An Introduction To 'The Town That Dreaded Sundown'

I discovered The Town That Dreaded Sundown two years ago, and since then it’s become a staple on my proverbial Halloween dinner table. I was introduced to writer and director Charles B. Pierce thanks to Mystery Science Theater 3000 and a special little film called Boggy Creek II: And The Legend Continues. Pierce, of course, also directed Boggy Creek I, but I haven’t gotten around to seeing that one yet. He also directed and wrote The Town That Dreaded Sundown, which, if you’ve seen Boggy Creek II, will throw you for a bit of a loop. Because while--despite my love for it--Boggy Creek II isn’t a good film, per se, The Town That Dreaded Sundown is, in its own right. At least, I remember it being good.

So, there’s something to be said for Charles B. Pierce’s down-home Texarkana brand of horror. Let me be the first in line to say that The Town That Dreaded Sundown is an underrated masterpiece. I’ve never heard anyone talk about it outside of Texarkana, where--until 2014--the town held an annual screening of the film in Spring Lake Park around Halloween. I haven’t seen The Town That Dreaded Sundown since I watched it on repeat for, like, an entire week two years ago. But with it being October and all, I believe it’s time for a revisit of one of my favorite little-known horror movies.

The Original Town That Dreaded Sundown

Released in 1977, The Town That Dreaded Sundown loosely adapts the Moonlight Murders that took place in the Spring of 1946. A serial killer, known as the Phantom Killer, the Phantom Slayer, or simply The Phantom, struck Bowie County, Texas, just outside of Texarkana. He attacked eight people and killed five. There were plenty of suspects, but the real Phantom was never caught.

Solemnly narrated, The Town That Dreaded Sundown mostly sticks with Deputy Norman Ramsey (based on Bowie County Sheriff Bill Presley) and lead investigator Captain J.D. Morales (based on Texas Rangers Captain M.T. “Lone Wolf” Gonzuallas) as they attempt to catch the Phantom. There is a special appearance by Charles B. Pierce himself, as he has a penchant for starring in his films alongside writing and directing them. He plays Spark Plug, the rookie cop, there mostly for comic relief. I will say, while his acting isn’t the greatest, he does commit to his roles.

While the main thread of the film’s plot is factual, Charles B. Pierce took a few creative liberties with the majority. The narrator states initially that only the names were changed, but much of the case details were fictionalized also; to a point where, when folks first saw the film, it was believed that Betty Jo Booker--one of five real victims--was actually murdered with a knife tied to a trombone. Never mind the fact that she played the saxophone. And that she was shot with a Colt .32.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown is a down-home murder mystery, and it’s a must-watch for true crime fans. It’s got that special something that only 70’s horror has; hazy, idyllic filmmaking, cheesy writing, and the feeling that someone, somewhere is wearing short shorts.

(Just A Little Bonus:

1977-era Andrew Prine, who plays Norman Ramsey, has a rugged, Armie Hammer-like essence to him. A little something in the face of Andrew Tveit. He walks around in his Sheriff’s uniform, shirt collar unbuttoned, casually hooking his thumbs in his gun belt. After my initial watch for the plot, I watched this movie about four more times just for that.)

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014)

This is a unique entry in the annals of sequels; The Town That Dreaded Sundown 2014 version goes by the same title as the original, but it isn’t a remake. Rather, it’s a meta take on the 1977 film and the real-life Texarkana annual ritual.

Addison Jayne Timlin carried the film as trauma survivor and determined high school detective Jami, who, alongside her date, is brutalized by a copycat Phantom after leaving a screening of the original Sundown. She takes it upon herself to find the copycat, digging up case files and newspaper archives on the 1946 murders. She does her own investigation to uncover not only the copycat, but potentially the first Phantom. For its credit, 2014 Sundown is a lot more willing to include factual details from the murders, unlike 1977 Sundown. This is likely a testament not only to modern horror films but modern police work as well; we know more about the murders now than in 1977 and are less afraid to exploit the gory details for entertainment.

Sure--like its predecessor--the acting isn’t the greatest in some parts. It’s reminiscent of straight-to-video sequels, based on a horror movie no one’s really heard of. But, as a connoisseur of movies no one’s really heard of, I want to go all in for The Town That Dreaded Sundown.

I Can’t Believe The Same Guy Made Boggy Creek II

What’s interesting about The Town That Dreaded Sundown 2014 is the inclusion of Chuck Pierce Jr.--real son of the late Charles B. Pierce--as a minor character. Portrayed by American Horror Story alum Denis O’Hare as “wasted, ragged-out and reclusive”, this fictional Chuck Pierce Jr. is a shock to the system if you’ve watched Boggy Creek II and know what Chuck Pierce Jr. is like. At least what he’s like as weedy, perpetually shirtless, Boggy Creek Studies major Tim.

According to an interview with director Alfonso Gomez-Rojon, he, Chuck Jr., and Denis O’Hare met to create the character, and O’Hare borrowed traits from the real Chuck Jr. He still lives in Texarkana, but hasn’t done any other film work besides Boggy Creek, so there is almost no information on who he is as an adult and not a 20-something. The mystery is striking, the character both intriguing and unsettling.

In 2014, the Texarkana Gazette gave Sundown 2014 a glowing review. They called the film a mix of “local history” and “classic horror”, praising Gomez-Rojon’s “exceptional use of lighting and scenic elements for mood creation as well as talented camera angling and scene shooting.” The article closes with a gently disguised critique, which I can confidently say I agree with: “While the Twin-Cities’ Interstate 30 water tower touts Texarkana as being ‘Twice as Nice’, the 2014 version of Pierce’s original work may not necessarily be twice as good--but it certainly strives in that direction.”