Unusual piece of trash exploitation that tells elements of the notorious Manson Family murders, partly in a faux-documentary style that weaves fact and fiction together. The first part of the film montages a series of scenes including elements of the trial, life around the Spahn Ranch and a desert rock concert before concentrating on the savage and brutal murders of Sharon Tate and her companions. The film is disjointed and difficult to follow with strange choices being made by director Frank Howard. It is shot in austere black-and-white, which somehow makes the brutal murder sequences even more disturbing. There is little dialogue and all the actors go about their business with a one-dimensional approach and tone, which again adds to the disturbing feel of the piece. Charles Manson appears on the soundtrack singing “Mechanical Man” and voiceover narrative of some of his outré, acid-infused preaching are peppered throughout. The film ends in classic exploitation style with a vivid “public service” anti-drug message no doubt added in an effort to justify the preceding brutality and carnage. ( )