Sometimes shows that don't get life the first time around get lucky a few years later. That is the case with Nick Knight, a 1989 TV movie with big names and a big budget. You can tell that by watching it. Rick Springfield is up for the role and Michael Nader is at his devilish best. Also John Kapelos is great if not better in this original version of the cult series. The TV show, which I thought was good, did not really live up to this original unsold pilot. CBS decided to cut costs by moving the show to Canada, and hiring mostly unknowns to replace the big stars. The pilot of the show "Forever Knight" almost follows this movie's script line for line (with a few deveations). Watch this movie and ask yourself if Forever Knight would've lasted long with this cast. Maybe, maybe not.
11 Reviews
Quirky Vampire Tale
kevinwohler30 October 2002
The majority of people who have seen the made-for-TV movie Nick Knight are probably devoted fans of the short-lived horror series "Forever Knight." While this movie is a pilot for the series, it has the added curiosity of throwing Rick Springfield into the starring role as the cop/vampire who is trying to make the world a better place. As made-for-TV movies go, this one is about as good as can be expected. Which is to say, it's average. It doesn't hold a candle to "Forever Knight," but for fans of the show it is an interesting diversion. Sadly, like the show this unpolished gem hasn't made it to video or DVD. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch it on television sometime. It's worth setting the VCR for it.
A Pretty Good Made-for-Television Vampire Movie
Uriah431 March 2016
"Nick Knight" (Rick Springfield) is a detective who has recently been assigned a case involving a serial killer who not only murders people but also drains them of their blood. Needless to say, the media is having a field day with this strange development and have half-jokingly begun to refer that the serial killer is a vampire. What the media-or anybody else-knows is that Detective Knight just happens to be a real vampire and has taken a special interest in this case. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie I will just say to say that this was one of the better Vampire movies produced in the late-80's and early-90's mainly because it doesn't follow the normal pattern of almost all of the other Vampire films prior to this time. The fact that this was also a made-for-television movie makes it even more unique as quite often these films lack imagination and originality. That being said however, I must admit that the special effects were rather basic and could have used some significant improvement. Be that as it may, I enjoyed the movie for the most part and have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
"I am what I am, and I don't think Betty Ford takes vampires."
Backlash00721 August 2005
I simply had to see this made for TV vampire flick because Forever Knight is still one of my favorite shows. Nick Knight was the inspiration for the cult series that many of us know and love. If you ever dug Forever Knight, I would recommend checking this out. But I also warn you, if you've seen the pilot episode of Forever Knight, you've basically seen this movie. But for completists, it's neat to see someone else in the shoes of our vampire cop, Nick Knight. Rick Springfield (that's right, "Jessie's Girl") was the first to don the fangs, but I can't agree that he's the best. Rick Springfield and Michael Nader aren't nearly as cool as their Canadian counterparts. Geraint Wyn Davies and Nigel Bennett just have a completely different look to them and I think they fit the parts perfectly. It's also cool to see John Kapelos playing a louder, yet skinnier Detective Donald Schanke. He would be the only cast member to reprise his role for the duration of the series (I can't see anyone else in this role anyway). And, interestingly enough, the role of Natalie was played by...Robert Harper. That's right, Nick's doctor and confidant was a man originally. The show would have played out much differently if this concept hadn't changed. Much differently indeed. Anchor Bay released Nick Knight on DVD, so if you liked Forever Knight, pick it up.
The prelude to Angel and Buffy
tvcarsd26 November 2021
I haven't seen the series based on this movie called Forever Knight but I wouldn't mind seeing being a fan of both Buffy and Angel tv series. I have to wonder if this is where some of the inspiration for those shows came from considering the movie on Buffy came out only 3 years later. Lets just say that if you enjoy Angel and you are looking for a decade earlier equivalent then you'll probably find something in Nick Knight to enjoy.
A good yarn that keeps you guessing.
GlendaC19 May 2001
This is my favourite movie. I know that sounds pathetic, but the first time I watched it, it kept me guessing. Most movies are predictable. Of course it only worked the first time I watched it, but I never knew if the vampire was good or bad until well into the movie and thoroughly enjoyed the whole movie. I was disappointed at that time to find it was a pilot which of course leaves room for more at the end. I thought the music was great and actually tracked down (it was of course by then getting old) some of the CDs. It was disappointing that 'Forever Knight' the series that followed didn't keep to the high standard set by this pilot, although I've still watched all the episodes several times. Anyway, for what it's worth, I think this movie is worth a look.
Nifty made-for-TV horror/action hybrid
Woodyanders8 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Loner vampire police detective Nick Knight (a fine and likable performance by Rick Springfield) investigates a series of murders in which the victims are drained of blood. Knight's investigation leads him back to his former master and nemesis Lacroix (smoothly played with sinister glee by Michael Nader), who turned Nick into a bloodsucker centuries ago. Director Farhad Mann, working from a smart and inspired script by James D. Parriott, relates the fun and engrossing plot at a snappy pace, offers a vivid evocation of the funky neon haze of nocturnal Los Angeles, and stages the exciting action scenes with skill and flair. Moreover, Knight's struggle to retain his humanity and resist his more monstrous urges makes him a tragic and sympathetic figure. The fine acting from the able cast helps a lot: John Kapelos as Knight's easygoing smartaleck partner Don Schanke, Robert Harper as amiable coroner Dr. Jack Brittington, Laura Johnson as helpful anthropologist Dr. Alyce Hunter, Richard Fancy as antsy superior Captain Brunetti, Craig Richard Nelson as the vengeful Fenner, and Fran Ryan as kindly homeless lady Jeannie. Popping up in cool small parts are Irene Miracle as a nurse and Cec Verrell as chic vampiress Janette. Frank Beascoechea's stylish cinematography boasts lots of sweeping aerial shots and makes invigorating use of a constantly moving camera. Joseph Conlan's dynamic score and the lively rock soundtrack of familiar 80's hits both hit the right-on rousing spot. Worth a watch.
Good vampire story
naillon-223 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I would give this 10 stars if they had rewritten the female lead, made it a four-hour film, and cast an actress who could actually ACT as the leading lady.
The story here is that Los Angeles is experiencing a series of murders in which the victims (all homeless) are found drained of blood. When another victim is found - also bled dry - shouts of "vampire" are being heard, even though this latest victim doesn't fit the pattern of the other murders.
Enter Nick Knight, an LA cop who works the night shift, and works it alone, successfully hiding the fact that he is a vampire. When working the case, he finds himself saddled with an unwanted partner (John Kapelos) and falling for an archaeologist (Laura Johnson).
I would have liked to see a much longer movie, since the length of this film didn't spend enough time on introducing the characters or showing what is important in their lives. It just throws the action at the viewer. We don't know why Knight suddenly finds himself attracted to this archaeologist, we don't get to see their relationship blossom, and we don't find out enough about his private life.
One of the real mysteries here is, why was Laura Johnson cast? Why was she even allowed near the set? She is supposed to be a strong, resourceful woman, but she behaves like a walking bundle of neuroses. She looks weird, too. Granted, the character does some pretty stupid things, but Johnson makes you think that she's always incompetent and incapable of relating to anyone. It was a rotten casting choice; boos to the person who picked her for the role.
On the plus side, Springfield fits into his role as if it had been written specifically for him. He has too few acting parts, but when he's on screen, you can't take your eyes off him. He has that charisma that is found all too rarely even among actors who make acting their sole source of income. Springfield, as a best-selling musician, certainly doesn't need to act to provide himself with an income; I, however, am VERY glad to see him whenever he does act. He even overcomes Johnson's complete lack of sexual attractiveness, and does it effortlessly; how, I don't know. It's a shame Neil Jordan didn't cast an eye at Springfield for "Interview with the Vampire".
Take a look. It's now available on DVD.
The story here is that Los Angeles is experiencing a series of murders in which the victims (all homeless) are found drained of blood. When another victim is found - also bled dry - shouts of "vampire" are being heard, even though this latest victim doesn't fit the pattern of the other murders.
Enter Nick Knight, an LA cop who works the night shift, and works it alone, successfully hiding the fact that he is a vampire. When working the case, he finds himself saddled with an unwanted partner (John Kapelos) and falling for an archaeologist (Laura Johnson).
I would have liked to see a much longer movie, since the length of this film didn't spend enough time on introducing the characters or showing what is important in their lives. It just throws the action at the viewer. We don't know why Knight suddenly finds himself attracted to this archaeologist, we don't get to see their relationship blossom, and we don't find out enough about his private life.
One of the real mysteries here is, why was Laura Johnson cast? Why was she even allowed near the set? She is supposed to be a strong, resourceful woman, but she behaves like a walking bundle of neuroses. She looks weird, too. Granted, the character does some pretty stupid things, but Johnson makes you think that she's always incompetent and incapable of relating to anyone. It was a rotten casting choice; boos to the person who picked her for the role.
On the plus side, Springfield fits into his role as if it had been written specifically for him. He has too few acting parts, but when he's on screen, you can't take your eyes off him. He has that charisma that is found all too rarely even among actors who make acting their sole source of income. Springfield, as a best-selling musician, certainly doesn't need to act to provide himself with an income; I, however, am VERY glad to see him whenever he does act. He even overcomes Johnson's complete lack of sexual attractiveness, and does it effortlessly; how, I don't know. It's a shame Neil Jordan didn't cast an eye at Springfield for "Interview with the Vampire".
Take a look. It's now available on DVD.
An enjoyable and for the time, original take on the Vampire legend
ladyjagon_200019 September 2000
I enjoyed this movie very much when it came out and I would love to see it again. Rick Springfield was my idol when I was a teen, and I have liked most of what I've seen him in. I also liked the TV series based off this movie. Like I said, it was for the time a very original take on the old standby Vampire legend
Far Better Then the Cheap Toronto Version
ducdebrabant28 October 2007
"Forever Knight" was a cheesy show, but the TV movie it was taken from -- "Nick Knight" -- with Rick Springfield was brilliant. It had much better production values than "Forever Knight" and it was both hipper and grittier. And it was better than the episode of "Moonlight" -- a suspiciously similar series -- I saw.
Rick drove a big-ass vintage pink Cadillac, because if he was caught when the sun came up it had the largest trunk available for him to dive into and hibernate until night. He was working with a sympathetic coroner to try and wean himself from blood (which in any case he never took from people -- he had blood lab bottles in his refrigerator).
The coroner guy was a cross between a friend, an AA sponsor, and a medical researcher. Rick was often strung out from their regimen, just like a recovering addict. Not only did he have withdrawal symptoms if he didn't get enough plasma, but real food -- which he was trying to break into eating -- tended to make him sick. His relationship with this guy was the central ongoing one in the story. He lived in an apartment carved out of a Grauman-type movie palace (it was the upper lobby or something) so it had all this over the top decor that was both vampire and Old L.A. in feeling.
Springfield gave Nick a troubled rock star feel, hot and somewhat elegantly wasted. He was struggling with his life, and he just happened to have the hottest car, the coolest apartment, and the best jacket. He was such a good detective that the L.A.P.D. indulged his eccentric insistence on working only at night.
They should have simply greenlighted the show just the way it was, with Springfield in it, but instead it ended up an underbudgeted Canadian series with no realistic underpinnings, a lot of costume flashbacks, and Geraint Wynn-Davies's somewhat actorish performance. What's more, the minute Wynn-Davies got the part he started putting on weight and kept putting it on. I hated, hated, hated that show.
Rick drove a big-ass vintage pink Cadillac, because if he was caught when the sun came up it had the largest trunk available for him to dive into and hibernate until night. He was working with a sympathetic coroner to try and wean himself from blood (which in any case he never took from people -- he had blood lab bottles in his refrigerator).
The coroner guy was a cross between a friend, an AA sponsor, and a medical researcher. Rick was often strung out from their regimen, just like a recovering addict. Not only did he have withdrawal symptoms if he didn't get enough plasma, but real food -- which he was trying to break into eating -- tended to make him sick. His relationship with this guy was the central ongoing one in the story. He lived in an apartment carved out of a Grauman-type movie palace (it was the upper lobby or something) so it had all this over the top decor that was both vampire and Old L.A. in feeling.
Springfield gave Nick a troubled rock star feel, hot and somewhat elegantly wasted. He was struggling with his life, and he just happened to have the hottest car, the coolest apartment, and the best jacket. He was such a good detective that the L.A.P.D. indulged his eccentric insistence on working only at night.
They should have simply greenlighted the show just the way it was, with Springfield in it, but instead it ended up an underbudgeted Canadian series with no realistic underpinnings, a lot of costume flashbacks, and Geraint Wynn-Davies's somewhat actorish performance. What's more, the minute Wynn-Davies got the part he started putting on weight and kept putting it on. I hated, hated, hated that show.
Good enough movie to make you want to see the series Forever Knight.
ozthegreatat423304 April 2007
The movie was fine, with good casting and the scenes were excellent. However, I guess I became spoiled by the television series, because I liked Gerient Wyn Davies as Nick much better and Nigel Bennett was made to play Delacroix. It would be great if they could take that series and do a major film from it. This film, the original television pilot for the series does hold up well. Rick Springfield is an excellent Nick. I was somewhat disappointed with the climax of the story (I don't want to spoil it for those who have not seen it) but hey, you cant always have everything in life that you want. For all you classic car fans, check out Nick's vintage 1959 Caddilac. It could have been billed as a star of the show itself.
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