"The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" is among the last of the classic films that Disney Studios produced in the 1960s before its releases started their long slide downward into the 1980s. This was made for TV but was even better than some contemporary theatrical releases from Disney. It is tense, well-written and well-performed. It also excels as a period piece; the costumes and sets really take the viewer back to the southern English coast in the late 18th century. It also reminds us that Patrick McGoohan didn't hesitate to work for Disney at this time (in "Thomasina," too) in his usual sauve and understated but also intense way. If you ever find yourself shut in on a cold, rainy night this winter, no problem. Get the kids together, order some pizza and pop this gem into the VCR. You'll be pleased.
The Magical World of Disney (TV Series)
The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh: Part 1 (1963)
User Reviews
Review this title45 Reviews
An Old Disney Classic
Ssbtbrkhrdt22 August 2005
This is the kind of movie you hardly see anymore, full of adventure, action and intrigue without the "R" rating, mindless violence and profane language that so permeates modern movies. It would be wonderful if this could be re-released via DVD, hopefully that will be done in the not-too-distant future. Patrick McGoohan is incredible in this movie, you can see how young he is and what a great actor, before he became so well known. I used to have the comic book for this movie at one time and am still kicking myself for selling it. The story of the Scarecrow and his band of outlaw smugglers is an exciting tale, to say the least. Another contemporary movie from the same time frame (1964) that covers the story of the Scarecrow is "Night Creatures" which I believe is soon to be re-released in DVD format, that one starred Peter Cushing. The masks used to cover their identities and their wild rides in the countryside from both movies are incredible. A must see and a must buy!
I loved this movie as a kid.
CarmelaG3 August 2003
I remember seeing this on the Wonderful World of Disney as a kid, and I thought it was just great. It gave me a lifelong appreciation for Patrick McGoohan, whose work, both as actor and director, I have continued to admire.
A Scary (but kid-friendly) Hero
marko17 April 2000
Patrick McGoohan has rarely been better than in this role as the Scarecrow/Dr. Syn. Set in pre-Revolution England, the film contains a perfect mix of tension and action without ever becoming violent or too intense for youngsters.
McGoohan plays a Robin Hood-like character who cheats the tax collector by smuggling, thereby supporting the common folk who form his gang. McGoohan is ably supported by Michael Hordern as the local landlord, George Cole as the sexton, and Geoffrey Keene as the stuffy British general. The plot twists are plentiful without seeming contrived; the music is wonderful; and the makeup (especially McGoohan's mask!) has stuck with me for 37 years.
Originally telecast in the U.S. as a three-part series--which caused me to spend three anxious weeks as a ten-year old who could hardly wait for the next installment.
McGoohan plays a Robin Hood-like character who cheats the tax collector by smuggling, thereby supporting the common folk who form his gang. McGoohan is ably supported by Michael Hordern as the local landlord, George Cole as the sexton, and Geoffrey Keene as the stuffy British general. The plot twists are plentiful without seeming contrived; the music is wonderful; and the makeup (especially McGoohan's mask!) has stuck with me for 37 years.
Originally telecast in the U.S. as a three-part series--which caused me to spend three anxious weeks as a ten-year old who could hardly wait for the next installment.
Marvelous period piece set in England
Marta9 January 1999
This is a really rousing film, full of good deeds and chases, disguises and daring escapes. It's set in the late 1770's, since reference is made to the American fight for freedom from the British, and filmed in England.
Patrick McGoohan, one of my favorite actors, plays Dr. Syn, mild-mannered minister by day and rakish do-gooder by night, called the Scarecrow by the local people. George Cole plays Mipps, his assistant in both guises. The Scarecrow intercepts British government supplies and distributes them to the poor in the district, so he is greatly loved by the locals, and greatly sought by the government. The first half is taken up with the acts of a weak man who takes money from the army commander to turn in the Scarecrow. The Scarecrow finds out about this from a loyal local, and sets up a trap for the commander and the traitor. He wins the day, of course. The Scarecrow inventively and effectively deals with traitors in his network of thieves in his own fashion, but he's got a heart of gold underneath his rags; no one dies in this film. The Scarecrow and his right-hand men wear full head masks and disguises so that they are not recognized. These masks are pretty scary, and lend a lot to the flavor of the movie.
The Scarecrow also helps a local Lord's son; the man was shanghaied into the navy, escaped after 2 years of terrible slavery, made his way back to his family, but is discovered and thrown into jail. The Scarecrow springs the man by dressing up as a press gang leader, and marchs the son, as well as another man who was wrongfully accused, out of jail right under the commander's nose. He's helped in this by the lieutenant of the local guards, whose in love with the jailed man's sister. Michael Hordern plays the Lord; he's always wonderful.
I can't recommend this movie enough. Patrick McGoohan is perfect in the role, and I think it's one of his best. It's hard to find; Disney hasn't shown it for years. But they've started to bring a lot of their older things from the TV show out on video, and I sincerely hope this will be one of them. It's a great Saturday night movie, but younger kids might be scared by those masks.
Patrick McGoohan, one of my favorite actors, plays Dr. Syn, mild-mannered minister by day and rakish do-gooder by night, called the Scarecrow by the local people. George Cole plays Mipps, his assistant in both guises. The Scarecrow intercepts British government supplies and distributes them to the poor in the district, so he is greatly loved by the locals, and greatly sought by the government. The first half is taken up with the acts of a weak man who takes money from the army commander to turn in the Scarecrow. The Scarecrow finds out about this from a loyal local, and sets up a trap for the commander and the traitor. He wins the day, of course. The Scarecrow inventively and effectively deals with traitors in his network of thieves in his own fashion, but he's got a heart of gold underneath his rags; no one dies in this film. The Scarecrow and his right-hand men wear full head masks and disguises so that they are not recognized. These masks are pretty scary, and lend a lot to the flavor of the movie.
The Scarecrow also helps a local Lord's son; the man was shanghaied into the navy, escaped after 2 years of terrible slavery, made his way back to his family, but is discovered and thrown into jail. The Scarecrow springs the man by dressing up as a press gang leader, and marchs the son, as well as another man who was wrongfully accused, out of jail right under the commander's nose. He's helped in this by the lieutenant of the local guards, whose in love with the jailed man's sister. Michael Hordern plays the Lord; he's always wonderful.
I can't recommend this movie enough. Patrick McGoohan is perfect in the role, and I think it's one of his best. It's hard to find; Disney hasn't shown it for years. But they've started to bring a lot of their older things from the TV show out on video, and I sincerely hope this will be one of them. It's a great Saturday night movie, but younger kids might be scared by those masks.
Dark Disney
servofan21 July 1999
A magnificent look into a largely unknown period in which Dr. Syn disguises himself as the Scarecrow to promote his smuggling operations. It's interesting to note that The Scarecrow does not set out to become a hero. He terrifies his own men with a costume that does the Batman proud and a laugh that chills. He serves the towns really only to safeguard his operations. He almost by chance becomes a defender of the newly minted Americans simply because they share a common enemy--the Brits. Patrick McGoohan is eerie as the Scarecrow, and the clever scripting makes him an intelligent hero for whom you cheer. In short brilliant.
Highly favorable review
fidomusic-225 May 2000
Unfortunately, this gem of a film is now difficult to obtain, although this reviewer did see an old copy in a video rental store in Sydney! Patrick Mcgoohan (what an actor!) is at his suave and moral best as this eighteenth century Robin Hood type character preventing men from being "press ganged" into the British navy. Underrated, and one of Disney's best films. I agree with another imdb review that the masks Mcgoohan wears are indeed scary. I remember being scared out of my wits when I saw this film as a child in Britain.
Superior Remake of Arliss' Last Film
theowinthrop27 November 2005
Although certain background matters are changed, THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH is the remake of DR. SYN which was the final film in George Arliss' career. The basic plot is the same: a smuggling gang is headed by the local Anglican minister, Dr. Christopher Syn, in the village of Romney Marsh (in the Arliss movie it was Dymchurch, and the minister was an ex-pirate). But more of the problems of the reign of King George III was brought into this film. The press gangs that grabbed men where they could be found for the King's navy (this was not dealt with in the Arliss film). The appearance of an escaped American Revolutionary reminds the viewers that there were many in England who shared sympathies with their American cousins. The would be betrayal of Dr. Syn by a local schoolmaster is the subject of one of the stories (and is handled - quite differently - in the 1937 film). I must also admit that the performance of Patrick Macgoohan was a distinct plus, for while I liked Arliss's Dr. Syn, Macgoohan brought more to the role by being a wide bit younger and vigorous. I only wish it were possible to get a good video or DVD of the work - maybe Disney will release it one day.
What a timeless work of art
kerniraelflord24 March 2005
When I was a little kid my aunt taped The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh for my parents. It quickly became my favorite Disney film. The story is outrageously addicting and the acting blows my mind. Patrick McGoohan was the perfect choice for Dr. Syn, his bearing in the film draws one into the action and doesn't let go. Not to mention the fact that this movie has one of the greatest theme songs ever. I have yet to read the book that this work is based upon, but with such an amazing movie it is bound to be the kind of book that makes you loose sleep. Although a little spoiled by the use of filters, the blue sky in the night shots can be ignored because of the sheer intensity of what happens in the film. This is most definitely one of my ten favorite movies. This film is one that can be enjoyed even as a three year old who has no idea what is going on in the plot, and now that I do understand what's going on, it is that much more amazing.
"one of the best TV shows presented by Disney"
kcdc6501-114 December 2005
I first saw this movie when I was 10 years old in 1964...one of the best shows that the wonderful world of color presented way back when. Patrick played a robin hood type character in the 18th century but he was more of a vigilante type character..years ago it was shown on the Disney channel...but it hasn't been on in a while.....they should release it on DVD...so us baby boomer's can go back and relive some of the best shows that was on TV in the 1960's..not like the garbage they show now on TV...PATRICK always plays a cranky type character..whether it's scarecrow....or playing THE DOCTOR in the silver streak or Dr. Jones in Ice Station Zebra or even the warden in escape from Alcatraz
Routine Disney adventure with fine production...
moonspinner559 March 2001
Patrick McGoohan is just serviceable as solemn preacher (and parish organist!) in a British village near the White Cliffs of Dover who doubles as the legendary Scarecrow, night-riding pirate-on-horseback (it's hard to believe that high-pitched cackle of the Scarecrow's belongs to stolid McGoohan!). This program has garnered something of a mystique in the last 25 years, mostly from baby-boomers who remember seeing it in 3-parts on Walt Disney's "Wonderful World of Color" TV show (it was concurrently released as a theatrical feature in the UK--and later in the States in 1972--as "Dr. Syn Alias The Scarecrow"). Fine production design and art direction, fabulous masks for the Scarecrow and his men, yet the movie could've used more humor, more irony. Everything is flattened out, almost made colorless by the unsubtle direction, and nearly all the performances are disappointing.
A Disney Masterpiece
jcook5605016 November 2008
As a child, I was fortunate enough to have seen all three episodes of the "Scarecrow" on a black and white TV set. Despite that, the warm tones of Disney's "Wonderful World of Color" stuck in my memory, and have remained there since 1964. The world of Dr. Christopher Syn, alias the Scarecrow haunted me all those years along with the wonderful theme song performed and written by Terry Gilkyson. I finally received at long last the Disney Treasures limited release of the two DVD set featuring both the three part TV version and the motion picture version released in Europe. The restoration is nothing short of masterful. The entire three part story was produced in wide screen, and this restoration is presented in that format. Included are all of the introductions and commentaries by Walt Disney, which were also filmed in wide screen format by a genius who was far ahead of his time. Each frame is lovingly restored and color balanced, and there are special features that explain why Roy and Walt Disney decided to produce films in Great Britain. Chills ran down my spine as I played this three part masterpiece on my HD 16:9 television, experiencing the story once again for the first time in more than forty years. The elements that make this production so memorable include wonderful acting performances, masterful direction, unforgettable music, and attention to every little detail. There is not one wasted moment of story telling. My household now has a motion picture that will be played once a year every Halloween from now on. To the Disney Corporation and film artists I must say a very heart felt "Thank You!" You have finally restored one of the best memories of so many children from my era, and that is truly what Uncle Walt would have wanted.
Dr Syn, Alias The Scarecrow
Prismark105 April 2022
The duality of man is explored in this atmospheric and darker take from Disneyland.
Patrick McGoohan plays Dr Syn the meek vicar of the coastal village of Romney Marsh.
His alter ego is the Scarecrow, the masked vigilante with the maniacal laugh. He is taking on King George III and standing up for the oppressed. Very much a British version of Zorro.
In this three part serial. The Scarecrow crosses swords with dastardly General Pugh who press gangs young men to the navy. Later the General pressures a follower of the Scarecrow to become a traitor.
In the final part, the Scarecrow rescues some prisoners from a castle while stirring American revolutionary sentiments.
The Scarecrow is aided by two other cohorts, each of them masked and look scary with it. Hellspite and Curlew. The latter is a boy, the son of the local squire.
It is weird to see this serial with a genial introduction by Walt Disney. He even shows the masks which are darn spooky.
Some younger children might find this scary in the vein of Sleepy Hollow. There is even a mock execution.
Luckily there is humour as well, provided by George Cole who plays Mipps, one of Dr Syn's associates.
This is very much a showcase of Patrick McGoohan to an international audience. He is very effective and convincing in both roles. At times it is the vicar who comes to the rescue such as the trial of the traitor.
Patrick McGoohan plays Dr Syn the meek vicar of the coastal village of Romney Marsh.
His alter ego is the Scarecrow, the masked vigilante with the maniacal laugh. He is taking on King George III and standing up for the oppressed. Very much a British version of Zorro.
In this three part serial. The Scarecrow crosses swords with dastardly General Pugh who press gangs young men to the navy. Later the General pressures a follower of the Scarecrow to become a traitor.
In the final part, the Scarecrow rescues some prisoners from a castle while stirring American revolutionary sentiments.
The Scarecrow is aided by two other cohorts, each of them masked and look scary with it. Hellspite and Curlew. The latter is a boy, the son of the local squire.
It is weird to see this serial with a genial introduction by Walt Disney. He even shows the masks which are darn spooky.
Some younger children might find this scary in the vein of Sleepy Hollow. There is even a mock execution.
Luckily there is humour as well, provided by George Cole who plays Mipps, one of Dr Syn's associates.
This is very much a showcase of Patrick McGoohan to an international audience. He is very effective and convincing in both roles. At times it is the vicar who comes to the rescue such as the trial of the traitor.
GREAT!
random_ax9 May 2001
I first saw this as SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH on DISNEY'S WONDERFUL WORLD OF COLOR (1963). The whole mystique of the character has remained with me all these years. McGoohan is subperb in portraying both the kindly vicar and the horrific Scarecrow.
The cool thing I recalled most about this movie was that McGoohan's Dr Syn, the vicar of Dymchurch, would sit between General Pugh (obsessed with the Scarecrow's capture) and the Squire (the local law) and listen contentedly to the plans.
I've seen this movie on ebay for 200 doallrs. Why Disney has not re-released this again on video is beyond me
The cool thing I recalled most about this movie was that McGoohan's Dr Syn, the vicar of Dymchurch, would sit between General Pugh (obsessed with the Scarecrow's capture) and the Squire (the local law) and listen contentedly to the plans.
I've seen this movie on ebay for 200 doallrs. Why Disney has not re-released this again on video is beyond me
You're Dead. Run For Your Life!
Moor-Larkin4 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
With lines like that you know this is not standard Disney fare. What an intense film. I gather it was patched together from a three part TV series so that could explain the succession of complex plots and adventures that come so thick and fast you need to take a break to keep your head together. George Cole extends his 'crafty geezer' persona as the Sexton; Geoffrey Keen is superb as the working-class, ruthless General and Patrick McGoohan serene and manic in turn as the vicar and smuggling chieftain.
McGoohan's good looks were evidently at their prime and his first couple of scenes climax with the framing of his face by the camera, using flat lighting and an almost angelic chorus soundtrack, to announce his heavenly arrival! His dual character raises an unexplained ethical dichotomy. The vicar is a calm, saintly man who respects the law. The Scarecrow is a robbing, thieving scoundrel who sees the inequity of the law as reason to break it every which way. The dilemma this creates is that the vicar has to constantly 'lie through his teeth' to all and sundry as he covers up the fact that he is the Scarecrow.
He generates his cash-flow by selling liquor into the Market and pocketing the unpaid tax thus his success is based on defrauding honest inn-keepers and encouraging the gin palaces of London. Ah well.
This moral maze is resolved by making clear that the King is a cruel despot and Disney's only hope for England is to break their grip on the Colonies and send everyone to America on ships of freedom. Intriguingly though, Disney also reveal their attitude to the ruling class. Michael Hordern is a classic English Squire, kind to his serfs. Geoffrey Keen is a working-class-boy-made-good: His ends justify his means to success. Disney reveals their contrary belief system that the land-owning, ruling classes are the true noble race while the workers are just jumped-up scum. Oh dear.
Well. If you thought that review was bit intense for a kid's movie: Well I did tell you at the start this is not standard kids fare. Find and watch the movie!! The script is good, there are more excellent one-liners, the production has quality, it has an evocative intro-song. McGoohan is great. He's in colour. It don't get no better than this !!!
McGoohan's good looks were evidently at their prime and his first couple of scenes climax with the framing of his face by the camera, using flat lighting and an almost angelic chorus soundtrack, to announce his heavenly arrival! His dual character raises an unexplained ethical dichotomy. The vicar is a calm, saintly man who respects the law. The Scarecrow is a robbing, thieving scoundrel who sees the inequity of the law as reason to break it every which way. The dilemma this creates is that the vicar has to constantly 'lie through his teeth' to all and sundry as he covers up the fact that he is the Scarecrow.
He generates his cash-flow by selling liquor into the Market and pocketing the unpaid tax thus his success is based on defrauding honest inn-keepers and encouraging the gin palaces of London. Ah well.
This moral maze is resolved by making clear that the King is a cruel despot and Disney's only hope for England is to break their grip on the Colonies and send everyone to America on ships of freedom. Intriguingly though, Disney also reveal their attitude to the ruling class. Michael Hordern is a classic English Squire, kind to his serfs. Geoffrey Keen is a working-class-boy-made-good: His ends justify his means to success. Disney reveals their contrary belief system that the land-owning, ruling classes are the true noble race while the workers are just jumped-up scum. Oh dear.
Well. If you thought that review was bit intense for a kid's movie: Well I did tell you at the start this is not standard kids fare. Find and watch the movie!! The script is good, there are more excellent one-liners, the production has quality, it has an evocative intro-song. McGoohan is great. He's in colour. It don't get no better than this !!!
First-class drama
rhoworks23 September 2006
I saw this show as a child on Walt Disney in the 60s. The imagery of the "scarecrow" I remembered many years later when I happened upon a VHS tape in a very hip video store. I had forgotten the name "Dr.Syn," but the scarecrow riding in the night was an indelible image. Having seen it again as an adult, was just as much fun, and of course, I understood it much more. I recommend it to anyone that likes adventure/dramas or period shows (it is during the time of the American Revolution) and hope Disney would release it on DVD. It is a long movie, but does not feel tedious. The cinematography and storyline kept me interested throughout. All the acting is well done. Patrick McGoohan is the essence of 60s cool!
Just saw the Scarecrow after 42 years
sherlock-3729 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I've just seen Scarecrow, after some 42 years and what a great adventure movie! Would be in my top five adventure movies of all time. Great performances, nice plot, a little romance, suspense, setting, this movie is firing on all cylinders. Patrick M., the lead, is absolutely spot on. Nice grey horse too. What a touch! Great, great, performances. The only thing is that in my memory, the Scarecrow gets caught, but not in this version. That's a bit strange. In the Hammer version, I believe he gets caught. I'd love to catch some danger man episodes, especially the Jolly Roger one with the same lead.
Doug Toronto
Doug Toronto
A brilliant period piece of swashbuckling adventure
tonky5227 January 2002
I found the plot and the casting superb The characters are portrayed so that all ages are able to enjoy the suspense and intrigue about the mysterious Scarecrow and the way the authorities were so committed to trapping and bringing him and the merry band to justice.
Where have all the Scarecrow's gone?
bbagnall14 October 2006
This is yet another of Patrick McGoohan's fine performances. As Dr. Syn, McGoohan is a gentle but wise Vicar. Yet when he transforms into the Scarecrow he acts and sounds like the roughest dock-dweller you would ever want to avoid. It's a role that showcases McGoohan's remarkable range.
The story is sort of a what-if. In this case, what if the people of Britain had the same strong spirit of freedom that Americans possessed in their revolutionary past. The Scarecrow and his gang are "smugglers", i.e. free-market traders who avoid heavy excise taxes by the state. McGoohan, who is a Libertarian in real life, must have approved of the script.
Today, with sleepy populations in both the USA and Britain accepting a tax rate close to 50%, strong state control, speech-laws (aka "hate" laws) and tariffs on imported goods, it makes me wonder where all the revolutionary Scarecrow's have disappeared.
The story is sort of a what-if. In this case, what if the people of Britain had the same strong spirit of freedom that Americans possessed in their revolutionary past. The Scarecrow and his gang are "smugglers", i.e. free-market traders who avoid heavy excise taxes by the state. McGoohan, who is a Libertarian in real life, must have approved of the script.
Today, with sleepy populations in both the USA and Britain accepting a tax rate close to 50%, strong state control, speech-laws (aka "hate" laws) and tariffs on imported goods, it makes me wonder where all the revolutionary Scarecrow's have disappeared.
A Neighborhood Scarecrow!
creatreman6 December 2006
I totally enjoyed watching it! I bought the 45 record of the theme song and played it while making a scarecrow mask out of an old potato sack and a cowboy hat I soaked in water and used my fist to stretch it to a round point, and a costume with a long piece of wood sticking out the shoulders. I would run around our neighborhood as The Scarecrow! The best fun I ever had as a 12 year old. I later moved on to masks and make-up EFX. I move to Hollywood and worked in film including CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND and Disney's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.
I never forgot how much fun I had being the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh. And to this day when I play the theme, or watch the show I'm immediately transported back to those days in all it's fun and glory. Thank-you Uncle Walt, and thank-you Patrick McGoohan.
David Ayres
I never forgot how much fun I had being the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh. And to this day when I play the theme, or watch the show I'm immediately transported back to those days in all it's fun and glory. Thank-you Uncle Walt, and thank-you Patrick McGoohan.
David Ayres
The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh.
iammarklucas12 September 2018
I remember seeing this as a 12 year old on The Wonderful World of Disney, I'm now 58 and I just watched it again on YouTube. I was blown away, absolutely fantastic, the best thing I've seen in many a year, do yourself a favour and watch this.
Ah, I'm a child again
Scritzy28 December 2004
My husband bought a Christmas gift for both of us: a used VHS rental copy of DR. SYN (also known as THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH). It was my favorite movie ever shown on "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color." It was his favorite as well.
We had gotten our hopes up this past summer, for it had been said that Disney was releasing the movie on DVD. "Scarecrow" on DVD! Wow! Then it didn't happen. Speculation among "Scarecrow" fans was that Disney canceled the release because the studio was thinking of remaking the film.
I hope for two things if a remake is in the works: (1) that Johnny Depp plays Dr. Syn; (2) that the remake is literal, because one shouldn't tamper with perfection.
Because after viewing our old favorite, my husband and I agree that it is still magnificent. "Scarecrow" has a delicious creepiness about it, causing a momentary spinal shiver, as if the damp wind from the marshes has just laved over the skin.
The story is compelling. The acting is first-rate, better than in many Disney films (both then and now). The villains are wonderfully hateful. The victims are kind souls who don't deserve ill treatment. The heroes are worthy of cheers. And the opening song is a lively ballad that sets the tone for the story to come.
The Scarecrow and his gang may be a bit too scary for very young children, just as the Wicked Witch of the West and Oz's Wizard may disconcert little ones. Otherwise, "Scarecrow" is a great family film.
Sometimes I view movies I loved as a child and wonder why?? Not so with "Scarecrow." It remains as good a film as it was 40 years ago, when I sat in front of the TV in the den, singing along with the opening theme and shivering with anticipation as the story began.
We had gotten our hopes up this past summer, for it had been said that Disney was releasing the movie on DVD. "Scarecrow" on DVD! Wow! Then it didn't happen. Speculation among "Scarecrow" fans was that Disney canceled the release because the studio was thinking of remaking the film.
I hope for two things if a remake is in the works: (1) that Johnny Depp plays Dr. Syn; (2) that the remake is literal, because one shouldn't tamper with perfection.
Because after viewing our old favorite, my husband and I agree that it is still magnificent. "Scarecrow" has a delicious creepiness about it, causing a momentary spinal shiver, as if the damp wind from the marshes has just laved over the skin.
The story is compelling. The acting is first-rate, better than in many Disney films (both then and now). The villains are wonderfully hateful. The victims are kind souls who don't deserve ill treatment. The heroes are worthy of cheers. And the opening song is a lively ballad that sets the tone for the story to come.
The Scarecrow and his gang may be a bit too scary for very young children, just as the Wicked Witch of the West and Oz's Wizard may disconcert little ones. Otherwise, "Scarecrow" is a great family film.
Sometimes I view movies I loved as a child and wonder why?? Not so with "Scarecrow." It remains as good a film as it was 40 years ago, when I sat in front of the TV in the den, singing along with the opening theme and shivering with anticipation as the story began.
A real Syn...
poe42630 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Having been weaned on both comic books and spooky stories (the latter usually recounted in a dimly-lit room, late at night, or in the total darkness prior to drifting off to sleep), I found THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH a perfect fit when I was a kid. On Sunday nights, I stretched myself full out on the floor before the flickering black and white screen and watched, wide-eyed with awe, as the Scarecrow came pounding across the marsh astride his powerful black stallion. Men sang his praise (as well they might) to a very catchy tune and he cackled as he thundered past the camera, his eerie banshee laughter seeming to echo endlessly in the night air. Patrick McGoohan disguised his very distinctive voice by magically altering it when he donned The Mask (as did the lisping Christian Bale in both BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT), but it was (and still is) debatable whether he was really "the Vicar" or "the Scarecrow." (Your guess is as good as mine.) It was great to see him among the original gents who sat for their portrait(s) in THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, but, like Van Williams and Bruce Lee in THE GREEN HORNET (another superb teleseries unavailable but for bootlegged video tapes), THE SCARECROW is currently lost somewhere in the mists of Time. Like the dinosaurs, who likewise deserved better.
Great show
nfarq11 April 2006
I have been hoping to get hold of this and watch it again for decades. Lots of kids saw it and their lives were disrupted for weeks. It is amazing how many people I mention this show to and they remember it vividly. Scary scarecrow! I think it was a three-part event played over three consecutive Sunday nights. A real departure from the usual Disney fare back in those days. The characters and the filming were sinister. Dark. And the whole thing was based on history and seemed as though it could have happened, so surprise non-fantasy compared to the usual Disney cartoons, fantasy and animal stories. I tell our kids about it and of course they think it would be a joke compared to some of today's kids' shows, but I would have to see it again to agree with them...
Favorite of the Disney adventure films
gcaraker18 August 2001
This film which is a compilation of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" is my favorite of all Disney adventure series/films. Well acted and the fact that the Disney organization went to exacting detail in period design makes it an exceptional film. Disney even went so far as to provide the funds to fully restore the church that was used in the filming actually on location in Kent (Romney Marsh area) England.
I heartily urge all to see it. Disney Channel periodically (like tonight) show the three part series which made up this film. :-)
Take care.
I heartily urge all to see it. Disney Channel periodically (like tonight) show the three part series which made up this film. :-)
Take care.
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