Helter Skelter (1976 film)

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This article is about the 1976 film. For other uses, see Helter Skelter (disambiguation).
Helter Skelter
Genre True crime
Running time 194 min.
Written by Vincent Bugliosi
Curt Gentry
JP Miller
Directed by Tom Gries
Starring George DiCenzo
Steve Railsback
Nancy Wolfe
Marilyn Burns
Christina Hart
Cathey Paine
Music by Billy Goldenberg
Country of origin USA
Language English
Original channel CBS
Original run April 1, 1976 – April 2, 1976
No. of episodes 2
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Helter Skelter is a 1976 TV 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 theaters with additional footage (nudity, language and more violence).

The movie is based upon the murders committed by the Charles Manson Family. The best-known victim was actress Sharon Tate. The title was taken from the 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 [albeit spelled incorrectly] on the refrigerator door at the house of one of the victims.

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 MiniSeries 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.

[edit] Production notes

The car used by the family in the film was the original one used by them, which was loaned by the law enforcement authorities. The LaBianca house sequence was filmed at the actual crime scene. Much of the dialogue from the courtroom scenes was taken from the actual court transcripts.

[edit] External links