Local Filmmaker To Bring Long Valley Urban Legend To Screen

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A local filmmaker will be bringing a Long Valley legend to screen in his new film “Light Beyond The Tracks.”

The film, produced by NJ-based film company Dreamscape Pictures, will feature the story of the Hookerman, an urban legend said to haunt the township’s abandoned railroad tracks along Naughtright Road.

Leading the production of the short film is Long Valley resident Antonio Sciortino, known for other indie films such as Mailbox and Little Dream.

“I’ve always been fascinated by stories rooted in real places,” Sciortino said in a statement. “The Hookerman legend is part of our local DNA—this felt like the perfect story to bring to life on screen.”

The folklore surrounding the Hookerman goes like this: A railroad worker tragically lost his arm in a train accident in the early 20th Century. The worker survived and replaced his lost limb with a hook, on which he hung a lantern.

As legend has it, the ghost of the railroad worker haunts the tracks to this very day, using his lantern to look for his severed arm.

According to Weird NJ, a publication that shares content about urban myths, legends, and supernatural occurrences throughout the state, folks have reported seeing the Hookerman wandering the train tracks to this day.

“He lost his arm… Now he wants yours,” the film’s tagline reads.

Pre-production for the film is set to begin this fall, according to Dreamscape Pictures. Updates and cast announcements are expected to be shared soon.