Helter Skelter (1976)

Directed by

Tom Gries

Genre

crime film, trial film, crime literature

Country

United States

Runtime

3h 14m

Rating

6.9 of 10 from 69 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

This TV film recounts the murders committed by Charles Manson and his followers in 1969. It shows the investigation and the trial where prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi built a case connecting Manson to the killings.

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What happens

Helter Skelter is a 1976 American true crime drama thriller television film based on the 1974 book by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry. In the United States, it aired over two nights. In some countries it was shown in cinemas, with additional footage including nudity, profanity, and more violence. The movie is based on the murders committed by the Charles Manson Family. The best-known victim was pregnant actress Sharon Tate. The title was taken from the 1968 Beatles' song of the same name. According to the theory put forward by the prosecution, Manson used the term for an anticipated race war, and "healter skelter" [sic] was scrawled in blood on the refrigerator door at the home of victims Rosemary and Leno LaBianca. It recounts the murders Manson committed, the investigation, and the 1970-71 trial, in which prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi attempted to draw connections between the Manson family and his violent convictions. The 1976 film, directed by Tom Gries, stars Steve Railsback as Manson and George DiCenzo as Bugliosi. Writer JP Miller received a 1977 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best TV Feature or Mini-series Teleplay. In 2004, the book was adapted for a second made-for-TV movie, written and directed by John Gray and featuring Jeremy Davies as Manson. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

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