| Helter Skelter | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Helter_Skelter_(1976_film).jpg) DVD cover of Helter Skelter | |
| Genre | True Crime Crime Drama Thriller |
| Based on | Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi Curt Gentry |
| Screenplay by | 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 | English |
| No. of episodes | 2 |
| Production | |
| Producers | Philip Capice Lee Rich |
| Cinematography | Jules Brenner |
| Editors | Byron "Buzz" Brandt Bud S. Isaacs |
| Running time | 184 minutes |
| Production company | Lorimar Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | April 1 – April 2, 1976 |
| Infobox instructions (only shown in preview) | |
Helter Skelter is a 1976 American true crime drama thriller 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 cinemas, with additional footage including nudity, foul language, and more violence.
The movie is based on the murders committed by the Charles Manson Family. The best-known victim was pregnant actress Sharon Tate. The title was taken from the 1968 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 home of victims Rosemary and Leno LaBianca. It recounts the murders Manson committed, the investigation, and the 1970-71 trial, in which prosecutor Vincent 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 Mini-series 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.