Cease to Exist

Cease To Exist is a riveting doc on the Manson murders which explores the Dennis Wilson/Terry Melcher music/business connection to the case. With archived footage and liberal use of Mansons own music and rarely seen Family footage this well produced project from first time film maker Ryan Oksenberg has you hooked from the beginning. Starting with the naivete of Dennis Wilson who never passed up a chance to party, to Terry Melcher, who I believe was the direct cause of a least the Tate murders it exposes the underside of the music business and they way artists are exploited. I am curious about what was the actual financial offer to Manson on the use of his material or was he and the Family crashing at Dennis Wilsons home and spending his allowance considered a fair trade for the song. I believe it was. Manson and the Family were back and forth between Spahn Ranch and Wilsons home. I believe Dennis took Mansons song and recorded it to recoup the money he lost while supporting Manson & The Family in late 68 and early 69. When Manson found out he was livid, especially with the changing of some lyrics and demanded to be paid. When Wilson and the Beach Boys refused Manson he moved his Family back into Wilsons house until be has paid. This caused Dennis to flee and left Melcher to deal with Manson with tragic results. Melcher I believe did make promises to Manson and when he didn't deliver they came looking for him and found Sharon Tate living in Melcher home with tragic results. Many twist and turns in this whole affair but the film maker keeps everything flowing nicely with a well written and edited production. Other poster here do not seem to feel the way I do. Watch for yourself and decided.