Recently, I've finally watched the 20 episode television series of Kolchak, after having had the DVD collection for years. I had heard it mentioned often when The X Files was at its peak. I thought the series was excellent and could understand why it had achieved cult status over the past 50 or so years; it had a late night pulpy horror charm. However, I'd never seen the made-for-television movies which predated the series so, whilst in the right mindset, I thought I'd give it a go.

This movie is over 50 years old and has aged pretty well.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker is the 1972 movie which follows a down on his luck investigative reported Carl Kolchak, exploring the murders of young women in Las Vegas. He sees it as a modern day vampire case whilst the local law enforcement see it as a serial killer. Kolchak is determined to find out the truth, which is indeed stranger than fiction.

The first thing to note is that the production values on this are high; the crowd scenes, the main strip car scenes and creepy house setting are well realised. It also offers a window into the past of Las Vegas, showing areas that, I'm sure, have changed and either been cleaned up and gentrified or left to decay.

Also, Kolchak's enlightened attitude to his girlfriend's showgirl night work is enlightening and especially ahead of the curve from the time. His characters attitudes are more forward facing than the inspector who claims the murderer must have been 'high on pot.' I'm not sure the murderer would have any enthusiasm and I'm sure there would be a case of the 'munchies' but this is an extreme case.

The movie is also a slower paced affair and cranks up the tension quite a bit, it's a lot less jokey than the television series would become but it is an interesting watch and has aged pretty well. The outside shots are well done and lends the film a sense of place, whilst McGavin's acting gives the character of Kolchak a likeable personality. The tightness of the film makes it watchable and exciting, even now. Okay, the makeup effects are dated but at least they don't look like dated Dorito-effect CGI (I'm looking at you ‘The Scorpion King’). Watch this film if you can, it’s a blast.

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I bought the Kolchak: The Night Stalker DVD collection a few years ago, but it had been sat in my pile of shame collecting dust. Earlier this month, I decided to finally bite the bullet and watch it during my annual January videogame detox.

I didn't know anything about the series but had heard it mentioned often when The X Files was at its peak. Apparently, Kolchak was an inspiration for Chris Carter when writing the adventures of Mulder and Scully, so if it was good enough for him it was good enough for me.

The 20 episode TV series followed Carl Kolchak (excellently played by Darren McGavin) investigating supernatural phenomena in his home city of Chicago. Each week he would have an investigation, facing off against mummies, vampires, werewolves and the like, whilst his likeable but ball-busting editor Tony Vincenzo (played by Simon Oakland) would be on his back about some more mundane mainstream story.

Typically, at the beginning of each tale we'd see Kolchak at his typewriter wistfully retelling the adventure he'd just had. Then, we'd go through the whole story as Kolchak slowly pieced together the puzzle to find out who the 'monster of the week' was. It's an effective story-telling device that offers a snapshot of a bygone age with its fashion, technology and concerns about the future. There are a few issues here and there with stereotyping, especially of the exotic 'other' like Hindus, Native Americans and Haitians, but it's not as problematic as many shows from that period, in fact the show stands up pretty well as Kolchak tried to understand these differences. It's not always subtle but I've definitely seen a lot worse from this era.

I watched all the episodes and my favourite 3 episodes were:

The Ripper- A serial killer in Chicago, who preys on women, has the same MO as Jack the Ripper, but it couldn't be him... it's been almost a hundred years, right?

Bad Medicine- When a man dressed as a Native American sorceror kills older ladies of distinction for their gems, Kolchak is on the case to see that the crime spree stops. Richard Kiel appears in an early career role and is suitably brooding as an 8ft transmitting giant who morphs into animals. Even though it is quite insensitive now, it is a great episode with lots of tension and mystery.

The Knightly Murders- When a museum showcasing medieval armour is under threat of being turned into a nightclub, the reanimated black armour of a cursed knight murders some of the Chicago folk involved in the museums closure. A crossbow, mace and lance are the murder weapons of choice but can Kolchak get to the bottom of it?

The show is highly entertaining and extremely watchable, even now. There is a gentle humour that goes with Kolchak being thrown out of places he shouldn't be and people not believing his wild sounding stories. McGavin has the confidence and charming personality to befriend some people whilst getting under the skin of others, much like Columbo. His dogged pursuit for the truth is endearing as he portrays Kolchak with warmth and good humour, rather than just a newshungry reporter.

LINK- Children of the Stones: Cult TV Series Review