'Death to the Fascist insect that preys on the life of the people!' With that incendiary battle cry, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) declared war on the United States. Like the Weather Underground, the SLA were a small, tightly-knit group of 70s extremists who were fed up with America's intervention across the globe, particularly in Vietnam.

The SLA's most infamous act was to abduct Patty Hearst, daughter of multi-millionaire publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, to force him to give away millions of dollars in food to the poor. In a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome, Patty Hearst began to side with her kidnappers and joined them in a series of daring bank robberies, decked out in revolutionary beret and machine gun! The final showdown between the cops and the SLA ended in a firestorm that consumed a city block and left a trail of dead.

'a riveting account of this demented and scarcely believable story. A staggering climax' endlessly fascinating.' -Film Threat

'Engrossing. Recalls both Errol Morris and Bus 174 (MIFF 2003) in its thrilling investigation of 70s outlaws.' -Village Voice

'superbly researched and constructed. Brilliant.' -Variety

D/P Robert Stone WS Jane Balfour TD Video/Col, B&W/2003/90mins

Robert Stone was born in the UK. Films include: Radio Bikini (1987), The Satellite Sky (1990), American Babylon (2000).