Dr. Syn, Alias The Scarecrow

 I watched the 1963 three part miniseries The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh as it aired on Walt Disney’s World of Color TV program. Although it was later released as a compressed feature length film, I was able to track down a clear copy of the original airing with introductions by Uncle Walt himself. The Scarecrow is the smuggling, Robin Hood-like alter ego of Vicar Dr. Syn played by the incredible Patrick McGoohan. Syn was a real life British hero to the poor under King George’s rule around the time of the American Revolution. The miniseries never drags on and kept me engaged the entire run. It’s unfortunate that the story didn’t continue, even though the original author Russel Thorndyke wrote more adventures for the rouge and his band of smugglers.

Escape to Witch Mountain 50th Anniversary Review

 After not seeing this Disney classic after 40 years during its repeated runs on HBO, I decided the 50th anniversary would be a good time to dust off the DVD. Top notch performances by legends Eddie Albert, Ray Miland, and Donald Pleasance and breakout performances by Kim Richards (my 70’s crush) and future “son of Kahn” Ike Eisenmann add to the fun. What makes this film stand out from typical Disney films of the time is a palpable and unsettling sense of dread throughout the story. As with all Disney films, there is a happy ending, but getting there takes going through some very dark themes including abandonment, manipulation, and betrayal. The effects department did what they could with the technology of the period which adds to the charm, especially the scene with the marionettes dancing on their own. This film is notable for Legend of  Hell House director John Hough relying on his horror chops and not shying away from some darker, more adult themes.