7 characters in Woman of the Hour based on real people

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen more than my fair share of thrillers and crime dramas, I must say that “Woman of the Hour” stands out as a chilling tale based on true events. Being a fan of historical accuracy, it’s fascinating to see how this film brings the 70s to life, complete with iconic shows like The Dating Game, which was an integral part of pop culture back then.

The series titled “Woman of the Hour” is currently streaming on Netflix, offering a crime thriller set in the ’70s. It revolves around an ambitious actress and a notorious serial killer whose lives intersect as they become part of the cast for the blind-dating TV show “The Dating Game.

Is the movie we’re discussing a depiction of real events? Indeed, it is centered around the true tale of Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on the hit TV show “The Dating Game” in 1978. On this dating program, Cheryl interacted with three unseen suitors, asking them questions to help her decide whom to go out with. Intriguingly, she picked bachelor number one, who was none other than Rodney Alcala, a man with a seemingly friendly demeanor but concealing a chilling secret. This secret was that he was a notorious serial killer and sexual predator.

In the movie “Woman of the Hour“, several characters are inspired by real-life individuals since it’s based on a true story. Discover the identities of these real people just beneath!

7 characters in Woman of the Hour based on real people

Sheryl Bradshaw

In the show titled “Woman of the Hour“, Anna Kendrick takes on a prominent role as Sheryl Bradshaw, an eager actress who enters the popular game show, “The Dating Game“, to boost her visibility. Interestingly, the character of Sheryl is modeled after Cheryl Bradshaw, a real-life drama teacher, who was selected for “The Dating Game” in 1978.

After several rounds of questions, Cheryl chose bachelor number one, Rodney Alcala, to go on a date with. But after meeting face-to-face, Cheryl was thrown off by his creepy demeanor and ultimately decided to cancel their date. If it weren’t for her intuition, she most likely would’ve been another one of Alcala’s victims. While Bradshaw’s current whereabouts are unknown, we do know that she decided to leave California to live a private life and raise a family after her appearance on the dating show.

Rodney Alcala

The character portrayed by Daniel Zovatto, Rodney Alcala, is modeled after the actual Rodney Alcala – a notorious serial killer and rapist who was active in a multi-year killing spree. During this time, he also appeared on the dating show “The Dating Game” in 1978. This appearance during his murdering rampage earned him the nickname, “The Dating Game Killer.” His victims were predominantly young women and girls. He would attract his victims by pretending to be a photographer, promising to take their pictures, only to attack, torment, sexually assault, and ultimately kill them.

After being found guilty of seven murders, some experts speculate that he could have been responsible for many more, potentially up to 130. During his time on California’s death row, Samuel Alcala passed away from natural causes in prison on July 24, 2021, at the age of 77.

Ed Burke

In the film, the character Ed Burke, played by Tony Hale, is modeled after the real-life figure Jim Lange. Similar to Ed in the movie, Jim was the initial host of the hit dating show titled The Dating Game. He hosted this popular show for over a decade, from 1965 until 1980. He spent nearly four decades with his wife, Nancy Fleming, Miss America 1961, before passing away at their home following a heart attack on February 25, 2014, at the age of 81. Lange is survived by his spouse, sister, children from his first marriage, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Charlie

In “Woman of the Hour,” the character Charlie (Kathryn Gallagher) appears to be modeled after Cornelia Michel Crilley, a 23-year-old TWA flight attendant and Rodney Alcala’s first known murder victim. He sexually assaulted and strangled her in her Manhattan apartment in June 1971. For over three decades, Crilley’s murder went unsolved. However, it was later discovered that DNA evidence connected her murder to Alcala.

Amy

In the role of Amy, portrayed by Autumn Best, is modeled after Monique Hoyt, a real-life victim of Rodney Alcala. On Valentine’s Day, 1979, Alcala kidnapped Monique, a 15-year-old girl who was hitchhiking in Riverside County. After enduring an attack and brutal rape, Monique freed herself from Alcala when he stepped into a gas station restroom. As an adult, she bravely testified against Alcala in court.

Arnie

It’s thought that the character Arnie (Jedidiah Goodacre) is modeled after Jed Mills, a previous contestant on “The Dating Game.” In the 1978 episode featuring Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala, Mills was bachelor number two. Recently in an interview with ABC 20/20 (in 2021), Mills discussed his time on the show. He described Alcala as unsettling, noticing this odd behavior from the start. While waiting in the green room before the show, Alcala made a chilling remark to Mills: “I always get my girl.

Sarah

Sarah’s character, portrayed by Kelley Jakle, is thought to be inspired by the true-life figure of Christine Ruth Thornton, another victim of Rodney Alcala who went missing in June 1977. At that time, she was 28 years old and six months pregnant. As reported by People, Alcala encountered Thornton in San Antonio around August 1977. He allegedly strangled her and left her body on a ranch in Granger, Wyoming.

In 1982, the remains of an unidentified woman, later known as Thornton, were discovered by a local rancher. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that her identity was finally revealed when DNA analysis connected her to her sibling.

Woman of the Hour is now available to stream on Netflix.

2024-10-18 11:26