The Night Stalker

Although I first heard of Kolchak about 20 years ago, I never actually indulged in watching his movies or the show. Finally being ready, I started with the beginning and watched finally watched the first made-for-TV movie, The Night Stalker. First off, given Kolchak's contentious relationship with authorities, I was immediately reminded of The Rockford Files and the way Jim Rockford has to beware of all cops and sheriff's deputies when working a case because they didn't like being embarrassed by his successes which also happen to be their failures. I could also sense the influence over X-Files, although I'm sure there will be even more inspiration on Chris Carter during the show. The ending, although frustrating, was wonderfully ambiguous. I found myself genuinely shocked [spoiler]when Kolchak struck the first blow with the hammer on the wooden stake in the "vampire's heart" and even more surprised when the DA and cops double-crossed him and drove him out of town.[/spoiler] But then afterwards, I wondered to myself, what else could have happened? Like life, some things don't wrap up nicely, they are ugly and leave people hurt and scattered to the wind....just ask Gail Foster.

Watched this again and still love the brief moments of intense action. Carl Kolchak is different in this movie than he is in the TV series that followed. He's mostly interested in getting the big story so he can get a job in New York again. He doesn't seem to be friends with his boss Tony Vincenzo in this. They seem very much at odds with one another. Kolchak greases a lot of palms and swings a few deals to get what he needs to score the scoop. I'm surprised he doesn't wear the light blue suit here. He's got the trademark porkpie straw hat, though. He also has a love interest who seems much too young and beautiful for ol' hairy Carl. Darren McGavin is fantastic as Kolchak and this has a nice gritty '70s Las Vegas atmosphere.