Unraveling the Chilling Tale of "The Dating Game" Killer

The Netflix movie "Woman of the Hour" delves into the harrowing true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on the popular TV show "The Dating Game" in 1978. Directed by Anna Kendrick, the film sheds light on the countless women who fell victim to Alcala's twisted crimes, offering a fresh perspective on a well-worn police procedural drama.

Uncovering the Darkness Behind the Charm

Rodney Alcala: A Killer in Plain Sight

Rodney Alcala, a Texas native, was a convicted sex offender who had already served time in prison when he appeared on "The Dating Game" in 1978. Unbeknownst to the show's producers and the bachelorette, Cheryl Bradshaw, Alcala was also a serial killer who had assaulted hundreds and possibly killed more than 100 people over a 10-year period. His charm and charisma, coupled with his claims of being a professional photographer who had studied at New York University with Roman Polanski, allowed him to lure in unsuspecting victims.The film's director, Anna Kendrick, chose to focus on the women affected by Alcala's crimes, rather than the typical police procedural narrative. "On paper, this story was ready for Hollywood, with an emphasis on maybe a young detective who finally takes on this case, and a determined prosecutor who keeps the criminal behind bars," Kendrick explains. "But while those things are facts in this case, it felt emotionally dishonest if I had included that in my film."

Twisting the "Dating Game" Premise

In the movie, Kendrick's character, Sheryl, bucks the traditional "Dating Game" protocol by ignoring the scripted, often sexist and suggestive questions the bachelorettes are supposed to ask the bachelors. Instead, Sheryl's savvy queries highlight the men's lack of intelligence, with the exception of Alcala, who manages to impress her with his charm and wit."That was a great device Anna used to show how this was her character's opportunity to turn the tables on that sexist culture, even if in the end it does bring her closer to that dangerous place because it leads her to pick Rodney," says actor Tony Hale, who portrays the show's host.

The Chilling Reality Behind the Facade

The real-life Rodney Alcala did, in fact, appear on "The Dating Game" in 1978, despite his criminal history. The show's producers did not conduct rigorous background checks, allowing Alcala to slip through the cracks. On the show, he was introduced as a photographer "who between takes is skydiving and motorcycling," a facade that likely helped him appear more appealing to the bachelorette.Bradshaw, the real-life bachelorette, sensed something was off about Alcala and ultimately did not go on a date with him, a decision that likely saved her life. Alcala was believed to have killed a few other women after her rejection.

A Twisted Fate: Alcala's Capture and Conviction

Alcala was finally arrested in 1979 after police found earrings belonging to one of his victims in a Seattle storage locker he had rented. He was sentenced to death but died of natural causes at the age of 77 in 2021, never having to face the full consequences of his heinous crimes.The Netflix movie "Woman of the Hour" serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly innocuous situations, and the importance of prioritizing the stories of the victims, rather than the perpetrators. Kendrick's directorial debut offers a fresh and compelling perspective on a true-crime drama that continues to captivate and horrify audiences.