Recovering alcoholic Charles Dederich opens a drug rehabilitation programme. Synanon, as he names it, soon attracts celebrities and non-addicts who donate their time and wealth. The community grows into a movement that expands across the country.
Chuck establishes the Synanon religion and maintains their tax-exempt status. However, his utopian vision warps into a nightmare as he becomes authoritative, compelling members to weigh their choices.
Chuck's behaviour becomes more belligerent and abusive. He forms a military-like boot camp for delinquent children where corporal punishment abounds. TIME Magazine publishes "Swinging at Synanon" and Chuck sues for $76 million as his paranoia grows.
In 1977, the Los Angeles Times reports on the nine-day abduction of Frances Winn by Synanon; Chuck spends $62,000 on guns and ammunition; sentenced to five years probation, Chuck loses everything and dies in a nursing home.
Rory Kennedy
Director
Producer
Mark Bailey
Keven McAlester
Nancy Abraham
