Plot Synopsis by Perry Seibert
 
Based on the best-selling Vincent Bugliosi book of the same name, Helter Skelter is a made-for-TV account of the investigation and prosecution of Charles Manson (Steve Railsback), who was convicted of leading a group of followers (known as "The Family") to murder seven people in California, including actress Sharon Tate. The film takes a Law & Order-like approach, starting with the discovery of the murders, which leads to the police gathering snippets of evidence that they eventually connect to the bigger picture. The second half of the movie concentrates on how District Attorney Bugliosi (George DiCenzo) attains a conviction despite the enormous amount of press coverage the case received. Nancy Wolfe, Christina Hart, and Cathey Paine portray the three loyal Manson Family members who were the co-defendants at his trial. (AMG)


George DiCenzo  - Vincent Bugliosi  
Steve Railsback  - Charles Manson  
Nancy Wolfe  - Susan Atkins  
Marilyn Burns  - Linda Kasabian  
Christina Hart  - Patricia Krenwinkel  
Cathey Paine  - Leslie Van Houten  
Marc Alaimo  - Phil Cohen  
Josh Albee  - Struthers  
Phillip Richard Allen  - Sgt. Manuel Gris  
Rod Arrants  - Bart Listen  
Edward Bell  - Sgt. Hank Kruger  
Sondra Blake  - Ronnie Howard  
Jim Boles  - Camarinos  
James Brodhead  - Mr. Quint  
Bart Burns  - Frank Fowler  
Howard Caine  - Everett Scoville  
Al Checco  - Leno LaBianca  
Linden Chiles  - J. Miller Leavy  
Louise Caire Clark  - Susan Struthers  
David Clennon  - Harry Jones  
Sidney Clute  - Reporter  
Bert Conway  - Judge Keene  
Alan Dexter  - Dog Owner  
Jerry Dunphy  - Newscaster  
Bill Durkin  - Tex Watson  
Joyce Easton  - Gail Bugliosi  
John Evans  - Sanderson  
Bruce French  - Officer Ocher  
John Furlong  - Judge Dell  
Jon Gries  - William Garretson  
Cal Haynes  - Keith  
Anthony Herrera  - Sgt. Smith  
Skip Homeier  - Judge Older  
Robert Hoy  - Sgt. Franklin  
Robert Ito  - Drees Darrin  
Roy Jenson  - Punchy  
Paul Kent  - Dennis Ranson  
Wright King  - Friend  
Jonathan Lippe  - Hank Charter  
Barbara Mallory  - "Family" Girl  
Paul Mantee  - Sgt. O'Neal  
Doug McGrath  - Plainsclothesman  
Dorothy Meyer  - Housekeeper  
Ray Middleton  - Mr. Spahn  
Jack Miller  - Joe Dorgan  
Ralph Montgomery  - Grand Jury Foreman  
Tracy Morgan  - Henna Woman  
Read Morgan  - Officer Columbine  
Alan Oppenheimer  - Aaron Stovitz  
Deborah Parsons  - "Family" Girl  
Mary Kay Pass  - Sgt. Broom  
Larry Pennell  - Sgt. White  
George Putnam  - Newscaster  
Rudy Ramos  - Danny DeCarlo  
Guy Remsen  - Andy Cookley  
Joe Roman  - The Bailiff  
Jason Ronard  - Paul Watkins  
Stanley Ralph Ross  - Sgt. Ross  
Robert Rothwell  - TV Reporter  
Bill Sorrells  - Gillespie  
Richard Venture  - Police Inspector  
Carole Ita White  - Big Sal  
Bert Williams  - Deputy  
Adam Williams  - Terrence Milik