The story of a hooded, berserk killer who terrorized the border town of Texarkana, Arkansas in 1946--leaving no fewer than five murder victims in his wake. He was never caught. Based on one ... Read allThe story of a hooded, berserk killer who terrorized the border town of Texarkana, Arkansas in 1946--leaving no fewer than five murder victims in his wake. He was never caught. Based on one of America's most baffling murder cases.The story of a hooded, berserk killer who terrorized the border town of Texarkana, Arkansas in 1946--leaving no fewer than five murder victims in his wake. He was never caught. Based on one of America's most baffling murder cases.
- Eddie LeDoux
- (as Joe Catalanatto)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis movie is a semi-documentary based on the real-life string of mysterious killings that terrorized the people of Texarkana, Texas, in 1946. The murder spree became known as the "Texarkana Moonlight Murders" and ultimately would claim five lives and injure many others. The only description of the killer ever obtained was that of a "hooded man." To this day, no one has been convicted and these murders remain unsolved.
- GoofsCloseup camera crew visible on a flatcar during long shots of the train.
- Quotes
Sgt. Mal Griffin: [Trying to bait the killer, Griffin and Benson are stationed on a lonely road in a car late at night, with Benson dressed as a woman] Ah, Sparky. Ah, Sparky.
[reaches over and touches Benson in a sexual manner]
Patrolman A.C. Benson: [turning to him] What the hell do you think you're doing?
Sgt. Mal Griffin: You heard the captain, we're supposed to make this look good. Now, we're supposed to be lovers. I might get a little lovin' before the night's over.
Patrolman A.C. Benson: You watch that hand.
[Griffin touches him again]
Patrolman A.C. Benson: Man, what the hell's wrong with you?
[Griffin starts laughing]
Patrolman A.C. Benson: Watch the hand!
Sgt. Mal Griffin: [indicating Benson's fake breasts] What I - What I can't understand is... how come that one's bigger than this one?
[bursts out laughing]
Patrolman A.C. Benson: I'd like to know what difference it makes. You think I'm gonna let the son of a bitch come in and fondle one before I blow his head off?
- ConnectionsFeatured in Grindhouse Universe (2008)
- SoundtracksAuld Lang Syne
(uncredited)
Traditional
Played and sung at the high school prom
"The Town that Dreaded Sundown" (1976) is a crime docudrama that could be designated as an early slasher even though it's based on a true story. The sack the killer wears on his head was the inspiration for the mask Jason dons in "Friday 13th: Part 2" (1981).
Along with "The Legend of Boggy Creek" (1972) and "Grayeagle" (1977), this was one of B-film director Charles B. Pierce's more notable flicks and he appears in the movie as bumbling Patrolman Benson.
Speaking of which, there some curious attempts at comedy that are incongruous with the grave proceedings, which is reminiscent of the incompatible blundering cops in the original "The Last House on the Left" (1972).
I liked the 1946 setting with the old cars plus the fact that this basically happened in real life and inspires you to research the true story, just don't expect anything close to the greatness of "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967). Have mercy, the budget was $400,000.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Texarkana on the Texas/Arkansas border, plus The Jack Williams Ranch in Garland City, Arkansas, with the train sequence done in Scott, Arkansas.
GRADE: B-/C+
- Wuchakk
- Mar 17, 2021
- How long is The Town That Dreaded Sundown?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $400,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1