Stark Fear (1962)

Interesting facts

Stark Fear is a 1962 low-budget American film directed by Ned Hockman. Filmed almost entirely in Oklahoma, the drama was meant to tell a strong psychological story involving rivalry and hatred.

Production

Stark Fear was filmed for $150,000, money which came from Oklahomans who bought stock in the film for as little as $10. Several men connected with the University of Oklahoma decided to get into the motion picture business. Ned Hockman had directed short documentary films, and Dwight V. Swain had written novels, and sold stories to pulp magazines. They were inspired by the film Psycho and wanted to make a psychological suspense movie.

Filming mostly took place in Oklahoma City, Norman, and at the University of Oklahoma. During July and August 1960, OU's Delta Delta Delta sorority house was rented for a movie studio. Lexington, Oklahoma was used for scenes of the fictitious town of Quehada. Three days of filming took place in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the site of a work conference Ellen and Cliff attended.

The film was shot in 30 days, and Beverly Garland stayed an extra two weeks for publicity purposes, taking part in numerous TV interviews. In 2003 Garland returned to Norman for a 40th anniversary showing of Stark Fear. She recalled how much fun everyone had making the film.

Beverly Garland, Skip Homeier, and Kenneth Tobey were the only professional actors hired; all other parts were acted by local Oklahomans. Music was composed and conducted by Lawrence Fisher, the assistant director of the Oklahoma City Symphony. Director Ned Hockman stated in a 2005 interview that no money was made from the film.

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