Helter Skelter (1976) (TV)

Director:

Tom Gries

Writers:

Vincent Bugliosi (book) and
Curt Gentry (book) ...

Release Date:

1 April 1976 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Plot:

The investigation of two horrific mass murders leads to the capture and trial of the psychotic pseudo-hippie Charles Manson and his "family".

Plot Keywords:

Manson | Murder | Charles Manson | Trial | Cult

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

George DiCenzo	...	Vincent Bugliosi
Steve Railsback	...	Charles Manson
Nancy Wolfe	...	Susan Atkins
Marilyn Burns	...	Linda Kasabian
Christina Hart	...	Patricia Krenwinkel
Cathey Paine	...	Leslie Van Houten
Alan Oppenheimer	...	Aaron Stovitz
Rudy Ramos	...	Danny DeCarlo
Sondra Blake	...	Ronnie Howard
George Garro	...	Rosner
Vic Werber	...	Lt. Brenner
Wright King	...	Friend
Jon Gries	...	William Garretson
Edward Bell	...	Sgt. Hank Kruger
Roy Jenson	...	Punchy

Also Known As:

Massacre in Hollywood (USA) (video title)

Runtime:

119 min | USA:194 min (original version) | USA:184 min (DVD version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Norway:18 | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Lorimar Productions

Trivia:

The Manson's "Family" car was the original one used by them, which was loaned by the authorities.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The Tate/LaBianca homicides took place in 1969. Yet some of the squad cars that are shown when the LAPD responds to the Tate house are 1971 Dodge Polaras. Besides being incorrect for the year of the murders, the LAPD patrol cars of the era were 1968 and 1969 Plymouth Belvederes.

Quotes:

Charles Manson: "You beat a man with a whip... and he likes the whip... (laughs) you're just makin' a fool of yourself!"

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Liar Liar (1997)

Soundtrack:

Piggies

The weed among the flowers

I had to hunt through the local video stores before I found one with this film available. I remember seeing the two-part TV version, but this 119 minute video release still bothers me just the same.

Steve Railsback is as close to Charles Manson as one can get. He presents the same manic intensity in his eyes as the news photos of Manson at the time. Maybe a little TOO well...

This film is essentially two films in one. The first half details events leading up to the arrest and crimes of Manson and company, the second half details the trial (and the script is taken mostly from the actual court transcripts).

Anyone who insists that Manson was "crucified" or "framed" should examine his criminal record, and read what he has stated about Jews and blacks. Manson presented the image of a hippie messiah, but preached hatred and bigotry. This film shows him for what he was (and still is); a manipulative, violent, hate-filled man.

Remember that this is the man who once said: "Maybe I should have killed four or five hundred people...then I would have felt better. Then I would have felt I really offered society something."

God bless you, Vincent Bugliosi. You did us all a favor!