On-Set Cinema is back for another year full of in-person frights, and their latest event is one of their most fascinating yet. This spring, they’re celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of The Town That Dreaded Sundown, right where it was filmed, with an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of its bloodiest filming locations.
Released in 1976, The Town That Dreaded Sundown stars Ben Johnson, Andrew Prine, and Dawn Wells, and was directed by Charles B. Pierce. The film is loosely based on the Moonlight Murders that took place in the Texarkana area in 1946, and follows teens menaced by a masked killer known as the Phantom Killer.
On-Set Cinema’s event, which takes place on March 15, begins in downtown Texarkana, Texas with a walking tour that takes fans to key locations from the film, including the McCartney Hotel and Union Station, and learn about the chilling history that inspired the film, followed by a screening of the 1976 original.
For an additional cost, attendees can then walk across state lines into Texarkana, Arkansas for a screening of the meta sequel of the same name, made in 2014, at The Art Station, which served as the film’s infamous gas station. The second half of the event will also feature an appearance from Andy Abele, the stunt actor who portrayed the reboot’s Phantom Killer, who will be signing and taking autographs with fans for free.
But if that isn’t enough for you, twelve fans can also purchase the “Ultimate Sundown Experience” for $135 USD, which includes both screenings, as well as an opportunity to sleep overnight at the Art Station — if they’re brave enough.
This is just the latest in a long line of events hosted by On-Set Cinema, diving deeper into horror films than any other company. This year, they’re also hosting screenings of the 2009 Friday the 13th reboot, Halloween Kills, The Mothman Prophecies, and Sleepaway Camp.
For more information on On-Set Cinema’s Town That Dreaded Sundown screening and to purchase tickets, you can check out their website.
