The Hippie Temptation

About This Movie

So, 'The Hippie Temptation' is this fascinating CBS special from '67 that's got a really raw, almost gritty feel to it. You’ve got Harry Reasoner as the host, guiding you through the kaleidoscopic chaos of the Haight-Ashbury scene. The pacing is pretty fluid, mixing intimate interviews with some trippy street footage that really captures the essence of the LSD experience—both the bliss and the bummers, which is rare for this kind of documentary. What stands out is the way it doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of the counterculture, making it feel more like a snapshot of a complex reality rather than just a glorification of the hippie lifestyle. Plus, that footage of The Diggers and all the street scenes is something else, really brings the era to life.

This documentary is a bit of an odd duck in the collector's market. Released only as a TV special, finding a physical format can be a challenge—most copies are bootlegs or rare archival finds. It’s not just nostalgia; there’s a genuine interest in how it captures the zeitgeist of the '60s. Enthusiasts often seek this out for its unique perspective and the authentic street footage, which isn’t easily available elsewhere.