Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Novel

Charles Manson drives up Cielo Drive toward Terry Melcher’s house in an old Hostess Twinkies Continental Bakery truck. Charlie originally came to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. He hoped that recording a song with the Beach Boys would push Terry Melcher into investing in him as a musician. At one point, Terry Melcher agreed to come to Spahn Ranch to listen to Charlie’s songs, but he never showed up. Until that moment, the hippies believed that Charlie’s only goals were spiritual enlightenment and helping humankind. However, when Charlie expressed his anxiety over Terry’s never coming to Spahn Ranch, the Family got a better look at Charlie’s priorities. Melcher eventually contacted Charlie to apologize for not showing up, but Melcher never rescheduled. This is why, in 1969, Charlie goes to Terry’s house in one last attempt to reconnect with Terry.

When Charlie arrives at the Polanski house looking for Terry Melcher, Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring see him walking up the driveway. When they ask what he wants, he says he wants to speak to Terry Melcher. Jay tells him that Terry moved but that Rudi, the owner of the property, lives in the guesthouse and might have more information.