CZM Rewind: Part Two: The Last Days of L. Ron Hubbard
Sep 12, 2024
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Michael Swaim, known for his sharp insights on pop culture, and Abe Epperson, a talent in storytelling, dive into the chaotic last days of L. Ron Hubbard. They dissect Hubbard's eccentric ambitions in filmmaking, with humorous critiques of projects like 'Revolt in the Stars.' The conversation highlights the absurdity of his life, his isolated routines, and the bizarre creativity within the Church of Scientology. Light-hearted banter pairs with insights into cult dynamics, painting a surreal portrait of Hubbard's unhinged legacy.
L. Ron Hubbard's last days were marked by severe health decline, characterized by unkempt appearance and significant paranoia about perceived threats.
His controversial 'purification rundown' treatment for drug addiction, while ambitious, raised safety concerns due to its misleading scientific foundation and reported fatalities.
Hubbard's creative pursuits in film and literature, like 'Revolt in the Stars' and 'Battlefield Earth', reflected his ambition yet culminated in financial and critical struggles.
Deep dives
The Decline of L. Ron Hubbard
In the waning days of L. Ron Hubbard's life, his health deteriorated significantly, marked by a decline in both physical appearance and well-being. Former associates described him as unrecognizable, with long, unkempt hair, decaying teeth, and symptoms of excessive stress and paranoia. During this period, Hubbard's lifestyle became increasingly isolated, retreating to a ranch in Southern California, believing himself to be under constant threat. His wife, Mary Sue, escalated protective measures, including guarding him with dogs she claimed could identify enemies from past lives.
Scientology's Purification Rundown
Hubbard developed a controversial treatment known as the 'purification rundown', which he claimed could cure drug addiction through extreme doses of vitamins and sauna sessions. This treatment evolved from his earlier GUK vitamin regimen and was inspired by misconceptions about the effects of LSD on the body, based largely on anecdotal evidence. Despite claims of its efficacy, the purification rundown has been linked to several fatalities, raising concerns about its safety and underlying scientific basis. Hubbard's unwavering belief in this therapy underscored his delusion of grandeur and ambition to save humanity from drug addiction.
Failed Film Aspirations
Hubbard's interest in filmmaking culminated in a screenplay titled 'Revolt in the Stars', designed to showcase the high-level Scientology teachings related to Xenu, a pivotal figure in the religion's lore. Despite the absurdity of the plot, which included fantastical elements like aliens being bombed in volcanoes, Hubbard was convinced that his film could revolutionize Scientology's image. His attempts to establish a film production company were fraught with disaster, leading to financial ruin due to his lack of industry knowledge and the challenges of directing. Ultimately, his delusions only deepened as he struggled to control the chaotic environment of his fledgling film projects.
Battlefield Earth and Beyond
As his health declined further, Hubbard turned his creative energies to write 'Battlefield Earth', an expansive science fiction novel that he hoped would reclaim his past success as a writer. With the Church of Scientology's resources behind him, he orchestrated a massive promotional campaign for the book to ensure its success among members and the public. Hubbard's ambitions culminated in plans for an even larger follow-up series, 'Mission Earth', consisting of ten lengthy installments. However, his passing in 1986 prevented him from witnessing the release of these works and their mixed reception in the literary world.
The End of an Era
Hubbard's death was shrouded in secrecy, marked by the Church of Scientology's efforts to manage the narrative surrounding the circumstances of his passing. Reports indicated that he died with traces of psychiatric medication in his blood, fueling speculation and controversy regarding his health and reliance on traditional medicine. Following his death, the church presented a carefully crafted eulogy that emphasized his purported spiritual legacy and downplayed the complications of his final years. His enigmatic life ended amidst heightened scrutiny, leaving behind a contentious legacy intertwined with the very fabric of Scientology.
