Anna Kendrick‘s first directorial film, Woman of the Hour, has been garnering attention since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and Netflix picked it up immediately. The film is based on a horrifying true story that is both shocking and intriguing. Woman of the Hour focuses on the dangers women face, with Kendrick at the center of a dramatic encounter with a serial killer on live TV.
What is Woman of the Hour about?
Woman of the Hour tells the true story of Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala. In the 1970s, Cheryl appeared as a virgin on the popular TV show The Dating Game. She chose Bachelor No. 3, Rodney Alcala, who seemed charming and fun on the show. But Rodney had a dark secret – he was a psychopathic serial killer. The film shows how Cheryl’s innocent game show experience turned into a horrifying situation.
Woman of the Hour First Photos
Woman of the Hour photos offer the first glimpse of the film. They show Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw during her appearance on The Dating Game. In these photos, Cheryl is smiling and enjoying the moment, not knowing the danger she is about to face.
Daniel Zovatto, who plays Rodney Alcala, also looks great in character. He looks charming, but the photos hint at a dark side to his personality. Other photos include scenes with the supporting cast, all set in the 1970s.
Who’s in Woman of the Hour?
The film features a strong cast, led by Anna Kendrick, who not only directs the film but also plays Cheryl Bradshaw. Daniel Zovatto plays Rodney Alcala, bringing the terrifying character to life. The cast also includes Kathryn Gallagher, Nicolette Robinson, Kelly Jakle, Autumn Best, Pete Holmes, and Tony Hale.
Who Was Rodrigo Alcala aka The Dating Game Killer?
Rodney Alcala, born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala Buquor on August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, became infamous for his horrific crimes during the 1970s. After his father abandoned the family, Alcala’s mother moved them to Los Angeles, where he later joined the U.S. Army in 1961. However, he was discharged in 1964 following a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. His criminal activities began in 1968 when he lured an 8-year-old girl into his Hollywood apartment and assaulted her. Although the girl survived, Alcala fled and became a fugitive. Using the alias “John Berger,” he relocated to New York, enrolling in film school and continuing his criminal acts undetected.
In 1978, Alcala appeared on the TV show The Dating Game, earning the nickname “The Dating Game Killer.” Despite winning the date, the bachelorette declined to meet him further due to his unsettling behavior. Throughout the 1970s, Alcala lured numerous women and girls under the pretense of being a photographer, taking their pictures before committing heinous acts. His known victims include 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, whose disappearance in 1979 led to his eventual arrest. Initially convicted and sentenced to death in 1980, his conviction was overturned twice, but he was finally convicted again in 2010 for five murders in California. Representing himself during his trial, Alcala exhibited bizarre behavior. He remained on death row until he passed away from natural causes on July 24, 2021, at the age of 77. Alcala is linked to at least eight murders, but the actual number of his victims may be far higher. Authorities discovered a collection of photographs in his possession, likely depicting additional victims.
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