Reframe Spotlight: 'Lord of the Universe'

Produced by Top Value Television (TVTV), this 1974 documentary looks at Prem Rawat (then known as Guru Maharaj Ji) and his event at the Houston Astrodome called "Millennium '73." TVTV, headed by director Michael Shamberg, follows Rawat leading up to the event, which was attended by over 20,000 people. A separate storyline involves a man named Michael who has come to Houston to receive "Knowledge" from Rawat. Once Michael has received the "Knowledge," he defends the secrecy behind the rituals. Michael's experiences are contrasted with interviews with former followers of Rawat, recounting their initiation and later disillusionment with his teachings. The doc also includes anti-Vietnam War activists Rennie Davis and Abbie Hoffman.

When the film aired on PBS in '74, the Chicago Sun Times called it "highly recommended viewing" and that it was "a clever, ironic and eventually devastating documentary."

To rent or buy Lord of the Universe, go to the Reframe Collection.