Kolchak: The Night Stalker...RetroCards Goes Paranormal
RetroCards dives deep once again into the non-sport world with a focus on cult favorite 70s TV show, Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Starring veteran actor Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, this short-lived series featured a fictional Chicago newspaperman who investigated paranormal and mysterious cases that law enforcement wouldn’t touch. Though dated, the show made efficient use of narration, well-written stories, and minimal effects to build suspense. Simon Oakland, one of the better supporting actors in any era, played the frustrated Tony Vincenzo, Kolchak’s boss, and steals nearly every scene he is in. Other regulars and semi-regulars include Jack Grinnage, Ruth McDevitt, Larry Linville, John Fiedler, and Keenan Wynn. Familiar guest stars include Eric Braeden, Lara Parker, Cathy Lee Crosby, Richard Kiel, Tom Skeritt, Erik Estrada, Stella Stevens, Phil Silvers, Scatman Crothers, Dick Van Patten, Mary Wickes, Jamie Farr, Dick Gautier, Nita Talbot, Jim Bakus, etc….
The show got its start with two popular television movies, The Night Stalker (1972) followed by The Night Strangler (1973) on ABC. The series debuted on September 13, 1974 and lasted 20 episodes until March 28, 1975. The ratings were average at best and McGavin tired of the scripts, which he found to be “the monster of the week” formula. He quit the show with six episodes yet to shoot and the network, due to sagging ratings, were only too happy to let him walk. The show was created by Jeff Rice and despite its brief run, it was the inspiration for the hit TV show The X-Files some 20 years later.
This 18-card set shows Kolchak in action with many of his monster adversaries such as a werewolf, witch, zombie, vampire, plus several cast members. Get yours here!