Inside the Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes (2018)
The original, archived 16mm footage in this documentary has never been seen before, and it sheds new light on the world of the notorious Manson Family, who operated out of a ranch in California in the late 60s and early 70s under the leadership of Charles Manson.
With the use of hallucinogenic drugs, Manson kept his 100 or so followers completely under his control, and eventually convinced them to commit mass murder.
But this documentary focuses on the hippie disciples and what led them to join his cult, rather than on the leader. “Manson: The Lost Tapes had the distinction, to an extent, of keeping Charles Manson…largely out of the picture,” wrote Carol Midgely in The Times (UK).
Over 100 hours of footage, some of which is featured in this two-hour film, was lost for over 40 years, and gives an authentic, chilling look at what really went on in Manson’s sordid commune.
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83%