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Peter AdairThe Holy Ghost People (1967)

Ground-breaking example of "cinema verite" filmmaking at its best!
This documentary explores the individual experiences of Pentacostal Christians. Film culminates with ceremonial handling of poisonous snakes. Ironically, it is the preacher that gets bitten.


This movie is part of the collection: Feature Films

Director: Peter Adair
Sponsor: CFH3 Media, LTD.
Audio/Visual: sound, B/W
Keywords: snakes; religion; Christians; ceremony; ecstacy; Pentacostal

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Reviewer: bestpbx - - June 6, 2009
Subject: Nice and non-judgmental
I do not practice Christianity the way these folks do. But, it was very interesting to watch and I like that the film does not make fun of these people for their belifs. They seem like very sweet people.

Reviewer: BonnieSmith - - February 2, 2009
Subject: Trip down memory lane
I loved the video!
I grew up in Scrabble Creek, and know most every-
body in the movie. I was Church of God, not
Holiness (Bonnie Gray), but my cousins were,
Freda and her kin, who are all in the movie.
My uncle Bill built the church next to our house,
which is still there, my brother Alf still lives
there, as does my sister Thelma who has the diner
in the old Greyhound bus station, which is in the
intro to the movie. My husband Rick downloaded
the video and made a DVD for Freda (Toe) and her
sisters. As a teenage girl I'd attend their
services once in a while, and they were all
loving Godly people. This world would be a much
better place if everyone was as full of God's
love.

Reviewer: DianneC - - April 28, 2008
Subject: I LOved It1
I dont believe in handleing snakes, unless you happen onto one, and you have to kill it, but I LOVED the humblness of the people. I wish there could be more of the Holy Ghost People around to preach the truth and you could FEEL Gods Spirit each day!Praise God for His Wonderful Son and for the sweet Holy Ghost!!!

Reviewer: Whitelynx - - November 26, 2007
Subject: Beautiful indeed...
Really worth watching both as a historic document and as a movie...

Reviewer: silver&preacher - - June 5, 2007
Subject: This was a blessing to watch
I am a full time evangelist, also a serpent handler. You know we also drink poison, and handle fire. This was a great video it was such a blessing to watch the saint of the old days worshiping God. As you can tell by watching this documentary that these people are true to their belief, it is not a show but praise unto God. You can tell they have a great love for God and one another. Over the years our church has shrunk considerably, yet though we may have lost followers we have lost absolutely no power. Thank god though that the church is now beginning to grow again with leaps and bounds in the great states of Alabama mainly Alabama, but also in Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky , The Carolina’s and in Virginia, and West Virginia. People are once again hungry for God and Love of their fellow man. The bile says in Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
And in Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
If you hunger and thrust after righteousness you shall be filled.

Reviewer: heroworship - - February 18, 2007
Subject: Scrabble Creek Holiness Church
This film is shown in university anthropology classes which deal with magic, religion and witchcraft and sociology classes regarding group hysteria, influence and community cohesion.

An unbiased look at a little-known religious sect as related in the poor, rural and isolated community of Scrabble Creek, West Virginia. The brief narration merely introduces the documentary which it told through the parishioners words and actions during one of their meetings at a Holiness Church.

This version is a slightly cleaner visual copy than the standard VHS. The audio is clean.

Both mp4 files must be downloaded as the film is split into 2-parts, something which should be noted on the file names. Subtitles or a transcription text file would be appreciated for those using this film to teach or study purposese.

Reviewer: Supersensor - - January 29, 2006
Subject: Get Both Parts
This is a fantastic film. If you have any interest in spirituality, Shelby Lee Adams, (the photographer,) or folk-gospel music, you should grab this. DO make sure you download BOTH mp4 files, as this is a two parter.

Reviewer: punkfrog - - January 29, 2006
Subject: eerie
A look into the christian cults of the american backwaters. Well done.