On March 15, 2026, I had the chance to be part of something that felt less like an event and more like stepping straight into a living piece of true crime and film history involving the infamous Phantom Killer of Texarkana.
Hosted by On Set Cinema and Myers House NC organized the screening of The Town That Dreaded Sundown in Texarkana was one of those rare experiences where atmosphere, storytelling, and fandom all collide.
From the moment check-in began at Silvermoon on Broad, you could feel the energy. Fans of the film, true crime enthusiasts, and curious newcomers gathered with a shared sense of anticipation. And then—there he was.
The “Andy guy” everyone was talking about: Andy Abele, fully suited up in the Phantom Killer costume, casually posing for photos like he had just stepped off the set. Knowing he portrayed the Phantom in the meta sequel made those photo ops even cooler—it was like the legend had stepped right out of the screen and into the streets of Texarkana.
He was super engaging with fans which made the event extra special attendees.
Walking Through the Legend
The evening wasn’t just about watching a movie. It was about walking into the story. The guided tour leading up to the screening added a whole new dimension, grounding the film in the real-life terror of the Texarkana Moonlight Murders. By the time the movie started the line between fiction and reality had already begun to blur.
As someone who has long been a fan of the original 1976 film, seeing it presented this way was something special. That gritty, semi-documentary style that made it so unsettling decades ago still holds up today.
And I’ll say this—I’m also a big fan of the meta sequel, which took a bold approach by folding the original film into its own narrative. Seeing both interpretations come together in spirit at this event made the experience even richer.
Dark Outdoors & The Real Story Behind the Phantom
A big part of why this event resonated so deeply with me is tied to the my Dark Outdoors® podcast—especially the episode I created focused on the Phantom Killer case.
In this deep-dive episode, I explore:
- How the Phantom Killer operated—and what those methods reveal about similar predators today
- A rare eyewitness account of a white-masked figure seen during the original attacks
- Insights from John Tennison, a clinical psychiatrist and first cousin once removed of one of the top Phantom Killer suspects
- Behind-the-scenes stories from Pamula Pierce Barcelou
- And even a personal brush with danger that underscores why awareness still matters
It’s one of the most intense investigations I’ve done—blending true crime, history, film, and real-world outdoor safety.
A Book in the Works… and Fouke Monster Festival
Experiencing this event firsthand has only fueled my own creative fire. I’m currently writing a book centered around this very subject—the Phantom Killer, the cultural impact of the film, and the ongoing fascination with this case.
I’m excited to share that the book is planned for release at the upcoming Fouke Monster Festival in Fouke, Arkansas, happening April 24–25, 2026—and I’ll also be there speaking about this case, the research behind it, and the connections between true crime, film, and outdoor awareness.
You can find full details and tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-fouke-monster-festival-tickets-1736171047339
If you’re into cryptids, folklore, Southern mysteries—or legends like the Fouke Monster made famous in The Legend of Boggy Creek—this festival is absolutely worth the trip.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss These Events
What On Set Cinema and Myers House NC are doing with these screenings is something truly unique. It’s not just about watching a movie—it’s about experiencing it. The attention to detail, the atmosphere, the guest appearances—it all comes together in a way that feels authentic and memorable.
I highly recommend attending any event they put together. Whether you’re a horror fan, a true crime buff, or just someone looking for something different, these events deliver.
Texarkana will always carry the shadow of the Phantom—but for one night, we got to step into that shadow, face it, and appreciate the stories it continues to inspire.
Chester Moore
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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.