Manson is a 1973 documentary film by Robert Hendrickson and Laurence Merrick[1] about American criminal and cult leader Charles Manson and his followers, known as "The Family". Narrated by Jess Pearson, the film explores the origins of Manson and his disciples, and the lead-up and events of the Tate–LaBianca murders. It was initially distributed by American International Pictures, with re-releases handled by Tobann International Films.[2]
| Manson | |
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.jpg) Film poster | |
| Directed by | |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Jess Pearson |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Clancy Syrko |
| Music by |
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| Distributed by | American International Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 83 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Content
editThe film deals with the "Manson family" and has many interviews with the members of the group, including Charles Manson, "Squeaky" Fromme, and Sandra Good.[3] It contains original footage of the Manson Family at their Spahn Ranch compound, Devil's Canyon, their Barker Ranch hideout in Death Valley, the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles and various other locations.[4]
Post release
editWhen "Squeaky" Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, the Manson film was banned by United States district court Judge Thomas McBride in order to preserve Fromme's constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial. Robert Hendrickson's freedom of speech was thus set aside and the matter was taken by the ACLU to the Supreme Court.
Soundtrack music for the film was created by Brooks Poston and Paul Watkins, two former Manson associates. As well, music performed by the Manson Family can also be heard on the soundtrack.[5]
Accolades
editIt was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.[6][7][8]
Home video
editThe film was released legitimately on VHS in 1987, but because of an alleged mafia plot Hendrickson spent much of the 1990s suing eBay for allowing bootleg dvd copies of the film to be released. The film has been released and sold in limited copies on DVD signed by Hendrickson on Amazon before his death in 2016.[9]
In popular culture
editThe documentary was sampled by American nu metal band Slipknot. The band sampled part of an interview with Corey Hurst for their song "742617000027", which appears on the band's debut album Slipknot (1999). In the interview, Hurst says, "The whole thing, I think it's sick."[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ MUBI
- ^ FilmAffinity
- ^ Yuko, Elizabeth (26 July 2019). "Manson Family Movies: 11 Streaming Films Go Inside Terrifying 1969 Cult". Rolling Stone. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
- ^ Donaghey, River (20 November 2017). "Watch This Chilling Manson Documentary from 1973". Vice.com. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
- ^ Thomas, Bryan (June 9, 2015). ""Manson": The 1973 documentary that told us "We are what you have made us"". Nightflight.com. Archived from the original on 1 September 2019. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
- ^ "Manson (1972)". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2008. Archived from the original on 25 March 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2008.
- ^ Wood, Natalie; Wagner, Robert (1972). Documentary Winners: 1973 Oscars. Oscars (YouTube). Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
- ^ 1973|Oscars.org
- ^ Federal Judge Hands EBay Victory in Copyright Lawsuit - Law.com
- ^ "Slipknot's '742617000027' sample of Corey Hurst Interview scene in Manson". WhoSampled. Retrieved 20 August 2019.