Kurt Russell does not appear in The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976), also known as The Madison, so he is not a ghost in the film; he plays no role in its cast. This long-form evergreen explainer clarifies the source of confusion, outlines the movie’s verified cast and production history, and compares the actual events with common misremembering. The following sections define the film, confirm primary cast, differentiate Russell’s filmography from this project, and explain why the rumor persists.
Quick Answer
Kurt Russell is not in The Town That Dreaded Sundown (The Madison). He has no credited or uncredited role, and any claim of his presence is a case of mistaken identity or conflation with other projects.
The Film: The Town That Dreaded Sundown (The Madison)
Key Details and Context
The Town That Dreaded Sundown, often referred to as The Madison, is a 1976 American horror film directed by Charles B. Pierce and distributed by Howco International Pictures. The film is presented as a true crime story inspired by the legendary Phantom Killer who terrorified Texarkana in 1946. It employs a faux documentary style, opening with black-and-white interviews before shifting to dramatized events. The movie has cultivated a cult following for its atmospheric tension and unique mockumentary approach to the slasher genre.
Verified Cast of The Town That Dreaded Sundown
| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Johnson | Police Captain J.D. Morales | Credited lead role |
| Andrew Prine | Deputy Norman Ramsey | Credited supporting role |
| Ken Sweeney | Detective | Credited supporting role |
| Alex Rebar | The Phantom / Elvis Windsor | |
| Dawn Wells | Linda Mae Jenkins | |
| John Sullivan | Police Officer |
The above list represents the verified principal cast. Kurt Russell does not appear in any capacity, on-screen or off-screen, in the film.
Kurt Russell’s Filmography and Possible Sources of Confusion
Key Projects vs The Madison
Kurt Russell is a well known actor with a long career in film and television, but he is not associated with The Town That Dreaded Sundown. Common causes of confusion include his prominence in genre films from the 1970s and 1980s, such as Elvis Presley movies, The Thing, and The Escape. These titles may overlap in era or tone with The Town That Dreaded Sundown, but they are entirely separate productions. Russell’s name is sometimes mistakenly attached due to his high profile in similar horror and thriller contexts.
Origin of the Rumor
The misconception that Kurt Russell appears in The Madison likely stems from misattributed images, fake posters, or AI generated content circulating online. Similar rumors have attached other actors to the film, particularly celebrities who were active during the same period. In some cases, movie posters created as fan art or parody materials feature Russell’s face, which are then taken out of context as supposed evidence. Film databases and collector sites occasionally list erroneous credits, and these inaccuracies can persist despite official records showing otherwise.
Documented Evidence and Sources
No verified cast listing, production document, or studio press release includes Kurt Russell in relation to The Town That Dreaded Sundown. Archival materials from Howco International Pictures, copyright records, and contemporary newspaper advertisements show the six credited performers above as the sole principal cast. Russell’s own authorized biographies highlight his roles in films like The One and Only, The Aviator, and Wyatt Earp, with no mention of this project. Cross referencing these records makes clear there is no factual basis for the rumor.
Distinguishing Fact From Misremembering
- Fact: The Madison (1976) features Ben Johnson, Andrew Prine, Ken Sweeney, Alex Rebar, Dawn Wells, and John Sullivan.
- Rumor: Kurt Russell appears in or narrates the film.
- Fact: No archival trailer, poster, or news article references Russell in connection to the release.
- Rumor: The film’s alternate title The Madison implies a link to a real town legend involving Russell.
- Fact: Long term genre fans and historians do not cite Kurt Russell as part of this film’s legacy.