Guyana: Crime of the Century
“The movie that dares to tell the truth behind the most shocking crime of the century!”
Synopsis
This horrific dramatization of the Guyana tragedy traces the steps of Reverend Jim Jones, a highly charismatic, but profoundly paranoid clergyman, who after years of evangelism and good deeds, begins his own church in the mid-western United States. When Jim Jones becomes increasingly obsessed with the belief that the CIA is "a wicked enemy" who is out to get him, he emigrates with his congregation to Guyana, where he plans to create a utopia. But Jim Jones' utopia consists of a society where he demands his followers turn their minds, bodies and possessions over to him, one that is rife with orgies, physical violence, mental torture, and sexual abuse of children and adults. Ultimately, Jim Jones' paranoia reaches a fevered pitch that culminates in him taking savage action against his own congregation. (VCI Home Video)
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Guyana Cult of the Damned (1979) trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-07-21
Top Cast
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Stuart Whitman
Rev. James Johnson
John Ireland
Dave Cole
Joseph Cotten
Richard Gable
Bradford Dillman
Dr. Gary Shaw
Gene Barry
Congressman Lee O'Brien
Jennifer Ashley
Anna Kazan
Yvonne De Carlo
Susan Ames
Nadiuska
Leslie Stevens
Tony Young
Ron Harvey
Robert DoQui
Oliver Ross
Erika Carlsson
Marilyn Johnson
Hugo Stiglitz
Cliff Robson
Carlos East
Mike Sheldon
Tito Junco
Thomas
Dana Baker
Commune Member
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 25, 1980
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- René Cardona Jr.
- Screenplay & Story
- René Cardona Jr., Carlos Valdemar
- Original Score
- Alfredo Diaz Ordaz, Nelson Riddle, George S. Price, Bob Summers, Jimmie Haskell
- Original Title
- Guyana: Crime of the Century
- Country of Origin
- Mexico, Panama, Spain
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Production Studios
- Re-al productions International, Conacine, Care, Ízaro Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
René Cardona Jr.
René Cardona Jr., Carlos Valdemar
Alfredo Diaz Ordaz, Nelson Riddle, George S. Price, Bob Summers, Jimmie Haskell
Leopoldo Villaseñor
René Cardona Jr.
Department Leadership Roster
René Cardona Jr.
Screenplay
René Cardona Jr.
Director
Carlos Valdemar
Screenplay
René Cardona Jr.
Producer
Leopoldo Villaseñor
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Guyana: Crime of the Century.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guyana: Crime of the Century
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Guyana: Crime of the Century about?
This horrific dramatization of the Guyana tragedy traces the steps of Reverend Jim Jones, a highly charismatic, but profoundly paranoid clergyman, who after years of evangelism and good deeds, begins his own church in the mid-western United States. When Jim Jones becomes increasingly obsessed with the belief that the CIA is "a wicked enemy" who is out to get him, he emigrates with his congregation to Guyana, where he plans to create a utopia. But Jim Jones' utopia consists of a society where he demands his followers turn their minds, bodies and possessions over to him, one that is rife with orgies, physical violence, mental torture, and sexual abuse of children and adults. Ultimately, Jim Jones' paranoia reaches a fevered pitch that culminates in him taking savage action against his own congregation. (VCI Home Video)
Who directed Guyana: Crime of the Century?
Guyana: Crime of the Century was directed by René Cardona Jr..
Who stars in Guyana: Crime of the Century?
The principal cast of Guyana: Crime of the Century includes Stuart Whitman, John Ireland, Joseph Cotten, Bradford Dillman, Gene Barry.
When was Guyana: Crime of the Century released and how long is it?
Guyana: Crime of the Century was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.
Who composed the musical score for Guyana: Crime of the Century?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Guyana: Crime of the Century was composed by Alfredo Diaz Ordaz, Nelson Riddle, George S. Price, Bob Summers, Jimmie Haskell.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Guyana: Crime of the Century?
Guyana: Crime of the Century holds official age classifications: FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).