The Chilling Tale of Rodney Alcala: From 'The Dating Game' to Justice Served

Rodney Alcala, a name that sends shivers down the spine, was not just a contestant on a popular TV show but a notorious rapist and serial killer. His dark past, including a chilling appearance on 'The Dating Game,' is now the focus of Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, 'Woman of the Hour.'

Back in 1978, when Alcala graced the screens of The Dating Game, little did the audience and producers know about the sinister crimes lurking behind his charming facade. This serial killer, who met his end in 2021 while in incarceration, was responsible for the deaths of at least seven women across California, New York, and Wyoming. However, authorities suspect that his actual body count might be even higher.

The Dating Game, a show where a bachelorette interviewed three mystery bachelors and chose one for a date, was the stage where Alcala's eerie presence unfolded. While his appearance on the show did not immediately lead to his downfall, the unsettling encounter and Alcala's heinous acts are now immortalized in Netflix's 'Woman of the Hour,' currently available for streaming.

In this film, Anna Kendrick steps into the shoes of real-life Dating Game contestant Cheryl Bradshaw, while Daniel Zovatto portrays the chilling character of Alcala.

Let's delve deeper into the true story behind 'Woman of the Hour' and uncover where Cheryl Bradshaw stands today.

Yes, 'Woman of the Hour' is a stark portrayal of the real-life horrors orchestrated by serial killer Alcala and his infamous stint on the iconic '60s and '70s TV show, The Dating Game. In that fateful 1978 episode, Alcala was one of the three bachelors vying for the attention of aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw.

During the show, Bradshaw innocently asked Alcala questions like "What’s your best time?" and "I’m serving you for dinner. What are you called and what do you look like?" Alcala's chilling response to the latter question was, "I’m called the banana and I look good." Despite the playful banter, Bradshaw ultimately chose Alcala as the winner.

However, the story took a different turn post-show. Bradshaw, sensing something amiss, expressed discomfort and declined the date with Alcala. Ellen Metzger, the contestant coordinator, vividly remembers Bradshaw's unease, recalling her words, "There's weird vibes that are coming off of him. He's very strange. I am not comfortable." This decision possibly saved Bradshaw from a grim fate.

Alcala's unsettling aura was not limited to Bradshaw alone. Contestant Jed Mills recounted Alcala's eerie statement in the green room, "I always get my girl," leaving a chilling impression of his character.

Alcala's trail of terror extended far beyond the confines of a TV show set. His confirmed victims numbered at least seven women and girls, with authorities suspecting a staggering count of up to 130 across the nation. Tall, dark, and handsome, Alcala would lure his victims under the guise of a photographer.

Prior to his infamous TV appearance, Alcala's dark deeds had already begun. In a horrific incident, he attacked 16-year-old Morgan Rowan and later brutally assaulted a second grader named Tali Shapiro. The latter incident led to his placement on the FBI Most Wanted list for rape and attempted murder. Despite these crimes, Alcala managed to slip through the cracks, serving minimal time behind bars.

His reign of terror continued post-release, with the murder of flight attendant Cornelia Michael Crilley in 1971. Alcala's criminal activities escalated, culminating in the abduction and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe in 1979.

Despite several close calls, it took decades for Alcala to face justice. Following his arrest for Samsoe's murder, incriminating evidence started surfacing. Earrings belonging to Samsoe's mother and disturbing photo albums were discovered, shedding light on Alcala's gruesome acts.

Multiple trials and overturned convictions marked the legal battle against Alcala. However, advancements in DNA technology finally connected him to a string of murders from 1977 to 1979, leading to his sentencing to death in 2010 for multiple counts of murder.

Even from behind bars, Alcala's dark past continued to haunt him. Additional convictions surfaced, further solidifying his status as a cold-blooded killer. Despite being linked to more crimes, Alcala's demise came in 2021 while awaiting execution in a California hospital.

As for Cheryl Bradshaw, the brave soul who sensed danger and steered clear of Alcala, she chose to retreat from the limelight post her Dating Game appearance. Her current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery, as she embarked on a journey away from the haunting shadows of her past encounter.

The tale of Rodney Alcala serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a charming facade. 'Woman of the Hour' not only sheds light on his crimes but also honors the resilience of those who escaped his clutches, ensuring that his victims are never forgotten.