Monday, November 4, 2024

Making Manson


 

Making Manson is a new three-part documentary debuting on November 19th, the 7th anniversary of Charles Manson's death. It will be shown on NBC/Peacock. All three episodes will be released on that date. Each episode is about an hour long. It was produced by Renowned Films.



Making Manson has been a two-year effort. The program consists of phone conversations between Charles Manson and John Michael Jones over a 20-year period. Jones initially pitched the project to Netflix but after a year Peacock showed interest and it was ultimately picked up by them. Peacock wanted director Billie Mintz to spearhead the project.

Billie Mintz is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist among many other activities. His documentaries include Selena and Yolanda, The Guardians, Portrayal, and Jesus Town USA. He spent two seasons as a correspondent for National Geographic's show Explorer.



This is what Mintz had to say about Making Manson-

"We spent a year delving into two decades' worth of never-before-heard recordings of Charles Manson and his closest confidant. Until now, Manson has only been heard through brief interviews where journalists and prosecutors shaped the narrative without being questioned or contested. In our series, we bring a fresh perspective to his story, allowing Manson to present his own version of events. Everything you knew about Charles Manson is now up for reexamination. Grateful to Renowned Films and Peacock for entrusting me with these tapes and this story.

In our series "Making Manson" we present Manson in a way he's never been heard or thought of before, with an unprecedented level of intimacy that allowed us to interview contributors like never before. Despite countless interviews for past films that have shaped the widely accepted narrative of Manson and the murders, this series breaks new ground, challenging those familiar perspectives."

There were nearly 20 people interviewed for the series. It was learned that the people being interviewed listened to recordings of Manson, presumably regarding something he said about them or an event they were familiar with, and then they were asked to comment and discuss.





The trailer shows Dianne Lake, Catherine "Gypsy" Share, Phil Kaufman, and Steven Kay. Another interviewee was reporter Linda Deutch. Mintz wrote a heartfelt tribute to Deutch upon learning of her death.



"Linda Deutch stands as a trailblazer in the world of journalism, particularly known for her groundbreaking work in covering some of the most notorious and high-profile trials in American history. She made her mark as one of the first women to break into the male-dominated field of courtroom reporting. Her career is distinguished by her coverage of landmark cases, beginning with the infamous Manson Family trials in the late 1960s, where she became a familiar face in the courtroom and established herself as a reliable and insightful journalist. Her career continued with comprehensive reporting on the O.J. Simpson trial, which captivated the nation and further solidified her reputation as a leading figure in legal journalism.

Over the decades, Linda Deutch covered countless other significant trials bringing her sharp analysis and dep empathy to each story, making her reports resonate with the public. Her work has left an indelible mark on journalism, and she had been a role model for many aspiring reporters, particularly women looking to enter the field.

I had the unique privilege of being the last journalist to interview Linda Deutch, an experience that was both humbling and inspiring. She was tough as nails and hilarious as well. She didn't put up with any shit- including mine. I got many eye rolls during the course of our almost 8-hour interview. She liked me and was impressed by my ability to cut through the shit- including her own. As we discussed her storied career and the impact of her work, it was clear that her contributions to journalism were immeasurable. I can only hope that she is still able to watch the film, a tribute to her legacy, and she how her pioneering spirit continues inspire and inform."

Others interviewed include Family members, victim's survivors, law enforcement, the LA DA's office and more. Billie Mintz conducts all of the interviews.

 

Mintz was aided in creating this film by James Dawson a longtime Manson researcher and friend to John Michael Jones. Dawson proposed questions for some of those Mintz interviewed and guided him through the connections of the different people being interviewed and activities of the Family.

The film will be an interesting departure from the current offerings by looking at events from a totally different perspective. 





29 comments:

SixtiesRockRules! said...

I guess we'll see if this latest documentary offers anything truly new or significant. Personally, I think Charlie was faithful to the criminal's code right to the end and, even if he knew he was dying, didn't reveal any previously unknown information during these phone calls.

James D. The Manson Archives said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
James D. The Manson Archives said...

I will say there are several recordings that exist where Charlie said some interesting things such as he was notified that Bobby was going to testify against him and say he (Charlie) murdered Hinman. Bobby did just that and then later admitted in his first parole hearings that he fabricated the testimony and that it was him (Bobby) who killed Hinman and that he (Bobby) was the one that cut Hinman’s ear. He stated in the parole hearing that there was no altercation between Gary Hinman and Charlie. Then when looking at the Hinman progress report, Susan Atkins said it was Bobby who cut Hinman. Charlie said he wrote a note to Bobby telling him to say whatever he needed to say if it helps him get out because “one out is better than two in” so it’s clear that Charlie did take the blame for Bobby cutting Gary Hinman because in the recording Charlie says “I got him off on that.” As well.

George Stimson said...

I was interviewed for an entire day for this.

Scott A. Weiss said...

Same, George. Not sure if any of my commentary made the cut or not.

DebS said...

Thanks George and Scott, it's exciting to know who else will be in the series. Scott, are you related to Steven Weiss who found the gun after the Tate murders?

Riff Raff Rackas said...

Steven Kay - From his Mother

Monica said...

Looking forward to watching this and hearing if any of his ramblings finally make sense. I'm actually more interested in the what the other people on the show (like Gypsy and George) have to say. Thank again Deb!

Loegria15 said...

As a kind of a lurker, I'm always pleased to see any information I've not seen before. I've been interested in TBL since I first paged through the hardcover book that belonged to a friend's mom; I was 10 or 11 years old.

Loegria15 said...

...and to all of the people here who provide said info, thank you very much for your efforts.

bucpaul2812 said...

To this day I still wonder why Catherine Share's book has never been published as it was confirmed it was finished. I initially thought it was being strategically held until right after Manson's death. I then thought perhaps there might have been excerpts detailing things not covered by statute of limitations or some other legal issue. Still, I would have thought a case of edits would have eventually led to publication. As Catherine regularly contributes to documentaries, she's not avoiding the public scrutiny.

Teddy said...

I'm interested to hear what Phil Kaufman says as he knows much more than he's letting on.

starviego said...

Wasn't Ruth Ann supposed to be writing a book too?

DebS said...

Here's a clip from Making Manson. Phil Kaufman, Gregg Jakobson and Dianne Lake comment. https://youtu.be/qx7jA9Me4w0?si=4YlS8IacD1CCBCsV

starviego said...

George Stimson said...
"I was interviewed for an entire day for this."

Well I hope they paid you at least.

James D. The Manson Archives said...

For those interested, here are the episode synopses for all three episodes.

Episode 1. “What Made The Man”
20 years of unheard conversations reveal shocking details about Charles Manson's early years and the origins of 'The Family'. Manson also talks openly about the music industry rejection that signalled a return to criminal behaviour.

Episode 2. “The Summer of 69 and its Shadows”
The exclusive conversations reveal new details about what led to the notorious crimes of '69 as Manson gives his version of the motive. He talks openly of the loyalty and brotherhood that led to his life imprisonment for murder.

Episode 3. “The Legacy and the Aftermath”
The exclusive conversations continue as Manson protests his innocence of the murders and talks openly of the trial that changed the 60's. As he gets closer to death he reveals more about his criminal past and prison life.

Scott A. Weiss said...

Hi Deb, no, I am not. I published an interview with Juanita Wildebush in the Daily Beast and have a book out on the case.

Garage-Pop Records said...

Looking forward to this although it's hard to beat 'An American Myth'. That was excellent

Louise said...

I actually had a small speaking part in that one at the beginning of Episode 5. The director, Lesley Chilcott, interviewed me for a couple of hours and then we put some home videos of my dad, Leno LaBianca, to accompany my comments. But here's the ironic part. One of her goals was for Helter Skelter: An American Myth to be so comprehensive that further documentaries would be unnecessary 🙄

Louise said...

She also was looking for more information and photos of Rosemary, my stepmother, but I didn't have anything.

James D. The Manson Archives said...

I’m not surprised at that all, Louise. Almost everything out there is shaped around the official narrative…which logically doesn’t even make sense. I helped on this particular documentary and was going to help out on the other one that’s being made but I had to back out of that one for the reasons Deb S. stated in the post when she posted about the fiasco at Bruce Davis’ parole hearing…because it’s all basically hearsay and well…BS…and I did not agree with questions that were to be presented. You were right to decline to speak. I knew they were going to reach out to your sister too.
I do hope you’re well and I hold the utmost respect for you and I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through…but if you ever want to reach out, I’ll leave my personal email address and I hope I can point you into the right directions other than the mafia and other speculative things.
Sincerely, James

Jamesdawson167@gmail.com

Louise said...

Hi James D., I will be interested to know more about your ideas and contributions to the Billy Mintz production. As I mentioned in another post here, not really in the mood to dive into that one today because I prefer to deal with listening to Manson in short spurts, frankly. I think some of the things he says are more like rants while others have an element of truth. In the old days I wouldn't even listen at all but nowadays I try to be more objective. For example I recently watched part of the early Tom Snyder interview where Tom was questioning him about tying up Leno and Rosemary before the killers went into the house. Manson clammed up as I recall.
As far as the official narrative, well I suppose I owe a debt of gratitude to Bugliosi for getting a conviction of conspiracy and I lived my youth without a constant fear of someone I didn't know and my dad didn't know. Crazy stuff. I am grateful that Manson lived out his life behind bars but I do still wonder why he consistently proclaimed his innocence, also the part where he said he was not a snitch over and over throughout the years. Perhaps that is one reason why these documentaries keep cropping up. Glad to meet you here and thank you for sharing your email address. Maybe after the holidays we can have a chat. Thank you again, appreciate it 🙂

Louise said...

I actually liked Tom Snyder's interview style. I remember Dan Aykroyd's impression of him on some of the early Saturday Night Live shows. He was funny 👍

tobiasragg said...

I sat for about 45 minutes of the middle "summer of 69" episode and watched maybe 15 minutes of the first "youth" episode. Finally bailed. There is absolutely nothing new here. A distant telephone Manson voice delivering the love of brother/save bobby routine. Share and the other interviewees offer the same memories they've delivered multiple times before. If you want a good doc, go for "An American Myth", it covers the same events with much more detail, depth and care.

P.S. the Share book was a kind of loving, scrapbook type ode to the " good ole days" of the family. Highly doubtful this ever sees the light of day now that Catherine has gotten her shit together.

Louise said...

Tobiasragg, that's what I was thinking when I saw the previews. Most people generally get into a "loop" as they age, telling the same stories etc. and I suppose Manson was no exception.

Louise said...

Of course, there is always the hope of new insights in the later years but I am nearing the big 7-0 myself and I am not particularly insightful myself 😉

Louise said...

The reviews I've read about Making Manson claim there is new info, the part about him leaving bodies behind in Mexico?

tobiasragg said...

Hi Louise, yes I read that too. Honestly, though? That guy was full of caca. He was fond of making big claims and playing the boogieman, that was part of his schtick. But anyway he's dead and the idea of Manson victims laying about Mexico is about as provable as the "true" motive at this point. I guess the nice thing about this documentary is that it demonstrates that, small discoveries aside, there is very little to be learned about this case that is not already known.

Louise said...

Interesting point! Time will tell 😎