Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

I was curious to see the outcome of this vicious crime done in 1969 and its consequences.Dubbed at the time by a French-Canadian dubbing company (Sonolab), this was an excellent rendering of this egomaniac guru that was Charles Manson, accompanied by his "Family" who did this horrible massacre, especially that the murders (especially actress Sharon Tate, as widowed husband Roman Polanski suffered this loss... and went into dire consequences as we know today...) still give chills the way it happened.Though Steve Railsback had a very good role in "The Stunt Man" later, I still remember him with the role of Manson: its looks and the attitude stills marks me today. Was real convincing in my books.Most of the actors were not mainstream, but were excellent with a good script and good direction. Rare thing for a made-for-TV movie at the time. And I did not forget the late George Di Cenzo, who did a great job as the role of the prosecutor...I write this 40 years after I watched it, and knowing the real Charles Manson won't read this, he just left for his "Helter Skelter" world...

Personally I Think That The Story Of Charles Manson Has Always Been Something I Can Only Describe As F#ucked Up, This Guy Controlled People To Kill People He Never Met. The Movie Is A Courtroom Drama, Whereas From What I've Seen Of The Remake Its A Point A To B Film. I Have To Say Something About Steve Railsback's Performance, He Played Manson A Little Too Well, I Could See He Was Trying His Best To Make Him Seem Realistic And He Did It Very Well.The Plot Is That Manson Is On Trial But With No Actual Murders Next To His Name And With That He Could Walk Away A Free Man.Overall I Liked This Movie, There Are More Reasons As To Why I Like This Film Then Railsback's Performance As Manson And I Actually Recommend This To Anyone Whose Interested In This

This is without a doubt one of the best made for TV movies of all time Because it shows how the authorities were able to solve one of the most horrifying crimes in US history And indeed the cast none of whom could be considered "stars" all did an outstanding job in their roles.And in particular Steve Railsback as Charles Manson created a role that will be remembered forever.Also good was veteran character actor George DeCenzo as Asst DA Vincent Bugliosi who's put in charge of prosecuting the Manson Family. Also excellent were Nancy Wolfe as Susan Denise Atkins Marilyn Burns as Linda Kasabian who's testimony was largely responsible for the conviction of The Manson family.And indeed the entire cast was excellent and included many faces that were familiar to movie fans including Paul Mantee as Sgt Oneal(who gained some fame as the star of Robinson Crusoe on Mars his only leading role)And in the role of Judge Older was actor Skip Homeir.And indeed the end of the first part shows a sneering Mansons face which even now is quite scary.Irecomend this movie which is far better then the 2004 TV Movie of the same name.

I saw this movie in 1976 when I was 16 years old and it scared me to death. The first half came on Thursday night and I did okay with that. The next day I bought the book and watched the second half of the movie. The book states "the book you are about to read will scare the hell out of you". And it did. When I went to bed that night, I had nightmares so vivid that I could see the killer's car pull up in front of my house. This terror went on for several nights more and I decided that I was too dang scared to read the book so I threw it in a dumpster. It was 15 years before I would pick that book up again and actually be able to read it. Even then though, it frightened me something terrible. I rented the movie on VHS a few times and it scared me each time, but I loved the movie. I now have it on DVD and I watch it from time to time. The movie, with the clothes and hairstyles is indeed dated but it is still an excellent movie. On a scale from one to ten, it is a ten. I have since read the book numerous times, but I always heed the warning about it scaring the hell out of you. Anyone that has not seen this movie needs to see it. For me, it is not about the control that Charlie had over his family that is so evil. It is the fact that there are people in this world evil enough to do what they did to their helpless and innocent victims. These murders changed the U.S. forever and maybe that is why people are still so interested in this murder case, and that includes me too. I read everything I can find about the case, the victims, the killers and everyone else involved. I would like to be in contact with others that are still interested in this bizarre story. My contact information is maryaha@yahoo.com.