Fans of true crime documentaries are in for a treat as Netflix&rsquo;s upcoming documentary Chaos: The Manson Murders has officially received a release date. The highly anticipated film promises to be a gripping addition to Netflix&rsquo;s vast library of true crime series and films.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/i-thought-it-would-be-worth-their-time-captain-america-brave-new-world-director-on-liv-tyler-cameo-8748396"> 'I thought it would be worth their time', says Captain America: Brave New World director on Liv Tyler cameo</a>
<h2>Based on a groundbreaking book</h2>
The documentary is based on Tom O&rsquo;Neill&rsquo;s 2019 book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. O&rsquo;Neill spent nearly 20 years researching the book, which explores a controversial theory involving an alleged connection between Charles Manson, his cult, and the CIA.
<h2>Who was Charles Manson?</h2>
Charles Manson was the leader of a Hollywood-based cult known as the Manson Family. He was accused of brainwashing his followers into committing a series of brutal murders. In 1971, he was convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating the killings and was sentenced to life in prison.
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<h2>What is Chaos about?</h2>
The documentary focuses on the infamous Tate&ndash;LaBianca murders, which took place on the nights of August 8 and 9, 1969. Members of the Manson family murdered five people, including Hollywood actress Sharon Tate. O&rsquo;Neill&rsquo;s book claims that the CIA played a role in manipulating Manson and his cult as part of a larger operation to control dissent in Hollywood.
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YwoA7NvaacI" title="CHAOS: The Manson Murders | Official Trailer | Netflix" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h2>Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker</h2>
The documentary is helmed by renowned director Errol Morris, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for his investigative documentaries such as The Fog of War, The Thin Blue Line, and A Brief History of Time.
Chaos: The Manson Murders will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2025.
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Entertainment | Hollywood: The New documentary Chaos: The Manson Murders is based on Tom O'Neill's 2019 book and dives into an alleged conspiracy between the infamous serial killer and the CIA.

Fans of true crime documentaries are in for a treat as Netflix’s upcoming documentary Chaos: The Manson Murders has officially received a release date. The highly anticipated film promises to be a gripping addition to Netflix’s vast library of true crime series and films. Also Read: 'I thought it would be worth their time', says Captain America: Brave New World director on Liv Tyler cameo Based on a groundbreaking book The documentary is based on Tom O’Neill’s 2019 book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. O’Neill spent nearly 20 years researching the book, which explores a controversial theory involving an alleged connection between Charles Manson, his cult, and the CIA. Who was Charles Manson? Charles Manson was the leader of a Hollywood-based cult known as the Manson Family. He was accused of brainwashing his followers into committing a series of brutal murders. In 1971, he was convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating the killings and was sentenced to life in prison. Also Read: DC fans can expect more jokes in James Gunn's Superman What is Chaos about? The documentary focuses on the infamous Tate–LaBianca murders, which took place on the nights of August 8 and 9, 1969. Members of the Manson family murdered five people, including Hollywood actress Sharon Tate. O’Neill’s book claims that the CIA played a role in manipulating Manson and his cult as part of a larger operation to control dissent in Hollywood. Also Read: Keanu Reeves shares update on long-awaited Constantine 2 Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker The documentary is helmed by renowned director Errol Morris, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for his investigative documentaries such as The Fog of War, The Thin Blue Line, and A Brief History of Time. Chaos: The Manson Murders will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2025. Also Read: Kanye West will do 'whatever he can' to save his marriage to Bianca Censori

Netflix's new doc 'Chaos' takes a deep dive into Charles Manson's alleged CIA connection

Leslie Van Houten, a follower of late mass murderer Charles Manson was released from prison on Tuesday (July 11) after spending 53 years behind bars. Houten was 19 when she was charged with two murders in 1969.

Houten has been recommended for parole five times since 2016. She was sentenced for&nbsp;being involved in the murders of Leno LaBianca, a grocer in Los Angeles, and his wife Rosemary.

Her attorney Nancy Tetreault confirmed the news and said her client&nbsp;will be under parole supervision.&nbsp;

Nancy told The Guardian, "She’s really thrilled, but she’s been in prison for 53 years and turns 74 next month so this is a huge change."

She added, "She’s gratified that people are recognising that she’s completely reformed because she really is. I’ve never had a client who has dedicated herself to reform like she has. She spent 40 years in therapy and 30 years in what they call rehabilitative programming."

Admitting that Leslie fell under the influence of Charles Manson and participated in the brutal murders, Nancy said that Leslie worked really hard to get past that cult and to understand and take responsibility for the future.&nbsp;

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California Governor Gavin Newsom had said last week that he won't be asking the state's Supreme Court to block her parole.

Erin Mellon, communications director for the Office of the Governor, had said,&nbsp;"The Governor is disappointed by the Court of Appeal's decision to release Ms Van Houten but will not pursue further action as efforts to further appeal are unlikely to succeed. The California Supreme Court accepts appeals in very few cases, and generally does not select cases based on this type of fact-specific determination."

A representative from Newsom's office told the news outlet, "More than 50 years after the Manson cult committed these brutal offences, the victims’ families still feel the impact, as do all Californians."

Who is Leslie Van Houten?

Leslie Louise Van Houten was born on August 23, 1949.

At the age of 14, she began taking LSD and Benzedrine and using drugs after her parents got divorced.

In 1966, she moved to Northern California where she met Catherine Share, Bobby Beausoleil, and another woman, and moved in with them.

They all joined Manson's group, who&nbsp;controlled every aspect of their lives, from food to drugs.

On August 9, 1969, Van Houten, along with Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian, Clem Grogan, and Manson, went to Rosemary and LaBianca's house and killed the couple. Manson&nbsp;allegedly sent other people in the group to kill an actor.

When asked, Manson denied all responsibility and never explained the motive for the murder.

However, prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi suggested that Manson wanted to start a racial civil war.

Manson died behind bars in 2017 at the age of 83 after nearly 50 years in prison.

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Van Houten's Parole

In the most recent parole denial, Newsom said that Houten still poses a danger to society. Rejecting her parole, he said she offered an inconsistent and inadequate explanation for her involvement in the killings.

However, the second district court of appeal ruled 2-1 to reverse Newsom's decision, stating that there is no evidence to support the governor's conclusion.

In the May decision, the judges took issue with Newsom's claim that Houten did not adequately explain how she fell under Manson's influence.

At her hearings, she explained how her parents' divorce, her drug and alcohol abuse, and a forced illegal abortion led her down a path that left her vulnerable.

They argued, "Van Houten has shown extraordinary rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, favourable institutional reports, and, at the time of the governor's decision, had received four successive grants of parole."

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Leslie Van Houten, a follower of late mass murderer Charles Manson was released from prison on Tuesday (July 11) after spending 53 years behind bars. Houten was 19 when she was charged with two murders in 1969.

Leslie Van Houten, a follower of late mass murderer Charles Manson was released from prison on Tuesday (July 11) after spending 53 years behind bars. Houten was 19 when she was charged with two murders in 1969. Houten has been recommended for parole five times since 2016. She was sentenced for being involved in the murders of Leno LaBianca, a grocer in Los Angeles, and his wife Rosemary. Her attorney Nancy Tetreault confirmed the news and said her client will be under parole supervision. Nancy told The Guardian, "She’s really thrilled, but she’s been in prison for 53 years and turns 74 next month so this is a huge change." She added, "She’s gratified that people are recognising that she’s completely reformed because she really is. I’ve never had a client who has dedicated herself to reform like she has. She spent 40 years in therapy and 30 years in what they call rehabilitative programming." Admitting that Leslie fell under the influence of Charles Manson and participated in the brutal murders, Nancy said that Leslie worked really hard to get past that cult and to understand and take responsibility for the future. Also read | Two men hanged in public for attack on shrine in Iran, killing 13 people California Governor Gavin Newsom had said last week that he won't be asking the state's Supreme Court to block her parole. Erin Mellon, communications director for the Office of the Governor, had said, "The Governor is disappointed by the Court of Appeal's decision to release Ms Van Houten but will not pursue further action as efforts to further appeal are unlikely to succeed. The California Supreme Court accepts appeals in very few cases, and generally does not select cases based on this type of fact-specific determination." A representative from Newsom's office told the news outlet, "More than 50 years after the Manson cult committed these brutal offences, the victims’ families still feel the impact, as do all Californians." Who is Leslie Van Houten? Leslie Louise Van Houten was born on August 23, 1949. At the age of 14, she began taking LSD and Benzedrine and using drugs after her parents got divorced. In 1966, she moved to Northern California where she met Catherine Share, Bobby Beausoleil, and another woman, and moved in with them. They all joined Manson's group, who controlled every aspect of their lives, from food to drugs. On August 9, 1969, Van Houten, along with Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian, Clem Grogan, and Manson, went to Rosemary and LaBianca's house and killed the couple. Manson allegedly sent other people in the group to kill an actor. When asked, Manson denied all responsibility and never explained the motive for the murder. However, prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi suggested that Manson wanted to start a racial civil war. Manson died behind bars in 2017 at the age of 83 after nearly 50 years in prison. Also read | Zelensky visits island symbol of defiance as Russia-Ukraine war marks 500 days Van Houten's Parole In the most recent parole denial, Newsom said that Houten still poses a danger to society. Rejecting her parole, he said she offered an inconsistent and inadequate explanation for her involvement in the killings. However, the second district court of appeal ruled 2-1 to reverse Newsom's decision, stating that there is no evidence to support the governor's conclusion. In the May decision, the judges took issue with Newsom's claim that Houten did not adequately explain how she fell under Manson's influence. At her hearings, she explained how her parents' divorce, her drug and alcohol abuse, and a forced illegal abortion led her down a path that left her vulnerable. They argued, "Van Houten has shown extraordinary rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, favourable institutional reports, and, at the time of the governor's decision, had received four successive grants of parole." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Leslie Van Houten? Manson family murderer released from prison after 53 years

Quentin Tarantino said on Wednesday he didn't tell Roman Polanski in advance about his latest movie, set in the run-up to the notorious 1969 Manson murders which claimed the life of Polanski's wife at the time, actress Sharon Tate. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-trailer-quentin-tarantino-takes-you-back-to-the-hippy-era-of-the-60s-220588">Watch trailer of the film here.&nbsp;</a>

Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood', an ode to a bygone Hollywood era, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, an actor coming to terms with his faltering career and living next door to Polanski and Tate, who is played by Margot Robbie.

It was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/quentin-tarantino-rolls-into-cannes-with-dazzling-ode-to-cinema-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-220537">screened for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival</a> on Tuesday evening, drawing often a rapturous response from critics who praised its darkly comic moments, outrageous plot twists and evocative period atmosphere.

Asked at a news conference on Wednesday whether he had discussed his interpretation of events with Polanski at any point, Tarantino said: "No, I didn't."

He earlier said that he had met the Franco-Polish director "a couple of times" over the years, and was a fan of his work, including the 1968 psychological horror film 'Rosemary's Baby'.

Tate, aged 26 and eight months pregnant, was killed along with four friends at her Los Angeles home in August 1969 by members of a cult led by Charles Manson. Polanski was away on business in Europe at the time.

Manson, who was convicted of ordering the deaths of nine people in total, died in prison at age 83 in November 2017.

The murders carried out by Manson's mainly young, female devotees shocked the world and badly damaged the peace-and-love, hippie ethos of the late 1960s - something which resonated with the cast of 'Once Upon A Time'.

"In the time building up to that (point), there was a free love movement," Brad Pitt, who plays Dalton's stunt double and longtime friend Cliff Booth, told the news conference. "It was a sobering dark look at the dark side of human nature, and that pivotal moment was a real loss of innocence."

"I REJECT YOUR HYPOTHESIS"

While the movie lingers on an encounter between Cliff and the creepy, young hippie drifters who made up the 'Manson Family'&nbsp;on an abandoned desert ranch they had taken over outside Los Angeles, and Tate comes and goes, it's more than anything a love letter to the film industry.

Tarantino - who issued a plea before the premiere asking for viewers to refrain from spoiler alerts - celebrates the industry's kitsch moments, pays homage to spaghetti westerns and martial arts stars, and delves into the pains of being on a film set as well as the uplifting power of performance.

DiCaprio said he was able to identify with Dalton's feeling of being a Hollywood outsider, even in his position as one of the industry's highest-grossing stars.

"I have a lot of friends in the industry and I know how lucky I am to be in this opportunity," DiCaprio said, adding he'd "immediately connected" with the character. "This guy is seen not only struggling with his own pathos, his own ability to gain confidence and persevere and get that next job."

Tarantino submitted 'Once Upon a Time In Hollywood'&nbsp;just in time to compete for the Cannes festival's top Palme d'Or prize, 25 years after pop culture classic 'Pulp Fiction'&nbsp;won it.

Tarantino includes nods to his own movies in his ninth feature, which has been described by some critics as self-indulgent and overly long at times, even if nearly all found enough to like in its show-stealing scenes.

"It wasn't meant to be ridiculously self-conscious, but there is a thing about summing up certain things, which I wasn't necessarily trying to do, but they started appearing," he said.

Tarantino said that one of his long-time collaborators and first people to see the new script had joked upon reading it: "Damn! Number nine is like all eight of them put together."

"I hadn't thought about it like that," said Tarantino, whose other notable films include 'True Romance', 'Jackie Brown' and 'Inglourious Basterds'.

Tarantino bluntly shut down a journalist who said he had given Robbie very few lines in the film, even though she has screen time. "I reject your hypothesis," he said.

Quentin Tarantino said on Wednesday he didn't tell Roman Polanski in advance about his latest movie, set in the run-up to the notorious 1969 Manson murders which claimed the life of Polanski's wife at the time, actress Sharon Tate.

Quentin Tarantino said on Wednesday he didn't tell Roman Polanski in advance about his latest movie, set in the run-up to the notorious 1969 Manson murders which claimed the life of Polanski's wife at the time, actress Sharon Tate. Watch trailer of the film here. Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood', an ode to a bygone Hollywood era, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, an actor coming to terms with his faltering career and living next door to Polanski and Tate, who is played by Margot Robbie. It was screened for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday evening, drawing often a rapturous response from critics who praised its darkly comic moments, outrageous plot twists and evocative period atmosphere. Asked at a news conference on Wednesday whether he had discussed his interpretation of events with Polanski at any point, Tarantino said: "No, I didn't." He earlier said that he had met the Franco-Polish director "a couple of times" over the years, and was a fan of his work, including the 1968 psychological horror film 'Rosemary's Baby'. Tate, aged 26 and eight months pregnant, was killed along with four friends at her Los Angeles home in August 1969 by members of a cult led by Charles Manson. Polanski was away on business in Europe at the time. Manson, who was convicted of ordering the deaths of nine people in total, died in prison at age 83 in November 2017. The murders carried out by Manson's mainly young, female devotees shocked the world and badly damaged the peace-and-love, hippie ethos of the late 1960s - something which resonated with the cast of 'Once Upon A Time'. "In the time building up to that (point), there was a free love movement," Brad Pitt, who plays Dalton's stunt double and longtime friend Cliff Booth, told the news conference. "It was a sobering dark look at the dark side of human nature, and that pivotal moment was a real loss of innocence." "I REJECT YOUR HYPOTHESIS" While the movie lingers on an encounter between Cliff and the creepy, young hippie drifters who made up the 'Manson Family' on an abandoned desert ranch they had taken over outside Los Angeles, and Tate comes and goes, it's more than anything a love letter to the film industry. Tarantino - who issued a plea before the premiere asking for viewers to refrain from spoiler alerts - celebrates the industry's kitsch moments, pays homage to spaghetti westerns and martial arts stars, and delves into the pains of being on a film set as well as the uplifting power of performance. DiCaprio said he was able to identify with Dalton's feeling of being a Hollywood outsider, even in his position as one of the industry's highest-grossing stars. "I have a lot of friends in the industry and I know how lucky I am to be in this opportunity," DiCaprio said, adding he'd "immediately connected" with the character. "This guy is seen not only struggling with his own pathos, his own ability to gain confidence and persevere and get that next job." Tarantino submitted 'Once Upon a Time In Hollywood' just in time to compete for the Cannes festival's top Palme d'Or prize, 25 years after pop culture classic 'Pulp Fiction' won it. Tarantino includes nods to his own movies in his ninth feature, which has been described by some critics as self-indulgent and overly long at times, even if nearly all found enough to like in its show-stealing scenes. "It wasn't meant to be ridiculously self-conscious, but there is a thing about summing up certain things, which I wasn't necessarily trying to do, but they started appearing," he said. Tarantino said that one of his long-time collaborators and first people to see the new script had joked upon reading it: "Damn! Number nine is like all eight of them put together." "I hadn't thought about it like that," said Tarantino, whose other notable films include 'True Romance', 'Jackie Brown' and 'Inglourious Basterds'. Tarantino bluntly shut down a journalist who said he had given Robbie very few lines in the film, even though she has screen time. "I reject your hypothesis," he said.

Quentin Tarantino did not tell Roman Polanski about film set against Charles Manson murders