Monday, February 27, 2006

In memory of the great, alas late Darren McGavin, I am going to watch all the Night Stalker videos. I'll start today with MGM's two TV Movies, and then start the entire TV series tomorrow.

The Night Stalker - 1972

You know, its funny how some things are better in your memory, and some are not. And then there are the rare few that are actually just as good as you remember. Guess what? This is absolutely as good as you remember. And I think I know why. This isn't some flashy, action packed adventure like everything on TV today. This is an excellent character-driven, suspense-filled flick, from a script by Richard Matheson. He is one of the finest TV SF & Horror writers EVER. If you doubt me, check out his IMDB entry here.

This side of the disc has subtitles (YEAH!), no commentary, but an excellent little interview with Dan Curtis. Check him out here, as he's the man who gave us Kolchak, Dark Shadows, and the evil little Devil Doll everyone remembers from Trilogy of Terror. Its really illuminating. I especially like the contempt in his voice when he talks about the present Hollywood system.

Four beers out of five (and that without a bit of nudity [obviously])

The Night Strangler - 1973

It's odd that I remember watching the pilot movie (above) of the Night Stalker so clearly, but I don't remember this movie at all. If this show was as popular as Dan Curtis, why didn't I see it? In many ways, this is the better episode. The atmosphere of the under Seattle is really cool, and I like the interaction of Darren McGavin and Wally Cox. And speaking of known actors, this flick is a hoot for spotting classic, old time actors. Lets see, I saw Wally Cox (obviously), Margaret Hamilton (the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz), John Carradine (too many to name), and the late great Al Lewis (Grampa Munster). Thats a lot of talent for a TV movie. And it shows, as this is a great show. Watching it now, in the cold light of adulthood, this is an gem in the raw. I can't believe more people don't talk about it.

This side also has subtitles, no commentary, and another excellent little interview with Dan Curtis. I sure wish they were longer, or that he had done a commentary with someone. Like Darren. Now its too late, alas.

Four beers out five.