By The Beachwood Night Stalker Affairs Desk
“We’ve just learned via Deadline that Depp is lining up his next two projects,” Clevver Movies reports. “Along with his film company, Depp has purchased [two] projects. The first project being The Night Stalker which will be a remake of the 1970s TV movie where Depp will pay a Chicago-based newspaper reporter. His character, named Carl Kolchak, will investigate supernatural crimes throughout the flick. Sounds pretty cool!”
Sounds pretty lame. Johnny Depp?
Not our idea of Carl Kolchak. Let’s take a look.
*
IMDB: “Carl Kolchak was a reporter for Chicago’s Independent News Service, and a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. Kolchak turned his investigative skills to vampires, werewolves, zombies and all manner of legendary creatures, but in the end he always failed to convince his skeptical editor, Tony Vincenzo, that the stories weren’t products of Kolchak’s own overworked imagination. Written by Marg Baskin.”
Goof via IMDB: “Many of the stories take place in the winter months, but there is never any snow, and even if there was no snow, it is highly unlikely one would be driving a convertible with the top down during the winter months in Chicago.”
Wikipedia: “The show featured a wide range of guest stars and many Hollywood veterans, including: Ken Lynch, Charles Aidman, Randy Boone, Scatman Crothers, Dick Van Patten, Jan Murray, Larry Storch, Jeanne Cooper, Alice Ghostley, Victor Jory, Murray Matheson, Julie Adams, John Dehner, Phil Silvers, Bernie Kopell, Marvin Miller, Jesse White, James Gregory, Hans Conried, Mary Wickes, Henry Jones, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Mason, Stella Stevens, Abraham Sofaer, David Doyle, Jim Backus, Kathleen Freeman, John Hoyt, Dwayne Hickman, Eric Braeden, Tom Skerritt, Erik Estrada, William Daniels, Jamie Farr, Pat Harrington, Jr., Larry Linville and Richard Kiel. Jimmy Hawkins appeared on the series as a Catholic priest on November 1, 1974, in what was his last acting appearance. McGavin’s wife and assistant, Kathie Browne, appeared in the final episode as Lt. Irene Lamont.
“In addition, the series provided the first professional writing credit for Bob Gale, who wrote the script for the episode called “Chopper.” David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, also worked on the series as a story editor, his first regular crew position in Hollywood. Gale is credited for eight episodes but as story editor also helped rewrite the remaining 12, and McGavin and others attribute much of the show’s quirky humor to his creative input.
“The series’ ratings were mediocre and its star was growing dissatisfied, resulting in its cancellation after one year. McGavin had been unhappy with what he felt was the show’s ‘monster of the week’ direction, and an exhausting filming schedule. He asked to be released from his contract with two episodes remaining to be filmed, which the network granted in light of the show’s dwindling ratings.
Kolchak’s character via Wikipedia: “Loosely based on real-life journalist Charles Fort, Kolchak is a talented investigative reporter with an affinity for bizarre and supernatural occurrences, obtaining information driving around Chicago in his yellow Ford Mustang convertible and always snatching exclusives armed with his camera and portable cassette recorder.
“Using only limited information, Kolchak has relentlessly cracked several cases relying on gut instinct and often prevailing through sheer dumb luck. But more often than not, Kolchak’s prospects are hampered by the utter destruction of any or all evidence to prove his claims, thus advancing the sheer implausibility of his stories where his peers, particularly his editor, are concerned. On other occasions his investigations have led to demotion or relocation of varying authority figures, though reasons for these actions are never truthfully disclosed.
The Skeptic’s Dictionary: “Charles Fort (1874-1932) fancied himself a true skeptic, one who opposes all forms of dogmatism, believes nothing, and does not take a position on anything.”
1. Opening.
–
2. Montage.
–
3. Tribute.
–
4. Promo.
–
5. Doll.
–
Comments welcome.
Posted on July 15, 2011