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Deep Dive: Class Action Park (2020)

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Class Action Park
Class Action Park is a documentary about the infamous Action Park in Vernon Township, New Jersey, which opened in 1978. The film chronicles the life of Eugene Mulvihill, the park's founder, who became wealthy through pump-and-dump schemes and envisioned the park as having 'no rules.' It features interviews with former guests and employees who reflect on the park's dangerous attractions, such as the Cannonball Loop and the Alpine Slides, as well as the overall culture of the park. The film also addresses the park's poor safety record, including the cover-up of George Larsson Jr.'s death in 1980, the first fatality at Action Park. It discusses Mulvihill's legal issues, including a land dispute with New Jersey, and suggests that he may have corrupted local officials. The documentary concludes with reflections on the legacy of Action Park, comparing it to modern schemes like Fyre Festival and Theranos.

Why Watch

  • •See the dangerous rides like the Cannonball Loop.
  • •Meet Eugene Mulvihill, the park's controversial founder.
  • •Find out about the cover-up of George Larsson Jr.'s death.

Did You Know

•Action Park was nicknamed 'Traction Park' and 'Accident Park'.
•George Larsson Jr. died on the Alpine Slides in 1980, the first death at the park.
•The film premiered on HBO Max a week after the Florida Film Festival in August 2020.
•96% of 52 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes were positive as of October 2021.

Perfect For

Amusement park historyTrue crime stories1980s nostalgia