Helter Skelter - Night of the Long Knives

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Movie
Original title Helter Skelter
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1976
length 194 minutes
Rod
Director Tom Gries
script Vincent Bugliosi
Curt Gentry
JP Miller
production Philip Capice
Lee Rich
music Billy Goldenberg
camera Jules Brenner
cut Byron Brandt
Bud S. Isaacs
occupation

Helter Skelter - Night of the Long Knives is an American television film directed by Tom Gries from the year 1976 . The film describes the crimes of Charles Manson and his gang. The film name comes from the Beatles song of the same name . This song is said to have served Manson as a source of inspiration for the crimes. The film is the first television adaptation of the bestseller of the same name by the author duo Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry. In 2004 the topic was filmed under the name Helter Skelter .

action

The film begins with excerpts from life on the Mansons farm. Here he lives with women and men who accept him as a leader. Manson exploits the farm residents financially and sexually and preaches an imminent end of the world. He eventually instigates some members to kill wealthy Los Angeles residents . The family members murder the LaBianca couple and actress Sharon Tate . After the perpetrators have been identified, public prosecutor Bugliosi searches for the motives for the act, which seems completely pointless. Through interrogations, he gains insights into the confused world of Manson, who wanted to trigger a race war and a revolution through the acts. The people of the United States should blame black people for the murders, which would have caused unrest in Manson's mind. Bugliosi indicts the criminals and passionately demands the death penalty. After the verdicts have been pronounced, Bugliosi and Manson have a final conversation. Bugliosi tells Manson that he played no political or social role at all and was only responsible for three senseless murders. In the credits it is noted that the death penalty has been converted into life imprisonment and that from 1978 the perpetrators could petition for clemency.

Awards and nominations

1977 Emmy

  • Nominated: Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special (Dramatic Underscore)
  • Nominated: Outstanding Directing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy
  • Nominated: Outstanding Film Editing for a Special

Directors Guild of America

  • Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Specials / Movies for TV / Actuality

Edgar Allan Poe Awards

  • Best Television Feature or Miniseries

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