THE NIGHT STALKER is another hugely entertaining and atmospheric horror-themed TV movie from producer Dan Curtis, who ruled the small screen in America from the late '60s through to the mid '70s. The antagonist of the hour is another dastardly and feral vampire, not dissimilar to Barnabas Collins in DARK SHADOWS, but what brings this film to life is the protagonist: Carl Kolchak, the crusading journalist determined to share his news with the Las Vegas public when a vampire begins bumping off residents. Darren McGavin is a natural fit for the brash Kolchak, fighting cover-ups and supernatural evil at every turn, and well supported by a fine cast of character actors including Ralph Meeker, Elisha Cook Jr., Claude Akins and Simon Oakland. For those who believe that all TV movies are naturally slow and sedate, check out the vivid action sequences in which the vampire busts up the screen (and the local police department) in a bid for freedom. An even-better sequel, THE NIGHT STRANGLER, followed.
Review of The Night Stalker
The Night Stalker
(1972 TV Movie)
Great introduction to a much-loved character
18 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers