This is How Movies Should Be Made

Boring

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

Blistering performances.

There have been numerous versions of the Manson saga made but this is the best by far IMO. All the principle actors & even the supporting cast give excellent portrayals, further, the script hits all the important point points from Bugliosi's book of the same name.The director hit a real phenomenal late 60's vibe than transcends all aspects of the production to the smallest details although I am sure there are a few gaffs in terms of specifics but I cannot quibble.I am no Manson fan & yes, I've read 'The Family' if you are more interested in the internals of the Manson family that is the source book to go to, this film details more from Bugliosi's book which of course was his view as a prosecutor, Ed Sanders of 'The Family' book details the other side of this coin nicely.Special praise to Steve Railsack, he nails his Manson portrayal & no one else ever came close. This film comes highly recommended!

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.

After watching the recent version of the Manson murders "Helter Skelter" (2004) I looked up the 1976 TV movie to have a look at. This version is pretty much a straightforward adaptation of the bestselling book with author and prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi (here played by George DiCenzo) narrating events throughout.The film covers the investigation of the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders and the trial of Charles Manson, hippie-cult leader, and members of his 'Family' for the killings. Although aliases are used for some of the characters, things are pretty easy to follow and nearly phase of the investigation and trial are covered within a full three hours.The staging of it is accurate, with good reproductions of the murder scenes, grand jury indictments and the courtroom. The murders themselves are still dramatised but they are not shown in full with mere flashes of the tragedy mingled in with witness testimony. Despite this, the story is not nearly exploited enough for full dramatic impact.Although Steve Railsback does a credible job as Manson and is actually quite frightening in some moments (especially when he threatens the doomed Shorty Shea), the film does not allow enough scope for him to really develop the character. Also the film does not mention the Vietnam War, one of the reasons for the hippie-cult movement from where Manson picked his followers. The portrayal of Irving Kanarek, Manson's defense attorney (here named Everett Scoville), effectively reproduces the man's destructive attacks on the prosecution witnesses, yet more could have been derived from the buffoonery of his obstructionist tactics.Astonishingly, the portrayal of Vincent Bugliosi is alarmingly dull. Now George DiCenzo is a good fit for the part and he is clear and precise throughout, but he completely misses the sheer passion of the man for his work or the way he does not suffer fools gladly (these traits are evident in all his books and in TV interviews). As a result the film does not have a charismatic hero, and the strange relationship between him and Charles Manson (where Bugliosi comes to understand his quarry, as Manson forms a grudging respect for Bugliosi) is not fully exploited or even explored until virtually the end of the film.A very good effort, and no doubt chilling at the time, but it just wasn't dramatic enough for my liking.

This film is quite long but it is definitely worth sitting through! It is quite simply the best made-for TV movie ever made and held it's head high as the most popular made-for TV movie in history for several years and with good reason. It is a meticulously accurate portrayal of the crimes of Charles Manson and his "Family" and brags an absolutely chilling performance by Steve Railsback as Charlie. All of the actors and actresses in this film put on stellar performances in particular Marilyn Burns is heart wrenching as she breaks down on the witness stand with her portrayal of Linda Kasbian, the one "family" member involved in both nights of murder who did not actually murder anyone and who would later turn state's evidence and help secure their convictions. The scariest thing about this film is the reality of it. The fact that people like this actually exist in this world is very frightening as is the idea that one man could convince so many others to lie, cheat, steal and ultimately kill for him. There was a re-make to this film made in 2003 which leaves a lot to be desired but if your going to watch anything, watch the original. The re-make delves a bit more specifically into the murders themselves but this film is based on fact and court transcripts. Watch also for a special appearance by Eillen Dietz (Linda Blair's stunt double and the face of the demon Pazzuzu in "The Exorcist") as one of Manson's disciples.