Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow (1963)

In 18th century England, the mysterious masked rider known as the Scarecrow leads a rebel band to save the town of Romney Marsh from the King's oppression and Naval press gangs.

Director:

James Neilson

Writers:

William Buchanan (novel), Russell Thorndike (novel)

Stars:

Patrick McGoohan, George Cole, Tony Britton

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Patrick McGoohan	...	Dr. Christopher Syn / the Scarecrow
George Cole	...	Mr. Sexton Mipps / Hellspite
Tony Britton	...	Simon Bates
Michael Hordern	...	Squire Thomas Banks
Geoffrey Keen	...	General Pugh
Kay Walsh	...	Mrs. Waggett
Eric Pohlmann	...	King George III
Patrick Wymark	...	Joseph Ransley
Alan Dobie	...	Mr. Frank Fragg - Prosecutor
Sean Scully	...	John Banks / The Curlew
Eric Flynn	...	Lt. Philip Brackenbury
David Buck	...	Harry Banks
Percy Herbert	...	Dover Castle Jailer
Robert Brown	...	Sam Farley
Jill Curzon	...	Katharine Banks

Storyline

A poor 18th century English coastal farming community survives the King's ruinous taxes thanks to a smuggling ring created by its masked leader called the Scarecrow. The ring's success leads King George to order the Royal Army's General Pugh to capture and execute the ringleaders. It is a battle both of wits and action that the Scarecrow must win to save not only his own life but those of the men he leads while keeping the vital smuggling operation running.

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Genres:

Adventure

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1975 (USA)

Also Known As:

As duas máscaras do justiceiro

Filming Locations:

New Romney, Kent, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Re-released on a double bill with 'Treasure Island' in the summer of 1972.

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Quotes

Dr. Christopher Syn: You're dead! Run for your life!

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Alternate Versions

Edited from original broadcast versions: , , and .

User Reviews

Very satisfying classic Disney production

Recently Disney released Dr. Syn The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh on DVD as part of their Treasures series. I had never heard of this title before, but after some brief research I discovered that Dr. Syn is beloved in the memories of people who as children saw the program in its three parts on television in the early 1960s. In reviews of the miniseries (later edited and released as a feature film) there is nothing but praise for every aspect of the production and the actors. I bought the 2 DVD set at Costco for $20 and not long after read reports of the set being sold-out, to the anger and frustration of collectors and fans. Now the set is selling for upwards of $200 online due to its scarcity. The Disney Treasures items are limited, after all. I am very glad I picked up my copy, even if it was a blind buy. I finally got around to watching the original 3 part feature and I can say that I am a fan of this wonderful production. First, the DVD production from the steel case to the picture and sound restoration, is excellent. It looks very, very good. Every aspect of the feature itself is top notch, from the writing, directing, photography and acting. Patrick McGoohan, as both title characters is perfect for this role. He plays the mild-mannered, quiet-spoken vicar by day, and by night he is the terrifying gravel-voiced scarecrow of Romney Marsh in 18th century South England. As both vicar and Scarecrow, Dr Syn is a hero to the poor folks, running interference between them and King George the Third's soldiers and press gangs. It is inevitable that comparisons to Batman will be made, but folks, Dr Syn came long before Batman, and McGoohan in both roles as the robed preacher and his masked outlaw alter-ego brings the story to life. The supporting cast is outstanding as well, and story, supervised personally by Disney himself, is exciting and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Very highly recommended.