“Even after so many years, I find myself unable to watch a spectacular sunset or visit a lovely old house or experience visual pleasure of any kind without instinctively telling myself how much she would have loved it all,” Polanski wrote in the 2004 book Sharon Tate Recollection, compiled by the actress’ sister, Debra. Authorities would learn that Manson had hoped the killings would touch off an apocalyptic race war. He apparently had gotten the idea from a twisted reading of the raucous Beatles 1968 song “Helter Skelter.” The slayings shocked the country with their savagery. Messages like “Pigs” and a misspelled “Healter Skelter” were scrawled in the victims’ blood on their walls and doors.
