Night Strangler (1973)

The Night Stalker
Wisecracking Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) is a rumpled news hound plucked from the fast-talking newspaper flicks of the 1940s and dropped into the swinging '70s. What makes the eccentric Kolchak even more unique, however, is his nose for the supernatural, a trait that leaves his editor (Simon Oakland) exasperated and the police less than amused. When he insists that a late-night Las Vegas serial killer (who leaves his victims drained of blood and sporting twin holes in the neck) is a modern-day vampire, he's practically run out of town by the local authorities. Naturally, he stalks the vampire himself, an unlikely Van Helsing armed with a silver cross, a wooden stake, and his ever-present tape recorder and flashbulb camera. Carol Lynley is his understanding girlfriend, and Ralph Meeker, Claude Akins, Kent Smith, and Charles McGraw costar as the Vegas cops and politicians Kolchak systematically alienates with his abrasive charm and smart mouth. Directed by Dan Curtis from a witty script by Richard Matheson, the quirky mix of horror and humor turned The Night Stalker into a ratings sensation that inspired a sequel (The Night Strangler) and a short-lived TV series (Kolchak: The Night Stalker). The X-Files creator Chris Carter acknowledges the show as a major inspiration, and has cast McGavin in a recurring role as a retired X-Files veteran with an acerbic personality and a familiar rumpled wardrobe. Kolchak lives! --Sean Axmaker

The Night Strangler
The Night Strangler finds down-on-his-luck investigator Carl Kolchak in Seattle, hot on the trail of a serial killer hiding in the underground city beneath the streets, a gas-lit fantasy world frozen in time (L.A.'s famous Bradbury Building--which has also appeared in Blade Runner and DOA--becomes the spooky city's architectural centerpiece). Exotic dancer and medical student Jo Ann Pflug tags along as partner and bait, and the exasperated Simon Oakland returns as Kolchak's harried editor. Genre fans will enjoy the appearances of popular character actors John Carradine, Margaret Hamilton, Wally Cox, and Al Lewis. Noted horror and science fiction author Richard Matheson scripted this meandering, low-key thriller with plenty of humor, which McGavin delivers with deadpan delight. --Sean Axmaker Amazon.com

Remembering the Night Stalker

This is a must have for any B movie buff or cheeze grade connesuier. I love Karl Kolchak and watching this collection brought back all of my fond childhood memories of watching these episode behind my dad's chair on CBS late night. This show while very formulatic, works do wholly to Darrenn McGavin' portrayal of Kolchak. And while today's generation will find it hooky and outdated, they would do well to remember, that ther would probably be no X Files or Supernatural if it were not for this series. December 12, 2008

LOVE IT!

This movie duo asks the question, "What if?!" and does it in a way that will please any supernatural genre lover. It did and still does deliver what TV was supposed to do; allow us a needed escape from "reality" for a while. December 12, 2008

A crafty reporter that will get his story at any cost.

The Night Stalker:
Carl Kolchak(Darren McGavin) is a highly motivated and daring news reporter that will get his story. In Las Vegas there are numerous murders taking place. The victims are young girls being found dead with neck bites and their blood drained. Kolchak attempts to discover the killer's identity and in the process, steps on the police toes numerous times. Plus bringing down lots of heat on his newspaper.

This is a made for TV movie that developed a huge following at some point. And I see the reason why because it is definitely easy to like. Kolchak is very charasmatic and his antics are hilarious. But the fun is in the dialogue and character interactions. Since the movie is made for tv it's not chockful of gore and foul language.

There is a nice amount of suspense and some good action scenes. The acting and the writing stands out as well. The supporting cast does an excellent job, with Kolchak's boss Vincenzo(Simon Oakland) delivering the best performance to me. The movie doesn't really have too much of a creepy feel to me. But it didn't hurt it and I still had a good time with it. "The Night Stalker" also hits with its message that I won't spoil. The first movie is clearly the better of the two.

The Night Strangler:
After the events in Vegas, Kolchak finds himself in Seattle. Vincenzo lets Kolchak on a new story. Again there are murders taking place concerning young women. They are being found with their necks snapped and rotting tissue on the wound.

"The Night Strangler" is a rehash and that is all there is to it. This second outing isn't as spectacular but still good overall. Expect the same thing from the first. Funny character interactions and a good deal of suspense. There really isn't too much to say about this one.

The DVD transfers are very good with clear picture and sound. The DVD contains both movies on one disk, front and back. They both contain interviews that I thought were pretty good. Overall I think this is a good collection of movies. I recommend this to those looking for a fun, well crafted movie. October 21, 2008

To scary for an 8 year old !

I remember sitting in the dark by myself with a blanket around me watching this movie on a saturday evening and being scared crapless.

Even now as a 44 year old adult, I still have a dream at least once a year
that Janos Skorzeny is coming at me growling like he did at Kolchak when he opened that closet door.
Darn you Barry Atwater... I need my blanket now !! September 5, 2008

Suspenseful

I have watched this DVD over and over and love it every time. I am so glad I bought it. September 2, 2008

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