Is 'Hollywood Babylon' Based On True Hollywood Scandals?

The climax of 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is a wild, revisionist twist on history. Rick Dalton, a fading TV star, and his stunt double Cliff Booth find themselves targeted by the Manson Family during their infamous murder spree. But instead of the tragic real-life outcome, the film flips the script. Cliff and Rick unleash brutal, darkly comic violence on the intruders, saving Sharon Tate and her friends. Tarantino’s signature style shines here—gruesome yet cathartic, blending suspense with over-the-top action. The ending feels like a revenge fantasy against the era’s darkness, with Rick finally getting recognition from his Hollywood neighbors. The final scenes wrap up with Rick visiting Sharon’s house, invited inside as a hero. It’s a poignant moment, contrasting his earlier insecurities with this unexpected triumph. The film’s last shot lingers on a Hollywood sign, bathed in golden light—a bittersweet nod to the industry’s fleeting magic. Tarantino doesn’t just rewrite history; he gives his characters a redemption arc steeped in nostalgia and wish fulfillment.

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Vegas casinos, and Planet Hollywood is one of my favorites for its vibrant atmosphere. While it’s known more for its entertainment and dining options, it doesn’t have a dedicated sportsbook. However, you can still place sports bets there through the Caesars Sportsbook app, since Planet Hollywood is part of the Caesars Entertainment network. The app lets you wager on all major sports, from NFL games to international soccer matches, and even esports if that’s your thing. If you’re looking for a physical sportsbook experience, you might want to head over to Caesars Palace or another nearby casino. But if convenience is key, the app works seamlessly, and you can grab a drink at the casino bar while checking your bets. Planet Hollywood’s lack of a traditional sportsbook might disappoint some, but the modern digital alternative keeps it competitive in the Vegas sports betting scene.

Quentin Tarantino directed 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', and it’s pure Tarantino magic. The film drips with his signature style—sharp dialogue, nostalgia-soaked scenes, and a love letter to 1969 Hollywood. It blends real history with fiction, making Sharon Tate’s story poignant and Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth effortlessly cool. The director’s attention to detail is insane, from the vintage cars to the soundtrack. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff is explosive, especially that climactic scene. Tarantino’s ninth film proves he’s still the king of cinematic rebellion. What sets this apart is how personal it feels. Tarantino grew up obsessed with this era, and it shows in every frame. The way he captures the Manson family without glorifying them is masterful. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as a fading TV star is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The film doesn’t just entertain—it immerses you in a bygone world, making you wish you could time travel. It’s a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age, written in blood and glitter.

'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is a love letter to late 1960s Los Angeles, and filming locations mirror that. Most scenes were shot on actual Hollywood streets, meticulously restored to their vintage glory. Paramount Studios hosted key interiors, like Rick Dalton’s ranch-style home and the 'Lancer' TV set. The iconic El Coyote Mexican restaurant, where Sharon Tate dined in real life, appears unchanged. Quentin Tarantino insisted on authenticity—even the neon signs on Sunset Boulevard were replaced with era-accurate replicas. Some spots, like the Manson Family’s Spahn Ranch, were recreated in Santa Clarita due to safety concerns. The film’s magic lies in how it blends real landmarks with painstaking reconstructions, making 1969 LA feel alive again.

The controversy around 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' stems from how it reimagines the tragic Manson Family murders with a fictional, almost cathartic twist. While Tarantino's signature style—sharp dialogue, retro aesthetics, and violent crescendos—elevates the film, some critics argue it trivializes real-life trauma. The rewritten ending, where the victims survive in a blood-soaked revenge fantasy, feels jarringly dismissive of historical pain. Others praise it as a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age, but the film’s portrayal of Bruce Lee sparked backlash. The depiction leans into caricature, showing him as arrogant and hot-tempered, which his daughter Shannon called 'unnecessary mockery.' Tarantino defended it as fictional, but the debate lingers: when does artistic liberty cross into disrespect?

'Cold Moon Over Babylon' was written by Michael McDowell, a master of Southern Gothic horror who also penned 'The Elementals' and the screenplay for 'Beetlejuice'. It first hit shelves in 1980, right in the middle of McDowell's most productive period. His writing has this eerie, poetic quality that makes even the sweltering heat of Florida feel haunted. The novel blends crime and supernatural elements, typical of his style, where family secrets fester under the surface like rot in old wood. If you enjoy atmospheric horror that lingers like fog, McDowell's work is essential reading—try 'Blackwater' next for another dose of his uniquely Southern chills.

In 'Alas, Babylon', the moral dilemmas are as brutal as the post-nuclear world it depicts. Survival forces characters to question their humanity—do you share dwindling supplies with neighbors or hoard them for your family? Randy Bragg grapples with this daily, torn between compassion and pragmatism. The doctor faces worse: euthanizing the radiation-sick to save resources, a decision that haunts him. Even love becomes a liability; relationships risk becoming transactional in a world where a can of food outweighs vows. The novel doesn’t shy from bigger ethical quagmires. When looters threaten the town, Randy’s group debates execution versus exile, mirroring society’s collapse. The most chilling dilemma is adaptability itself. Characters must shed pre-war morality to endure, like Dan sacrificing his pacifism to kill a marauder. The book’s power lies in showing how easily ethics fracture when survival’s on the line, making readers wonder what they’d justify in the same darkness.

In 'Alas, Babylon', Randy Bragg stands as the linchpin of survival, transforming from a laid-back lawyer into a resilient leader after a nuclear war devastates civilization. His brother Mark, a military officer, foresaw the catastrophe and sent his wife and kids to Randy for safety, unknowingly setting the stage for Randy’s crucial role. Equally vital is Doctor Dan Gunn, the town’s sole physician, whose medical skills save countless lives amid dwindling supplies. The Henry family, particularly Missouri, brings practical survival knowledge—farming, hunting, and resourcefulness—anchoring the group’s sustainability. Florence Wechek, the telegraph operator, becomes an unexpected asset, her communication skills and calm under pressure proving indispensable. Together, they form a microcosm of resilience, each filling gaps the others can’t—Randy’s leadership, Dan’s expertise, the Henrys’ labor, and Florence’s connectivity. Their alliances aren’t just practical; they’re emotional, binding them against despair in a shattered world.