The chilling story of Rodney Alcala, infamously known as the “Dating Game Killer,” is set to make waves once again with the upcoming Netflix movie, Woman of the Hour, premiering on October 18. This film serves as the directorial debut for Anna Kendrick, who takes on the dual role of star and executive producer.
Woman of the Hour centers around an aspiring actress named Sheryl, played by Kendrick, and the serial killer Alcala, portrayed by Daniel Zovatto. The film is a fictionalized account inspired by Sheryl Bradshaw, the woman who famously went on a date with Alcala while he was a contestant on The Dating Game. At that time, Alcala had already claimed five victims, highlighting the terrifying intersection between a seemingly innocent game show and Alcala’s heinous crimes.
The story follows Sheryl as she navigates 1970s Los Angeles, dealing with the perils that come with Hollywood, including the danger posed by Alcala, who was charmingly wooing her on national television. While the film is based on real events, it does take creative liberties with certain details and character names.
Rodney Alcala was born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala Buquor on August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas. He served in the Army at 17 but was discharged due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Alcala later graduated from UCLA and by 1971 had committed his first known murder, that of 23-year-old flight attendant Cornelia Crilley, in New York. He went on to commit several murderers in California between 1977 and 1979, with authorities suspecting that he may have killed up to 130 people in total.
In 1978, Alcala appeared on The Dating Game despite having a criminal past. During the show, he was introduced as a successful photographer and won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw. Initially impressed by his sense of humor, Bradshaw soon felt uneasy when she met him in person and decided not to pursue the date, calling the show to express her discomfort.
Ultimately, Alcala was captured following the murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe in 1979. His arrest came after police released a sketch that resembled him, which led to his parole officer identifying him. Alcala faced multiple trials over the years for his crimes, with convictions that were overturned due to legal technicalities. After years of legal proceedings, Alcala was finally sentenced to death in 2010 for multiple murders in California and later received additional convictions for two murders in New York in 2012.