Story of the “Dating Game” killer Rodney Alcala: What is fact, what is fiction

Anna Kendrick's directorial debut woman of the hour, Based on the true story of a serial killer who appeared on a TV dating show, is now streaming on Netflix. The film follows Rodney Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, and his encounter with Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, an aspiring actress who appeared as a bachelorette in “The Dating Game.”

In real life, Rodney Alcala was a convicted murderer who was responsible for at least eight known murders in the United States between 1971 and 1979. Authorities suspect the real number could be much higher – over 100. The film combines real events with some fictional elements and adds characters, such as a woman in the audience who unsuccessfully tries to warn others about Alcala.

The film shows Alcala's double life – a photographer who lures victims with promising photo shoots and a ruthless murderer. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ms. Kendrick said: “He had trophies, usually jewelry.” She added: “The mental image of him taking the time to remove a delicate piece of jewelry after abusing a person haunts me and brutally killed.” He kept them for years. He treated an earring with more respect than a person.”

The true story of Rodney Alcala

Rodney Alcala's true story is terrifying. He was born in Texas in 1943 and was convicted of murdering at least eight people, including children. One of his youngest victims, 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, was finally captured in 1980 and sentenced to death for the first time.

Rodney Alcala's life behind bars included murder convictions in both California and New York, with victims as diverse as flight attendant Cornelia Crilley and Ellen Jane Hover, the daughter of a prominent nightclub owner. Alcala was sentenced to death several times, but died of natural causes in 2021 at the age of 77.

Rodney Alcala appeared in The Dating Game when he was already on his murderous spree. In the pre-internet era, background checks were not as thorough as they are today. His criminal history, including his placement on the FBI's “Most Wanted” list in 1969, raised no red flags for the show's producers.

The show's co-producers, Mike and Ellen Metzger, had differing opinions on Alcala. Mike remembered feeling “uncomfortable,” while Ellen found him charming. However, Alcala's charm did not fool Cheryl Bradshaw, who later told producers that she felt uncomfortable and refused to go on a date with him despite choosing him on the show.

In a memorable moment on the show, Alcala, introduced as a “successful photographer,” responded to a question with a now-infamous line: “I'm called the banana and I'm good-looking.” Peel me.” Fellow contestant Jed Mills described Alcala as “creepy” in a later interview, saying, “There was something about him that I couldn't be near him.”

The Woman of the Hour also fictionalized certain elements, including that Ms. Bradshaw went on a date with Alcala before becoming restless. In reality, her instincts probably saved her life. Shortly after the show ended, she skipped the date because she felt uncomfortable around him.

woman of the hour, Aside from revisiting the horrific crimes of Rodney Alcala, it also shines a spotlight on the ways in which unsuspecting people come close to danger, often without realizing it in the moment.