Is The Town That Dreaded Sundown Based On A True Story ? How To Watch The Town That Dreaded Sundown Movie?
by Rajalaxmi | Updated Mar 01, 2023
Is The Town That Dreaded Sundown Based On A True Story?
Texarkana, a small town on the border between Texas and Arkansas, was once haunted by a masked killer in 1946. The town was never the same after the events that transpired during that year.
The killer, known as the "Phantom Killer," struck at night and targeted couples parked in secluded areas. He would approach the car and shine a flashlight on the occupants before shooting them with a .32 caliber pistol. The killings were brutal, and the community was terrified.
Despite numerous investigations and suspects, the Phantom Killer was never caught. He vanished just as mysteriously as he appeared, leaving the town to wonder who he was and what drove him to commit such heinous crimes.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and masked killers were all the rage in horror movies. Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface were the stars of the slasher genre. Jason, in particular, was one of the most iconic characters of the decade, but before he donned his infamous hockey mask in Friday the 13th Part 3, he wore a burlap sack over his head in his debut, Friday the 13th Part 2.
The use of masks in horror movies is a common trope, often used to conceal the identity of the killer and add to the suspense and fear factor. The Phantom Killer of Texarkana was one of the earliest examples of a masked killer, and his legacy has continued to inspire and influence the horror genre.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown Ending Explained
The night of April 13 marked the final attack by the hooded killer in Texarkana, a small town located on the border between Texas and Arkansas. The victims this time were Virgil and Katie Starks, a married couple in their 30s who lived on a 500-acre farm 10 miles northeast of town.
Virgil was sitting in his living room when he was shot and killed by the intruder. Meanwhile, Katie was in another room attempting to call the police when she was shot twice in the face. Miraculously, she survived the attack and managed to run to a distant neighbor's house for help.
Despite a massive manhunt and investigation, no one was ever convicted of the crimes. The Phantom Killer, as he came to be known, never struck again. The case remained unsolved, leaving the town in a state of fear and uncertainty.
Years later, the memory of the tragic events was kept alive by the 1976 film "The Town That Dreaded Sundown." While the movie played fast and loose with the facts of the actual case, it helped to preserve the story of the Phantom Killer and the impact his crimes had on the community.
Today, the film is still shown once a year around Halloween in an outdoor theater in Texarkana. It serves as a reminder of the horrors that occurred on that fateful night in April and the legacy of the Phantom Killer that lives on to this day.
Where Was The Town That Dreaded Sundown Filmed?
The film industry has always been a source of fascination for movie enthusiasts worldwide. One such film that made a mark on the industry was shot primarily in Texarkana, and it still remains popular among fans. The movie was released on December 24, 1976, and was produced by Charles B. Pierce Film Productions, Inc.
Texarkana was an ideal location for the film as it offered a unique blend of small-town charm and natural landscapes. The locals were cast as extras, which added an authentic touch to the movie. Many residents of Texarkana were thrilled to be part of the production, and some even got to interact with the stars.
The world premiere of the film was held in Texarkana on December 17, 1976. The screening was a huge success, and the audience loved the movie. The cast and crew were present at the premiere, and they received a warm welcome from the locals.
How To Watch The Town That Dreaded Sundown Movie?
The Town That Dreaded Sundown, a horror movie also released in 2014, is now available to stream on various platforms including Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Paramount Plus, EPIX, Spectrum TV, MGM+, Redbox, Apple TV, and Vudu on your Roku device. The film stars Addison Timlin, Travis Tope, and Spencer Treat Clark, and is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name.
The movie is set in the small town of Texarkana, which is haunted by a brutal serial killer who calls himself the Phantom Killer. The killer's reign of terror began in 1946, and he was never caught. Decades later, the town still lives in fear of the Phantom Killer, who is rumored to return every year on the anniversary of his first murder.
Addison Timlin plays Jami, a young woman who becomes obsessed with the Phantom Killer and his crimes after she survives a brutal attack. Jami teams up with a local deputy named Foster (Travis Tope) to try and solve the case and put an end to the killer's reign of terror once and for all.
Spencer Treat Clark plays Corey, Jami's ex-boyfriend, who becomes embroiled in the investigation and helps Jami uncover clues about the Phantom Killer's identity. The film is a suspenseful and terrifying ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown is directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, who is known for his work on television shows such as American Horror Story and Glee. The movie received mixed reviews upon its release, but was praised for its stylish direction and strong performances from its cast.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown
"The Town That Dreaded Sundown" is a 1976 horror film directed by Charles B. Pierce. The movie is loosely based on a series of unsolved murders that occurred in the Texarkana area during the late 1940s. The film was not a commercial success upon its initial release, but it has since gained a cult following for its unique blend of horror and true crime elements.
The movie takes place in the fictional town of Texarkana, which is plagued by a serial killer known as the Phantom. The Phantom's modus operandi is to attack young couples in secluded areas, leaving the town's residents in a state of fear and paranoia. The town sheriff, played by Ben Johnson, works tirelessly to catch the killer, but the Phantom continues to elude him.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" is its documentary-style approach to the story. The film features a narrator who provides historical context and interviews with real-life residents of Texarkana. This technique blurs the line between fact and fiction and adds an eerie realism to the movie.
The killer's identity is never revealed, and the film ends with a sense of ambiguity that leaves the audience questioning what really happened. This ambiguity has led to much speculation and debate among fans of the movie. Some believe that the Phantom was a real-life killer who was never caught, while others see the film as a work of fiction that draws on real-life events for inspiration.
Despite its low budget and unorthodox approach, "The Town That Dreaded Sundown" has had a lasting impact on the horror genre. The movie's use of real-life events and its ambiguous ending have influenced numerous films and television shows in the decades since its release. In 2014, a remake of the movie was released, which sought to modernize the story while staying true to the original's unique style.
Is The Town That Dreaded Sundown Based On A True Story - FAQs
The movie is loosely based on a series of unsolved murders that occurred in the Texarkana area during the late 1940s, known as the Texarkana Moonlight Murders. The film incorporates elements of these real-life events but takes significant liberties with the story for dramatic effect.
The movie was directed by Charles B. Pierce, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
"The Town That Dreaded Sundown" was first released in 1976.
The movie is rated R for violence, terror, and some language.
The movie stars Ben Johnson, Andrew Prine, Dawn Wells, and Jimmy Clem.