Helter Skelter (1976): Cast & Plot
Helter Skelter is a 1976 drama thriller directed by Tom Gries, starring Steve Railsback as Charles Manson, Jon Gries and Anne Newman Bacal. It runs 3 hours 4 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 3h 4m (184 min)
- Director
- Tom Gries
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Lorimar Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Helter Skelter About?
The premise of Helter Skelter without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
WHISPER IT LIKE A CURSE! The investigation of two horrific mass murders leads to the capture and trial of the psychotic pseudo-hippie Charles Manson and his “family”.
Helter Skelter Themes & Keywords
· 31 tags- charles manson character
- manson family
- manson murders
- murder of a pregnant woman
- pregnancy
- tv mini series
- bald woman
- reference to helter skelter
- reference to charles manson
- murder
- trial
- cult
+19 more Show fewer
- mass murder
- true crime
- title based on song
- two word title
- rhyme in title
- witness
- prison
- lawyer
- attorney
- 1970s
- sergeant
- 1960s
- commune
- counterculture
- hippie
- courtroom
- capital punishment
- based on true story
- based on book
Helter Skelter Cast & Characters
Steve Railsback leads the cast as Charles Manson, with Jon Gries as William Garretson and Anne Newman Bacal as Mrs. Quint. Directed by Tom Gries; 58 actors are credited in all.
- Director Tom Gries
-
Steve Railsback as Charles Manson -
Jon Gries as William Garretson - Anne Newman Bacal as Mrs. Quint
- Nancy Wolfe as Susan Atkins
Also Starring in Helter Skelter
· 54 more- Louise Caire Clark Susan Struthers
- Sondra Blake Ronnie Howard
- George DiCenzo Vincent Bugliosi
- Joyce Easton Gail Bugliosi
- Rudy Ramos Danny DeCarlo
- Marilyn Burns Linda Kasabian
- Christina Hart Patricia Krenwinkel
- Billy Durkin Tex Watson
- Cathey Paine Leslie Van Houten
- Jonathan Goldsmith Hank Charter
- Jason Ronard Paul Watkins
- David Clennon Harry Jones
- Alan Oppenheimer Aaron Stovitz
- Roy Jenson Punchy
- Eileen Dietz Family Girl
- Skip Homeier Judge Older
Show all 58 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Stack Pierce Bailiff Joe
- Read Morgan Officer Columbine
- Adam Williams Terrence Milik
- Alan Dexter Dog Owner
- Robert F. Hoy Sgt. Franklin
- Bert Williams Deputy
- Bruce French Officer Ocher
- Richard Venture Police Inspector
- Larry Pennell Sgt. White
- Robert Ito Drees Darrin
- Sidney Clute Reporter
- Marc Alaimo Phil Cohen
- Linden Chiles J. Miller Leavy
- Paul Mantee Sgt. O'Neal
- John Furlong Judge Dell
- Bart Braverman George Brewer
- Doug McGrath Plainclothesman
- Bart Burns Frank Fowles
- James Brodhead Mr. Quint
- Carole Ita White Big Sal
- Howard Caine Everett Scoville
- Steven Marlo Police Officer
- Ray Middleton Mr. Spahn
- Al Checco Leno La Bianca
- Phillip R. Allen Sgt. Manuel Gris
- Bert Conway Judge Keene
- Stanley Ralph Ross Sgt. Ross
- Edward Bell Sgt. Hank Kruger
- Josh Albee Struthers
- Cal Haynes Keith
- George Putnam Newscaster
- Sondra Lowell Family Girl
- Anthony Herrera Sgt. Smith
- Lionel Decker Jury Foreman Tubick
- George Garro Rosner
- Rod Arrants Bart Listen
- Vic Werber Lt. Brenner
- Steve Gries Steve 'Clem' Grogan
More from Tom Gries
More films directed by Tom Gries, best-rated first: Breakout, The Greatest, Breakheart Pass and The Migrants.
Helter Skelter Plot Summary
What happens in Helter Skelter from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
William Garretson, Jon Gries, is arrested after the discovery of the bodies at Sharon Tate’s home but is released three days later for lack of evidence. The film then makes clear that the police are reluctant to immediately connect the Tate killings with the Hinman murder and the LaBianca killings, despite several striking similarities between the crime scenes—most notably writing in blood on the walls. Instead of pursuing a direct link to the other murders, investigators lean toward a drug-related angle for the Tate case, a choice that shapes the early course of the investigation.
Full summary
The whole story of Helter Skelter, scene by scene
Helter Skelter Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Helter Skelter.
How Well Do You Know Helter Skelter?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which Los Angeles District Attorney leads the prosecution in the film?
Cars in Helter Skelter
34 cars on screen, including the Crown Security Coach and the 1959 Ford Fairlane 500.
-
Crown Security Coach Important role -
1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Important role -
1969 Plymouth Fury Suburban Important role -
1962 Bentley S3 Minor role
Helter Skelter Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “Helter Skelter - Die Nacht der langen Messer” and “O Assassinato de Sharon Tate”.
- Also known as
-
- Helter Skelter - Die Nacht der langen Messer
- O Assassinato de Sharon Tate
- 杀人王曼森
Seen Helter Skelter?
Movies Like Helter Skelter
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Helter Skelter, The Manson Family Massacre and The Resurrection of Charles Manson.
-
Helter Skelter 1976 -
The Manson Family Massacre 2019 -
The Resurrection of Charles Manson 2023 -
Manson Family Movies 1979 -
Murder in the Heartland 1993 -
Charlie Says 2019 -
Live Freaky! Die Freaky! 2006 -
Killer Movie 2008 -
M 1951 -
What’s the Matter with Helen? 1971 -
Am I a Serial Killer? 2019 -
Leslie, My Name Is Evil 2009
Helter Skelter FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Helter Skelter, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Helter Skelter?
Helter Skelter runs 3 hours 4 minutes (184 minutes).
When was Helter Skelter released?
Helter Skelter was released on April 1, 1976.
Who directed Helter Skelter?
Helter Skelter was directed by Tom Gries.
More films by Tom Gries Who is in the cast of Helter Skelter?
Helter Skelter stars Steve Railsback as Charles Manson, Jon Gries as William Garretson and Anne Newman Bacal as Mrs. Quint, among 58 credited actors.
Does Helter Skelter have a post-credit scene?
No. Helter Skelter has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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