User:Tavantius/The Secret Night Caller

Tavantius/The Secret Night Caller
Directed by	Jerry Jameson
Starring	Robert Reed Hope Lange Sylvia Sidney Robin Mattson
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Original release
Network	NBC
Release	February 18, 1975 (1975-02-18)

The Secret Night Caller, is a 1975 American television film directed by Jerry Jameson.

Production

It was released in February 18, 1975 on NBC.

Reception

Steven Puchalski of Shock Cinema Magazine criticized the script's psychology, stating that it was "all too simplistic" and called the finale a "mess of bad decisions and violence." However, he did praise Reed's performance as Durant, saying "Damn, I didn't think Reed had it in him!". He also stated, "you almost begin to sympathize with this disturbed schmuck." when referring to Durant's mental breakdown. Cranky Lesbian also praised Reed's performance, stating it was "wonderfully sensitive" and "tightly controlled". She criticized the film's tonal shifts, noting that although the first half was "relatively amusing," the second half became "just plain dark".

Lisa Marie Bowman of The Shattered Lens noted that Durant was meant to come across as being the exact opposite of Mike Brady of The Brady Bunch, stating that "whereas Mike Brady was the perfect father, Freddy is cold, distant, and repressed". She stated that although Fred was surrounded by a "fine" supporting cast, it was "impossible not to associate Robert Reed with the show". A reporter of The Evening News also noted the contrast, stating that the role of Durant was "offbeat casting for Reed".