When I think of Charles Manson, the word that comes to mind is “fascinating.” I became aware of Charles Manson after viewing Helter Skelter as a kid, the 1976 made-for-television movie (based on the best-selling paperback) that frequently aired on late night television. The fictionalized version of “Charlie” in Helter Skelter was a caricature of the real Manson. In the film he was presented as guy with hypnotic powers over the members of his Family. In real life, he was just a criminal and a con man. People my age (mid-40s) and younger grew up aware of Charles Manson, but… (read more)