Bad Medicine 

A Native American legend materializes in Chicago, and Carl discovers it when he investigates the mysterious deaths of two wealthy society matrons who possessed priceless jewels. When the ... See full summary »

Director:

Alexander Grasshoff (as Alex Grasshoff)

Writers:

Jeffrey Grant Rice (created by) (as Jeff Rice), L. Ford Neale

Stars:

Darren McGavin, Simon Oakland, Ramon Bieri

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Darren McGavin	...	Carl Kolchak
Simon Oakland	...	Tony Vincenzo
Ramon Bieri	...	Captain Joe Baker
Richard Kiel	...	The Diablero
Alice Ghostley	...	Dr. Agnes Temple
Victor Jory	...	Charles Rolling Thunder
Jack Grinnage	...	Ron Updyke
David Lewis	...	Auctioneer
Marvin Kaplan	...	Delgado
Ruth McDevitt	...	Emily Cowles
James Griffith	...	Schwartz
Dennis McCarthy	...	Ballistics Man
Morris Buchanan	...	Guard
Keith Walker	...	1st Reporter
Marilyn Clarke	...	Hostess (as Madilyn Clark)

Storyline

A Native American legend materializes in Chicago, and Carl discovers it when he investigates the mysterious deaths of two wealthy society matrons who possessed priceless jewels. When the murders increase, Kolchak learns that the force at work is know as The Diablero, a being cursed to roam the Earth in search of valuable gems.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to f scott fitzgerald | reference to queen elizabeth ii | reference to tsar nicholas i of russia | reference to napoleon and josephine | native american legend | 

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 November 1974 (USA)

Filming Locations:

N Franklin St and W Chicago Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Francy Productions, Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

52 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producers like Richard Kiel's performance as Diablero so much they asked him to portray the Paramafait (Cajun bogeyman) in "The Spanish Moss Murders" the very next week.

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Goofs

When Kolchak takes a photograph of the 'dead' dog it moves an ear.

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Quotes

Carl Kolchak: [Grabbing his hat and jacket] Okay. If clothes make the reporter around here, then Carl Kolchak can play that game too!
Tony Vincenzo: Where are you going?
Carl Kolchak: [Storming out the door] I'm taking the rest of the afternoon off. I am going out and buy myself some new clothes, okay?
Emily Cowles: [Delighted] Finally!

User Reviews

Kolchak: "Bad Medicine"

PLOT: Kolchak investigates the dubious suicides of rich society matrons who just happened to be missing priceless jewels. As similar deaths occur, Kolchak learns about a Native American legend, the Diablero, a shapeshifting witchdoctor condemned to roam the Earth and acquire a treasure to lift his curse.

COMMENTARY: This episode is most notable for 7'2" Richard Kiel as the 'monster.' He passes surprisingly well as an American Indian who has an affinity with the crow and coyote. Kiel was best known as James Bond's hulking antagonist 'Jaws' in "The Spy who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979).