The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

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

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.

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.

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.

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.