"Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (1974) TV series 1974-1975

Creator:

Jeffrey Grant Rice

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

13 September 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

One man's quest to uncover the truth,

Plot:

A newspaper reporter investigates strange supernatural occurrences in Chicago.

Plot Keywords:

Reporter | Supernatural | Newspaper | Cover Up | Cult Favorite

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Darren McGavin	...	Carl Kolchak (20 episodes, 1974-1975)
Simon Oakland	...	Tony Vincenzo (20 episodes, 1974-1975)
Jack Grinnage	...	Ron Updyke (18 episodes, 1974-1975)
Ruth McDevitt	...	Emily Cowles / ... (12 episodes, 1974-1975)

Also Known As:

The Night Stalker

Runtime:

60 min (20 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG | New Zealand:PG | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company:

Francy Productions

Trivia:

Actor Richard Kiel, before he became best known as the killer "Jaws" in the James Bond movies, was cast in two episodes as the monster. He first appeared as the "Diablero" in episode 8, "Bad Medicine" and later as "Peremalfait", the swamp monster, in episode 9 "The Spanish Moss Murders and as the robot in "R.I.N.G"."

Goofs:

Factual errors: Many of the stories take place in the winter months, but there is never any snow, and even if there was no snow, it is highly unlikely one would be driving a convertible with the top down during the winter months in Chicago.

Quotes:

Carl Kolchak: You must really enjoy your work.
Nurse Eisen: A well-done autopsy is a joy forever.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Monster A-Go-Go (#5.21)" (1993)

Definitely deserves a place in TV's "Hall of Fame"

One of my favorite shows back in the '70s. As I recall it went to air on Friday (or possibly Saturday)night on the Nine Network (?) here in Australia. Darren McGavin and Simon Oakland were great together.

Each episode usually reached a climax with Kolchack having to engage in hand to hand combat with some sort of supernatural opponent. To their credit, the writers made a concerted effort to get away from the usual round of vampires and ghosts as much as possible.

I remember one episode in which the adversary was the spirit of an ancient Indian Chief which/who 'came back' as a massive electrical current which started to kill people in a city hospital. The final showdown saw Kolchack trying to short circuit the 'power beast' amidst an explosion of sparks and billowing flames. Oh well .... you had to be there at the time but it was an interesting idea.

McGavin always packed a lot of energy and enthusiasm into his roles and this was one of his best.

Definitely deserves a place in TV's "Hall of Fame". To quote Tony Vincenzo .... 'Kolchack you are ON IT '... Or, in the case of the Hall of Fame,'IN it' !