A Good (Misleading) Movie About A Harmful Cult: ‘Synanon’ Reviewed

It’s usually not a good sign when you can find true crime movies available on a subject. In the case of Richard Quine‘s 1965 film Synanon, at the time it was being made it wasn’t known that Synanon was (or would become) a cult. Otherwise it’s fair to assume it would’ve been presented differently or the choice to film at the actual facility in California would’ve been reconsidered.

What’s unfortunate about Imprint’s Blu-ray is that because there aren’t any bonus features this very important context is completely absent. Even the text on the slipcase doesn’t hint at the scandal so that viewers can know to do some research before taking this film’s rosy portrayal of Synanon’s rehab program at face value.

Not that it comes across entirely well anyway. As newest member, Zankie (Alex Cord), questions, it basically seems like Synanon’s idea of a program is to insult its vulnerable patients who are suffering from substance abuse problems. Outside of that, it doesn’t seem like they have a plan to help “dope fiends” (their choice of words – apparently “addict” isn’t as fun to say). The film does do a good job of the lead-up to Zankie checking in, though, with him spending some time at a carnival first.

The film doesn’t even make it clear whether there’s a membership fee to join Synanon. There are enough scenes of them courting wealthy patrons and using their talented patients (like Eartha Kitt) to raise money so (by that logic) funding must be important, yet it seems like Zankie just walks in off the street and is allowed to stay, without any conversation about whether he can afford treatment.

It’s very curious, too, that in a film that is supposed to be showing the important work Synanon is doing that it was felt necessary to address the legal problems already being faced by its leader (Edmund O’Brien‘s Chuck Dederich). The tone of the closing text is how ridiculous – this guy who’s helping people shouldn’t be facing jail time for zoning violations. What a bunch of red tape, but the whole of Synanon’s crimes hadn’t even been exposed yet.

If it’s possible to separate art from the truth, though (and the first step is making sure viewers are aware of the truth, or what’s come out in the years since – Imprint should’ve done that), Synanon is actually a very gripping movie with some phenomenal performances. Is it propaganda? Absolutely, and Synanon’s logo pops up everywhere. Located right off the beach, it doesn’t seem like a bad place to stay and get clean.

What can’t be taken away from Synanon (the movie) is the incredible ensemble cast that’s been assembled. Stella Stevens is great in everything she does. Here she plays Joaney, a young mom who’s only been clean for 10 months and is feeling the stress of an impending visit with her son. By contrast, Chuck Connors’ Ben has been clean for years but his progress is immediately threatened by Zankie’s arrival (they have history).

The handling of the plot may be questionable but every actor in this film gives a lived-in performance that makes it impossible not to care about their characters’ progress (Bernie Hamilton and Richard Evans are two other standouts but the list goes on). Add in a catchy jazz score by Neal Hefti and Synanon has a lot to recommend it (which is more than can be said for the real Synanon).

Synanon is available on region-free Blu-ray from Imprint Films.