The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh: Part 1

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.

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.

"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 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.

A magnificent look into a largely unknown period in which Dr. Syn disguises himself as the Scarecrow to promote his smuggling operations. It's interesting to note that The Scarecrow does not set out to become a hero. He terrifies his own men with a costume that does the Batman proud and a laugh that chills. He serves the towns really only to safeguard his operations. He almost by chance becomes a defender of the newly minted Americans simply because they share a common enemy--the Brits. Patrick McGoohan is eerie as the Scarecrow, and the clever scripting makes him an intelligent hero for whom you cheer. In short brilliant.