The world would have been much more dangerous without Kolchak around. He is one of my favorite characters of all time and Darren McGavin gave him such life that I was quite put out when Stuart Townsend tried to play him.
If a man was really aware that a clandistine sub-cult of in-human monsters known as "vampires" were living among us, he would either retreat into a corner; or dedicate his life to destroying them...but either way he'd be a drinker because it's hard to deal with this new reality. Kolchak should have show'ed-up to each vampire scene with wooden stakes, cross'es, holy-water...and a six-pack of beer. Who wouldn't have to bet sauced-up before taking on these monsters of the neather-world? lol
I think its in another part but the best line from this show is: Catherine Rawlins had been missing for 3 years. Words to the effect: she was no longer missing and she was no longer considered a person - classic
I do now. As a kid watching this when it originally aired, I never realized it.
But "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" was not the only culprit. Similar template style, fill-in-the-blank script writing (or whatever it's called) is obvious in other programs. Try watching a season of "Columbo". :-P
Our unsung hero saves the day. No fanfare. No recognition. And no money with which to go buy a change of clothes. It's like the monster(s) and the murders never existed. But Carl Kolchak and his viewing audience know better.
Relentless, CK continues to put two and two together, even though no one seems to believe him. Invariably, he prepares for the big showdown with the monster(s). And when it takes place, CK always comes out on top. He gets his big scoop, but INS refuses to publish it. CK has to settle for recording his story for us, the viewing audience.
He manages to get around the authorities and practically thumbs his nose at his boss, who is now popping tranquilizers or other pain relievers for the migraines or ulcers CK causes him.
People start getting murdered. Carl Kolchak catches wind of it. He figures it's a monster(s) doing the killing. His boss Tony hears/reads about CK's theory and begs him not to pursue the story. He does anyway. Smart Alec colleague Ron "Uptight" makes fun of CK. CK counterattacks with some witty banter. CK does some crackerjack investigative snooping, which lands him in trouble with Tony, the Law--and, of course, the monster(s).
The scene at 7:07 where Lt. Mateo looks down at Cathrine Rawlins and then looks up at Kolchak, after he pounded the stake through Rawlins' heart, is one of the series most powerful scenes. Kolchack's look back at Mate displayed his determination to overcome all evil.
The world would have been much more dangerous without Kolchak around. He is one of my favorite characters of all time and Darren McGavin gave him such life that I was quite put out when Stuart Townsend tried to play him.
His chemistry with Vincenzo also made the show.
NicolaKRichardson 2 days ago
If a man was really aware that a clandistine sub-cult of in-human monsters known as "vampires" were living among us, he would either retreat into a corner; or dedicate his life to destroying them...but either way he'd be a drinker because it's hard to deal with this new reality. Kolchak should have show'ed-up to each vampire scene with wooden stakes, cross'es, holy-water...and a six-pack of beer. Who wouldn't have to bet sauced-up before taking on these monsters of the neather-world? lol
MrSchultzstaffel 1 month ago
I think its in another part but the best line from this show is: Catherine Rawlins had been missing for 3 years. Words to the effect: she was no longer missing and she was no longer considered a person - classic
brismike65 5 months ago
Mr. McGavin, we miss you. What a great hero Carl Kolchak was, the ordinary man facing off against superhuman evil and always triumphing!
enterprise160 5 months ago
I do now. As a kid watching this when it originally aired, I never realized it.
But "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" was not the only culprit. Similar template style, fill-in-the-blank script writing (or whatever it's called) is obvious in other programs. Try watching a season of "Columbo". :-P
slmacph 6 months ago
Stories, very good stories is what captivates us.
natureboy1313 9 months ago
This terrified me when I first saw it in the 70s. Why did Kolchak tortures us with his clumsiness?!
MrBolas33 1 year ago
Thanks!
screwaccounts 1 year ago
i sound like these it was better then then now motherfuckers,but intros and all that had to be veiwed to get the full effect.
crocetti46 1 year ago
come on,great ending scene.
crocetti46 1 year ago
A typical Kolchak episode (concl'n)...
Our unsung hero saves the day. No fanfare. No recognition. And no money with which to go buy a change of clothes. It's like the monster(s) and the murders never existed. But Carl Kolchak and his viewing audience know better.
slmacph 1 year ago
A typical Kolchak episode (cont'd some more)...
Relentless, CK continues to put two and two together, even though no one seems to believe him. Invariably, he prepares for the big showdown with the monster(s). And when it takes place, CK always comes out on top. He gets his big scoop, but INS refuses to publish it. CK has to settle for recording his story for us, the viewing audience.
slmacph 1 year ago
A typical Kolchak episode (cont'd)...
He manages to get around the authorities and practically thumbs his nose at his boss, who is now popping tranquilizers or other pain relievers for the migraines or ulcers CK causes him.
slmacph 1 year ago
A typical Kolchak episode...
People start getting murdered. Carl Kolchak catches wind of it. He figures it's a monster(s) doing the killing. His boss Tony hears/reads about CK's theory and begs him not to pursue the story. He does anyway. Smart Alec colleague Ron "Uptight" makes fun of CK. CK counterattacks with some witty banter. CK does some crackerjack investigative snooping, which lands him in trouble with Tony, the Law--and, of course, the monster(s).
slmacph 1 year ago
@slmacph Are you saying that you find these shows repetitive & predictable? :P
launwatch 6 months ago
I loved this series. Thanks so much for uploading.
He does seem to have a tendency to solve problems by burning things down, doesn't he?
:-D
MrsNorris55 1 year ago 2
Another great episode !
rllang01 1 year ago
I just finished watching this series, awesome post! Please keep posting these if you have more.
whiteyflip 2 years ago
The scene at 7:07 where Lt. Mateo looks down at Cathrine Rawlins and then looks up at Kolchak, after he pounded the stake through Rawlins' heart, is one of the series most powerful scenes. Kolchack's look back at Mate displayed his determination to overcome all evil.
flint55 1 year ago 2
Thanks amazing post!
k12backspace 2 years ago
Suzanne Charney as Catherine Rawlins, the Vampire is memorable!!
The ending is CLASSIC and Carl's final comments on who the Vampire was, says it all from the Coroner's report:
She was DEAD for at least three years...
" Three years ", says Carl. " Three years "
Much obliged, naysgrace.
CorporalPitts 2 years ago 9