The Rise and Fall of Synanon

Get shocked at this exploration of Synanon—part of Cinefamily's Sects, Cults and Mind Control series—about the drug rehab cult "by the sea" in Santa Monica. Founded by diabolical tough guy Chuck Dederich, whose mind was altered in a government LSD experiment, the AA-style society devolved into beatings, arranged marriages, shaved heads... you get the idea. Get a glimpse into the warped group at this presentation of archived materials, found footage and a screening of the rare 1965 tame film version Synanon, co-starring Chuck Connors and Eartha Kitt. Cult expert Paul Morantz will be on hand to talk about his experience suing the cult and encountering firsthand threats from members.