The Night Stalker

The Night Stalker

Year: 1972

Runtime: 74 mins

Language: English

Director: John Llewellyn Moxey

ThrillerHorrorTV MovieMysteryHorror the undead and monster classics

Wisecracking reporter Carl Kolchak is assigned to cover a series of grisly murders in Las Vegas. Convinced a vampire is behind the killings, he faces skepticism from his editor, who deems him delusional, and from the police, who see him as a nuisance. Undeterred, Kolchak decides to pursue the hunt himself.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Night Stalker yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Night Stalker (1972)

Trace every key event in The Night Stalker (1972) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Serial murders on the Las Vegas Strip

A series of brutal murders grips the Las Vegas Strip as several victims are found drained of blood. Eyewitness reports describe a predatory pattern and a sense that something supernatural is at work. Veteran reporter Carl Kolchak, recently fired for his tenacious methods, begins to connect the dots and suspect a vampire may be responsible.

Night Las Vegas Strip
2

Kolchak's career turmoil

Kolchak has been fired from newspapers across the country for his relentless, unorthodox approach. His managing editor Tony Vincenzo refuses to run the story without solid proof and fears panic and damage to the paper's reputation. The newsroom atmosphere is tense as they debate how to handle the vampire angle.

Day 1 Newsroom
3

Hospital blood-theft attempt

A would-be thief targets the hospital's blood supply, but is shot multiple times with no apparent effect and escapes. He outruns a police car and motorcycle, reinforcing the sense that the crime is beyond ordinary explanation. The incident heightens investigators' belief that something supernatural is involved.

Night Hospital
4

Skorzeny identified as prime suspect

Eyewitness testimony leads police to identify Janos Skorzeny, a 70-year-old with a long history of killings tied to massive blood loss. Skorzeny becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders that stretch back years. The mounting evidence pushes Kolchak toward the vampire theory.

Night Las Vegas
5

Gail encourages vampire lore

Gail Foster, Kolchak's girlfriend, urges him to explore vampire lore as a possible explanation. She senses that conventional police work won't uncover the truth. Her push nudges Kolchak toward a vampire-centric approach to the case.

Evening Kolchak's apartment
6

Evidence convinces Kolchak

Following his investigation, Kolchak becomes convinced that Skorzeny is a real vampire. He photographs incriminating evidence—stolen blood packets, a coffin with native soil, and a bound victim connected to an IV line—at Skorzeny's lair. The mounting evidence drives him to push forward despite official caution.

Night Skorzeny's safe house
7

Deal with authorities for exclusive rights

Authorities strike a deal with Kolchak, promising exclusive rights to the story if he abandons traditional investigative methods. They warn that public panic and reputational damage must be avoided. Kolchak accepts the arrangement to pursue the vampire lead unimpeded, at least for the moment.

Day Police HQ / Las Vegas
8

Pursuing the story solo

Acting on a tip, Kolchak locates Skorzeny's safe house and pursues the story on his own, seeking unfettered access to the evidence. He confronts Skorzeny and is wrestled to the floor when the vampire returns. The confrontation escalates quickly as dawn approaches.

Night Skorzeny's safe house
9

Jenks arrives; dawn stake

FBI Agent Bernie Jenks arrives to assist Kolchak in the fight. Realizing that dawn has broken, they pull back the shades and stake Skorzeny just as authorities burst through the door. The immediate threat is neutralized, but the case remains fragile in the public record.

Dawn Skorzeny's safe house
10

Kolchak files the story and proposes to Gail

Kolchak writes the story for the newspaper and proposes to Gail, dreaming of a future together in New York City. He envisions a new life beyond Las Vegas, even as the case closes in on official acknowledgment. The personal and professional arcs briefly intersect as a small victory is claimed.

Morning after stakeout Las Vegas
11

Sanitized publication

The authorities publish a false version of the newspaper story with Skorzeny's byline and warn Kolchak to leave town quietly. The sanitized report avoids naming the suspect as a vampire and downplays the extraordinary elements. Kolchak's credibility is publicly compromised even as he clings to the truth privately.

Next day Newspaper office
12

Gail forced to leave and Kolchak searches

Gail has already been forced to leave Las Vegas for being an undesirable element. Kolchak spends his savings placing personal ads across the country in a futile attempt to locate her. He clings to hope while the case recedes into rumor and the city moves on.

After publication Across the United States
13

Final twist: cremation leaves no ashes

Kolchak listens to a replay of his dictation and explains that verifying the events is impossible because witnesses have left town, are not talking, or are dead. Skorzeny and all of his victims have been cremated, destroying any possibility that the victims might rise as vampires. The truth dies with them, leaving Kolchak with a story that cannot be conclusively proven.

Evening Hotel room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Night Stalker

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Night Stalker in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Night Stalker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Night Stalker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Night Stalker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Night Stalker Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night Stalker

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Night Stalker. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night Stalker

More About The Night Stalker

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Night Stalker: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Night Stalker

Similar Movies to The Night Stalker

Discover movies like The Night Stalker that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.