Helter Skelter (1976 film)

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).

Contents

• Erika sawajiri helter skelter movie trailer
• Cast
• Ratings
• Versions
• 1977 Emmy Awards
• Directors Guild of America
• Edgar Allan Poe Awards
• References

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.

Cast

George DiCenzo as Vincent Bugliosi

Steve Railsback as Charles Manson

Nancy Wolfe as Susan Atkins

Marilyn Burns as Linda Kasabian

Christina Hart as Patricia Krenwinkel

Cathey Paine as Leslie Van Houten

Alan Oppenheimer as Aaron Stovitz

Rudy Ramos as Danny DeCarlo

Jon Gries as William Garretson

Marc Alaimo as Phil Cohen

Paul Mantee as Sergeant O'Neal

David Clennon as Harry Jones

Eileen Dietz as Family Girl

Carole Ita White as Big Sal

Larry Pennell as Sergeant White

Bruce French as Officer Ocher

Howard Caine as Everett Scoville

Adam Williams as Terrence Milik

Jonathan Goldsmith as Hank Charter

Robert Ito as Drees Darrin

Bart Braverman as George Brewer

Ratings

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.

Versions

There was a cut and censored 2-hour version released on VHS by Key Video in 1985, and a uncut and uncensored version made for TV and Released on DVD in 2004. The 2-hour Key Video VHS is now out-of-print, and as of 2015, neither 20th Century Fox nor Warner Bros., the latter of whom has begun to acquire some of Lorimar's films, has announced any plans to release a new VHS or DVD of the 2-hour version. For these reasons, copies of the original Key Video 2-hour VHS can be found online being sold for very high prices.

1977 Emmy Awards

Nominated, Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special (Dramatic Underscore) – Billy Goldenberg

Nominated, Outstanding Directing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy – Tom Gries

Nominated, Outstanding Film Editing for a Special – Byron Brandt, Bud S. Isaacs

Directors Guild of America

Nominated, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Specials/Movies for TV/Actuality – Daniel Petrie

Edgar Allan Poe Awards

Won, Best Television Feature or Miniseries – J.P. Miller