The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh: Part 1

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.

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!

Some of the reviews mentioned the fact that the film could be scary for young viewers. I just wanted to say that I saw this film in the UK as a child, I was probably about 7 or so in the early sixties, and the fear it invoked in me remained with me for many many years. I probably still have it even now! This evening I was remembering that dread I had of seeing the Scarecrow mask when I was talking to my own children, and that made me look up the film on the Internet. I'd be curious to see the film again forty or so years later. I've been told that I need more words to complete the text, so I would say maybe you shouldn't watch this film with a child who is under ten or so. I guess the horrors of this film are nothing compared to what so many kids see in the cinemas and at home these days, but my own recollection of terror is very strong. I recall I watched the film with my father and sister, and from something on the Internet I read I think it must have been shown together with The Sword in the Stone or something. But I can't remember the other film, I just remember The Scarecrow.

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.

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.