1970s dating game killer: Rodney Alcala"s crime spree revealed

In September 2024, Netflix will release 'Woman of the Hour,' a film inspired by the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the game show 'The Dating Game' in the 1970s. Alcala, a serial killer who had already committed multiple murders, was cast on the show, where he initially captivated Bradshaw. However, she later found him unsettling and declined to pursue a date with him. Criminal profiler Pat Brown suggested that Bradshaw's rejection may have intensified Alcala's violent tendencies, which ultimately led to his arrest in 1979. Alcala was convicted of seven murders, although it is believed he may have been responsible for over 100 killings across the United States. The film aims to highlight the broader narrative of Alcala's crime spree, which spanned several years and locations. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival without the participation of its director and star due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Critics have responded positively, giving it a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its powerful storytelling and its exploration of the societal conditioning that women face regarding male behavior. The story of Alcala and Bradshaw serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath charming facades. As the film unfolds, it not only recounts the harrowing experiences of the victims but also sheds light on the systemic issues surrounding violence against women.