Kolchak Begins His Career of Investigating the Unbelievable with "The Night Stalker"- Tonight!

Saturday night on MeTV- we have what one might consider the origin story of a favorite reporter character who somehow always ends up pursuing the truth about something deadly from the realm of the supernatural. It’s the starting point that led to the beloved series that airs late night on our “Super Sci Fi Saturday Night”- the made-for-TV movie that introduced us to Carl Kolchak, who’s out to convince authorities that they are dealing with a Vegas vampire- the “Night Stalker”!

This very first Kolchak story has the reporter, who has a record of being fired from any number of newspapers, covering the news in Las Vegas- when some mysterious deaths occur- in which the young female victims have been drained of their blood! Kolchak thinks the murderer is someone who believes he is a vampire, but his irascible managing editor Tony Vincenzo will not let him write anything to that effect without proof! Carl finds it suspicious that the local police authorities, the district attorney and even the FBI seem to be covering up facts on the murders.

After a bizarre raid on a hospital’s blood bank, where Kolchak actually encounters the murderer, there is finally a description of the killer-revealed to be someone suspected of being involved in homicides with losses of blood- dating back for several years. Kolchak pushes the story that the killings are being done by a super powerful madman, and while Tony insists the story could cause a panic among the populace, the authorities also want to keep things quiet, but promise Carl that, if he cooperates, he will have exclusive rights to the story- but- will they honor that deal?

Things get intense when Kolchak finally discovers the lair of the blood-sucking suspect- and it becomes a deadly battle of man versus monster!

This 1972 Dan Curtis production sets the stage for the sequel movie “The Night Strangler”, set in Seattle, which was followed by the TV series starring Darren McGavin and Simon Oakland. We’ll talk about the origins and background of the Kolchak character and his subsequent appearances- introduce the rest of the cast-including Carol Lynley- and - bring you a song with Doug Graves and Anita X. Orcist, as well as a musical visit from the gorgeous Gwengoolie- some “Svensurround”- and an interview with an amazing stuntman who has played Michael Myers- and was the stunt double for Kurt Russell!

“The Night Stalker” appears tonight on MeTV at 8pm eastern/pacific, and 7pm central time. As always, you can join in on the live-Tweeting during the show on Twitter- make sure you use the hashtag #svengoolie in your Tweets! (And, of course, you can catch Carl Kolchak in his own series right after “Star Trek” tonight on MeTV!) Chicago area viewers can get an encore of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” at 11 am on WCIU- the U!

We have gotten a great response to the latest artist series merchandise- which just happens to display a “Too Drawn Out” puzzle drawn by yours truly! We also want to remind you that the next Svengoolie comic book will be coming out on Oct.2- make sure to get yours before they are sold out-and, again, even more special Sven anniversary merchandise will be revealed soon! Also, be checking our “appearances” tab on this website for upcoming personal appearance events – including Joe Bob Briggs’ “World Drive-In Jamboree” in Las Vegas!

Tonight- watch the chilling tale from the days when newsprint was not considered dead- but vampire victims definitely were!