The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh: Part 1

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.