Originally airing in three parts on "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," this thrilling adventure stars Patrick McGoohan as Dr. Syn, a kindly country vicar in 18th-century England. Only a few know that Syn is also the masked Scarecrow, notorious leader of a band of smugglers, who defends the villagers from unjust taxes and oppression by King George III's men. George Cole, Michael Hordern, Sean Scully also star. Includes all three episodes, along with the British theatrical version; 129 min./98 min. AKA: "Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow," "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh." Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital mono.
"On the southern coast of England/There's a legend people tell/Of days long ago when the great Scarecrow/Would ride from the jaws of hell/And laugh with a fiendish yell." Okay, it may not be as catchy as "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," but anyone who was glued to their TV sets in 1964 to watch the continuing adventures and heroic exploits of Dr. Syn on the Disney anthology series, The Wonderful World of Color, should feel a shiver of excitement that goes beyond mere nostalgia at hearing this theme song again. Old-fashioned to be sure, but The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is still a ripping yarn and rousing family entertainment with its unforgettable hero, despicable villain, galloping chases and breathless escapes. Grandly produced in England, this three-part miniseries is "a story of high adventure and heart," as Walt Disney states in his folksy and avuncular episode introductions. Patrick McGoohan (known at the time for his iconic role as John Drake on Danger Man) stars as Dr. Syn, who leads a double life as a mild-mannered village vicar by day, and a fearsome avenger known as the Scarecrow by night. The haunting burlap-masked Scarecrow is a folk hero to the villagers, who are overtaxed by King George III, and brutalized by his press-gangs, who violently shanghai men into Navy service. Only two know the Scarecrow's true identity, his sexton Mipps (George Cole), and the local Justice of the Peace's son, John (Sean Scully, from Disney's The Prince and the Pauper). There is a love story between John's older sister and conflicted and compassionate English soldier Lt. Brackenbury (Eric Flynn), but it doesn't slow things down or get too yucky. Over the course of three near-hour-long episodes, the Scarecrow foils attempts by his nemesis, General Pugh (Geoffrey Keen) to capture him, or intimidate villagers into giving him up. Leonard Maltin does his usual sterling job as enthusiastic host, who introduces the series, reflects on its place in the Disney canon, and credits the restoration efforts that made this pristine presentation possible. This two-disc set presents the miniseries as it originally aired, and also includes the widescreen feature film version that was released overseas. Disc one contains an interesting featurette about Dr. Syn's historical and literary origins. Disc two features a segment about the British films that launched Disney's live-action feature film career. This welcome addition to the Walt Disney Treasures line does full justice to one of Disney's most wanted titles. --Donald Liebenson
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
confused, disappointed, but hoping DVD arrives:
I signed up on Amazon YEARS ago to be notified if this title came out in any form, and at one point was almost able to order a VHS copy, but it never materialised. Never received any notice of the DVD release, so I can't understand the one reviewer who is so grateful to Amazon for receiving a copy (and for only $30). I'm buying a copy (I hope) from one of the 3d party sellers, hope it arrives and is as described since I'm paying way more than $30! There is very little information available on these 3d party... more info
Dr. Syn:
I have all the earlier Treasures and just didn't get them pre-ordered this year. Oh, my chagrin when it was out of stock. As a Disneyland Premium Annual Passholder I had to go to the source to find my copy, but they did had them in the park. The certificate notes that they only made 35,000 copies.
Not to be missed! Walt at his best!:
What a fantastic film! It has stuck in my mind since I was a nine year old kid, and though I had to pay twice what it cost, the dvd was worth every penny. The only thing that infuriates me is that the Disney corp only released about 40,000 of the dvd's. It deserves a far wider release. Why? Simple. 1. It's scary. Watching it, I shivered again just like I did when I was a boy when the Scarecrow appeared--better than any horror movie. 2. It's noble. Robin Hood like, Dr. Syn takes from the evil... more info
Disney is Money Hungry:
I, like many who got left out after this classic "rear-end" job by disney, is extremely upset. I followed this "fiasco" for many years about the delays in release, possible release dates and so on. All they've done here is arm the scalpers with enough copies to make their usual 100%+ profits. Fortunately, i found me a very reasonably priced copy from another online merchant and ordered it right away. Disney has proven to be as capitalist as any business on this earth and I'd boycott them too if the... more info
