Long before the X-Files, or the Winchester Brothers of Supernatural, there was intrepid reporter Carl Kolchak, chasing down every vampire, ghost, and monster that you could imagine. Premiering first as one of the highest-rated TV movies of all time, The Night Stalker was our introduction to Kolchak and a serious mysterious murders and abductions, which were ultimately revealed as the work of an actual vampire. A second movie, The Night Strangler, soon followed, and then a short-lived (but memorable) series ensued. Through it all, Kolchak encountered all manner of strange and frightening creatures. While it may not have lasted long, Kolchak made a powerful impression on many of us monster kids. Much of this can be attributed to the earnest performance of actor Darren McGavin, who portrayed Carl Kolchak as less than courageous, but so driven to discover the truth that he overcomes his fear. Kolchak had more than a little luck on his side too.
Join Larry, Bob, and Karen as they discuss their favorite episodes, monsters, and what they think made Kolchak so special.
For this episode's Sensor Sweep, Karen shares a fascinating new book called Infogothic: An Unauthorised Graphic Guide to Hammer Horror, by Alistair Hughes. This is a heavily illustrated book that looks at the Hammer horror and science fiction film catalog. It's an amazing trip through Hammer (and it dips into the Universal milieu and a few others as well), providing all sorts of details in infographic style. You could spend hours poring over this beautiful book! It's available from Amazon and other booksellers.
For this episode's Sensor Sweep, Karen shares a fascinating new book called Infogothic: An Unauthorised Graphic Guide to Hammer Horror, by Alistair Hughes. This is a heavily illustrated book that looks at the Hammer horror and science fiction film catalog. It's an amazing trip through Hammer (and it dips into the Universal milieu and a few others as well), providing all sorts of details in infographic style. You could spend hours poring over this beautiful book! It's available from Amazon and other booksellers.
That's it for us. Please let us know about your favorite Kolchak memories -you can comment here, or go to our other hangouts:
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Thanks for Listening!
Oh, man, I love Kolchak, even though I only first watched the show in rather recently (like 5-6 years ago).
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a just a tad younger than you guys, I missed out on the show in its first run - being all of 6 at the time it originally aired, even if I had known about it I probably would have been too scared to watch it (and if I hadn't, there's no way my parents would have let me watch it - they were not as cool as Karen's mom). Anyway, I watched all of the episodes and the two movies on YouTube a (and I just checked, they're all still posted there - the video quality isn't the best, but it's good enough to get caught up).
Karen actually mentioned one of the things that makes Kolchak such a cool protagonist: he's very much a normal guy, who gets as scared witless as most of us probably would in similar situations. Also, just his whole personality as this sort of smart-aleck reporter in a rumpled suit is so cool.
My only criticism of the show is that it is a bit formulaic, so Karen is right that you can't binge watch it - although that's sort of what I did with the YouTube episodes, watching 2 or 3 at a time. When you watch them like that, it gets a bit frustrating that Kolchak always uncovers this amazing stuff but usually can't tell anybody but his tape recorder, as nobody else will believe him.
Anyway, besides some of the episodes you mentioned in the show (esp. the one with the swamp monster!), I also thought the one with the promising young politician who made a pact with the devil (The Devil's Platform) and the one with the witch and the freaky mannequins (The Trevi Collection) hold up pretty well, too. I also like the latter episode because it has a bit of a happy end for Kolchak, in that his story (minus the supernatural stuff) actually sees print.
-Edo Bosnar
Edo, that's interesting that you just recently discovered Kolchak. I always wonder how these old shows, that some of us have such fond memories of, would hold up for those just watching them. It's good to know you enjoyed it, but that some of the issues we had are sort of verified. I really think McGavin is the key to it all!
DeleteI watched that show as a kid growing up
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant episode, and thank you so much for your kind words about my book Infogothic: An Unauthorised Graphic Guide to Hammer Horror.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of image samples, the amazing Derek Koch from Monster Kid Radio put together this brief promo video which features a few of the inside spreads - including the Mummy one you mention. I hope you find this useful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DTAmDtXnLI
Thanks again keep up the great work
Alistair Hughes
Alistair, thanks so much for stopping by! Of course, Derek's show is where I discovered your wonderful book. It really has been fun going through it. Again, I highly recommend it to all our listeners. And if you have any more projects coming out, please let us know -we'd be happy to get the word out!
DeleteI couldn't have discovered your podcast at a better time..i`ve had all 20 episodes just running on a loop on my desktop for about a week and a half.was 10 during its first run and loved it but had dent seen it since then..what I never hear people mention is that it was on either before or after the six million dollar man on Friday nights which was 1 of only 2 shows I watched as a kid (these 2 were must see).the night stalker six million dollar man dynamic and also theres no night better for a 10 year old back then as Friday nights
ReplyDeleteHey Steven, that's a good point about Six Million Dollar Man and Friday night -in those days when you couldn't drive and go hang out with friends, TV was the great refuge and having a night with two great shows on was a big deal! Thanks for listening and sharing your thoughts.
DeleteMany thanks to all of you for not only listening to the podcast but commenting as well. Edo I will check out the episodes you mention, I do not recall the young politician but do some what recall the one with the manikins, if memory serves it dealt with witches and or witchcraft, I remember the music really setting the mood for this episode. Thanks again guys, please keep listening and sharing your thoughts, comments and insight into future episodes.
ReplyDelete