In 1978, a chilling true crime story unfolded when a serial killer appeared on American television, without a disguise or alias. Rodney Alcala, ultimately convicted of murdering seven women and girls in horrifying ways involving strangulation and rape, was one of three bachelors on The Dating Game, a show similar to the UK’s Blind Date. Shockingly, Alcala managed to win a date with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw while being a serial killer in the shadows.
This haunting true story is now being revisited in Netflix’s latest true crime endeavour, “Woman of the Hour”, with Anna Kendrick starring as Bradshaw and Daniel Zovatto as Alcala. Through the perspective of his victims, the film sheds light on a society that ignored the warning signs of a monster in their midst, allowing his reign of terror to continue unchecked for far too long.
Alcala’s criminal activities came to light when he sexually assaulted eight-year-old Tali Shapiro in 1968 in Hollywood. Despite a miraculous survival by Shapiro, who was found bloodied in Alcala’s apartment, law enforcement failed to prevent his heinous acts which continued for years. Moving to New York and New Hampshire, luring victims under the guise of a photographer, Alcala’s crimes escalated until his capture.
Despite being a registered sex offender, Alcala slipped through the cracks, even appearing on The Dating Game in 1978, showcasing his facade of charm and charisma. Following his appearance on the show, Alcala went on to commit further murders, such as the abduction and killing of 12-year-old Robin Christine Samsoe, leading to his eventual conviction and death sentence.
In a series of legal battles, Alcala’s guilt was established for multiple murders, with new evidence linking him to more crimes. Despite attempts to manipulate proceedings and deny his actions, Alcala was found guilty on multiple counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His death in 2021 due to natural causes provided some closure to the families of his victims, although the true extent of his crimes may never be fully known.
The harrowing tale of Rodney Alcala serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that can lurk beneath a deceptive facade, and the importance of remaining vigilant against such predators. “Woman of the Hour” delves into this chilling narrative, shedding light on a dark chapter in American history that should never be forgotten.