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.

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

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.

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.

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!