt this meny times myself thay must have been potty thay supposed to hav witnessed all that with there own kid befor thay even went to Guyana and still went

[@BrianSmith-yq7ys]

Allot of people did actually leave. Some people were repulsed pretty much immediately

[@frazzleface753]

Superb documentary focusing on the people who were actually there in the run up to Jonestown. A lot of the details they impart are missing from other documentaries, particularly the sheer scale and scope of physical and psychological abuse going on at the temple.

[@mk202]

Omg Jan was so beautiful. Her father was so broken. Poor man.

[@SolidStateGamerSSG]

One of the most powerful documentaries of the 20th century. A parable for our time. Leadership should be able to be questioned.

[@thabsmkhize2481]

Wow. What a powerful production. Thank you to those committed to the truth and, really, saving lives. I guess I'm so touched because after 7 years, I left a church (read cult) with so many similarities to Jonestown. Grateful to have left. Thank you, Mel White - beautifully directed.

[@averagevotersmith3326]

Very interesting documentary. Its an amazing story. I've always wondered how Jim Jones manipulated so many people. I'm curious - if 75% of the People's Temple was Black, I'd like to have heard from a few more Black people and their survivors in the documentary.

[@codex3048]

@Tobie Sky Yes, and it's worth noting that Jones's inner circle who orchestrated and supported the murder-suicide were all white (Annie Moore, Carolyn Moore, Larry Schact, others).

[@melveny]

I had to scroll really far down the comments to find this post. Most people haven't taken the time to research the demographics of the victims (the movie and documentaries are very deceiving) or how this all was actually orchestrated. If people actually go through the FBI docs and read Michael Prokes statement in its entirety it is obviously an act of genocide. There is literally only one media source for it jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=13683. Jim Jones is only a fraction of the operation.

[@dwightstewart7181]

Most of the blacks died at Jonestown. Jim Jones built a fairly traditional organization. Blacks often led as people people, greeting new members, socializing, serving meals, and similar. Whites with technical skills managed the business side, meaning many remained in the United States. As a result, more whites survived.

[@AncientDJs]

Great quality documentary, thank you for posting it.

[@drpool2424]

Thanks Pastor White. This is a classic documentary. I’m hoping you get 1,000,000 views!

[@nafiysamuhammad4208]

No matter how many times I hear this story or others it Never fails to strike something within my spirit

[@karenallen938]

@Mel White - I've never seen this documentary. I have viewed and read everything on Jonestown that I have run across. Thanks, Mr. White for providing this video. I was 16 when this happened. I have never forgotten. Be blessed, today and always! =)

[@ilshyf]

Thanks for posting this wonderful documentary. I'm South Korean and don't have a religion but this American tragedy always fascinates me. I think that Peoples Temple was "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" for these people and they payed a disproportionately heavy price...

[@djhoneylove5710]

This is the most insightful documentary I've seen on this subject, and it was made in 1979. Decades of time were not needed to process what is obvious.

[@Sensual_kumquat]

Wow. Prob the best documentary ive watched on jim jones.thank you for posting.

[@flavirostris1972]

If you watch the NBC footage of Jonestown on 17/18th November 1978, you can see Jones realising that its all slipping away from him, as more and more followers choose to leave with the Congressman. His power is ebbing away. Its written on his face. That seems like the main reason he took the course of action he did.

[@WinnerWinnerEmmaDinner]

Thank you Mr White for uploading this.

[@jeanlucpicard4225]

so many lessons - we can - we must learn from this documentary... thanks a lot

[@stellajones1261]

Jean Picard. Trumps Cult. Need to watch this documentry

[@Lovinlife1234]

Watching your child get beaten 75 times??!!!...and the member allowed that??!! No way in hell would I ever allow that!!!!!

[@pallasathena1369]

I know! These "parents" were getting hugs and love from each other... More important than their kids being beaten... Something wrong in their heads...

[@hiswayservicesblog9288]

That's how he worked. I just finished reading A Thousand Lives, a book specifically about these people who were taken in by Jones. It's horrible. He treated them like a true father so much that by the time he was going psycho on them, they were convinced that anything he did was acceptable!

[@pallasathena1369]

@@hiswayservicesblog9288 trauma bonding like a form of Stockholm syndrome, but in my mind seeing their children suffer should have shaken them awake. I was reading about Hedda nussbaum and the Lisa Steinberg case, she did the same, way their free basing cocaine while her boyfriend battered their 6 year old to death. Hedda was battered too, I just have zero sympathy for her as she had plenty of opportunities to at least remove the child from the situation.

[@Allanhorns]

@@pallasathena1369 it did shake some of them, but not enough. The one's who left early on ended up dead for most of them, and those who left before the big trip also had to fear for their lives. Jim Jones drugged, sleep deprived, and used their deepest secrets to keep them bound to him. The one's who went to jonestown worshipped him, so they weren't going or had the option to leave. Even the last day only around 20 left with the congressman, and a good bit of them ended up dead. Personally I think People's temple started out organic, but then Jim Jones became an asset for intelligence and Project Monarch. He recorded everything, and you only do that to both use as a study for manipulation and also as a means to drone on and on 24/7 over loudspeakers. A lot of the politicians who helped him to power are still in power today. Also, a lot of the inner circle was CIA and intelligence connected. I think that Jonestown was a CIA project that got "pulled".

[@stephaniebarg9441]

My goodness how awful.

[@lica1598]

I could watch these over and over. So fascinating yet so tragic.

[@niamhryan9677]

This is an excellent documentary. There is some very interesting research material here. This was made a year after the massacre. Thank you

[@lolasmom5816]

That dad broke my heart. I'm a parent too. I cant imagine. He was so supportive and hopeful for his baby. Then he was fighting to save her. I'm sure he blames himself but there was nothing he could do. He couldnt stop her from following her dreams and he couldnt ever imagine what the outcome would be. We realize the risk of these cults today but back then they didnt know. They didnt know how awful things could go. Jonestown taught us that lesson.

[@hiswayservicesblog9288]

I read about him. I was so disgusted by the hell Jones put these people through when in the beginning he truly made them feel loved, some for the first time in their lives!

[@amycrumedy6586]

Ain't no way in hell would my parents sit their and watch as their kids are beaten with a board.

[@thabsmkhize2481]

75 times!!! Not a chance!

[@Jambo6813]

Thank you for posting this Mel. I appreciate your work. Blair Gadsby

[@suzvalentino1901]

Mills made me laugh when she said Jones cared about everyone individually, WRONG the bastard was trying to find your weak points so he knew how to bring you down.

[@JEBPsych]

He was a narcissist, sociopathic F word. Just evil. He took advantage of those people who were just looking for a way to belong.

[@julietgrant8021]

my children are in a cult..tears come to my eyes when i see these things.. im in Trinidad in the Caribbean. i wish i could help them..

[@suzvalentino1901]

@@julietgrant8021 I am so very sorry to hear this you have my prayers for your children.

[@CanadianMonarchist]

@@julietgrant8021 Praying for your children to get out of the cult

[@BrianSmith-yq7ys]

I think what she meant is he concentrated on every single person as they were a commodity that he needed

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Great interviews with Jeanne Mills (aka Deanna Mertle), Al Mills (aka Elmer Mertle), and their daughter Daphene. All 3 were executed on Feb. 27th, 1980 in an unsolved case, but on the deathtape Jones vows revenge against them and Tim and Grace Stoen, also interviewed here. The latter survived, but their son didn't! That was Jones' revenge against them. The source of the big custody battle. Christine Miller asks, "you want to see John die?" Of COURSE he did! That's part of his revenge!

[@jfkcamelot]

John Victor Stoen was Jim Jones' natural child.

[@CriticalThinking-ql2hh]

He ensured even if you lived, you would always be touched by this tragedy. He trusted and cared about nobody.

[@HovaNirvana]

Morris Gibb Was there definitive proof of that? I find it curious that the Stoens never claimed his body.

[@inkyguy]

Investigators do not believe Peoples Temple had anything to do with the killings. One member of the family, the son, Eddie Mills, survived his family members' deaths.

[@irishchupacabra4182]

It’s a pretty sure thing the Mills’ son was responsible. The prosecutor didn’t think there was enough evidence, but gun shot residue was present on his hands. Plus he was in the house when it happened and somehow survived and was completely unaware they’d been shot. Yeah...

[@raeehlen1737]

kudos to these few who were smart enough to get the F out.

[@deniawiseone95]

3 of them interviewed (last name mills) were finally killed. Son supposedly did it but not enough evidence

[@clash4421]

Some of them didn't even know what they were getting themselves into, like Christopher O'Neal.. He just followed his girlfriend (Brenda Parks) there.. luckily, he was one of the ones to survive.. But he ultimately died a tragic death a few years ago --- when he charged at cops with a knife after they were called to his house over a domestic issue.. Cops shot him in self-defense..

[@IsmailofeRegime]

Keep in mind that it wasn't simply a case of being "smart enough." If you joined Peoples Temple you'd be pressured to give all your money and belongings and even sell your house to the Temple. Members were supposed to want to live communally, in Temple-owned properties, where food and other basic necessities would be guaranteed to them free of charge. In addition, many members had to sign false statements claiming they committed criminal acts (molested their children, plotted to blow up government buildings, committed fraud at their workplace, etc.) to make sure they wouldn't "betray" the Temple. There were also death threats made against those who left, not merely Jones claiming he could use godly powers to strike people down but also Temple members going to ex-members' homes and physically threatening them. So for many who thought about leaving, escape wasn't seen as a viable option since they felt they had nowhere else to go.

[@TaraToonlay]

Not a case of intelligence

[@stephenchalmers71]

@@TaraToonlay I agree. It was a case of wisdom, or lack thereof.

[@lindadubberly2458]

I do hope and pray the survivors and the survivors families know that was not of God !!!!!! Please don't blame God !!!!

[@Blackadder367]

God exist same as pinocchio

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

@@Blackadder367 Don’t mock God! It’s blasphemy!

[@jonathangonzalez8082]

God is a piece of paper

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

@@jonathangonzalez8082 Stop your blasphemy god knows everything, he is very real and Jesus Christ his son knows everything too. Heaven and hell are very real, choose your side in this life because once you are dead you don’t have a second chance!

[@lindadubberly2458]

@@jonathangonzalez8082 GOD IS YOUR CREATOR OUR CREATOR, FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS THAT WE SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT TO HAVE LIFE AND MORE ABUNDANTLY !! YOU SEE STUFF LIKE THIS IS FROM SATAN IF HE CAN MAKE YOU BELIEVE GOD WOULD DO THIS THEN YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE IN GOD AND THEN SATAN HAS YOU !!!! GOD IS LOVE NOT SUICIDE AND DESTRUCTION !!! I BELIEVE SATAN CAME ON SOME OF THEM AND CAUSED THEIR GREAT DESTRUCTION ! GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND !!! PS NOT YELLING REALLY BAD SCREEN AND I NEED GLASSES !!

[@alanmorris7669]

I bought his book (DECEIVED) from a Zayre department store for $1.75, back in 1979 when I was in Junior high school. Now, I'm finally seeing his film after 4 long decades!

[@mk202]

Alan Morris ZAAYYAHS

[@remym4790]

Very good documentary, Mel. And thank you for the upload.

[@00lys00]

Very interesting. Thanks for uploading.

[@mothershelper1981]

Excellent documentary. I remember too well when this happened, the horrific headlines and pictures in the newspaper. So many people, it was unfathomable

[@margaretroselle8610]

Excellent documentary, thank you! The best lesson my father taught me in life was to question everything; to be a critical thinker.

[@katalinhorvath8139]

Thank you for this Mel!

[@awg7068]

This is a very good study on how these types get people in their control!

[@tanyatroxler5303]

It’s a smaller example of how Hitler brainwashed an entire nation. When will people learn that Socialism/Communism kills.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

I’m from New Orleans, and I gotta say, that father at the end is positively devastating. Too much!

[@BrianSmith-yq7ys]

Its almost as if he JJ stole her compassion and used it against her

[@SeanP7195]

Damn, dude turned over 21 homes in California to the Church and I get depressed when I pay too much for a couch.

[@obscurus4339]

Boi, I get depressed when I pay too much for a bottle of soda.

[@terrishahill35]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@forreal245]

@@obscurus4339 ...Love it. So do I.

[@stephen-john1677]

😂 😂 😂 😂

[@reggaetonjones1988]

I'm introducing this documentary to my friend for the first time right now. He is a younger fellow and has no connection with this event. He is watching with baited breath, unable to believe such a horrible thing could occur. I'm telling him, that if he doesn't question authority, it could easily happen. Always question your leaders. If they cannot or will not answer your questions, you need to go elsewhere. If you do not, you can potentially be deceived.

[@karonalexander5477]

Stumbled across this documentary. How well done !! Question everything and be careful who you trust.

[@vonbarnes2700]

Still watching today never can forget since watching the documentary in high school in 2013

[@trishazechel8402]

This was a great Documentary. Moreover, this is why its so important to be well grounded in the Word of God..If it does not line up with Scripture..get out! The Glory goes to God and not man. Plus your Salvation is based on the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ ..not on works alone.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

You could do all that at home. Never hand over money to ANYONE who has WAY WAY WAAAAYYYY more than you do. Screw those "churches." They own all the real estate because they don't pay taxes and foster child rapists. They care about themselves and $$$$$$$. Please get it right. Hope there's a big enough room in hell for them all.

[@ejz2017]

Damn and I thought Scientology was f*ucked up..

[@NaturalElicia]

ed zietz I was thinking the same thing!

[@serpentine8562]

Scientology is evil in other ways.

[@bondatcom26]

Hahaha Scientology is tame in comparison

[@Bysanthus]

Peoples Temple isn't fucked up anymore. They're all dead.

[@bettyscoggins7769]

SAME THING.

[@rebeccagriggs3262]

What a tragedy, especially the 200 and something children, my heart aches for them to this day. I was 15 when this horrific tragedy took place. Jim, the liar and deceiver, just as satan is the same

[@allabored4443]

300+

[@malvaparker6618]

It was 305 children.

[@wendyann3333]

Seed of satan People have to stop following miracles, signs and wonders and follow Jesus

[@malvaparker6618]

@@wendyann3333 Amen!!!

[@gowdsake7103]

🤣🤣😃😃😂😂

[@elainejsta]

The decision to end this documentary playing the agony and hysteria recorded during the last hours there is equal parts ingenious and haunting.

[@adrn205]

It's hard for me because of listened to the tapes of people being scolded, and the group would cuss them down. They were horrible to others. They're purpose was all about love, but they were filled with hate.

[@MsSwwood]

This is what happens when people worship their pastor instead of Jesus. John 10:10

[@theoarthurbaker9910]

thank you. you hit the nail on the head. and if they had faith in god .then how did this man threw the bible away in church and said there is no heaven and not jesus and no god and then said did any lighting strike me down/when he did that in the church they all should have walk away and know that they was in the devil house/ he was staight up and said he is everything they wanted him to be ,also their god and they all still stayed.god did not exist in their life any more because he was their everything.

[@terilefevers6189]

Saundra Waller Exactly. I can not recall who stayed that a good Pastor will encourage people to think for themselves and not be aftaid to face questions... even the difficult ones. They are 100% correct. God bless.

[@terilefevers6189]

THEO ARTHUR BAKER I agree with you to a point. Yes at one time these poor unfortunate souls had this evil man placed up there with God in their minds... however I think we should be careful about saying that they never found God at all. I may have misunderstood what you said though. God bless.

[@GRMLS5]

The followers of any cult ignore the Ten Commandments, Jones threw out the Bible & lied to his African American followers by saying it caused their oppression, because of slavery in USA, they followed the man not God, because they then associated the USA Government, based on the TEN Commandments, with cruelty, racism & segregation & victimisation, while his white congregation where in group guilt mode, they too failed to think for themselves, nothing in the Ten Commandments approves slavery, on the contrary, it clearly states we are not slaves. He told his followers that the bible was promoting injustice, a barefaced, easy to refute, lie. Jesus directed his followers to the word of God...the Ten Commandments in the Bible...in the Ten Commandments Gods states exactly what he wants humans to be & do..all we have to do is know them. He loves Humanity & wants us to be kind to each other. Slavery & racial segregation practiced in America was contrary to the Ten Commandments. It's frailty of humans, not Gods word that should have been at issue. The availability of the truth i.e. the Bible so easy to get hold of in many versions for a literate populace, & the simple message of the Lords Pray, about personal responsibility, once said every morning by school children & politicians, totally ignored & literally thrown away, shows that far too many people are stupid, Jones knew that. The biggest thing to be ignored is the Commandment....no other Gods before me. So Jones denied Jesus Christ & his Dad & the idolaters followed Jones. They chose poorly.

[@terilefevers6189]

GRMLS5 very well said.

[@ilovethetampabaylightning92]

This is an excellent documentary. I’ve seen several of them but this is especially fascinating. Very well done.

[@dionmarbury]

All of those sweet, beautiful children. Gone. 😢

[@captainbeastazoid7084]

That section with the father visiting Jonestown just after the murders was absolutely heart-wrenching.

[@michellekirwan-woods7623]

I've studied this for years. It's so incredibly sad; these were truly good people searching for something.

[@chrismelton569]

It was saddening to see the father looking on the deceased victims list and saw her name on the last page and he cried. Made me almost cry. Jim Jones was evil incarcerate.

[@LethalSaliva]

Yeah😟. Many times I cry when I hear people, especially women, crying. The distress and emotion you hear in their voices just breaks your heart💔.

[@desicatz]

I'm 100% sure I'd never fall for anything like this. I keep my spiritual side to myself. Church has its merits for some people, I suppose, but not to me. God and church are two different things and I'm glad I recognize that, unlike a lot of people. Church is man made, God is not. I have pity for these people who wanted to gain love, acceptance, a united brother and sisterhood. I admire what they wanted to gain, because I want that too, but I also have to roll my eyes at their naiveté. Cons have no power without fools. Never listen to anyone, but yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world, and NEVER let someone else dictate what the change is, to you.

[@hieronymuslarsson1388]

I pity them too, as I can kind of feel their longings. The appeal of a warm, welcoming tribe, where people need each other and know each other, and feel purpose, in contrast to the comparatively cold, anonymous industrialized society with it's inferior substitutes of community. So I don't disparage those who search alternatives, but it seems you really need to stress the advice that they never abandon their own brains.

[@03raq]

I think the same, but you could also easily be deceived daily by people you meet, siblings, parents, boyfriend or girlfriends, friends. Someone that might have a manipulative trait on their personality and knows how to use it, you might fall for it. Maybe not entirely but parts.

[@YanniQ2.0]

Right I was actually just thinking the same thing, I respect your opinion and comment, however be careful of saying "I would NEVER..." because if there's one thing I've learned from experience you NEVER know what life's circumstances and situations will bring you and no one is ABOVE ANY experience. Everyone's life' experiences and perceptions are at different times and can vary depending on situational events and you sometimes will find yourself at a place you've perhaps once said you WOULD never be or the VERY place you had once judged someone else's naivety, and swore YOU yourself would NEVER GO. We all can say "WOW how could they have not seen that coming..!!!???.". Or in hindsight vision is definitely more vivid. You just NEVER know. Right?. lol

[@covergirl7086]

desicatz ❤️

[@djmulluns]

desicatz that's called discernment God gives us all discernment

[@floydq8]

superb documentary

[@newt1834]

He wasn’t wearing his Elvis glasses at the beginning.

[@MrsP474]

He wasn't on drugs at the beginning.

[@jenrobinson7883]

Ikr😎

[@julianakleijn9254]

ray bans....hiding drug eyes since the 1970's!

[@Shteno]

Well,Elvis also didn't look like an overweight pig at the beginning, too!

[@sosolin100]

Thanks you this. I am currently reading your book on Jonestown and the People's Temple. I really like the perspective you take. I have read many books on the subject, but I must say, I like the way you present it the best.

[@patrykmowse]

Mr White, you have done a great service uploading this. The tragedy is so sad, and needless. Reason and questioning are the basis of Christian faith, I believe. Thank you.

[@andrewhoyle1521]

How any parent can just stay still while their children are being beaten should be ashamed of themselves. U don't need to confide in someone get ur ass up and leave!!!!!

[@lauriej.5706]

Those parents were cowards not to defend their children. People need to understand this kind of brainwashing and learn how to stand up to it.

[@andrewhoyle1521]

@@lauriej.5706 absolutely 100%. More importantly we all need to get out of the tribal mentality. Just because others are doing it, doesn't mean u should. And yes cowards 1000% shameful

[@gowdsake7103]

Ummm its in the buybull

[@CanadianMonarchist]

@@gowdsake7103 Child abuse is not in the Bible.

[@user-hy1od6by1w]

​@gowdsake7103 you've been in these comments nonstop. We get it. You're miserable and the internet is your escape from reality.

[@onenamlit3861]

Jean and Al Mills, along with their 15 year-old daughter Daphene (all featured in this film), were executed in their Berkeley CA home on Feb. 26, 1980. The murders have never been solved, though some evidence points towards their son Eddie, who was 17 and in the home at the time of the shootings.

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

I like this documentary! I loved how it began with the children's choir singing and then switched to the empty church to show the whole outcome of this cult. When he said "They're dead now" really made my stomach roll. It's well made and very informative! Very good interviews.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Not entirely true. A lot of those never went to Guyana to start with. He said that for drama, sorry.

[@rep3e4]

an excellent video, very well done, well worth watching. For these people the warning signs were all there, very sad, and there was absolutely no need to all die, what crap!

[@gilsgal6094]

I have seen many documentaries concerning the Jonestown tragedy, but this is the first time I have seen this one. I appreciate the point of view concerning this from a Christian stand point. I too believe that it is important to remember that the poor folks who were trapped in this terrible mess were no different than any of us who feel the notion that " I would never get mixed up in something like this". There were many factors involved in that era (Vietnam, protesting, government, etc.), and plus remember that Jim Jones was very shwed; he knew how to talk to folks, how to get them to trust him. The Temple followers were not crazy, they were just a product of the times. My heart grieves for the children and the youngsters who had no choice, that is why they were poisoned first. Thank you for posting this. By the way, what is the name of the second song with the lyrics "Hold on brother, we'll make it through.."? It sounds right out of the 1970s. Who sings it, please?

[@gowdsake7103]

Yet you still have not figured out the christian con have you ?

[@wilsonbrownofficial2828]

@@gowdsake7103the Christian con? Please elaborate.

[@gowdsake7103]

@@wilsonbrownofficial2828 If you havent worked that out by now your beyond help. A few hints tho ZERO creditable EVIDENCE of god Jesus or the sacrifice to himself for himself for the sin that he created, for a whole long weekend

[@moniquemonicat]

"People's Temple" that's the problem right there. The Temple is God's and for worshiping God -- not for a temple for people! People so lonely and in search of companionship should join a social club for their social needs and realize that a Temple is for worshiping GOD not social club. But sounds like that's what they were seeking: PEOPLE, not God. Being a master at manipulation of words and meanings Jones knew that--so in a sick way he was being honest with them right-in-yer-face calling it a people's temple. Strange the members didn't see that right off the bat in its very name "people's temple." Words and their meanings are very important. Temple's aren't made for people, they're made for God.

[@lynnkayee1015]

While it turned out to be more social, the origins of the name wasn't much more than a statement to the original location. The Peoples Temple was not started in California like many believe, and the name came from the same reasoning as the move...blatant racism. Jones (before he was just completely batshit crazy) started in an area that was very socially segregated. There were many occasions in which white people got upset that he didn't have a one race church or at least force blacks to be in the far back. So the name was more of a way to both welcome and warning by making it clear all you needed to be for acceptance there is a human being who will accept human beings that all want to worship God. Also, I'm not so sure I get what you mean by they wanted social not worship. Don't most places of worship offer missions, fundraisers, clinics of sorts and charity? Please don't take it like I'm trying to be rude, I'm curious. What I've noticed is that while they do speak about the social aspect, most members mention how nice it was to have that community BECAUSE they shared religious belief. Like saying they were the oh place to practice what it preaches. They just went the extra mile. PLEASE let me know if I'm not getting it because I'm kind of slow at times lmao.

[@MrNicMachiavelli]

You babble too much nonsense.

[@ummno3703]

you sound just as brainwashed by an entity you have no proof exists.

[@vilmacamacho9402]

Hind sight is 20/20

[@forreal245]

These were very uneducated, lonely people seeking outside "validation" & someone to love them. Pitiful how stupid they were.

[@119Agent]

I don't think I've seen Jeannie and Al Mills before and they are main contributes here telling their story from the start. Poor family was murdered in their home shorty after this documentary was released. This is a great documentary Mel that really humanizes the members instead of making them look like crazy cultists to be made fun of.

[@119Agent]

Jeannie literally predicts her family's own death month later @32:40.

[@sn4rff]

i'd never seen this documentary before, thanks for sharing it.

[@leeanneh315]

This is one of the best documentaries. This was always one of those tragedies I'd heard about but didn't know much about. Started reading up on it and watching what I could find, and that monster was just pure evil. It'll be interesting to see the new movie White Night that is in production. It will be interesting to see how Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Jim Jones.