The Manson Women: An American Nightmare
Episode 30 · 2002-02-27
- Documentary
Episode overview
The disturbing story of the young women who fell under the spell of Charles Manson and became central figures in one of the most infamous crime sprees in American history. The episode traces how Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, Leslie Van Houten, and others were drawn into Manson’s isolated world at Spahn Ranch, where his manipulative blend of charisma, drugs, and apocalyptic ideology eroded their identities and bound them to his will. Biography examines the events leading up to the 1969 Tate‑LaBianca murders, revealing how Manson’s control turned devoted followers into perpetrators of shocking violence. Through interviews, archival footage, trial records, and psychological insight, the program looks at the women’s backgrounds, their roles in the crimes, and the lasting impact of their actions. Ultimately, the episode offers a chilling portrait of vulnerability exploited and the nightmare that followed.
60 minutes
Season 10 episodes
1. Larry Flynt: Fighting Dirty1997-01-15
2. Al Lewis: Forever Grandpa2000-01-06
3. Jimmy Hoffa: The Man Behind the Mystery2000-01-12
4. John J. Pershing: The Iron General2000-01-13
5. John Steinbeck: An American Writer2000-01-19
6. Mary Magdalene: The Hidden Apostle2000-01-20
7. Pol Pot: Secret Killer2000-01-26
8. Sally Hemings: Redefining History2000-01-27
9. Stonewall Jackson2000-02-02
10. Yvonne De Carlo: Gilded Lily2000-02-03
11. Enzo Ferrari: Passion for Speed2001-01-04
12. Genovese: Portrait of a Crime Family2001-01-10
13. George Lucas: Creating an Empire2001-01-11
14. Henry Hill: Goodfella2001-01-17
15. Calamity Jane2002-01-03
16. Donald Rumsfeld: Top Gun2002-01-09
17. General George Patton: A Genius for War2002-01-10
18. Hitler and Stalin: Roots of Evil2002-01-16
19. Home Improvement: A Half-Hour of Power2002-01-17
20. John & Abigail Adams: Love and Liberty2002-01-23
21. Joseph Stalin: Red Terror2002-01-24
22. Lewis & Clark: Explorers of the New Frontier2002-01-30
23. Mahatma Gandhi: Pilgrim of Peace2002-01-31
24. Mark Twain: His Amazing Adventures2002-02-06
25. Osama Bin Laden: In the Name of Allah2002-02-07
26. Pablo Escobar: The Terror of Columbia2002-02-13
27. RFK: His Many Sides2002-02-14
28. Ronald Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime2002-02-20
29. The Extraordinary Voyages of Jules Verne2002-02-21
30. The Manson Women: An American Nightmare2002-02-27
31. Saturday Night Live2002-04-22
