This documentary is further proof – if it were needed – that history and parapsychology do not mix. Where it sticks to the facts of the Manson Family and the Tate LaBianca murders, it does a decent job, even with intelligent speculation such as the likelihood indeed the probability of as yet undiscovered bodies buried in the desert. When however it brings in the ghostly angle, well, best take that with a grain of salt. Or maybe a boulder.
The really interesting speculation here, one that is seldom mentioned even by those who are old enough to remember the investigation and trials first hand, is the possible indeed likely personal motivations of Manson, which had little or nothing to do with the lunatic ideas of fomenting a race war, but with the more pedestrian one of embitterment. Charles Manson was a songwriter who had ambitions, and when these were thwarted, he turned on those he held responsible.
Manson was introduced to music producer Terry Melcher by Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, but Melcher turned him down, perhaps for reasons more related to Manson's personality than his music. Melcher had actually lived at 10050 Cielo Drive where Sharon Tate and her friends were murdered on that fateful night. If Melcher had signed Manson, he might have put his criminal past behind him and today be an acclaimed songwriter. Although they are not performed here, some of Manson's songs have been recorded, and it has to be said, they aren't at all bad.
Alas, the same cannot be said for the "spook" angle of this documentary. There are interviews, reconstructions and archive footage, but no credible evidence of hauntings.
The really interesting speculation here, one that is seldom mentioned even by those who are old enough to remember the investigation and trials first hand, is the possible indeed likely personal motivations of Manson, which had little or nothing to do with the lunatic ideas of fomenting a race war, but with the more pedestrian one of embitterment. Charles Manson was a songwriter who had ambitions, and when these were thwarted, he turned on those he held responsible.
Manson was introduced to music producer Terry Melcher by Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, but Melcher turned him down, perhaps for reasons more related to Manson's personality than his music. Melcher had actually lived at 10050 Cielo Drive where Sharon Tate and her friends were murdered on that fateful night. If Melcher had signed Manson, he might have put his criminal past behind him and today be an acclaimed songwriter. Although they are not performed here, some of Manson's songs have been recorded, and it has to be said, they aren't at all bad.
Alas, the same cannot be said for the "spook" angle of this documentary. There are interviews, reconstructions and archive footage, but no credible evidence of hauntings.
