Review—Killer’s Delight (Vinegar Syndrome)
Author: Palo Sionoplia


Killer’s Delight (aka The Dark Ride aka The Sport Killer) is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s an exploitation film dressed up as a police procedural, a would-be thriller that borrows heavily from the real-life drama of Ted Bundy’s initial capture and conviction. Released in 1978, the film can only tell part of that story, as Bundy’s escape, subsequent murders, and final conviction obviously could not be foretold. While the film is a highly fictionalized version of the Bundy murders, director Jeremy Hoenack takes more than a few cues from earlier, financially successful endeavors such as Richard Fleishcer’s The Boston Strangler (1968) Tom Hanson’s The Zodiac Killer (1971).


You already know the premise: a sexual deviant with an above average IQ and a penchant for murder terrorizes a city while driving an inconspicuous van and abducting women who vaguely resemble one another. A police sergeant teams up with a psychologist to create a profile and track down the madman. The chase begins, and the pursuers place themselves at great personal risk in an effort to stop the carnage.


While the protagonists are rather flat characters, genre fans will enjoy watching John Karlen in the chameleonic Bundy role. Co-star of the original Dark Shadows TV series—who genre fans will also recognize for his star turn in Daughters of Darkness—Karlen gets a rare chance to play an aggressive, diabolical character, and he makes the most of the opportunity. Rising above the confines of a meagre script and a limited budget, Karlen weaves in and out of outlandish disguises and personas, creating a character who can shift from charming to psychotic in a blink.


Although the film has its limitations, Vinegar Syndrome has spared no expense, restoring the film in 4k from the original negative. The effort shows onscreen, as the picture quality is crisp and textured, and the 24-bit DTS HD 2.0 mono track is equally effective. I’d wager this film looks and sounds as good—or better—as it did during its initial run.


To their credit, Vinegar Syndrome has also piled on the extras; the blu-ray disc features several new interviews featuring Hoenack (13 minutes), writer Maralyn Thoma (23 minutes), cinematographer Arthur Botham (11 minutes), and actor Martin Speer (10 minutes). (Sadly, Karlen passed away in 2020.) Additionally, Hoenack contributes to a full commentary track, in which he discusses the film’s parallels to the Bundy case and how he negotiated around the film’s miniscule budget. Lastly, there are a few minutes outtakes, a TV spot, and still gallery. Vinegar Syndrome also provides a reversible cover with artwork bearing two of the film’s three titles (Killer’s Delight and The Sport Killer).


While Killer’s Delight remains Hoenack’s sole directorial feature, the filmmaker went on to enjoy four-decade career as a sound editor on a number of more prestigious endeavors. It’s clear in the commentary and bonus interview that Hoenack still has affection for this project, and his enthusiasm is equally evident in the film itself. Killer’s Delight isn’t likely to become anyone’s favorite thriller, but fans of true crime will find this seldom-seen film of interest. Connoisseurs of exploitation fare should also step up to the plate, as Karlen’s villainous portrayal merits the investment.