Woman of the Hour: How many victims did Rodney Alcala really have? Explained

On October 18, 2024, the American crime thriller film Woman of The Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick, was released on Netflix. The film narrated the real-life story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who, during his murder spree, appeared on the television program The Dating Game in 1978.

Woman of the Hour explored the detailed crimes committed by Alcala, emphasizing the challenges endured by Cheryl Bradshaw, who was his co-contestant on The Dating Game. The conclusion of the film also disclosed shocking information regarding the estimated number of individuals impacted by Alcala's actions, totaling at an astounding 130 and more.

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What is the exact number of people who were affected by Rodney Alcala's criminal behavior?

Rodney Alcala is believed to have been associated with crimes committed on more than 100 people (Image via Getty)

At the end of Woman of the Hour on Netflix, a message displayed that 130 individuals were impacted by the crimes of serial killer Rodney Alcala. This figure was based on thorough research and fact-checking. Although officials believe the actual number may be higher, only eight of Alcala's crimes have been confirmed and linked to him, with the rest remaining unverified.

The eight people Rodney Alcala is confirmed to have killed are:

• Cornelia Crilley, a 23-year-old TWA flight attendant
• Ellen Jane Hover, a 23-year-old aspiring music conductor
• Robin Samsoe, a 12-year-old Huntington Beach resident
• Jill Barcomb, an 18-year-old New Yorker who moved to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a Hollywood actor
• Georgia Wixted, a 27-year-old nurse associated with the pediatric cancer division
• Christine Ruth Thornton, a 28-year-old woman carrying a child
• Charlotte Lamb, a practicing legal secretary who moved to California with hopes of becoming an actor
• Jill Parenteau, a 21-year-old computer programmer

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About Netflix's Woman of the Hour

Netflix's Woman of the Hour is written by Ian McDonald and directed by Anna Kendrick. Produced by Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J. D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules, it is inspired by real events. However, certain sections of the film have been fictionalized for the audiences for maximum effect.

The official synopsis for the film read:

"Woman of the Hour – the stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game."

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Who is in the cast of the film?

The cast of Woman of the Hour is led by Anna Kendrick who plays Cheryl Bradshaw, Rodney Alcala's fellow contestant in The Dating Game. Daniel Zovatto plays the infamous Rodney Alcala.

The rest of the film's cast comprises:

• Nicolette Robinson as Laura
• Tony Hale as Ed Burke (based on Jim Lange's character)
• Pete Holmes as Terry
• Autumn Best as Amy (based on Monique Hoyt's character)
• Kathryn Gallagher as Charlie
• Matt Visser as Bachelor number 1
• Jedidiah Goodacre as Bachelor number 2
• Jessie Fraser as Lisa
• Kelley Jakle as Sarah
• Taylor Hastings as Melanie
• Max Lloyd-Jones as Ken
• Jessica Shaffin as Helen
• Dylan Schmid as Mario
• Darcy Laurie as Marty

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Woman of the Hour is currently available for streaming on Netflix.