This movie is based on the true story of a 1946 murder spree in Texarkana, where there's a hooded killer on the loose.

"The Town That Dreaded Sundown" was a real surprise. It starts out as a documentary and evolves into a terrifying recount of a masked killer that sadistically snuffs out young adults. I say terrifying because the masked killer is genuinely disturbing. And although there is not a lot of gore, the killings are extended moments and they are visceral. I was amazed at the depiction of what is largely the torture of the victims before their deaths.

This is difficult to explain fairly because this is not your typical slasher movie. The murders were never solved and were done without any detectable motive. The police and other law reinforcements try to catch the killer, but he always seems a step ahead of them. And why wouldn't he be? The "law" at times is portrayed as bumbling idiots. There's comedy in this movie, but it's not dark comedy. It tries to get laughs but ineffective police work isn't all that funny.

Contrary to what you'd expect, the story moves along at a good clip. Even those with a short attention span should be able to stay awake.

What an odd flick this is. I would rank it high on my list of '70s Horror.

_**A killer is on the loose in Texarkana in 1946**_

The Texarkana Moonlight Murders and the ensuing investigation that took place from late February to early May, 1946, are chronicled with the names changed and details altered for dramatic purposes. Ben Johnson plays a renowned Texas Ranger on the case and Andrew Prine a formidable deputy sheriff. Dawn Wells shows up in the last act.

“The Town that Dreaded Sundown” (1976) is a crime docudrama that could be designated as an early slasher even though it’s based on a true story. The sack the killer wears on his head was the inspiration for the mask Jason dons in “Friday 13th: Part 2” (1981).

Along with “The Legend of Boggy Creek” (1972) and “Grayeagle” (1977), this was one of B-film director Charles B. Pierce’s more notable flicks and he appears in the movie as bumbling Patrolman Benson.

Speaking of which, there some curious attempts at comedy that are incongruous with the grave proceedings, which is reminiscent of the incompatible blundering cops in the original “The Last House on the Left” (1972).

I liked the 1946 setting with the old cars plus the fact that this basically happened in real life and inspires you to research the true story, just don’t expect anything close to the greatness of “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967). Have mercy, the budget was $400,000.

The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Texarkana on the Texas/Arkansas border, plus The Jack Williams Ranch in Garland City, Arkansas, with the train sequence done in Scott, Arkansas.

GRADE: B-/C+