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.
69 comments:
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.
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.
I was interviewed for an entire day for this.
Same, George. Not sure if any of my commentary made the cut or not.
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?
Steven Kay - From his Mother
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!
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.
...and to all of the people here who provide said info, thank you very much for your efforts.
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.
I'm interested to hear what Phil Kaufman says as he knows much more than he's letting on.
Wasn't Ruth Ann supposed to be writing a book too?
Here's a clip from Making Manson. Phil Kaufman, Gregg Jakobson and Dianne Lake comment. https://youtu.be/qx7jA9Me4w0?si=4YlS8IacD1CCBCsV
George Stimson said...
"I was interviewed for an entire day for this."
Well I hope they paid you at least.
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.
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.
Looking forward to this although it's hard to beat 'An American Myth'. That was excellent
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 🙄
She also was looking for more information and photos of Rosemary, my stepmother, but I didn't have anything.
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
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 🙂
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 👍
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.
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.
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 😉
The reviews I've read about Making Manson claim there is new info, the part about him leaving bodies behind in Mexico?
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.
Interesting point! Time will tell 😎
I'm waiting for the documentary that focuses on the victims and their families, that'll be the day. They usually ask me and/or my sister to contribute but it's not too enticing to be a little footnote to the rest of these "documentaries" ie shows cashing in on Manson. I am glad I did a little something in American Myth though because Lesley Chilcott and her whole team were sincerely nice and understanding.
Plus they were very transparent about the project and what they wanted from my input, even though the interview was pretty long. I knew they were only going to use a couple of soundbites. I mean, it's all very sad from our pov but we just like people to know and realize our dad was a lot different than some have portrayed. Rosemary too, although I still say she was "very complex."
The book Share wrote is actually called “She was a Gypsy Woman” and was her story and really didn’t mention Manson at all much. It mostly mentioned Como
That is true. But allegedly it was self defense and the prosecution couldn’t use it to prove he had capabilities to kill.
Steven Parent’s brother is in the Making Manson documentary. He wants to contact Tex because of the variations in the stories Tex told over the years.
James D., That's news, to me anyway.
yes, Gregory is in the documentary as is Gary Hinman’s cousin. The official story never made sense to the Parent family and the fact that Tex Watson received a separate trial and by then Watson had known what the prosecution presented. Tex was the one who allegedly got the orders. Even Linda Kasabian testified she never got any orders from Charlie. It was said earlier that they tried the “copycat love of brother” motive at the trial and it didn’t work. Charles Manson, Susan Atkins, Patrica Krenwrinkle, and Leslie Van Houten did not testify at the trial until the Penalty phase. That came after the verdicts were handed down. It had nothing to do with the main part of the trial. But if you look at the media coverage and what original prosecutor, Aaron Stovitz said, he believed it to be part of the motive as well. He was of course kicked off the case over an interview he did with Rolling Stone magazine which the judge ruled that was in violation of the gag order…yet Bugliosi was leaking things to the press and charged with Perjury over it at one point.
I made a brief cameo in the third episode. For the record, the producers took creative license with my commentary. There were actually 3 separate raids involving the Family - one in August at Spahn Ranch, which I was referring to in the documentary when I said there was an article in the newspaper next to the article about the Tate murders. The Barker Ranch raid, the one Snake mentions that led to them being arrested for vandalizing a front loader, occurred in October (there was a 2nd raid at Barker Ranch where law enforcement came back to make additional arrests.)
Creative license seems to be rampant in this case, sorry you have to deal with that and it's hard enough to get the facts straight. Thank you for clarifying that.
Say, you just gave me some reading material for the evening--the Rolling Stone article. Bye for now 👍
It was kind of ironic that the judge feared Aaron Stovitz would have done what Bugliosi did.
"It was kind of ironic that the judge feared Aaron Stovitz would have done what Bugliosi did."
I could be wrong here, but do we have evidence that Vince did anything overtly wrong where the press was concerned? I mean, Stovitz was feeding the press (Rolling Stone, I think it was) all kinds of inappropriate information on the investigation. Vince was certainly not shy about speaking with the press in the courthouse corridors, but his quotes were much more in line with what one might expect to hear from a prosecutor on a high profile case like this.
Vince was leaking information to the press and tried for perjury. He too violated the gag order. One reporter was jailed and refused to name the source he got his information from. That reporter was William Farr. Vince was prosecuted for perjury.
"Vince was prosecuted for perjury"
He was indicted, sure. But the case went nowhere and the charges were dropped. You are speaking here of suspicion, nothing more. Therefore we cannot say that Vince violated the gag order because nothing was ever proven. As for Stovitz, well that's an entirely different story.
Leaking the information was in violation of the Gag order….
All Farr said that the information came from two of the six attorneys. He refused to name who it was. Without his testimony on the leak of the Virginia Graham
Deposition, the court couldn’t prove he committed the crime. Bugs was pushing the narrative.
Logically, why would the defense leak that information? It was Bugliosi who pushed the “hit list” claim in his book, that to Charles Manson, the celebrities and rich represented the establishment.
"Leaking the information was in violation of the Gag order"
LOL sure, but again you are speaking here of a suspicion not of an actual violation. I've noticed this happening more and more with the whole Manson thing these days. Current-day bloggers and interested parties will grab ahold of a rumor or the like from that day and then cling to it, even to the point of building theories and motive ideas around the notion. So Manson possibly returning to Cielo becomes "Manson and Bruce Davis visited the scene of the crime, planted glasses there, moved some bodies around and . . . " as if the thing were fact.
Speculation is fun, but so are facts, and the fact is that Vince was convicted of nothing. There was no gag order violation on Vince's part because that's what the facts tell us.
And how exactly is that a “rumor”
FYI on the John Michael Jones tapes, Manson said he did not go to the residence after the murders of Parent, Sebring,Tate,Frykowski, and Folger. So I’m not sure what that “rumor” that stated with Emmons is being brought up? That’s comparing apples to oranges there.
You still can’t ignore the logical aspect. Why would the defense leak the deposition when they refuted the claims made by Bugliosi. Just saying.
"You still can’t ignore the logical aspect. Why would the defense leak the deposition when they refuted the claims made by Bugliosi."
I'm not saying it didn't happen, it may well have. Or it could have been Kay. Or even Stovitz, assuming he retained access to the evidence on file.
The record is what it is though, everything else is simply masturbation.
Stovitz was actually already off the case. Steven Kay listed as an “interested party”
“ The incident occurred in October 1970 when the Los Angeles Herald Examiner published a story claiming Manson had formulated a death list of famous personalities including Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. Judge Charles Older earlier had ordered a gag on all such infor-mation during the trial.”
Yes, I remember the piece - and the list, lol. But Bugs was far from the only person to have access to this info, it could have come from anywhere. Nothing was provable anyway in terms of the leak. It's just another of those weird little subplots associated with this whole thing.
I thought that was real at age 14, really an irresponsible thing for the press to circulate.
"I thought that was real at age 14, really an irresponsible thing for the press to circulate."
Are you speaking of the celebrity "hit list", Louise? It could well have been real, though considering the source it could well have been a typical Sadie bid for attention. As for the press, well . . . irresponsibility is rather their thing when it comes to sensational cases like this one.
Yes I am talking about the celebrity hit list. For some reason, that particular story freaked me out especially hard... somewhere along the same lines as the "Paul is dead" story. Go figure, eh?
There must have been a couple of my favorite celebs on the list. Generally speaking, I was a master at tuning out the main headlines about the case with my mom having it on every evening.
The TV on, that is. She would turn the volume up too!
There I go again lol! Diverging onto fond little memories of Mom and her obsession with the case. She taught me well, I guess that's why I am doing this after all those years of trying to look the other way. At least I'm not talking back to the TV like she used to lol! God love her.
From what I know, it was typical Susan seeking attention. Manson had told his friends that any time they get arrested, act crazy and the other inmates would leave you alone.
It’s great that you do share some memories!
That is where you and I are going to have to agree to disagree. It makes more sense that Vince would put that out there given the fear that the murders in the trial had. Logically it would make sense he did it because it would help prove his theory against the rich establishment that Manson had…according to Vince.
Hope so but not sure this is the right place for it. Thank you.
I'm mainly here to see what you guys are all saying, keep up on documentaries etc. 👍
Hit list didn't exist
I know that now! It seemed very real to me at the time, though, and especially because of the Sharon Tate murder. My sister always tried to get me to move out of state so I could calm down a bit, but time served that purpose after awhile.
An article about the hit list appeared in the tabloid Midnight. It names all of those who were on the supposed list. I posted it about ten years ago. https://www.mansonblog.com/2014/11/the-manson-family-hollywood-hit-list.html
Much like the hit list, that didn’t really exist…another list never appeared and that’s the list of item Mary allegedly had in her purse on August 8 for items such as rope…I found an article several years ago about one of the women who worked in the prison who had found the list, contacted Bugliosi and had given him the list. To the best of my recollection, it never surfaced as evidence.
Thanks, that's what I was looking for 👍
Maybe it was John Wayne being on the hit list that stood out to me at the time. He was a local NB resident and I went to school with his daughter.
IMO after watching this, Catherine talks about Manson fondly and in the next breath is disgusted by him.
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