Ed Gein Links:
http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/cr...illers/ed-gein
www.carpenoctem.tv/killers/gein.html
www.crimelibrary.com/gein/geinmain.htm
These are the three best links I'm aware of Re: Ed Gein... some of them do have some varying information, but use your best judgement and your own research. With these, you should be able to get the best idea of the facts, then go from there.
Just remember that when a film has a tagline including the words "Based on/Inspired by actual events" it infers "loosely based on."
Anyways, it's purported that Tobe Hooper, Co-writer/Director Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), says in the Directors commentary for the original that he had no idea who Ed Gein was or and inkling of the acts he committed until after the film was made. Though I only heard this on an IMDb messageboard post for the film (Either on the boards for the Original or New one, not sure), so I'm uncertain as to it's accuracy since I haven't seen the film with the directors commentary. I would love to, but no tengo dinero.
Your Friendly Minister...