The story of Jack Parsons reads like a film noir movie script, except that it is all real. Parsons was a highly creative and intelligent self taught scientist who formed JPL (Jet Propulsion Labs) and with a select group of individuals literally brought the idea of the rocket from science fiction into the real world. At the same time he was a ideological maverick, a student of the strange and eccentric religious system of Aleister Crowley known as Thelema and lived a open alternative lifestyle with multiple partners and an open approach to sexual exploration – all this in the 1930’s and 40’s !
Parsons also seemed to attract disaster, early in his career he provided advice to the court against a number of local policemen, who according to evidence, were blowing up those who stood in their way or in the way of their local mayor. He also worked “magick” with L.Ron Hubbard (yes, that LRH of Scientology fame), who, if the records are correct took off with Parson’s woman and $20,000 he had conned from him. The last fact is hotly disputed by Scientology today who claim Hubbard was working against Parson’s on behalf of Navy intelligence, an interesting claim, if only there were a shred of evidence to prove it ! The upshot of all this was that after a series of bizarre occult experiments and periods of mental instability, Parsons was killed in an explosion in his home lab in 1952. The question of why he died is still open to debate…
This fascinating documentary examines the wild and eccentric life of Jack Parsons, his unique contribution to science and technology and his obsession with the strange beliefs of Aleister Crowley as well as his membership of the esoteric organisation the O.T.O. It includes interviews with key figures including historians, scientists, current members of the O.T.O and includes scenes from this orders occult rites including the Gnostic mass. Interviewees include Adam Parfrey of Feral House books and Lon Milo DuQuette, a well known occultist and author.
Jack Parsons Jet Propelled Antichrist is very professionally made, once again Reel Time has made a documentary which clearly is the result of solid research, rather than sensationalize an already controversial subject, it offers lots of good background on both the science and radical spirituality of a significant figure in the history of modern rocketry. Jack Parsons Jet Propelled Antichrist is also packed with rare photographs, original footage and images, interviews and fascinating ritual sequences.
