Reviewing 'THE NIGHT STALKER' (1972) - The TV Movie That Started It All! (*contains spoilers)

[@snootybaronet]

I was in grade school in the US and saw this when originally broadcast. It was a huge event. Everyone saw it, this was when there were only three tv networks and no other visual media options except films shown in theaters. There hadn’t been anything like it before on broadcast television.

[@TorontoJediMaster]

Wow. I thought I was the only fan of the 1979 "Vampire".

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

"Vampire" was fantastic and should have continued on into a full series!

[@tonystofer3650]

Excellent commentary. The movie showed a lot of realism. Very original. The humor and friction worked well. Total thumbs up

[@Felchenstien]

Yay! Yes to more Kolchack videos and yes to a Matheson retrospective! Great stuff! Hadn't even considered the Curtis/Matheson connection! Wonderful insights!

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

How was Richard Matheson involved in so many incredible projects? It's like every time you revisit something you like, you discover he was involved! Astonishing talents.

[@VortexBunche]

Please do the whole series. I was nine years old when the weekly series started and I never missed an episode when it originally aired, as I was absolutely a "monster kid," and I watched it from beneath the TV room's coffee table. My mother would ask me why I watched it if I found it so scary, and my standard response was "Because I have to." It was one of my gateways to being the horror fanatic that I am to this day.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

That's very cool that you watched the original run. I suspect it was the gateway drug for a lot of young horror fans! Such a fun and offbeat premise for a series, and McGavin was the perfect star at the centre of it all. He deserves more love and appreciation. I hope I can promote that in further Kolchak reviews :)

[@rogermorris9696]

There was to be an X files crossover, but in McGavin did not want to play the tole again. It was re written and McGavin played "the father of the X files" . Chris Carter admitted that Kolchak: The Night Stalker was a major touchstone for The X Files tone and style.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

That's a lovely tribute for Chris Carter to pay to Darren McGavin. I didn't really watch the X-Files at the time, but I was aware of it.

[@matthewcooper3877]

Hiya Tengy. Love the review. Just moved to Victoria 😃

[@johnwirenius8152]

I would love to hear you do the whole series! I’m a huge fan of Carl Kolchak, and think your response to it would be very interesting-I like how you had really insightful views in “Vampire” the first of your reaction videos I have seen.

[@johnwirenius8152]

I just wanted to speak up for Jeff Rice’s novel; Matheson did a great job streamlining it, but the book is actually quite readable, if a bit more sprawling than the teleplay.

[@stuhh]

Back in the early '90s there was a Friday night BBC TV series presented by Richard O'Brien which showed an episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker followed by a horror film. My brother and I became mildly obsessed with Kolchak and Darren McGavin (or Dee McGee as we called him). We used to go on about the "midnight interview" (i.e. Kolchak breaking into somebody's apartment to have a snoop) and the episode "Chopper" where we were convinced the motorcycle rider had a tiny shrunken head! Good times, but haven't seen the series since then, so would be interested in more Kolchak reviews, Tengy. 😀

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

That sounds like a brilliant Friday night lineup Stuart! Great to know you are onboard for more Kolchak adventures! :D

[@vincentsaia6545]

Yes, please do a special video on the great Richard Matheson.

[@glennfuller]

This TV movie had the best trailer I have ever seen- - which is why I believe it was the highest rated TV movie of its time . A vampire in Vegas ! A fantastic idea !

[@cyrusq5999]

Please do a "top ten" scariest / creepiest moments from the television films and show.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Thanks Cyrus! That might be a fun video to make after I've watched the other move and the series. Great suggestion. :)

[@peitacollard2736]

Brilliant as always! Really enjoy your reviews!

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Thanks mate! I can't wait to watch the second movie "The Night Strangler" too. The Kolchak character is so wonderful and endearing.

[@gar535]

This is the first of your videos I've seen, and it's terrific! You have a lot of great insights, your review is comprehensive, and I was incredibly impressed by your very skilled editing! I'm subscribing based on this - please do the second Kolchak movie and the entire series, it's one of my all-time favorites! Also, there IS a sequel to this telefilm - the fourth episode of the Kolchak series, "The Vampire", is about a previously undetected victim of Skorzeny and is one of the best episodes of the series!

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Hi RetroDoc! Thanks for your great comments, and for subscribing! I really appreciate it. I'm so pleased to know how many people love Kolchak. Based on this encouragement, I will definitely be doing more on the second movie and series. Cheers, T :)

[@gar535]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies And of course I'll be going back through your previous videos as well - I already see you've done one for The Stone Tape, one of my favorite Nigel Kneale stories!

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

@@gar535 Interesting you mention The Stone Tape. I watched the 1963 film The Mind Benders last night - it has some interesting similarities to The Stone Tape and even features the same actor, Michael Bryant. Made me wonder if it might have influenced Kneale a bit.

[@gar535]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies You may have something there - I'm sure it's often true that if writers see something that sticks with them from a movie or TV show, it may bubble up in an altered form a decade later in their own work, as here. I pulled out my book on Nigel Kneale, and in it he said he considers that The Stone Tape may be his very best work.

[@gilbertgex2091]

Hello Tengy. I fell in super-duper like (can=love) with you & your review of Kolshak which I'm a super fan of. Will watch & like every Kolshak & Twilight Zone one you do. Till next X.

[@Proteuscrow]

Great film, great review. McGavin really is perfect as Carl from the first moment of this film to the last shot of the series. The art for the full series blu-ray cover you show is by my friend Mark Maddox.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

That's so cool that you know Mark Maddox - his work is amazing. McGavin really is sensational in this role. No-one else could have played this part like he did :)

[@bobmessier5215]

Please do a video about Richard Matheson. He's a fantastic writer! I was a fan of "The Nightstalker" series and films.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

I had a moment some years back, when I suddenly realised how many of my favourite films and tv shows had been written by Richard Matheson - a whole lot! Such an incredible talent and imagination.

[@christiantaylor4027]

Good job. Love Kolchak. He's downtrodden but not down and out. Thanks.

[@DansTravels5823]

Kolchak was the type of journalist that inspired others to go into reporting in order to uncover the truth. The opposite of most reporters today who insist on having both sides. Kolchak "vampires are bad!" Modern reporter, "interesting point, but let's hear from Count Orlok on why vampires are good...". The follow-up movie and series are enjoyable, but I can understand why McGavin got tired of the "monster of the week" premise.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

I think the thing is about Kolchak is that he actually cares. It's not just a job to him, the truth really matters. It's a shame that the huge potential we see here, seemed to be never quite satisfactorily reached in the series, from what I remember about it. It's good but always feels like it should have reached greater heights, because it so easily could have. I completely understand McGavin's frustrations and the producers should have listened to him.

[@marcoantonioperez4250]

Great video about the television movie The night Stalker 1972. Very interesting suspense and horror movie, I saw it many years ago on television and I would have to see it again it seems that due to the success of this telefilm a series with the main character would later be made. Darren McGavin is a very good actor who has acted in many television series but I also remember him in a very interesting Spanish film, a drama and political thriller entitled B Must Die 1975 José Luis Borau. With an international cast alongside Darren McGavin, Stéphane Audran, Burgess Meredith and Patricia Neal. I think it's also an interesting movie to watch.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Hi Marco! The Night Stalker film is on youtube if you are eager to see it again. :) I have not seen B Must Die - sounds interesting, and what a sensational cast! Hope you are well.

[@marcoantonioperez4250]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies Thanks Tengy I am fine I hope you are fine too, thanks for the information to be able to watch The Night Stalker on KZbin, the movie B Must Die I don't know if it's available on the Internet I was able to record it from television in Spanish but even ago I had seen it in the movie theater for many years. Greetings.

[@Radz-kc5ri]

I loved the series as a boy. Dad an I watched it together and loved every episode. Sadly though I never got round to seeing the films. After watching this I know I need to. Looks impressive. And yes, please do review the series sometime. That would be fantastic. And also yes, a look at Richard Matheson would be wonderful also. Thanks again Tengy.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

The full movie is on youtube - I think both of the preliminary films are. Looking forward to watching The Night Strangler next. Glad you enjoyed this and it's nice to know the Night Stalker still has so many fans. McGavin is just sensational in the role. :)

[@MrDeVooluff]

Absolute classic series... do it! How do you keep finding my childhood favourites?

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Well, I'm glad you are enjoying my selections! Great to know the Night Stalker has so many fans :D

[@wesleyrodgers886]

Became the highest rated original tv movie. Can't remember the audience figures, but they were huge.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

You can see why - it really is something unique and fantastic. McGavin makes Kolchak a classic tv character. There's so much to love about the whole thing.

[@blondeguy56]

The movie received a 33.2 Neilsen rating and a 54 share of the TV audience watching TV at that time.

[@Pat4HUMANITY]

With a handful of truly great character actors and a likewise genre director, there has never been a better TV movie than 1972's 'The Night Stalker'--perhaps never a better vampire movie entirely.

[@Eduardo99922]

I enjoy this video.

[@simontruss3332]

Beautiful..Intelligent and puts across the subject well. Give this Lady a slot on TV.

[@voxpox1850]

Thank you - THANK YOU - for not comparing The Night Stalker to 'The X-Files'. The two shows are so dissimilar it's not even worth the constant comparisons. Kolchak is infinitely superior.

[@anthonyperdue3557]

😎☕"Cool Chick communicates comparable cinematic contemplation conclusions." 🤓☕ " Keeping Kolchak Kingly!" 😎☕" Accomplishes acknowledged attitude about actor and adventures. Arriving at approximate appreciation akin among audiences all around." 🤓☕" Carl's creative character completely claims compulsion." 😎☕" Cool Chick continues Carl's crusade comfortably clear. " 😎☕/🤓☕" Cheers collective Carl campaigners!" ... C☕ffeehouse conversation conducted cranium concealed.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

*snaps fingers in Beatnik turtle-neck and beret...

[@anthonyperdue3557]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies 😎☕🎺🎶🎶🎷

[@aaronlane8405]

I watched this show when I was a kid with my dad. Then I wouldn't sleep most of the night lol

[@dlee827]

It is a good film. It also caught the zeitgeist with respect to investigative reporters at the time of Watergate as well as the horror revival led by The Exorcist, which came out a year after this film. Incidentally, one of the writers on the TV series was David Chase, who went on to create The Sopranos.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Now that is an interesting bit of context and when you say it, it makes total sense! The investigative reporter as a heroic protagonist in this time and place....Brilliant! What a great comment! :)

[@dlee827]

Well the Watergate burglaries happened in June 72 which kicked off Woodward and Bernstein's work and two years later Alan J Pakula directed The Parallax View, which was also about an investigative journalist getting in over his head, and of course Pakula went on to direct All the President's men. Journalist as hero was definitely in the air in that period.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

@@dlee827 fascinating, how these trends emerge and reflect their times.

[@handsolo1076]

Thurrough & insightful review. Saw episode 09 the Spanish moss monster when I was 6. It terrified me. Ever hear of Cliffhangers? An American TV show from 1979. Part Dracula, part sci-fi & part thriller. May be worth your attention.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Thanks! I think the series warped the minds of lots of youngsters - in the best way! As another commenter observed, it seems to have been a "gateway drug" to horror for many people. McGavin is so reassuring, I guess he made the genre accessible to people of all ages.

[@handsolo1076]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies Agreed. The Night Strangler was awesome too. McGavin played Mike Hammer too. I think you mentioned that before.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

@@handsolo1076 I'm really looking forward to watching The Night Strangler very soon.

[@handsolo1076]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies I know you'll enjoy it.

[@jeanneeco]

Re reviewing the series: yes, please!

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

I'm keen to do it! :D

[@LannieLord]

FALL 1974. I was about to go into junior high . FRIDAYS : Planet of the Apes TV show on CBS 8PM . then NOTHING. Then Kolchak at 10:PM 🤩Apes was gone by Christmas (it was BORING) . Kolchak was done in the Spring 1975. Kolchak then VANISHED, then.....1979 CBS LATE MOVIE w/ Kolchak on FRIDAYS 11:30 PM . A whole new generation got to see Kolchak !! Then after that Kolchak took a long break ....

[@jeffwerth2707]

Sadly this only lasted 1 season so its worth reviewing each episode. This show could be called the "father" to the X-Files with its paranormal/supernatural investigations. In fact there were some eps where McGavin was a guest star

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Yes I think this was hugely influential, for both tv and movies that followed. I'm thinking too of a series like Forever Knight which also combined the vampire genre with police procedural. I'd love ot watch that again sometime too :)

[@jeffwerth2707]

It lasted longer - 3 seasons - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forever_Knight

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

@@jeffwerth2707 used to be on late night tv here in the 90s and was always enjoyable, as I remember it.

[@mikesilva3868]

😊great

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Glad you enjoyed this Mike!

[@mikesilva3868]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies ED-209: [menacingly] Please put down your weapon. You have twenty seconds to comply. Dick Jones: I think you'd better do what he says, Mr. Kinney. [Mr. Kinney drops the pistol on the floor. ED-209 advances, growling] ED-209: You now have fifteen seconds to comply. [Mr. Kinney turns to Dick Jones, who looks nervous] ED-209: You are in direct violation of Penal Code 1.13, Section 9. [entire room of people in full panic trying to stay out of the line of fire, especially Mr. Kinney] ED-209: You have five seconds to comply. Kinney: Help...! Help me! ED-209: Four... three... two... one... I am now authorized to use physical force! [ED-209 opens fire and shreds Mr. Kinney] 1987 robocop classic movie 😊

[@magnusskallagrimsson6707]

I believe Barry Atwater had been a body buidler as well.

[@douglascampbell9809]

I loved the series.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

It's lovely to see people still have so much love for Kolchak and his adventures! I am working on a review of the second telemovie as we speak!

[@doorman113681]

Hey what about the night strangler

[@blondeguy56]

Its my favorite vampire movie of all time.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

I can see why - it's so impressive, and so innovative.

[@AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv]

The original movie is fantastic

[@brucster99b2]

I remember watching both of the films at the time, and really enjoying them. I also watched the TV series, but don't really remember too much about it for some reason. So it would be good to see those again. For some reason, I seem to remember feeling that the TV series had a bit of a comedic element to it at the time, but it's been so long since I've seen it, that I could be wrong. The series was cancelled because Darren McGavin was unhappy with the scripts.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Yeah I'm much the same - I remember watching it but i don't remember it in too much detail. My impression was the same - a comedic element running through it alongside the horror stuff. I guess it's McGavin and that dry sense of humour he brings - the twinkle in the eye...It's a shame they didn't listen to Darren McGavin because I think he really had a high standard of quality in mind which would have benefited the show.

[@brucster99b2]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies McGaven, I believe, was also involved in the input side to a degree, but uncredited. I wonder what it was that he was unhappy with? Did he perhaps want more, or less, of a comedic element in the show. I'm pretty sure I was a little disappointed in the series due to some of the comedic elements, but it's been so long since I've seen the show that I can't really remember too much about it. I fairly recently watched a series called, "The Evil Touch", and McGavin is in a few of those episodes. I think you're probably right regarding his dry sense of humour. Maybe that was the underlying problem/issue he had with the show.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

@@brucster99b2 I read that he didn't like how it became a "monster of the week" show. I think he had higher ambitions for what it could be.

[@brucster99b2]

@@TengyTalksTVMovies Oh... right. I wonder what his expectations for the show were then? Perhaps to continue in the feature length format, or perhaps 2-3 part story lines.

[@terrytalksmovies]

The original Jeff Rice novel is really bad. Matheson did a great forensic job of picking the best bits out of it and putting the character and plot together. Darren McGavin was the secret sauce. Hell of a good character actor. People should see him in The Man With The Golden Arm.

[@TengyTalksTVMovies]

Wow, it's bad? I've never read it so it's interesting to hear that. Matheson and McGavin really made a superb team here. McGavin is always so great, and riveting to watch. I don't know who else from this time could have brought the eccentricity and the sparkle that he brought to the role of Kolchak. He's perfect in this.