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The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

R  |   |  Crime, Drama, Horror  |  24 December 1976 (USA)
6.1
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Ratings: 6.1/10 from 3,777 users  
Reviews: 94 user | 75 critic

A Texas Ranger hunts for a hooded serial killer terrorizing the residents of a small town, set in 1946 Arkansas. Loosely based on a true story.

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Title: The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Jimmy Clem ...
Jim Citty ...
Charles B. Pierce ...
Robert Aquino ...
Cindy Butler ...
Christine Ellsworth ...
Earl E. Smith ...
Dr. Kress (as Earl E. Smith)
...
Joe Catalanotto ...
Eddie LeDoux (as Joe Catalanatto)
Roy Lee Brown ...
Mike Hackworth ...
Misty West ...
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Storyline

Set in the late 40's the residents of Texarkana, Texas are left terrorized by a mysterious hooded killer who is stalking victims during the evening and leaving the local police at a loss. Written by Losman <losman@express-news.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

In 1946 this man killed five people... Today he still lurks the streets of Texarkana, Ark. See more »


Certificate:

R | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 December 1976 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Pânico ao Anoitecer  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Cinematographer James W. Roberson had a broken foot when he shot this film. See more »

Goofs

Cameraman (and his camera) reflected on the wagon train during the slow motion final chase. See more »

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?
[...]
See more »

Connections

Referenced in 42nd Street Forever, Volume 2: The Deuce (2006) See more »

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User Reviews

 
A very scary, suspenseful film
18 March 2006 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

The Town That Dreaded Sundown is one of my favorite movies of all time. I collect anything I can find on the movie. I own lobby cards, pictures, posters. The movie has comedy, but is also really tense. The movie stars the great actors Ben Johnson and Andrew Prine as determined lawmen trying to stop the phantom. The director and producer of the movie Charles B. Pierce also stars and is very funny as Sparkplug, as he is sometimes called. As I mentioned the movie has comedy such as Sparkplug and others going undercover dressed as women hoping to catch the killer, but believe me the comedy is a welcome relief from the very frightening scenes with the phantom killer, who is one of the scariest killers I've ever seen in a movie. Based on a true story and with Dawn Wells of Gilligans island fame as one of the phantoms victims, you cant go wrong. I highly recommend this great film.


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