Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman of the Hour, based on the true story of a serial killer who appeared on a TV dating show, is now streaming on Netflix. The film follows Rodney Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto, and his meeting with Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, an aspiring actress who appeared as a bachelor on “The Dating Game.”

In real life, Rodney Alcala was a convicted murderer responsible for at least eight known murders in the United States between 1971 and 1979. Authorities suspect the real number could be much higher – more than 100. The film combines real events with some fictionalized elements and adds characters, such as a woman in the audience who tries in vain to warn others about Alcala.

The film shows Alcala’s double life: a photographer who lured victims by promising photo shoots, and a ruthless killer. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ms. Kendrick said, “He kept trophies, mostly jewelry.” She added, “The mental image of him, in the aftermath of violating and brutally murdering a person, taking the time to remove a delicate piece of jewelry haunts me. He kept them for years. He treated an earring with more respect than a human being.”

The true story of Rodney Alcala

The true story of Rodney Alcala is chilling. He was born in Texas in 1943 and was convicted of murdering at least eight people, including children. One of his youngest victims, 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, would ultimately lead to his capture and first death sentence in 1980.

Rodney Alcala’s life behind bars included convictions for murders in both California and New York, with victims as diverse as a flight attendant, Cornelia Crilley, and Ellen Jane Hover, the daughter of a prominent nightclub owner. Alcala was sentenced to death several times, but died of natural causes in 2021 at the age of 77.

Rodney Alcala appeared on ‘The Dating Game’ while he was already on his murderous spree. In the days before the internet, background checks were not as thorough as they are today. His criminal history, including his placement on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list in 1969, raised no red flags for the show’s producers.

The show’s co-producers, Mike and Ellen Metzger, had differing opinions about Alcala. Mike recalled feeling “uncomfortable” around him, while Ellen found him charming. However, Alcala’s charm did not fool Cheryl Bradshaw, who later told producers that she felt uncomfortable and refused to go on a date with him despite picking him for the show.

In a memorable moment during the show, Alcala, introduced as a “successful photographer,” responded to a question with a line that has since become infamous: “I’m called the banana and I look good.” Peel me.” Fellow contestant Jed Mills described Alcala as “creepy” in a later interview, saying, “There’s something about him, I couldn’t be around him.”

The Woman of the Hour also fictionalized certain elements, including Mrs. Bradshaw going on a date with Alcala before she became uncomfortable. In reality, her instincts probably saved her life. She pulled out of the date shortly after the show ended and felt uncomfortable around him.

Woman of the Hour, In addition to revisiting Rodney Alcala’s horrific crimes, it also spotlights the way unsuspecting people approach danger, often without realizing it at the time.