AllMovie

In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace goes behind the scenes of cults and how some cults carry their fanaticism to deadly heights. This episode examines some of the most infamous cult-related suicides, including the Branch Davidians mass suicide in Waco, TX and the deaths of the members of the Heaven's Gate cult. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with federal agents, law enforcement professionals, and reporters, all of whom have had firsthand experience with these drastic cult activities. Some former Heaven's Gate members talk about what being part of that cult was like and how hard it is to escape from the psychological reaches of the cult. There is also footage from the CBS News archives of the fiery attack of the Branch Davidians compound in Waco.