Helter Skelter (1976 film)
| Helter Skelter | |
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DVD cover of Helter Skelter
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| 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 Alan Oppenheimer Read Morgan |
| Theme music composer | Billy Goldenberg |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of episodes | 2 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) |
Philip Capice Lee Rich |
| Running time | 194 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Lorimar Television |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Television Distribution |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Original release | April 1 – April 2, 1976 |
Helter Skelter is a 1976 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 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 on the refrigerator door at the house of one of the victims. It recounts the murders Manson committed, the investigation, and the 1970-71 trial where prosecuting D.A. 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 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.
The film premiered with a household share of 36.5, ranking it the 16th highest rated movie to air on network television. The film was also shown on TV stations in Los Angeles, although there were reservations about this and fears of bad memories for the film appeared seven years after the Manson murders.
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