Jay Sebring....Cutting To The Truth

Jay Sebring....Cutting To The Truth is a documentary film that delves into the life, career, and tragic death of celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring. Directed by Anthony DiMaria and produced by Cory Allen, the film features interviews with some of Sebring's closest friends, family members, and colleagues, along with forensic experts and historians who help shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his murder.

Born Thomas John Kummer on October 10, 1933, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jay Sebring grew up in a family of modest means. After serving in the Navy, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s, where he began his career as a hairstylist. Sebring quickly became a fixture within Hollywood's elite circles and gained a reputation for his innovative hair designs, which included the popular "pixie cut" he famously gave to actress Sharon Tate.

The film explores Sebring's meteoric rise to fame and his relationships with many of the era's most iconic figures, such as Steve McQueen, Bruce Lee, and Frank Sinatra. Through interviews with Sebring's brother Robert and close friend Lewis Shorr, the audience is given an intimate glimpse of Sebring's personal life and his struggles with love and commitment.

The second half of the documentary focuses on the tragic events that led to Sebring's untimely death at the age of 35. On August 9, 1969, Sebring and four others, including Sharon Tate and her husband Roman Polanski, were brutally murdered by members of the Manson Family. The film examines the shock and grief that followed Sebring's death and the impact it had on those who knew him.

Throughout the documentary, forensic experts, including noted pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, provide detailed analysis and insight into the crime scene and the nature of the injuries sustained by Sebring and the other victims. The film also features interviews with Paul Anka, who co-wrote the song "My Way," which Sebring often played as his signature tune, as well as comedian Steve Allen, who shares his memories of Sebring's infectious personality and kind heart.

Jay Sebring....Cutting To The Truth is a powerful and poignant tribute to a man who was, as one interviewee notes, "so much more than a hairstylist." Through a rich tapestry of interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the documentary paints a multifaceted portrait of Sebring, capturing both his incredible talent and his unforgettable spirit. The film also serves as a harrowing reminder of the horrors of the Manson Family murders and the toll they took on the lives of those they touched.

Ultimately, Jay Sebring....Cutting To The Truth is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the cultural landscape of the 1960s and the legacy of one of its most tragic and enigmatic figures. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood or a true crime aficionado, this gripping film is a testament to the enduring influence of Jay Sebring's life and the profound impact of his untimely death.