Richard Hale, born in 1892 in Rogersville, Tennessee, transitioned from opera to acting, leaving a mark in cult cinema. He is best remembered for his role as the Soothsayer in Julius Caesar (1953), where he ominously warns, 'Beware the Ides of March!' Hale's later work in Evil Town (1977) showcases his ability to embody complex characters, further solidifying his presence in the realm of exploitation cinema. His diverse background in performance art enriched his portrayals, making him a fascinating figure in the world of cult films.
Evil Town
The small town of Smalltown seems like a typical, rural community, but just under the surface lurks a mysterious darkness. The local mechanics prey upon travelers who pass through, attacking and abducting anyone they deem of interest, then assaulting the females when the mood strikes. But the mechanics are kidnapping travelers with more of a purpose than just random violence, as the victims are turned over to the eerie Dr. Schaeffer (Dean Jagger). Meanwhile, a new batch of visitors has arrived in Smalltown, a colorful group of friends looking for good times, only to be stranded when their car breaks down. As it happens, these new arrivals are of great interest to the locals and thus begins the usual routine from the mechanics. But can the young friends somehow figure out the town’s sadistic secret in time or will they learn about Dr. Schaeffer’s strange, horrific experiments first hand?
