Retro Film Review- The Town That Dreaded Sundown

This film was released in 1976.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown is a horror film directed and co-produced by Charles B. Pierce. Earl E. Smith wrote the script and based it on the crimes committed by the rampage attributed to the so-called Phantom Killer. It was narrated by Vern Stierman, a well-known name to horror fans.

Two Texas teens are severely injured in an attack by the serial murderer who becomes known as the Phantom Killer (Bud Davis). Sheriff Otis Barker (Robert Aquino) and Deputy Norman Ramsey (Andrew Prine) are shocked by the brutality but have few leads. Three weeks later, a second attack occurred, with the victims dying this time. Desperate for answers, law enforcement calls on Texas Ranger Captain J.D. Morales (Ben Johnson) to coordinate. The Phantom Killer evades traps, patrols, and the investigation as he continues his rampage.

I would like to praise the poster designed by Ralph McQuarrie (seen above). It definitely captured the doomed way I imagine the Texas citizens felt while the Phantom Killer was on his spree. The killer’s design looks ominously on the town as if he is larger than life.

There are a few issues with the film. I have heard it described as a “documentary” style, but I do not see it. The narrator does a good job of filling in the blanks, letting you know what happens in between, but this is hardly a documentary. It is a movie with a narrator. One other note, in the train sequence, there is one scene where you can see the camera operator.

Another issue is the comedy. They have a few funny moments thanks to a bumbling patrolman called Sparkplug, portrayed by Charles B. Pierce, that were unnecessary. Pierce is not a bad actor, but his scenes were very jarring from the tone the film was trying to set.

That being said, it is an intriguing movie. It definitely pulls you into this tale. Sure, it plays fast and loose with the details, but it exemplifies the still unsolved case of what some call the Texas Moonlight Murders. The acting was pretty good, and you felt the frustration of law enforcement as they searched for the killer.

I know he has no dialogue and his face is never seen, but Bud Davis does a good job as a killer. He is physically imposing, terrifying in his silence, and his body language is spot on. That is what made the film work so well.

Contemporaneous critics wrote with a smug arrogance, calling it “unprofessional,” showing disdain for those outside of the Hollywood system. Pierce had been a salesman before joining the film industry as a set decorator. Later critics developed an appreciation for it. I do not blame them. I see it for what it is, and I found it enthralling for that reason.

Bottom line, The Town That Dreaded Sundown has some hiccups, but I think it will become a cult classic in the future thanks to streaming and DVD releases. It fiddles with the history of this true crime, but it makes you feel the dread of the Phantom Killer.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some bloody violence, Brief strong language

FAVORITE QUOTE: This man is definitely a sadist.

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.