Manson (film)


Manson is a documentary film made in 1973 about Charles Manson and his followers. It was directed by Robert Hendrickson and Laurence Merrick.

Content

The film deals with the "Manson family" and has many interviews with the members of the group, including Charles Manson, "Squeaky" Fromme, and Sandra Good. 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.

Post release

When "Squeaky" Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford, 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.

Accolades

It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

In popular culture

The band Slipknot sampled part of an interview with Corey Hurst in the intro to their debut album Slipknot, "742617000027". In the interview, Hurst says, "The whole thing, I think it's sick."