The Arkansas compound expands its evangelical membership and finances, creating an intricate web of lucrative businesses. Local and federal government tax officials take notice. Tony Alamo becomes tyrannical upon the death of Susan.

Edith Opal Horn (later Susan) meets Bernie Lazar Hoffman (later Tony Alamo) in Hollywood, CA. They wed and form the Alamo Christian Foundation in 1969. After frequent criticism about its evangelical practices, it relocates to Arkansas.

Fugitive Alamo is captured, imprisoned, but continues to run his empire. Former members try to extract family members remaining. Upon release, government services detect evidence of deeper than evangelical love of their leader by the female adult and child members.

The membership of the Foundation begins to fracture as Tony's tyranny grows with his paranoia about the government cases. Tax troubles and membership defections create a fearful environment. Alamo goes fugitive.