From the #SciFi5 Archive: #TheNightStalker TV film premiered on this day in 1972, spinning off a TV series that would go on to inspire other icons of the #SciFi genre. #KolchakTheNightStalker #nerdlyfe https://sci-fi-5.libsyn.com/the-night-stalker-january-11-1972

Ink sketch of everyone’s favourite supernatural investigative reporter Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) from the TV series Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-1975) #kolchak #thenightstalker

Such a solid ending to a classic movie. I love stories where The Powers That Be end up being bigger monsters than the actual monster. Just like in life.
#TheNightStalker #Svengoolie #SvenPals

It’s true The Night Stalker was based on a Jeff Rice story that wasn’t published until a year after the movie aired on ABC. But don’t underestimate the masterful teleplay by the legendary Richard Matheson. He’s been a direct influence on my writing since The Twilight Zone and, most importantly, since I found this 1971 copy of I Am Legend in a used bookstore (likely in the late eighties). The realistic way he approached vampires in his novel—and offered scientific explanations for vampirism rather than supernatural ones—is how I choose to depict them in my recent novels. Sticking close to real life when writing horror fiction has always been more interesting to me. That’s because of Mr. Matheson.
#TheNightStalker #IAmLegend #RichardMatheson #Svengoolie #SvenPals

Interesting that Kolchak isn't yet using the subminiature camera he used on the TV series. #Svengoolie #TheNightStalker

Darren McGavin, Carol Lynley, Simon Oakland, Claude Akins, Larry Linville, Elisha Cook Jr. How much more Seventies can a TV movie get? #Svengoolie #TheNightStalker

Gwengoolie actually has a pretty good singing voice. #Svengoolie #TheNightStalker

Vampire looking at the blood bottles as if he’s checking the vintage. #Svengoolie #TheNightStalker