Charles B. Pierce

Charles B. Pierce (circa 1975)

Charles B. Pierce (June 16, 1938 – March 5, 2010) was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, set decorator, cinematographer and actor, and is considered one of the first modern independent filmmakers. Pierce directed thirteen films over the span of 26 years, but is best known for his cult hits The Legend of Boggy Creek (1973) and The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976).

An Arkansas resident most of his life, Pierce made his directorial debut with Boggy Creek, a faux documentary-style film inspired by the legend of the Bigfoot-like Fouke Monster. The low-budget film grossed roughly $25 million, and Pierce followed that success with several inexpensive, regional films set in the southern United States, including The Town That Dreaded Sundown, based on the true story of the Phantom Killer murders in Texarkana.

Pierce continued directing films into the 1980s, when he wrote the story for the Clint Eastwood film Sudden Impact. For that screenplay, he is said to have written the phrase, "Go ahead, make my day," which became one of the most famous movie quotes in history.

There is no known familial connection to fellow director Arthur C. Pierce.

Riffed Movies

• Boggy Creek II: and the Legend Continues… (Experiment #1006) - as Dr. Brian C. Lockhart, also director, writer, and producer

Pierce in Boggy Creek II

Pierce in his home office

Charles B. Pierce, wearing a white T-shirt, with Lee Majors and Susie Coelho on the set of the 1978 film The Norseman.