Class Action Park 2020

Class Action Park takes an intriguing look at the life of Eugene Mulvihill, a penny stockbroker who amassed wealth through dubious pump-and-dump schemes. The film narrates the story of how he came to establish Action Park in Vernon Township back in 1978, a place he envisioned as an amusement park operating under “no rules.”

In its first two acts, the documentary presents a series of reflections from former guests and employees of Action Park, as they share their thrilling yet perilous experiences on daring attractions like the Cannonball Loop, SuperSpeed Waterfalls, Alpine Slides, and the Tarzan Swings. These narratives paint a vivid picture of the park’s environment and the reckless culture it fostered. Alongside this, we witness Eugene Mulvihill’s life journey, including his various legal struggles that frequently revolved around the park’s operational ethics. A notable incident involved a land dispute with the state of New Jersey, ultimately settled when local officials grew weary of Mulvihill’s antics.

The latter part of the film shifts focus to the harrowing and dangerous realities of Action Park, exposing the tragic fatalities that occurred on-site. One poignant story revolves around the death of George Larsson Jr. in 1980, the first fatality at Action Park while he was riding the Alpine Slides. This incident was shrouded in secrecy as the park attempted to obscure the truth, claiming that Larsson was an employee and suggesting he was on the slide during a rainstorm—both assertions were false. The documentary also raises allegations about how Mulvihill may have corrupted local officials during the park’s operation, in addition to discussing the eventual decline of Action Park and the subsequent passing of Mulvihill.

As the film concludes, interviewees offer their reflections on the legacy of Action Park, drawing parallels to contemporary schemes like the infamous Fyre Festival and Theranos. One interviewee describes it as an “’80s movie in real life that will never happen again,” provoking thoughts about the potential for history to repeat itself. Furthermore, it is revealed that Donald Trump once considered investing in the park but decided against it, deeming Mulvihill’s concept too risky.

The closing moments of the documentary are particularly poignant, featuring footage of George Larsson Jr.’s mother and younger brother visiting his grave, serving as a somber reminder of the human cost behind the park’s reckless reputation.