IMDb RATING
7.4/10
7.5K
YOUR RATING
An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire.An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire.An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 1 nomination
Irene Cagen
- Shelley Forbes
- (uncredited)
Rudy Doucette
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
Patty Elder
- Cheryl Hughes
- (uncredited)
Edward Faulkner
- Las Vegas Policeman
- (uncredited)
Sig Frohlich
- Reporter
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Richard Matheson
- Jeffrey Grant Rice
- Max Hodge(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe original script by Richard Matheson called for Carl Kolchak to be dressed in Bermuda shorts and wearing an Aloha shirt. Actor Darren McGavin said, "That doesn't sound like anyone I know," and elected to use a different wardrobe. While reading up on the character, McGavin noted that Kolchak had been fired from a New York newspaper years before, and thought, "That's it! He hasn't bought a new suit since!" So, Kolchak appeared in a circa 1950s suit.
- GoofsAt the construction site where the girl's body is found, Kolchak's car can be seen in the distant background, ready for the "cue" to come roaring forward. When he gets there, you can see the previous tire tracks where the scene has been rehearsed.
- Quotes
Carl Kolchak: This nut thinks he's a vampire!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Trilogy of Terror (1975)
Featured review
One of the best made-for-TV movies ever
The 1970s produced a large volume of made-for-TV movies, and, unlike today, they did not have to be about relevant social topics or preach political correctness. Back then, TV movies could actually be made with no intent other than to entertain--what a decade!
The Night Stalker is one of the very best of these made-for-TV films. Be warned, the production values are not as good as a feature film, but the story, the writing, the acting, and the director's mastery of creepiness make up for any other faults. From McGavin on down the line, the acting is terrific! In fact, Carl Kolchak may be McGavin's finest role. Richard Matheson's writing is up to his usual standards of excellence. Barry Atwater is a great bit of casting as the vampire. If there is one fault, and it has to be laid at the feet of the director, it is the inept use of a stunt man as a substitute for Atwater during the action scenes. In some scenes it is painfully obvious that it is not Atwater; it's a wonder the scenes weren't clipped. But this is the price that is paid for a TV movie with a short shooting schedule. As a whole, The Night Stalker is one of the very best vampire movies ever made. Don't let a few faults deter you from an otherwise classic bit of horror film-making. Remember, this is a TV movie; if you want lots of gore, don't waste your time.
The Night Stalker is one of the very best of these made-for-TV films. Be warned, the production values are not as good as a feature film, but the story, the writing, the acting, and the director's mastery of creepiness make up for any other faults. From McGavin on down the line, the acting is terrific! In fact, Carl Kolchak may be McGavin's finest role. Richard Matheson's writing is up to his usual standards of excellence. Barry Atwater is a great bit of casting as the vampire. If there is one fault, and it has to be laid at the feet of the director, it is the inept use of a stunt man as a substitute for Atwater during the action scenes. In some scenes it is painfully obvious that it is not Atwater; it's a wonder the scenes weren't clipped. But this is the price that is paid for a TV movie with a short shooting schedule. As a whole, The Night Stalker is one of the very best vampire movies ever made. Don't let a few faults deter you from an otherwise classic bit of horror film-making. Remember, this is a TV movie; if you want lots of gore, don't waste your time.
helpful•607
- mr. sardonicus
- Sep 13, 2000
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Kolchak Papers
- Filming locations
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA(Exterior)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $450,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 14 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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What is the broadcast (satellite or terrestrial TV) release date of The Night Stalker (1972) in Australia?
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