Customer Reviews

The Night Stalker - Two Tales of Terror - The Ripper & The Vampire [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The " Night Stalker" ( as Kolchak is known to many of us who watched the series as children, ) is much more entertaining, endearing, and human than a certain 'federal agent ' of recent near- cultism. Vincenzo ( The editor ) is always on our hero's back, only to be frustrated to his wit's end when Kolchak comes through, despite the obstacles faced him.

Hmmm, I suspect this is the episodes "The Ripper" and "The Vampire" combined together. They're not the absolute best of the 20 Kolchak episodes produced in 1974-75, but they're definitely in the top 10. The Night Stalker is a series that combines horror and comedy - reporter Carl Kolchak is a bit of a bumbler, and is as likely to run in terror from the approaching monster than confront it. Darren McGavin carries the show, capturing the many facets of Kolchak from buffoon to fast-talker to reluctant hero.

This series hit the television screens back in 1974 and I loved it then and I still love it now.In many ways it was the forerunner to The X Files. Crime reporter Carl Kolchack, played wonderfully by Darren Mc Gavin is always on the hunt for unusual and mysterious stories much to the dismay of his long suffering editor boss , Tony Vincenzo.In his quest to uncover the truth about the strange crimes that are happening in town he soon is in disfavour with the local authorities. In this movie set he discovers an ancient vampire feeding in Los Angeles. This series is timeless and will appeal to any lovers of great horror!!!!

Darren Mcgavin is awesome in the night stalker possibly the best 70s original show this tape is 2 of the best episodes fans get a real treat listening to Mcgavins wit and humour as well as his serious side fantastic series.

The Night Stalker - The Ripper - The Vampire

This TV series from 1974-75 ("Kolchak") featured a newspaper reporter who covered strange events. It showed the culture and tools of that time (typewriters, teletype printers, Instamatic cameras). Its office life showed personal conflicts. Best of all, it had no laugh track so you could decide what was funny. Why did "Kolchak" have a short run on TV? The story about a reporter finding monsters is self-limiting. How many vampires, werewolves, ghosts, or weird murderers can be discovered every week without a feeling of déja vue?

"The Ripper" tells of the murders of young women in the Chicago area. A mysterious man with great strength wearing a black cape and a strange cane is the suspect. Kolchak was assigned the "Miss Emily" column as punishment, but his replacement doesn't work out. The slaughter continues. Reporter Jane Plum is meeting a man who claims to be the Ripper. Kolchak's plan goes awry. The suspect is captured, but escapes from maximum security! Kolchak meets a letter-writer to get information about a mysterious stranger. This story has its dull spots, like a low-budget film. There is a "haunted house" with a secret room, suspense, and high tension. But Kolchak manages a happy ending. "Who would believe it?"

The Las Vegas story tells of a vampire that rose from a grave that was disturbed by highway construction. Kolchak manages to get the assignment to Los Angeles. Again a fantasy situation is played seriously for laughs. Did two Satan worshipers kill two men and drain their blood? Kolchak goes to investigate, and finds a suspect. Lieutenant Matteo does not believe him. Kolchak stumbles and finds the vampire, and ends the killing! People don't believe Kolchak even when it turns out to be true. No matter what happens, Kolchak gets blamed.

I remember enjoying the show when it was on. It scared me to death. Then in it's repeat later, I enjoyed it again. I had been waiting a long time for it to come out on vhs and maybe, I've missed it, but now I'm glad I've found it. I don't own it yet, but you can be sure I will own it shortly.

I also have a comment about the certain "federal agent". I can't help it. I adore Mulder. And it shows a compliment to the creaters of Kolchak that an unknown writer, (Chris Carter) would use the ideas and put a twist on it.

I remember enjoying the show when it was on. It scared me to death. Then in it's repeat later, I enjoyed it again. I had been waiting a long time for it to come out on vhs and maybe, I've missed it, but now I'm glad I've found it. I don't own it yet, but you can be sure I will own it shortly.

I also have a comment about the certain "federal agent". I can't help it. I adore Mulder. And it shows a compliment to the creaters of Kolchak that an unknown writer, (Chris Carter) would use the ideas and put a twist on it.