Movies

Shocking True Crime Inspired B Movie Will Leave You Spooked!

BBG News

The Town That Dreaded Sundown” is a chilling horror-thriller, set in the South, directed by Charles B. Pierce, who also made “The Legend of Boggy Creek”. This film draws inspiration from a string of mysterious killings and attempted murders spanning ten weeks in 1946. These events, which remained unsolved, generated widespread interest and headlines throughout the nation.

As a cinephile, I found myself engrossed in “The Town That Dreaded Sundown,” a gripping tale penned by Earl E. Smith and narrated succinctly by Vern Stierman. This chilling story unfolds not just within the city limits, but also around the border-straddling metropolis of Texarkana – a city trying to find its footing post-World War II. With the majority of war-weary soldiers back in our 40,000-strong town, life was slowly creeping towards some semblance of normalcy, eight months since the end of the conflict.

On March 3, 1946, a chilling event shook the very foundations of the town. In the quiet evening hours, a young couple was brutally attacked on a secluded country road by a muscular man in a white robe with eyeholes. Miraculously, they survived, but only after suffering severe beatings. The investigation into this incident was spearheaded by Deputy Norman Ramsey, a character loosely based on real-life Bowie County Sheriff Bill Presley. However, despite their best efforts, the authorities found no leads, no suspects, and made no arrests.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but be reminded of chilling scenes from some horror movies when I recall those unsettling events in Texarkana. The town had just begun to regain its peace, but the tranquility was shattered on a gloomy Saturday night, a scant 21 days after the initial assault. The police stumbled upon a grisly scene, a young man lying lifeless in a roadside ditch. His girlfriend, her body bound to a tree, wasn’t far. The discovery sent a chill down the spines of the townsfolk. Fear gripped the community like a relentless storm. In an instant, people were rushing to buy guns and reinforce their doors with sturdy locks.

In response to the escalating murders gaining widespread attention, the distressed police force summon Captain J.D. Morales (Ben Johnson), modeled after the actual investigator M.T. “Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas from Texas Rangers. Upon arrival, he assumes command of the investigation, summoning a dozen of his own men and establishing guidelines for local law enforcement and media in the area. Simultaneously, the unidentified killer, now known as “The Phantom,” persists with his killing spree, increasing tension on Captain Morales to swiftly put an end to the fear and violence.

Though the film appears to follow a standard slasher formula, it often deviates from this pattern, which adds depth. At certain points, it adopts a nearly documentary-like style. As the killings become increasingly gruesome, the narrative shifts towards a gritty crime thriller feel. However, the film falters with its oddly off-key attempts at humor. These comedic elements are embodied by patrolman A.C. “Spark Plug” Benson (portrayed by Pierce), who is tasked with being Morales’ driver. His outlandish scenes create a stark contrast with the storyline and seem more fitting for a different movie altogether.

Despite some rough patches with abrupt tone shifts and occasional shaky performances, “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” manages to live up to its ominous title. Its unique take on real-life events maintains our interest, and the ending carries an unsettling vibe that leaves us questioning. Though the film may show its age, it effectively creates an eerie atmosphere and sends shivers down our spines at times. This is enough to outweigh a few humorless decisions that should have been trimmed during editing.

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2025-05-05 18:58

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