Another Universal product that impacted me greatly as a boy in the '70s. McGavin never got his due as a first rate actor, though now that he's gone (as is usually the case) he's receiving some well deserved accolades. His versatility is highlighted by his renown as a '70s horror icon as well as a Christmas icon for his portrayal of Ralphie's dad in the classic "A Christmas Story".
I visited his grave at the Hollywood Forever Memorial Park (which shares a common wall with Paramount Studios, appropriately enough) the last time I was in LA, but he hadn't had a marker placed there as yet.
Sadly, Universal has apparently opted to follow its customary cheap, slipshod, slapdash handling of its horror iconography in its release of the Night Stalker series. I haven't purchased it yet precisely because I'm so upset that they spent exactly ZERO time or money cleaning up the sound/images, or providing a thorough backstory/documentary to accompany this excellent series. The utter incompetence and carelessness with which Universal treats ALL its horror catalog is simply criminal.
I know I'm going to have to shell out for the set because I simply have to have it, but if anyone here would rather supply me I'd much prefer to give my money to YOU, thereby enabling me to protest Universal's negligence while feeding my need for some first rate cheesy terror. My son Jordan (just turned 8) has never seen the series, and I've GOT to indoctrinate him ASAP.
Anyone else really impacted by this series?? Anyone seen the original TV movies upon which it was based (I've never seen these, but need to rectify that as well ASAP)?? What are your memories of watching this show??
BTW, here is the theme........simply LOVE it!!
http://www.kfcplainfield.com/sound/nightstalker.wav (http://www.kfcplainfield.com/sound/nightstalker.wav)
Oh, yeah man. I watched the original pilot as a kid, and completely freaked out. If im not mistaken, that was one of the first "modern" takes on the vampire mythos coming off all the old time movies...
And the series? Pffft! Every Friday night my buddy would sleep over and you better believe we were glued to that tv!
I guess my favorite episode (who's title escapes me at the moment), was the one with the demon that disguises itself as the person you trust the most...pure gold.
Kolchak fan right here, both of the TV series and the movies. My introduction to reporter Kolchak was in South Carolina when they first aired The Night Stalker movie, a year later (`73) watching the Night Strangler movie. By the time they started showing Kolchak in the TV series, I was already hooked on the character. You really should get the series, If for no other reason than for Jordan's sake. No one should be deprived of this classic. I'd offer up my copies of series and movies, but I'd rather have a stake driven in the `ol heart than ever part. My favorite episode was always "The Zombie", but Jordan will probally get more into "The Werewolf".
Hey Gang,
I absolutely adore the NIGHT STALKER, and anything really by Dan Curtis. There was a quality to seventies horror television that has stuck with me. Many say that it was the age that I was in those early years, but I say that I still get a melancholy chill whenever I hear that whistling. If you have never seen the movies, both are top-notch. Darren McGavin was a perfect choice, and the eerie quality of these gothic and supernatural horrors happening right in the heart of the city.
I would have loved to see a documentary on the DVDs. The movies actually have a short conversation interview. There is also a fantastic book on the series that you can still find.
I loved it! DM was amazing in the part. He acted through every frame of those movies and the series. Even when he's in the corner of the shot or in the background, look at him... he is Carl Kolchak!
I love this series as well.I think Darren McGavin was great!! I watched him years ago when I was
just a little kid in a series called Riverboat .Anybody recall that ? And ,of course he was great in the mini series The Martian Chronicles ,not to mention A Christmas Story.
Yep, me too. Every episode just flows with nostalgia. The Night Strangler and The Night Stalker are together on a very cool dvd, also. I don't own the series or the movies yet, either, but I do have the book, The Night Stalker Companion. A very good read. And that theme... so cool. I always thought if they were going to redo the series, it would have been neat to have someone like Seth Green as Kolchak's son or grandson, discovering some supernatural artifacts that Carl had tucked away, along with some of his writings/notes. He, of course, would follow in his footsteps, and even dress like Kolchak. The series they DID do, just didn't capture that ol' Night Stalker feel. I imagine the only way to get that "feel" is to invest in the dvds. Long Live Carl Kolchak!
And, no, Scatter... the book is not in one of my 'tubs". It's in a box.
BTW, wasn't " The Norliss Tapes " a Dan Curtis project, also? I always thought that was a cool made-for-tv movie, too. Hey, how about a 12" Kolchak figure?! That would be a groovy thing!
Quote from: Unknown Primate on January 17, 2009, 12:27:36 AM
BTW, wasn't " The Norliss Tapes " a Dan Curtis project, also? I always thought that was a cool made-for-tv movie, too. Hey, how about a 12" Kolchak figure?! That would be a groovy thing!
I'd like to see McFarlane do that! A 12 inch or "action figure" 6 inch....
Quote from: Unknown Primate on January 17, 2009, 12:27:36 AM
BTW, wasn't " The Norliss Tapes " a Dan Curtis project, also? I always thought that was a cool made-for-tv movie, too. Hey, how about a 12" Kolchak figure?! That would be a groovy thing!
The Norliss Tapes was done by Dan Curtis. As for a figure, I've seen customs usually using a figure from A CHRISTMAS STORY. I would love an authentic one though, complete with hat and camera. I can dream, can't I? Oh...and a box for the mdel that might have been:
http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/4_123/products_id/8756 (http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/4_123/products_id/8756)
Rob
BTW: This post actually should have followed the one below.
Am I a fan of Kolchak? Wow! Where to start? The episode mentioned here is "Horror in the Heights" and the creature mentioned is the Rakshasa, a Hindu flesh-eating, shape-shifting demon. It also featured TV legend Phil Silvers as a guest star. This episode has long been a fan favorite. Here's the IMDB link for the episode:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0621537/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0621537/)
Quote from: Creature Features on January 16, 2009, 11:06:32 PM
I guess my favorite episode (who's title escapes me at the moment), was the one with the demon that disguises itself as the person you trust the most...pure gold.
As for Kolchak and me, it also started with the original 2 TV movies. I also recommend getting that double movie DVD along with the series set. Yes, they are disappoiningly devoid of bonus material with the exception of the aforementioned interview. Still, you MUST have them. I think that you should be able to find the movie set for a decent price online. When you combine the talents of Richard Matheson and Dan Curtis, you're gonna get some great 1970's horror. Add in a great cast, and we're in horror heaven. I also think that the 1970's was a great decade for TV horror.
I watched every episode as a boy and remember watching it when it was later in reruns (I believe on Friday nights around 11:30 or midnight). I would be the only one up late in the house and would sit alone in the dark just delighting in the chills. Sure, there were episodes that were not up to expectations, but they were still fun because there was Kolchak and Vincenzo (Simon Oakland) bickering like an old married couple, or Kolchak and Ron "Uptight" Updyke (Jack Grinnage) verbally sparring. Someone mentioned "The Zombie" as a good episode and I would rate it as one of the most suspenseful. Other favorite episodes are :Horror in the Heights (See above), The Trevi Collection, The Ripper, and The Vampire. One that I hadn't seen in years until the DVD set came out was Firefall featuring a doppelganger. I couldn't remember much about the episode, but there were camera shots which scared the crap out of me. Watch it and I have no doubt you'll know which ones.
Another great thing about the movies and the series was the number of TV and film icons that pop up in guest roles like wicked witch Margaret Hamilton, horror icon John Carridine, Addams Family's Carolyn Jones, Munsters' Grandpa Al Lewis, voice of Piglet-John Fiedler, Scatman Crothers, Mary Wickes, Dick Van Patten, William Daniels (St. Elsewhere), Larry Storch (F-Troop), Dick Gautier, David Doyle (Bosley from Charlie's Angels), Tom Skeritt (ALIEN), Richard Kiel (2 episodes), Keenan Wynn, Gillman's sweetheart Julie Adams, Larry Linville & Jamie Farr (MASH), Bernie Kopell (Love Boat), Lara Parker (Dark Shadows), Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island & Mr. Magoo), Erik Estrada (CHiPS), Wally Cox, and Richard Anderson (Oscar Goldman from $6 Million Man). Is everyone sold yet? lol
Just talking about it all has got me hungering to watch some this weekend,. I suggest all of you do too.
Rob
Man, that box is cool!
And that is the reason I'm called TV horror!! I love Kolchak even to the point of making my own 12" figure with camera, tape machine and loose tie. I used the Christmas story figure head and a Dragon figure body, as soon as I can I'll post a photo. With living in the U.K we did not see the series until about 15 years after it was made and there were a number of great episodes shown, the Spanish moss being one and Horror in the heights. I can recommend it highly as great entertainment, now where is Gordy the ghoul?
Yup, I figured there would be some fellow Stalkerazzi out there!! It simply IRKS me no end how dismissive Universal is with these gems. I wasn't aware the movies were out together on DVD......gotta love Amazon. So,they're winging their way to me.
What a catch 22. How do you hold Universal to an appropriate standard of quality?? Buy from them when the product is substandard, and you encourage more of the same ("See, the fools buy it anyway"). Refuse to buy, and they may well stop releases completely because of lousy sales ("See, no use putting any actual work into these things because the market is too small.").
Too bad we can't simply rely on Universal to do what's RIGHT. >:( I held off buying the classic films until the Legacy Editions came out for exactly that reason. I stuck with VHS copies until they got their heads out of their posteriors, but don't have that option here. Besides, nothing like a DVD even if the quality isn't up to snuff. Even with the stinking DOUBLE SIDED ones they issue. What's a disk bought at the kind of bulk they use cost anyway?? Fifteen cents MAYBE?? But no, they have to double side them. :P
Well, naturally, I'm buying them. But I'm also writing a useless letter telling them exactly what I think of their policies.Morons.
The new series, outside of the few nods to the McGavin classic (battered hat on the rack), was absolute dreck. Those who have read some of the backstory on the movies/series know the turmoil and clashes McGavin had with the producers and studio. Would have made a fascinating documentary to accompany the set, especially since those involved won't be with us much longer, and they already waited too long to get McGavin on record.
I can hear my dad's constant refrain whenever I think about this stuff, "Do it right, or don't do it at all. Everything you create says something to the world about YOU."
Too bad my dad didn't work for Universal.
Quote from: tv horror on January 17, 2009, 01:37:28 AM
And that is the reason I'm called TV horror!! I love Kolchak even to the point of making my own 12" figure with camera, tape machine and loose tie. I used the Christmas story figure head and a Dragon figure body, as soon as I can I'll post a photo. With living in the U.K we did not see the series until about 15 years after it was made and there were a number of great episodes shown, the Spanish moss being one and Horror in the heights. I can recommend it highly as great entertainment, now where is Gordy the ghoul?
PLEASE post your pics!! I can't wait to see it!!
Quote from: Scatter on January 17, 2009, 01:56:33 AM
Yup, I figured there would be some fellow Stalkerazzi out there!! It simply IRKS me no end how dismissive Universal is with these gems. I wasn't aware the movies were out together on DVD......gotta love Amazon. So,they're winging their way to me.
What a catch 22. How do you hold Universal to an appropriate standard of quality?? Buy from them when the product is substandard, and you encourage more of the same ("See, the fools buy it anyway"). Refuse to buy, and they may well stop releases completely because of lousy sales ("See, no use putting any actual work into these things because the market is too small.").
Too bad we can't simply rely on Universal to do what's RIGHT. >:( I held off buying the classic films until the Legacy Editions came out for exactly that reason. I stuck with VHS copies until they got their heads out of their posteriors, but don't have that option here. Besides, nothing like a DVD even if the quality isn't up to snuff. Even with the stinking DOUBLE SIDED ones they issue. What's a disk bought at the kind of bulk they use cost anyway?? Fifteen cents MAYBE?? But no, they have to double side them. :P
Well, naturally, I'm buying them. But I'm also writing a useless letter telling them exactly what I think of their policies.Morons.
The new series, outside of the few nods to the McGavin classic (battered hat on the rack), was absolute dreck. Those who have read some of the backstory on the movies/series know the turmoil and clashes McGavin had with the producers and studio. Would have made a fascinating documentary to accompany the set, especially since those involved won't be with us much longer, and they already waited too long to get McGavin on record.
I can hear my dad's constant refrain whenever I think about this stuff, "Do it right, or don't do it at all. Everything you create says something to the world about YOU."
Too bad my dad didn't work for Universal.
The letter thing sounds like a good idea....maybe if enough people complain, someone at Universal will take notice...?
Quote from: Creature Features on January 17, 2009, 02:09:37 AM
The letter thing sounds like a good idea....maybe if enough people complain, someone at Universal will take notice...?
Frankly, I really don't think they give a steaming pile of excrement what we think. But the letter will be cathartic.
Very much enjoyed the adventures of the intrepid Mr.Kolchak. Show was well cast and very entertaining. The film is amongst my very favorites.
Wow Scatter, great topic! What can I say that I hasn't already been said. The movies hold up well still today! The TV show, some are better than others.
I used to watch it with my Grandparents when I spent Friday nights at their house! Grandma would make us popcorn and we would sit and watch it! Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories.
BK
Quote from: michblk on January 17, 2009, 11:25:00 AM
Wow Scatter, great topic! What can I say that I hasn't already been said. The movies hold up well still today! The TV show, some are better than others.
I used to watch it with my Grandparents when I spent Friday nights at their house! Grandma would make us popcorn and we would sit and watch it! Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories.
BK
Hi BK!! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the movies.....as for the series, there was some up and down in episode quality (which drove McGavin crazy,he really cared about this role) but I can honestly say I love each of them. I try never to compare any work against some arbitrary standard of quality, so then I can enjoy each of them on their individual merits. Even the "bad" ones have elements which I appreciate.
I put the theme song for Kolchak and the theme for Chiller Theater on my iPod just to bring back those wonderful Friday nights of our childhood.
Hey scatter thats like something that Kevin Mccarthy would say "I pod you human?" That was a great show and I really loved the nod to him in the X-files as the father of the x-files and his turn as Frank Blacks father in Millennium.
Quote from: tv horror on January 17, 2009, 08:55:32 PM
Hey scatter thats like something that Kevin Mccarthy would say "I pod you human?" That was a great show and I really loved the nod to him in the X-files as the father of the x-files and his turn as Frank Blacks father in Millennium.
LOL!! Terrific flick!!
Watching ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS episodes tonight--but tomorrow, boy oh boy, I'm watching KOLCHAK again. Thanks for putting me in the mood!
I love The Night Stalker. Watched the series as a kid on the CBS Late Movie. Somehow I also caught the two movies. I remember they were on late, but it wasn't on the CBS Late Movie. I think they were syndicated to local stations with other made-for-TV movies. That's how I saw weird stuff like Bermuda Depths and Haunts of the Very Rich. They were aired latenight by local stations as part of some kind of syndicated package.
My brother and I had two Animal Fair stuffed Bigfoot toys. We would pretend his Bigfoot was Kolchak and mine was Vincenzo. They would encounter all kinds of monsters, often played by Charlie McCarthy wearing rubber masks. Sometimes Hugo (Man of 1,000 Faces) would play the monster. We had the theme from the TV series on a cassette tape (recorded by holding a tape recorder up to the TV speaker while the show was playing). My brother's stuffed Bigfoot, playing Kolchak, would sit at a real typewriter while the theme played on an old tape recorder. He would go through the motions of the opening sequence, thus opening our "show." Then my Bigfoot would walk in and start bossing him around, sending him on an assignment and telling him not to screw it up this time. He would run into Charlie McCarthy or Hugo, in human form. They would be very dapper and charming, until they donned the monster mask or makeup. The stuffed Kolchak Bigfoot would find a way to kill them, then go back to the office and explain to the stuffed Vincenzo Bigfoot that he couldn't get the story. A monster got in the way. Sorry boss. He would then get chewed out and we would play the closing theme on the tape recorder. That was the end of our show.
Quote from: raycastile on January 18, 2009, 01:21:18 AM
I love The Night Stalker. Watched the series as a kid on the CBS Late Movie. Somehow I also caught the two movies. I remember they were on late, but it wasn't on the CBS Late Movie. I think they were syndicated to local stations with other made-for-TV movies. That's how I saw weird stuff like Bermuda Depths and Haunts of the Very Rich. They were aired latenight by local stations as part of some kind of syndicated package.
My brother and I had two Animal Fair stuffed Bigfoot toys. We would pretend his Bigfoot was Kolchak and mine was Vincenzo. They would encounter all kinds of monsters, often played by Charlie McCarthy wearing rubber masks. Sometimes Hugo (Man of 1,000 Faces) would play the monster. We had the theme from the TV series on a cassette tape (recorded by holding a tape recorder up to the TV speaker while the show was playing). My brother's stuffed Bigfoot, playing Kolchak, would sit at a real typewriter while the theme played on an old tape recorder. He would go through the motions of the opening sequence, thus opening our "show." Then my Bigfoot would walk in and start bossing him around, sending him on an assignment and telling him not to screw it up this time. He would run into Charlie McCarthy or Hugo, in human form. They would be very dapper and charming, until they donned the monster mask or makeup. The stuffed Kolchak Bigfoot would find a way to kill them, then go back to the office and explain to the stuffed Vincenzo Bigfoot that he couldn't get the story. A monster got in the way. Sorry boss. He would then get chewed out and we would play the closing theme on the tape recorder. That was the end of our show.
Tell me.............WHAT could POSSIBLY be better than growing up a MonsterKid?? Fantastic story!! I miss my Hugo.
Quote from: raycastile on January 18, 2009, 01:21:18 AM
I love The Night Stalker. Watched the series as a kid on the CBS Late Movie. Somehow I also caught the two movies. I remember they were on late, but it wasn't on the CBS Late Movie. I think they were syndicated to local stations with other made-for-TV movies. That's how I saw weird stuff like Bermuda Depths and Haunts of the Very Rich. They were aired latenight by local stations as part of some kind of syndicated package.
My brother and I had two Animal Fair stuffed Bigfoot toys. We would pretend his Bigfoot was Kolchak and mine was Vincenzo. They would encounter all kinds of monsters, often played by Charlie McCarthy wearing rubber masks. Sometimes Hugo (Man of 1,000 Faces) would play the monster. We had the theme from the TV series on a cassette tape (recorded by holding a tape recorder up to the TV speaker while the show was playing). My brother's stuffed Bigfoot, playing Kolchak, would sit at a real typewriter while the theme played on an old tape recorder. He would go through the motions of the opening sequence, thus opening our "show." Then my Bigfoot would walk in and start bossing him around, sending him on an assignment and telling him not to screw it up this time. He would run into Charlie McCarthy or Hugo, in human form. They would be very dapper and charming, until they donned the monster mask or makeup. The stuffed Kolchak Bigfoot would find a way to kill them, then go back to the office and explain to the stuffed Vincenzo Bigfoot that he couldn't get the story. A monster got in the way. Sorry boss. He would then get chewed out and we would play the closing theme on the tape recorder. That was the end of our show.
Bravo!
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u131/CaptainStacy/cs_applaud.gif)
I love the 2 TV movies and the show. I never missed it when it was on .
The new remake was terrible in my opinion.
TS
It's funny you mention this. I jut bought the Pilot episode a couple of weeks ago. Another wonderful memory from my childhood. I remember sitting and watching this with my mom and dad faithfully. I haven't seen any other episodes since but I remember it being very funny at times. Classic show never to be repeated.
Quote from: Roback on January 18, 2009, 07:59:36 PM
It's funny you mention this. I jut bought the Pilot episode a couple of weeks ago. Another wonderful memory from my childhood. I remember sitting and watching this with my mom and dad faithfully. I haven't seen any other episodes since but I remember it being very funny at times. Classic show never to be repeated.
Yup, the memories are priceless........
I bought the DVD set when it was released along with the movies. I only caught some of them when I was a kid, but always loved them when I did. My wife had never seen it, and of course my son hadn't either. We watched a couple episodes each night until we got through the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even my son, who is sometimes tepid on Dad's horror movies and such...
I'm not a fan of "extras" on DVD's for the most part. I'd rather watch a different movie than watch extras and interviews. I was pleasantly surprised that it was issued at all, so I guess I'm the wrong one to complain to them about it.
Great posts! The kOLCHAK ROCKED. i WAS SORELY DISAPPOINTED IN THE "REMAKE" nIGHT sTALKER SERIES. i CAN'T BELIEVE IT LASTED AS LONG AS IT DID. Seven episodes?
Gauntlett Press recently published a book about Kolchak. Richard Matheson wrote the movie scripts and the book contains the scripts for all three movies. Three? yes, there was a third one planned but it got canned when they decided to do a series.
Alas, maybe Amok Time can do us a Kolchak 12 inch figure?
I grew up watching Kolchak and figure him among one of my favs and biggest influences on my sensibilities now. McGavin's was the one celebrity funeral I've attended. Later I took some pics of his grave site.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravefull.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravesig.jpg)
And more recently I went back and got a pic of Vampira's marker, protected by McGavin's.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/vampiramcgavin.jpg)
How did the Zombie ride that bus back to he auto graveyard? He was a green, mossy, suppurating mess with ME stitching down his chest.
You see weird people on public transport alright, but sheesh... :D
Fantastic and touching photos Dr. Jitters, thanks so much for sharing these.
Quote from: Dr. Jitters on January 19, 2009, 02:50:55 PM
I grew up watching Kolchak and figure him among one of my favs and biggest influences on my sensibilities now. McGavin's was the one celebrity funeral I've attended. Later I took some pics of his grave site.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravefull.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravesig.jpg)
And more recently I went back and got a pic of Vampira's marker, protected by McGavin's.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/vampiramcgavin.jpg)
My wife Nancy and I visited LA shortly after the funeral and made a beeline to Hollywood Forever to pay our respects.There was no marker at that point of course, so I'm glad to see that they've done a nice job with it.
A big thank you to Dr.Jitters for posting photos of Darren McGavin's gravesite.It is a very nice
memorial to a great talent and an all time favourite of mine.
Remember local channels with their "Late Show", "Late,Late Show", and "Late,Late, LATE Show That Will Take You All The Way Past The Crying Indian Into The Test Pattern"???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5Qiker9Nuo
I am a big fan of the show. The original not the remake. You can't replace Darrin McGavin. I have the DVD set. My favorite episodes are the Zombie where he has to fill the zombies mouth with salt and sew it up while he is sleeping and whe he is halfway done the zombie wakes up. The other episode is with the monster Pamarfey_the Louisiana boogey man that you have to kill with a eukiliptis (spelt wrong I know) branch. Great show!
The one scene that stuck out for me was the ripper episode when he was hiding behind the curtain and could not contain himself anymore and ran out screaming, priceless. I wrote to him a few years before he died and got him to sign an 8x10 of him with Richard Kiel, although not a great episode I was just over the Moon that he replied and that it was signed. It is one of my most cherished possessions.
Guys,
The scenes from "The Zombie" and "The Ripper" that you mention are 2 of the best from the series. Real edge of the seat stuff. In an earlier post in this thread I mentioned the episode "Firefall" and a scene that really creeped me out. It's the scene in the church when Kolchak is trying to help Ryder Bond (I think that was the character's name.) stay awake.
Rob
Quote from: tv horror on January 20, 2009, 06:36:10 PM
The one scene that stuck out for me was the ripper episode when he was hiding behind the curtain and could not contain himself anymore and ran out screaming, priceless. I wrote to him a few years before he died and got him to sign an 8x10 of him with Richard Kiel, although not a great episode I was just over the Moon that he replied and that it was signed. It is one of my most cherished possessions.
I ..........Hate..........you. Sadly,though I loved McGavin in WHATEVER he played, I always thought I'd get around to writing him "One of these days". Bitter lesson learned.
I've been a huge fan of the
Night stalker since I saw the original
as a child. Have both movies and the old and new series
on dvd . Also i've a life size Kolchak I use in my Halloween display.
If you let the new series stand on it's own merit
it could have been a great show.Using a modern version of the
4 horsemen, the mark of Cane. Asking what is true evil.
Disney didn't know what they had.
(Maybe the new Carl
should have been a nephew of the original)
Darren McGavin was irreplaceable and we will never know what might have been.
Long live Kolchak!!!!
63monsterkidd
QuoteThe one scene that stuck out for me was the ripper episode when he was hiding behind the curtain and could not contain himself anymore and ran out screaming, priceless.
Wasn't that the great thing about Carl ? A heroic everyman who never became too stoic. You knew he was never too far from that freak-out threshold. And yep once or twice, in spite of the personal danger .... he crossed it, right in the monster's face. Classic. You had to laugh. What other monster-killer could manage to fall down the stairs while being pursued by a killer vampire ?
" ---- EYAHHHHH !!!" :D :D :D :D
Quote from: Dr. Jitters on January 19, 2009, 02:50:55 PM
I grew up watching Kolchak and figure him among one of my favs and biggest influences on my sensibilities now. McGavin's was the one celebrity funeral I've attended. Later I took some pics of his grave site.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravefull.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/darrengravesig.jpg)
And more recently I went back and got a pic of Vampira's marker, protected by McGavin's.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/drjitters/vampiramcgavin.jpg)
Wow, nice photos, Doc!
Quote from: 63monsterkidd on January 21, 2009, 11:06:06 AM
Also i've a life size Kolchak I use in my Halloween display.
63monsterkidd
I'd love to see a picture of this!
Rob
The 1970s were indeed a great era for tv horror. Here is a list of some of the best: The Night Stalker, Gargoyles, Killdozer, The Horror At 37,000 Feet, The Norliss Tapes, Don't Be Afraid of The Dark and Satan's School For Girls. I don't really consider it a "true" horror film, but DUEL ranks right in there as well.
Quote from: TrueFan on January 22, 2009, 11:26:13 PM
The 1970s were indeed a great era for tv horror. Here is a list of some of the best: The Night Stalker, Gargoyles, Killdozer, The Horror At 37,000 Feet, The Norliss Tapes, Don't Be Afraid of The Dark and Satan's School For Girls. I don't really consider it a "true" horror film, but DUEL ranks right in there as well.
And I'd like to add CROWHAVEN FARM, TRILOGY OF TERROR, and SALEMS LOT.
Rob
Quote from: TrueFan on January 22, 2009, 11:26:13 PM
The 1970s were indeed a great era for tv horror. Here is a list of some of the best: The Night Stalker, Gargoyles, Killdozer, The Horror At 37,000 Feet, The Norliss Tapes, Don't Be Afraid of The Dark and Satan's School For Girls. I don't really consider it a "true" horror film, but DUEL ranks right in there as well.
Man, "Don't BE Afraid Of The Dark" scared the beejeesus out of me as a kid, lol... ;D
Salem's Lot caused a few sleepless nights!!
The Night Stalker was one of my favorites. I was quite young when I watched the premier of the original made-for-tv-movie, and remember being thrilled when it became a series. I've watched the boxed set twice through now. Always liked the "Chopper" episode. The whole show was so fresh -- even today it feels like a new idea. Perfect juxtaposition of the rumpled reporter with the shadowy horror world. And who else could've played Kolchak? I can't think of better casting.
As for the other '70s shows, I'm in complete agreement -- I saw Don't be Afraid of the Dark on the Channel 7 afternoon movie and was completely freaked out for weeks. I was sure I could hear those little voices at night -- and I know that I saw one of those little S.O.B.s scurrying along the corner of my bedroom once!
Remember Dark Night of the Scarecrow? That was a great one, too -- I thought it was supposed to be scheduled for a DVD release this year. Hope so. Not '70s exactly, but pretty close. Close enough to have that '70s vibe.
Another one that I remember from Channel 7's 4:00 movie was Isn't It Shocking with Alan Alda and Louise Lasser. Not horror per se, but I remember it being very creepy.
I agree,Darrin McGavin was Kolchak.That was perfect casting !
QuoteThe Norliss Tape
s
I watched NORLISS a while back and could not get over how much the demon statue looked like Lou Ferrigno's Hulk, albeit in
red body-makeup.
Quote from: Daimajin on January 26, 2009, 07:01:13 PM
The Night Stalker was one of my favorites. I was quite young when I watched the premier of the original made-for-tv-movie, and remember being thrilled when it became a series. I've watched the boxed set twice through now. Always liked the "Chopper" episode. The whole show was so fresh -- even today it feels like a new idea. Perfect juxtaposition of the rumpled reporter with the shadowy horror world. And who else could've played Kolchak? I can't think of better casting.
As for the other '70s shows, I'm in complete agreement -- I saw Don't be Afraid of the Dark on the Channel 7 afternoon movie and was completely freaked out for weeks. I was sure I could hear those little voices at night -- and I know that I saw one of those little S.O.B.s scurrying along the corner of my bedroom once!
Remember Dark Night of the Scarecrow? That was a great one, too -- I thought it was supposed to be scheduled for a DVD release this year. Hope so. Not '70s exactly, but pretty close. Close enough to have that '70s vibe.
Another one that I remember from Channel 7's 4:00 movie was Isn't It Shocking with Alan Alda and Louise Lasser. Not horror per se, but I remember it being very creepy.
I love Dark Night Of THe ScareCrow as well. Great movie!
.
It's too bad the series wasn't in a better time slot.
I don't really remember the time slot, but as a monster kid I watched Kolchak like a faithful little monster fanatic. After having seen the two TV movies, there was no way I would miss it where ever it was. If it had been on at 3 am, I would have found a way, school night or not.
Having just seen the "Night Stalker" and "Night Strangler" for the first time, count me as a new fan! Those two movies are great 70's TV horror and I agree: the casting was spot on perfect.
I'm planning on checking out some of the series as well on Netflix.
Quote from: BaronLatos35 on February 16, 2009, 07:25:52 PM
Having just seen the "Night Stalker" and "Night Strangler" for the first time, count me as a new fan! Those two movies are great 70's TV horror and I agree: the casting was spot on perfect.
I'm planning on checking out some of the series as well on Netflix.
Welcome to the flock Baron!! What inspired you to pick up the movies?? \
Quote from: Scatter on February 17, 2009, 12:21:29 PM
Welcome to the flock Baron!! What inspired you to pick up the movies?? \
Honestly, reading this thread. Of course I had heard of the movies/series, always seemed to miss on TV though (back then there was no On Demand). I do remember seeing a picture of Kolchack holding the silver crucifix and when I saw it in the movie it was a cool moment.
Overall, being a fan of vampire movies and 70's horror in general, (actually all Horror) I felt I had to see these movies. Now I'm looking to add them to my DVD collection.
Thats what I love about the UMA...you always can pick up new things from other Monster Fans...
A final question: Any particular episodes of the series you all recommend?
Quote from: BaronLatos35 on February 17, 2009, 03:30:46 PM
Honestly, reading this thread. Of course I had heard of the movies/series, always seemed to miss on TV though (back then there was no On Demand). I do remember seeing a picture of Kolchack holding the silver crucifix and when I saw it in the movie it was a cool moment.
Overall, being a fan of vampire movies and 70's horror in general, (actually all Horror) I felt I had to see these movies. Now I'm looking to add them to my DVD collection.
Thats what I love about the UMA...you always can pick up new things from other Monster Fans...
A final question: Any particular episodes of the series you all recommend?
I was hoping my little thread had a role in it!! Cool!!
Great episodes (in no particular order);
The Vampire
The Devil's Platform
Spanish Moss Murders
Chopper
Let's face it.I love em all though.
Quote from: BaronLatos35 on February 17, 2009, 03:30:46 PMA final question: Any particular episodes of the series you all recommend?
If you're going to be viewing them through NetFlix, you'll get the best mixed in with the good and the ...less than great.
My favorites are:
The Ripper
The Zombie
Firefall
Horror in the Heights
The Trevi Collection
and The Spanish Moss Murders
I'll be curious to see which are your favorites after you watch them all. (and you must)
Rob
Thanks fellas,
How many seasons did the show run? I may have to pick up the set if the price works out.
imdb.com lists it as 1 season.
Rob
I always liked watching the Night Stalker, we were living in South Carolina at the time. Maybe I'll receive hate comments, but I think the two TV movies were superior to the TV series. The movies just seemed better written, and creeped me out more when I was little. The show's episodes Ripper and Zombie were exceptional offerings.
Quote from: josie monster on February 19, 2009, 10:06:54 PM
I always liked watching the Night Stalker, we were living in South Carolina at the time. Maybe I'll receive hate comments, but I think the two TV movies were superior to the TV series. The movies just seemed better written, and creeped me out more when I was little. The show's episodes Ripper and Zombie were exceptional offerings.
I agree. The two pilot episodes were excellent. ESPECIALLY the first one!
Quote from: josie monster on February 19, 2009, 10:06:54 PM
I always liked watching the Night Stalker, we were living in South Carolina at the time. Maybe I'll receive hate comments, but I think the two TV movies were superior to the TV series. The movies just seemed better written, and creeped me out more when I was little. The show's episodes Ripper and Zombie were exceptional offerings.
Quote from: Creature Features on February 20, 2009, 10:19:03 PM
I agree. The two pilot episodes were excellent. ESPECIALLY the first one!
After just recently re-watching several episodes of the series and the Night Stalker movie, I would agree that the films are much superior to the tv show. I think what really stands out to me is how the character of Kolchak changed from the tv movie to the series. In the Night Stalker, he is a serious, veteran reporter. In the series, he became a much more comedic character, almost to the point of buffoonery at times. Now I do like the fact that he is a very human character, an everyman who DOES get scared, and not a big-muscled action hero. But I just felt that sometimes he was made a little too silly.
I watched the two tv movies when I was in high school back in the 70's and thought they were great. I still do. The first with the vampire is till extremely effective in raising goosebumps. I watched the series from first episode to last at least three times (original airing, CBS late night, and Chiller) and I still love it. Sometimes its a bit goofy, but it has a charm to it that, to me, is irresistible.
Quote from: RICKH on August 16, 2010, 12:19:38 PM
I watched the two tv movies when I was in high school back in the 70's and thought they were great. I still do. The first with the vampire is till extremely effective in raising goosebumps. I watched the series from first episode to last at least three times (original airing, CBS late night, and Chiller) and I still love it. Sometimes its a bit goofy, but it has a charm to it that, to me, is irresistible.
I still recall the cold sweat which I developed each time Kolchak was in a closet hiding from the Vampire/ Strangler and also the Jack the Ripper from the series. MS you nailed it about him being the average joe/everyday man.
Quote from: Opera Ghost on August 16, 2010, 12:33:31 PM
I still recall the cold sweat which I developed each time Kolchak was in a closet hiding from the Vampire/ Strangler and also the Jack the Ripper from the series. MS you nailed it about him being the average joe/everyday man.
Well OG, I'm hardly the first person to call Kolchak an everyman. But I do think that is one of the best things about the character -he's no superhero! The other great thing about Kolchak -which appeals to nerdy scientist types like me -is that he actually did research and learned all he could about the menaces he was going to face. He used his brains -had to, didn't have brawn!
Quote from: Moonshadow on August 16, 2010, 02:53:24 PM
Well OG, I'm hardly the first person to call Kolchak an everyman. But I do think that is one of the best things about the character -he's no superhero! The other great thing about Kolchak -which appeals to nerdy scientist types like me -is that he actually did research and learned all he could about the menaces he was going to face. He used his brains -had to, didn't have brawn!
Kolchak fit well into the burgeoning TV anti-hero genre that emerged in the 70s. We went from square-jawed,straight-arrow Boy Scouts in the 50s and 60s like Joe Friday, Davey Crockett, The Lone Ranger, Superman, Zorro, The Cartwrights and the Barkleys, Palladin, etc., to Kolchak, Jim Rockford, Hawkeye Pierce, Columbo, David Banner, etc.
While there was definite crossover in both directions (see Brett Maverick's anti-hero in the late 50s, as opposed to the square-jawed and fearless Joe Mannix into the mid-70s) the trend was toward the "everyman" his with moral ambiguities, questionable bravery, and grey-shaded worldview..........things that Joe Friday never confronted in his stark and well delineated black and white world. The only shades of grey Joe ever confronted were in the suits and ties lined neatly in his closet every morning.
It was a trend precipitated by the disturbing elements in that era which tossed all manner of graduated grey into the faces of the American public every morning as they read their newspapers or listened to Walter Cronkite on the evening news.
Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, political assassinations, the burning of Watts, Watergate.......in a world that had seemingly lost its equilibrium, Perry Mason and Davey Crockett and The Lone Ranger became unbearably out of step with the world at hand.
It was a great trend for TV viewers though, as it opened up endless comic opportunities, previously untouchable storylines, and incisive social commentary, as well as allowing the audience (with its own moral and social ambiguities with which it wrestled) to relate to the characters in ways we could never relate to straight-arrow/black and white Joe Friday. The best TV of the 70s was born of this shift to the anti-hero, and Carl Kolchak stands as one of the very best characters to emerge from that shift.
Quote from: Scatter on August 16, 2010, 03:29:17 PM
Kolchak fit well into the burgeoning TV anti-hero genre that emerged in the 70s. We went from square-jawed,straight-arrow Boy Scouts in the 50s and 60s like Joe Friday, Davey Crockett, The Lone Ranger, Superman, Zorro, The Cartwrights and the Barkleys, Palladin, etc., to Kolchak, Jim Rockford, Hawkeye Pierce, Columbo, David Banner, etc.
I can't beleive that you left out Lancelot Link, Secret C*H*I*M*P
I thought it in poor taste to be self referential.
I never missed it when I was a kid. When the reruns came on I taped them on cassette just so I could listen to the audio.
Quote from: Type3Toys on August 18, 2010, 07:46:45 AM
I never missed it when I was a kid. When the reruns came on I taped them on cassette just so I could listen to the audio.
LMAO!! I did the same thing when Planet of the Apes was shown on TV the first time!! :D
Quote from: Type3Toys on August 18, 2010, 07:46:45 AM
I never missed it when I was a kid. When the reruns came on I taped them on cassette just so I could listen to the audio.
My wife did that for Threes Company. I know.........but she's mine.
Quote from: Scatter on August 18, 2010, 05:07:04 PM
My wife did that for Threes Company. I know.........but she's mine.
I did that for the Story of Star Wars, back in the day
I love this show actually I've been watching it the last few days. :)
The series was great, but I much prefer the two TV-movies, "The Night Stalker" and "The Night Strangler." There's an element of raw desperation to Kolchak that was lacking in the series. Not completely absent, but greatly reduced.
That the two pilot films are superior to the series, is not as surprising that the series was still as good as it was. Hopefully, the movie won't make the mistake of the rebboted television series (which I liked better then a lot of people here) of going back to a grizzled news veteran, and forgetting the conspiracy nonsense entirely.
I know that the only reason that I have yet to post on this thread is because I love "Kolchak:The Night Stalker" so much that I thought I wouldn't be able to shut up, and I would end up typing a novel about the series. For this reason alone, I'm going to keep this short! I grew up loving this character and this series, and to this day I still tell people I wanted to be a journalist because of this show. It's absolutely true. I have the books, the comics, the DVDs, everything. I was even in the VHS video club. Other than the two feature films (which are amazing), my favorite episodes are as follows:
The Spanish Moss Murders
The Ripper
Horror in the Heights
The Zombie
Demon in Lace
Most of the rest of the episodes are at least VERY good, including "Chopper" (a modern Headless Horseman tale) and "The Vampire" being my second tier favorites. Even though "The Sentry" is a guy in a cheesy Aligator Man suit, the atmosphere in the underground facility is great. There are only a couple of stinkers, which are "The Werewolf" (on the Love Boat?) and "The Energy Eater" (budget episode equals invisible monster). I would include "Bad Medicine" as a stinker, but it includes one my favorite film noir Kolchak remarks:
"If a man robs a bank dressed like an Indian, I call him crazy. If he robs a bank dressed like an Indian and he brings a wolf with him, I call him an Indian."
LOVE Night Stalker. 8)
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 18, 2012, 06:26:52 PM
That the two pilot films are superior to the series, is not as surprising that the series was still as good as it was. Hopefully, the movie won't make the mistake of the rebboted television series (which I liked better then a lot of people here) of going back to a grizzled news veteran, and forgetting the conspiracy nonsense entirely.
There's a film being made?
Big fan of Kolchack. I have the DVD of the series and the DVD of the 2 movies. My favorite episodes are The Zombie and The Spainish Moss Murders. There are still a couple of episodes I haven't seen yet. Just don't have much time to watch DVD's. Darren McGavin as Kolchack can't be duplicated. He was perfect for the role.
Steve,
Have you seen the episode "Firefall" yet? The end sequences in that one really creeped me out.
Rob
Quote from: horror1o1 on May 18, 2012, 11:41:17 PM
There's a film being made?
Yeah. Another Johnny Depp project, sadly. But I hear it will be "mostly horror".
Quote from: Scatter on May 19, 2012, 12:12:17 AM
Yeah. Another Johnny Depp project, sadly. But I hear it will be "mostly horror".
hmm? Well he can play a odd duck well. Although it will never replace Darren McGavin it might be decent.
Quote from: horror1o1 on May 19, 2012, 12:21:07 AM
hmm? Well he can play a odd duck well. Although it will never replace Darren McGavin it might be decent.
It might be "Dork Shadows: Part Deux"
Script writer on board:
http://collider.com/johnny-depp-edgar-wright-night-stalker-d-v-devincentis/167396/ (http://collider.com/johnny-depp-edgar-wright-night-stalker-d-v-devincentis/167396/)
Quote from: Creature Features on May 19, 2012, 12:56:58 AM
Script writer on board:
http://collider.com/johnny-depp-edgar-wright-night-stalker-d-v-devincentis/167396/ (http://collider.com/johnny-depp-edgar-wright-night-stalker-d-v-devincentis/167396/)
The director of "Shaun of the Dead," Depp, and the writer of "High Fidelity." Deja vu all over again.
This does not bode well.
I am a big fan of both the TV movies and the series. I watched every episode when it was first shown and watched it as often as I could when rerun. I know own the series and have gotten a desire to watch every movie and episode again.
Quote from: Count_Zirock on May 19, 2012, 01:17:29 AM
The director of "Shaun of the Dead," Depp, and the writer of "High Fidelity." Deja vu all over again.
Let's not forget Edgar Wright also directed the fake Grindhouse trailer
Don't!, and while I can see some trepidation regarding
Shaun of the Dead, let's also not forget how fantastic a blend of horror and comedy that was. As for the writer of
High Fidelity well...I dunno about that. I'm gonna wait and see on this one. Could end up great. Could end up awful. Aside from who's involved, we don't really know anything about it.
That's what the Czech residents said when Chamberlain ceded them to Hitler in 1938......"Could be good, could be awful. Aside from who's involved, we don't know anything about it." ;D
Quote from: Scatter on May 19, 2012, 11:14:48 AM
That's what the Czech residents said when Chamberlain ceded them to Hitler in 1938......"Could be good, could be awful. Aside from who's involved, we don't know anything about it." ;D
Just a bit pessimistic there, aren't you bro?
Quote from: Moonshadow on May 19, 2012, 11:34:14 AM
Just a bit pessimistic there, aren't you bro?
It's not like he's got a reason to be, given recent events. Zombie Roll Eyes
Quote from: Moonshadow on May 19, 2012, 11:34:14 AM
Just a bit pessimistic there, aren't you bro?
Just kidding! Actually, knowing Burton won't have anything to do with Kolchak gives me hope! Now we just need to get rid of Depp. A prettyboy Carl would be
awful.
When I heard Tim Burton would do a new Dark Shadows, with Depp as Barnabas, I had high hopes. Even though I think Depp showed he had the ability to play Barnabas, the resulting train wreck of a film shows the folly of expectations. I love the film "Shaun of the Dead", but I'll wait to see if they release promotional material where panties are being tossed in Carl's face, before I know what to think about the new movie when its closed to being released.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 19, 2012, 01:06:14 PMI love the film "Shaun of the Dead", but I'll wait to see if they release promotional material where panties are being tossed in Carl's face, before I know what to think about the new movie when its closed to being released.
But ... but, that defeats the whole purpose of wild fanboy speculation on almost no real info in internet forums! What are you, a Commie?!
I have loved Kolchak since the first movie in '72. My dad and I never missed an episode when the series started in '74. I bought the movie double feature, and the complete 20 episode series as soon as they came out on DVD. I even taped the episodes off the Sci-Fi channel in the '90s. It's a shame they didn't at least include the quick question/answer bits that were shown during commercial on the Sci-Fi airings when they released the series DVD set. Hell, I even copied the tape to DVD that had the "Sci-Fi exclusive" double episode called "Demon And The Mummy" (It was really just two episodes edited together....Legacy Of Terror & Demon In Lace with the succubus). I still watch them periodically. Love 'em. Every episode is good. Faves are:
The Zombie
Horror In The Heights
The Spanish Moss Murders (Favorite Kolchak Quote: "and a one, and a two...")
My favorite Kolchak quote was "Who lves you baby?" or was that Kojak? :P
really liked the Night Stalker and Night Strangler films, and liked the tv show as well
Quote from: Universal Steve on May 18, 2012, 11:45:21 PM
Darren McGavin as Kolchack can't be duplicated. He was perfect for the role.
This mirrors my veiw on the matter exactly.
Quote from: Scatter on May 19, 2012, 12:21:55 AM
It might be "Dork Shadows: Part Deux"
That's exactly what I'm fearful of. As big a fan of Kolchak I am, I'm not overly thrilled with this new movie project ever seeing the light of day. I'll just sit at home and replay my 'Stalker' dvds over and over.
Perhaps Kolchak will be a part time mime so Depp can justify white face makeup. :)
Quote from: FACTO2 on May 26, 2012, 05:46:10 PM
Perhaps Kolchak will be a part time mime so Depp can justify white face makeup. :)
Maybe one of the perils he could face is a witch trapping him in an invisble box.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 18, 2012, 06:26:52 PMHopefully, the movie won't make the mistake of the rebooted television series, of going back to a grizzled news veteran, and forgetting the conspiracy nonsense entirely.
At 49, Depp would be the right age for a "grizzled news veteran" these days. Beyond that, they tend to get fired as newspapers continue to downsize and hire younger writers to draw in the internet crowds. Or their livers finally give out.
I wish the show and movies had merch made back i the day.