The film was shot in and around Texarkana, on the border of Texas and Arkansas. The movie is only partially based on the real Texarkana Moonlight Murders — a series of attacks committed by an unknown serial killer known as the Phantom Killer, which occurred from February to May 1946. This crime spree claimed the lives of five people and wounded three. The main suspect was Youell Swinney, whose wife linked him to the murders through her testimony, but he was never convicted because she refused to testify against him. Director Charles B. Pierce also played the role of Patrolman A. C. Benson, nicknamed Sparkplug, who served as comic relief throughout the film. The music for the film was written by Jaime Mendoza-Nava. To create an authentic atmosphere, the film uses real locations in Texarkana, including the historic Union Station, local churches, cemeteries, and college buildings, many of which have since been demolished or significantly altered. The first DVD release was on May 21, 2013, decades after the original theatrical release on Christmas Eve 1976.

Filming Locations:

Opening montage area on E. Front Street

In the movie

The scene where it shows the streets of downtown Texarkana, including views of the McCartney Hotel and Union Station, immediately setting the atmosphere of a small border town that lived in fear in 1946 due to the Phantom Killer.

In reality

The scene was filmed in downtown Texarkana, Texas, on E. Front Street, between Pine Street and Main Street, where the McCartney Hotel (built in 1929 and closed in 1975) and Texarkana Union Station appeared in the frame; since then, this area has changed significantly, and many buildings have been demolished or repurposed.