KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER AUTOGRAPHS

One of my favorite television series in my High School years was Darren McGavin in Kolchak:The Night Stalker. The main cast of the show was simple there was the star Darren McGavin, his long suffering boss Simon Oakland, his insufferable co-worker Jack Grinnage and the sweet advice/puzzle columnist Ruth McDevitt. There was an attempt to add another co-worker played by Carol Ann Susi for three episodes. John Fiedler played "Gordy" the morgue worker in three episodes. The roles of police officers were often given to solid character actors such as Keenan Wynn (2 episodes), John Dehner, William Daniels, Charles Aidman and James Gregory among others. Richard Keil played the monster in two episodes. Sadly there were only 20 episodes of the series and two movies. There was an ill advised attempt to do a remake of the series that bore no resemblance to the classic original.

Here is Darren McGavin:

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 10, 2018 at 7:58pm

Hi Scott,

Does this meet with your approval as a Kolchak fan?

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 10, 2018 at 9:12pm

This is the closest I have come to an impulse buy, I think. I have been looking at his SP's for a few years. Always $$$, usually inscribed (did I say that?), or with a huge smile and short sleeve crew shirt, or in red ink etc. Nice and all - but, not "Karl". I don't know what this still is for, but it seemed ideal - press photo, bold sig balanced by that light on the right...and not so vintage that he looks different from 1972. Maybe Miss Emily will do a write up ;)

Permalink Reply by goodcat on March 10, 2018 at 9:30pm

Eric that's a great impulse buy.

That was one of my favorite tv series as a kid

Nice move buddy, happy for you

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 10, 2018 at 10:23pm

Thanks GC! It was one of my fav shows. That, Star Trek, Twilight...but this was so very good. With Vincenzo and all.

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 11, 2018 at 3:54pm

Hi Eric that is great autograph very nice and bold. The image is good too since it fits in well for the Kolchak era. I am very glad that you were able to find this one! I know you were looking for one.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 12, 2018 at 4:47am

That is a very keen good observation re the night image. Orson would say "I can answer that two ways. The truth is, I had no idea". Luck :) Thanks - I like it even more. Are there any vintage color TV stills from this from 1972? B/W stills? I need something to go with this. Can you date that autograph BTW? I am seeing that simpler "G" bit I have not seen anywhere near enough.

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 12, 2018 at 6:17pm

McGavin is uncommon at best and especially in Kolchak material. I have seen a few authentic but very few signed Kolchak ones. There are some stills although I think I have mainly seen black and white but they are scarce i think. The color ones I have seen I always thought were likely later reproductions. As for the date of the autograph that can be difficult just because of the scarcity of known exemplars that you can put a date to. I have never really studied him as far as to be able to put a date to them. it would be an interesting study. I have never seen checks of his either.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 12, 2018 at 6:25pm

Thank you Scott. I am really happy with this. Next is Vincenzo - sort of Bud and Lou! ;) They BOTH make this show - agreed? Nothing beats them end of the first movie - with them in the car heading to NY! Do you have a McGavin SP? Would you help me with Oakland authenticity?

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 13, 2018 at 7:43am

Hi Eric I am not an expert on him but, I would be glad to help with Simon Oakland. He was one of the finest character actors and yet often not utilized to his full potential. His roles in Psyho, The Sand Pebbles and Kolchak show his range as an actor. He and McGavin had great chemistry I wish they would have had more of them. Oakland is not often found and I do not recall seeing anything I thought forged.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 13, 2018 at 10:53am

Thanks! :) Earlier I was speaking of unsigned stills etc. to frame with this.

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on March 14, 2018 at 5:12am

If I recall correct around the time the show was on the air you could buy out of the Antique Trader I think stills or publicity shots for most major shows and stars. So I am certain they are out there but you do not see much on eBay now that is not "New." It would be great to find a Simon Oakland with Kolchak along with perhaps a card or album page of Oakland. If McGavin is uncommon then Oakland is certainly scarce but I have seen him from time to time.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 14, 2018 at 10:11am

Simon Oakland signed index card - Tony Vincenzo from The Night Stalker. All thanks due to Scott Paul who helped me find this is just a few hours! Thanks Scott! Click for full image: