Woman of the Hour: Discovering the Dark Past of Rodney Alcala
The Stark Reality Behind Woman of the Hour
In the 1978 season of “The Dating Game,” Cheryl Bradshaw unknowingly selected a serial killer, Rodney Alcala, as her date. Although Bradshaw fled unscathed, many of his victims were not so fortunate. Ultimately, he was convicted of the murders of six women and one girl throughout the 1970s. However, law enforcement suspects Alcala's brutal reach could extend to over 100 victims.
Rodney Alcala's Early Life
Born in San Antonio in 1943, Alcala enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old. His promising military career was cut short due to allegations of sexual misconduct and a nervous breakdown.
A Film that Captivates and Disturbs
Set to release on Netflix on Oct. 18, the film Woman of the Hour stars Anna Kendrick as Bradshaw and Daniel Zovatto as Alcala. Kendrick’s directorial debut dives into Alcala’s grisly crimes while honoring the stories of his victims. Kendrick voiced her outrage regarding how often Alcala evaded justice: “It makes me enraged sometimes… I can’t believe he keeps getting away with this.”
Why You Should Watch Woman of the Hour
This film is not just a retelling of a famously eerie pop culture moment; it illuminates the urgent conversations around victims' rights and the failings of the justice system.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.