The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980 TV Movie) User Reviews

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Really quite enjoyable

[Platypuschow · 7/10 · 7 October 2018]

We've seen the tale of Ichabod Crane plenty of times before (Too many) but this is by far my favourite at time of writing.

Starring Jeff Goldblum as the man himself, and the tantalising Meg Foster this comedy take on the timeless classic is one of the most charming movies I've seen lately.

When Ichabod Crane a school teacher arrives in Sleepy Hollow for his new job he discovers a town full of believers in superstition, ghosts and the infamous headless horseman. Being an educated man he doesn't believe, but then night time comes.....

It's hard to believe this came out approximately 7 days before I was born! And credit where credit is due it actually looks great for its time.

Charming, whimsical, genuinely funny and well performed this is everything that Sleepy Hollow (1999) thoroughly failed to be.

Sure it's not without its flaws and I wasn't keen on the ending, but regardless this is a lot of fun.

The Good:

Meg Foster

Meg Fosters eyes

Very charming

Really quite funny in places

The Bad:

Dodgy ending

Some heavy changes to the original material

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Meg Fosters eyes steal every scene of every movie she is in

Goldblum as Crane? Hole in One!

[ajmayowski · 7/10 · 10 November 2001]

I loved this one! Icabob Crane is here and Brom Bones (Dick Butkus) is angered that Katrina Van Tassel, his "girl" is taking a fond interest in Crane. When poltergeists appear, Crane still doesn't believe until one fateful night... My only problem with this is that it does not remain trueful to the book by Irving.

Not bad for a TV movie.

[jacobjohntaylor1 · 6/10 · 28 November 2015]

I think because this movie is based on one of the best short stories ever is what made it decent. This the story of Icabod Crane. And how a dark night he runs into a ghost the Headless Horseman. This is a very spooky movie. It has a great story line. It also has great acting. The 1949 version the Bing Crosby is better. But still this is a good movie. The 1999 version with Johnny Deep is also better. But still this a good movie. Jeff Goldblum is a great actor. Meg Foster is a great actress. The 1972 short cartoon is better. But still this a good horror film. Is pretty scary. Dick Butkus is a great actor. Laura Campbell is a great actress. This movie is a must see.

Sunn Schick did some really wonderful films and this is one

[ABomb · 29 March 2003]

I strongly believe that Sunn Schick Productions did posterity a great service. This film and Deerslayer are only two of the many films they did in the 1970's. Do you remember the Life & Times of Grizzly Adams ? They made that too.

Legend of Sleepy Hollow is as clear to Washington Irving's story as I can tell and they kept it in tact without this SDFX mess that so many newer films use now. Jeff Goldblum shines as Icabod and the cast are all favorites, including Mr. Woodman from Welcome Back Kotter as the elderly helper who looks after the school building.

I would rank this and all the Sunn Schick films a 10++ See if whenever you can get a copy.

A Forgotten Gem Of American Feel-Good-Old-Time

[nazorean-13313 · 7/10 · 18 February 2018]

This isn't a groundbreaking work of cinematography and theatrical performance. But it's precisely its low-budget and humble means that really adds a character and feel tot he movie that you just can't find anymore today.

Plus, it has a nostalgic effect, since I first saw this back in my elementary days and so watching the movie really takes me back.

There's a Facebook page I started to help get this title moved onto a more modern format, especially streaming services.

A Fun TV Adaption

[Warren-Watched-A-Movie · 6/10 · 1 October 2020]

When I was little this for me was the definitive version of the story. It did not matter I never actually read it until I was in my teens. This was Halloween appointment television for me. By the time I remember encountering this I was familiar with Jeff Goldblum's turn in Invasion of the Body Snatchers and I love that movie so catching him in this was a real treat for me. I think this cemented my fandom of Jeff Goldblum.

And who better to play the character of Ichabod Crane other than Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum fits the literary description of Crane perfectly. He is tall, thin, and lanky just like the character is described. When it comes to Goldblum, it is clear by this movie that he had his acting technique down pat. Every nervous tick and stutter and inflection that he is famous for was on full display here.

In the book Ichabod was a believer in the supernatural as well as seeking a bride to better his station in life. Here he is a fervent doubter who eventually becomes convinced who is good guy just trying to make his way in the world. This is one of several differences between this TV movie and the source. As a child I was unaware of this but now that I am, I can forgive it. I just cannot see Goldblum pulling off being a believer in this role.

Meg Foster was cast as the object of Ichabod's love, the young Katrina Van Tassel. That woman has some of the most fascinating eyes I have ever seen. She is a deep voiced actress with very pale blue eyes. She turns in a fine performance as she often does. In the book Katrina is supposed to be 18 and I believe at this point Foster was in her early 30s.

Aside from the performances of Goldblum and Foster, the acting is pretty mediocre. Dick Butkus, while entertaining, was no great actor here. He was a well-known name, so I am assuming that is why he got cast. I will say though that further down the road his acting did improve. By the time Blue Thunder rolled around, which was not too far from this, he was much better than he is here. There was no emotion or inflection in his delivery. He sounded like a dad reading to his kids a story he hated.

We have an original character in the form of widow Thelma Dumkey (Laura Campbell). Her inclusion gives what can best be described as a romcom subplot to the film as she plots with Katrina. Katrina wants Ichabod while Thelma wants Brom. Why I am not sure. It just is. Brom is no catch here.

At times the film bordered on camp. In particular the actor playing the previous schoolmaster Winthrop Palmer (Michael Ruud) was just goofy in his performance. He was quite the ham here and not in the good John Colicos way. It was in a cringy, bad community theater by someone who does not realize it is just community theater way. Palmer is supposed to be crazy by the time of the film, but it just does not work.

The script though was better than expected. Even when I am unaware of changes to the source material, I tend to react poorly when it is done. It rarely works on any level. I never reacted like that. The changes fit in with the narrative and did not cause any significant deviations or halt the film's flow. Ichabod remaining in Sleepy Hollow and getting a happily ever after with Katrina worked largely because this change was not abrupt but rather the groundwork had been laid for it from the beginning.

I do not know if it is because of when this TV movie was made or what but during the day it is really bright in this movie and at night it's very poorly lit. It is the difference between 20/20 vision and Helen Keller at times. When filming, there is dark because it is night and dark to set a mood at night and dark because the budget limited the number of lights. I think the issue was the third item.

I do give them that the costumes looked good here. Not great but better than cheap costume shop items. My issue was that they were so dark in color that at night the characters tended to disappear into the blackness. It made the already difficult task of visually following the action that much harder.

The Legend of sleepy Hollow was a childhood favorite of mine that has not aged too badly. While it tries nothing new or inventive, it is a good piece of comfort food to watch. It is available in its entirety on YouTube.

TV Version

[AaronCapenBanner · 5/10 · 12 December 2013]

Henning Schellerup directed this TV version of the classic Washington Irving story that stars Jeff Goldblum as schoolteacher Ichabod Crane, who has recently arrived in the New England town of Sleepy Hollow, and soon runs afoul of bully Brom Bones(played by Dick Butkus) after showing romantic interest in the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel(played by Meg Foster) but legends of ghosts and headless horsemen haunt Ichabod as he tries to win Katrina's hand, and keep his head... Jeff Goldblum is perfectly cast here, as is Meg Foster, but film is harmed by too many supporting characters and dramatic padding to fill out the running time; would have been far more effective about 20 minutes shorter.

The best Ichabod ever.

[kimhatch · 10/10 · 3 November 1999]

I love this version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Jeff Goldblum is the best Ichabod Crane I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I have only seen it maybe every other Halloween, shown on various local stations that don't advertise their lineups in the TV guide. Also unfortunately, the film is aging poorly so every year it gets a little fuzzier. But it doesn't feel like Halloween until you see Goldblum's stammering and Adam's apple bobbing and the lovely romance emphasized in this version. I'm crossing my fingers that it will be remastered and put on DVD. Am I crazy? Yes, but I can hope.

This is a Totally 80's Classic!

[johndinunno333 · 10/10 · 8 November 2005]

This version of Legend of Sleepy Hollow has all the ingredients of a classic. The mood is set in the beginning through music and a great opening scene...I make it a point to watch in the autumn between Halloween and Thanksgiving...I guess you need to have grown up in the 80's to really appreciate the feel of this particular version...Great Family Film and stands on the ability and confidence of fine acting...even in the quirky monologue...This film is getting rave reviews from at least 20 or 30 of my family and friends. I suggest anyone reading this review to go and get yourself a copy on the VHS format with the original cover...I don't know why they didn't print any DVD version yet...it is worth a view either way.

An older but better Sleepy Hollow

[carolandrobbie · 9/10 · 1 June 2000]

Ever since I saw this on tv many years ago, it has been my favorite Sleepy Hollow. I've seen 3 other Sleepy Hollows, including the most recent one with Johnny Depp, and I still prefer this one. One of the elements I love most is its authenticity. I think it is very true to the original story that everyone knows, and so many of the actors and actresses are perfectly suited for their characters. Jeff Goldblum is excellent as Ichabod Crane; besides his tall and gangly appearance, he has an amazing ability for playing quirky characters. I have yet to see someone do a better performance. Dick Butkus gives a great supporting performance as the coarse, insensitive Brom Bones as well. This is a movie that I wish would be shown every year at Halloween; I think it could become a tradition just like The Grinch at Christmas. If you come across it in a video store, it's definitely worth seeing.

Good Fun in Sleepy Hollow

[daisybtoes · 9/10 · 11 July 2009]

I've been a Sleepy Hollow affectionado ever since i saw the animated Disney classic as a kid, and I suppose I've seen pretty much every version from TV, movies, and cartoons since the 1950's. In many ways, the Disney one is still my favorite. I loved the Tim Burton film with Johnny Depp, but something about it wasn't right. In a world where Biblical names were commonplace, "Ichabod" is a most unflattering name, meaning "the glory has departed" - but Ichabod Crane, originally NOT the nicest of men, has become a hero over the years. Depp's Ichabod was too handsome and brave, and there were no NYC police in 1799, let alone forensics specialists. And so Jeff Goldblum remains probably the best-cast Ichabod Crane of all time. He has a look similar to the Disney one, but he has a much more pleasant manner, Burton's film, is ghostly and mysterious and well done. The subplot with a brutish Brom Bones (wasn't Bram the hunky one?) and a girl friend (NOT Katrina)ain't that great - but the overall film is very enjoyable, and seems to have quite a fan following. A good Halloween tale for all ages.

Jeff Goldblum IS Icabod Crane

[kobayashi-kelly · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

Yes, I realize that this is a made-for-TV film with a less- than-stellar budget. And yes, I realize that it deviates a bit from Washington Irving's original short story.

HOWEVER, this remains my single favorite version of Sleepy Hollow committed to film! Who better to play Icabod Crane than lean, lanky, bumbling Jeff Goldblum at his early and most Goldblum- y? I love the development of all the characters, the setting, the costuming, and the banter. I love the superstitious, but well-meaning, townspeople. You can truly feel the connection of a community that knows one another perhaps a bit too well. Even the music score has a haunting, albeit distinctly 80s, atmosphere.

This is the version I grew up on. It is a point of nostalgia and personal taste for me, and I REALLY, REALLY wish it was available on DVD!

A great movie

[hodgedan · 10/10 · 31 October 2005]

The TV movie version of Washington Irving's classic American story diverges from the book in many ways, however this is a great movie. Jeff Goldblum is great as Ichabod Crane, with his tall, skinny frame storking throughout the movie (although for some reason he's constantly licking his lips). Fritz VanderHoff, his patron and introduction to Sleepy Hollow's supernatural side, is amazing comic relief and really gets into the historic side of his handyman character. Paul Sand is also quite good as Fred Dutcher, Dick Butkus' sidekick. I grew up with this movie and still love it, from the period clothing and locations to the close ups of Palmer in the barn. Every time that I watch it I come away with something new. The picture quality is lacking, as it is a reproduction of a 1980 TV movie, so its just itching for a DVD release. This is truly an American classic and Jeff Goldblum; et.al. should be petitioning for it's re-release on television, if not a theatrical release.

Jeff Goldblum fantastic! Do we have a DVD yet?

[Lee313 · 10/10 · 18 February 2007]

Jeff Goldblum is simply a supreme actor. He has the talent of drawing the audience into the role he is playing at the time and that is a rare thing indeed! This move is a wonderful example of the Headless Horseman story. I wasn't even aware there were VCR copies of the movie. Hopefully the studio/production company will become aware of the need for a DVD of this movie. Considering all the DVDs out there at this time, this DVD would be a step in the right direction of quality home entertainment. Plus, it is not just a seasonal type of movie. The story was very interesting and creative. Definitely worthy of year-round appraisal. See it, it's great!

A wonderful flavor of colonial times

[justiceforall272 · 10/10 · 10 October 2007]

I've loved this movie since its first airing back in 1980. Actually I only caught the ending that night because of being out late trick or treating..lol. Great cast, especially Jeff Goldblum and Dick Butkus. For a lot of the movie you get so wrapped up in the characters that you almost forget about the real headless horseman. There's just something very nostalgic about this film. The clothing, the log cabins, the small community, the nice manners, the ghost tales, the hospitality, the music, the location..so much to enjoy! The story is a little modified from the original but that's okay, it still works very well. I don't think much of it was filmed in a studio which gave it that more realistic feel. Just a wonderful film from beginning to exciting end.

Yes a DVD release would be very nice.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Jeff Goldblum!

[Movie Nuttball · 8/10 · 9 August 2003]

This version with Jeff Goldblum is pretty good.It is one of them films where nothing spectacular happens until the end but the end is worth waiting for!Some of the scenes are very similar like the cartoon.Goldblum was the perfect choice to play Ichabod Crane as he is tall and thin!That's all I'll say but if you like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow story and the new film and are able to check this out do so because it is a very rare film and it is a good watch for the mystery and horror fan!

A Fun Version Of The Story

[Rainey-Dawn · 9/10 · 5 February 2017]

I knew there was another version of Sleepy Hollow that I watched as a preteen/teen - I when I saw this one on YouTube I said "I knew it! This is it! This is the film I've been trying to remember!" So good to see this one again!! The movie is just as good as my memory was telling me.

The movie is not so much of a horror as it is more of a light comedy-horror. It's has a great atmosphere, fun version of the story and Jeff Goldblum as the famous Ichabod Crane. Goldblum is great in this role, he's well suited for the part.

If you like Sleepy Hollow then I do suggest that you give this version a try. And for more Headless Horseman & Ichabod try The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) and Sleepy Hollow (1999) - the three would make an excellent triple feature for a night of Headless fun.

9/10

Legend of Sleepy Hollow

[buddybuddypaige · 9/10 · 22 April 2019]

This is such an enjoyable movie it would be sad to not see it on DVD. Ideally, the DVD would include scenes deleted from the VHS version (as seen on YouTube). I would have rated this movie higher, except that the dialogue is not loud and clear enough in some scenes to be easily understood.

Wonderful version that I have to watch multiple times a year

[lngbrnchlady · 8/10 · 28 October 2017]

This version, to me, takes Washington Irving's classic tale and really brings it to life in a family friendly, lighthearted vein. It's not a horror movie, it's not even suspenseful because you know who is doing what, but there is an element of wonder and the superstitions of the rural communities in upper New York make it a lovely treat to watch. If Jeff Goldblum was born to play a role, this was it. He is the scrawny, hawk-faced beanpole sort that you picture when you read Irving's classic. Meg Foster's simply beautiful in this version. I like the fact that they added another female character to give Katrina someone to play against even though it's not in the original. I love the setting with the deep snow and the bare trees. So many times shows 'pretend' to be set at a certain time of year but if you pay attention to the surrounding trees they are lush and green when they should be bare or it should be dreary and it's sunny and bright. It says it was filmed in Utah so it would be easy to build the primitive rural structures required for the shoot. The use of John Sylvester White as a confidante for Ichabod is wonderful. He is best known for his role as Principal Woodman in "Welcome Back, Kotter" and this role allows him to be gruff and comedic but not ridiculous. Dick Butkus is likewise perfect for his part. He is big and kind of dumb--a bit ox-like--but he's not without sympathy. You can easily see him bullying people in the area and being possessive of the fair Katrina Van Tassel. Still, he isn't so horrible that you want him to get hurt or killed. You simply want him to stop being so mean. The other members of the supporting cast: Paul Sand, Laura Campbell, James Griffith, and Tiger Thompson just add more layers to a well-known story.

Fun, but NOT true to story

[pchrp · 31 August 2012]

I remember watching this on TV as a teen. This movie is a fun flashback to the early 80's for those who grew up then, but despite what other reviewers have said, this version is NOT EVEN CLOSE to Washington Irving's short story.

Prior to visiting Sleepy Hollow, NY recently, I re-read the original story. Great great fun---great descriptions!! But most movies stray from the story. Personally, I love Tim Burton's version, but I don't consider it Irving's story, but Burton's.

It's too bad that all we have are old VHS copies of this. The copy I obtained from a local library was damaged beyond belief. There's gotta be a master somewhere--maybe someone can clean it up a little and put out a DVD--please?

OMG! 6.2/10! THIS MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE!

[movieboy-12 · 10/10 · 20 May 2000]

Okay, I am so fascinated with the "Sleepy Hollow" movies, but this one is the most inadequate one. The acting is horrible, the camera shots are worse, but this movie does hold a place in my heart, so I gave it a 7. It was an okay movie, Jeff Goldblum was not a good Ichabod though, but Butkus rocked. It always comes on here in Chicago the Wednesday before Halloween from 4 in the morning to 6. I have it now, it was released on video for some time.

All in all, this is an average TV movie, and WOULD BE BETTER AS A "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE" HALLOWEEN SPECIAL. If you get a chance, check this out.

The version of Sleepy Hollow to see!

[reddragonhero17 · 9/10 · 14 October 2023]

When you think of Legend of Sleepy Hollow, two versions come in your mind, the Disney version or the Tim Burton version. This one's different, taking place in a snowy landscape, a few additional characters, and without revealing anything a few plot changes, which some purists might object to, but otherwise makes it more than worth your time. One big reason is the performances by the three leads. Jeff Goldblum brings all the awkwardness and skepticism that is asked for the role of Ichabod Crane, Meg Ryan delivers the sense of uncertainty to Katrina Van Tassel, and Dick Butkus brings all the mean-spiritedness and toughness that is asked for Brom Bones. The snowy landscape and often night time setting brings a sense of fear all around. Then there's a new character that brings a sense of creepiness. If there's one flaw it's that some of the changes kind of affect the flow and plot structure. Other than that, this is worth your time.