The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976) Review

The film's poster, with the Phantom
pictured above the city.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown is a 1976 film based upon the true Texarkana Moonlight Murders, a string of killings and attacks that took place in Texarkana, Arkansas and its surrounding areas back in 1946. The film opens with a couple brutally attacked on a secluded road, and a captain J.D. Morales (Ben Johnson) is determined to catch the suspect. The Phantom strikes again and gets away without a problem, making the residents of the town of Texarkana fear for their lives. 

This film, directed by Charles B. Pierce, is at times very suspenseful and well-made. The Phantom Killer (the hooded assailant's nickname) makes for a very eerie antagonist - the brutality of his attacks and his heavy, quick breathing are very unsettling. There are a few moments of comedy that don't seem to fit, but this film still has its moments. 
My Rating: 3/5

DVD/Blu-Ray Availability
The Town That Dreaded Sundown was released on Blu-Ray and DVD Combo Pack after only being available on VHS for over 30 years. 

The Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack was
released by Shout! Factory. It has
many new extras.

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