The Netflix film Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick, brings to light one of the most disturbing chapters in true crime history—the story of Rodney Alcala, known as "The Dating Game Killer." A convicted serial killer and rapist, Alcala's life and crimes expose shocking failures in the justice system and society's tendency to overlook dangerous behavior when cloaked in charm and good looks. Here's the real story behind the movie that has left audiences unnerved.
Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer
Rodney Alcala’s criminal record began long before his infamous appearance on The Dating Game in 1978. A photographer and self-proclaimed charmer, Alcala had already served time for crimes including child molestation and attempted murder. Despite his status as a registered sex offender, he was able to blend into society and even participate in a nationally televised dating show.
On The Dating Game, Alcala was introduced as Bachelor No. 1, described as a “successful photographer” with a love for outdoor adventures. His charisma won over Cheryl Bradshaw, the bachelorette, who selected him as her date. However, after the show, Bradshaw reportedly found him unsettling and backed out of the date—a decision that likely saved her life.
A Pattern of Predation
Alcala’s crimes stretched across decades, marked by his method of luring women with offers to take their photographs. Investigators later discovered a trove of photographs in his possession, many of which depicted young women and girls who remain unidentified to this day.
His victims ranged in age and included 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, who disappeared in 1979 while riding her bike to ballet class. Her remains were found days later, leading to Alcala’s arrest. Although convicted of Samsoe’s murder and linked to six others, authorities suspect he was responsible for many more deaths.
The Dating Game Episode: A Disturbing Legacy
The episode of The Dating Game featuring Alcala is chilling in hindsight. His flirty banter and charm belied his dark past and ongoing crimes. Alcala made sexually suggestive comments during the show, and his interaction with Bradshaw seemed harmless on the surface. However, just a year later, his crimes escalated, cementing his infamy.
The show’s producers, unaware of Alcala’s criminal history, selected him because of his looks and personality. This oversight highlights societal tendencies to prioritize appearances over safety, an issue the film Woman of the Hour explores.
The Justice System’s Failures
Alcala’s ability to continue his crimes for years underscores significant gaps in the justice system. After being arrested for crimes in the 1970s, he often managed to evade long-term punishment due to procedural errors and lenient sentencing. Even after his eventual conviction, new evidence continued to emerge, linking him to more murders.
The Impact of Woman of the Hour
Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour delves into the terrifying true story, shedding light on both Alcala’s crimes and the broader societal implications. The film blends fictionalized drama with real events to provoke thought about how charm and deception can mask evil. It also highlights the resilience of Cheryl Bradshaw, whose intuition likely saved her from becoming another victim.
Conclusion
The story of Rodney Alcala serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking behind facades of normalcy. Woman of the Hour not only recounts this chilling tale but also raises critical questions about accountability, vigilance, and the societal tendency to overlook warning signs. By revisiting this haunting case, the film ensures that the lessons from this dark chapter in history are not forgotten.