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The Night Stalker
1972 74 min United States of America
★7.4
Mystery, Horror, Thriller, TV Movie
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Trailers
Description
Wisecracking reporter Carl Kolchak investigates a string of murders in Las Vegas and suspects the culprit is a vampire. His editor thinks he's crazy and the police think he's a nuisance, so Kolchak takes matters into his own hands.
Budget:
$450,000
Starring
Darren McGavin
Actor
Carol Lynley
Actor
Simon Oakland
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2019
— Best DVD/Blu-Ray Edition of a TV Series
Key opinion
The Night Stalker is widely regarded as a quintessential 70s television thriller, praised for its sharp writing and gritty, atmospheric depiction of Las Vegas. Darren McGavin's central performance defines the film, which remains a cherished cult classic for successfully blending mystery, horror, and cynical wit.
| Acting | Darren McGavin’s charismatic performance as the cynical reporter Carl Kolchak anchors the film's gritty tone. | |
| Screenplay | Richard Matheson’s streamlined teleplay effectively balances suspense, horror, and investigative intrigue. | |
| Production | The film utilizes the Las Vegas setting to create an evocative, polished, and dark atmosphere. | |
| Score | The jazz-inspired score and cinematography successfully capture the mood of a classic 1970s thriller. | |
| Screenplay | The portrayal of peripheral female characters is inconsistent, with the female lead remaining notably underused. |