One of my favorite movies when I was a kid was Disney's The Scarecrow of Romeny Marsh. I watched it on The Wonderful World of Disney on a Sunday night in 1963. It was providential that I got to see it because my folks went to church every Sun. night (I wanted to stay home and watch Disney), but that night I was sick and had to stay home. I was mesmerized by the theme song and the imagery of the Scarecrow riding his horse like a bat out of hell. I loved Patrick McGoohan as the Reverend Dr. Syn. Years later I stumbled on the written adventures of Dr. Syn by Russell Thorndyke and loved those even more. I also found the Hammer movie Night Creatures with Peter Cushing as Dr. Syn/Captain Clegg and thought it was great. I've often wondered why no one has done anything with the character in the years since the Disney production. The character in the books is very complex and interesting to say the least. So, anyway, I was wondering if there are any other Scarecrow fans out there in the UMA?
I really like it. I have the Hammer film also and have looked for the Disney classic on dvd, but it is pretty expensive if you find it and it is out of print last time I heard. Would love to get it though, it has been a long time since I have seen the Disney version.
Disney never merchandised it much. They did do some comic book stories in the Disney Adventures magazine a few years back -- beautifully drawn by Bret Blevins.
When the DVD came out a couple of years ago (?), it sold out quickly and now seems to go for a good price. I have seem a Scarecrow costume on Ebay before.
Rob
He doesn't actually have a scene in the graphic novel, but Dr Syn is shown in The Leage Of Extraordinary Gentleman as having been a member of an earlier team.
(http://www.obscurehorror.com/1780sLeague.jpg)
I have a copy of the Disney movie on tape from when it was on the Disney channel back in the 80's or 90's. I would love to have it on a dvd...just can't bring myself to pay what they are asking for it. Surely, Disney will release it again.
Here's something that you might find interesting since costumes were mentioned. This is really cool but pricey.
http://hollywoodprop.com/scarecrow.htm (http://hollywoodprop.com/scarecrow.htm)
As to the League appearance, I keep hoping Alan Moore will chronicle the Scarecrow's involvement in more detail.
Here's an Ebay BIN for the old Halloween costume, but it's a bit pricey:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1960s-SCARECROW-ROMNEY-MARSH-Costume-DR-SYN-/390234692616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adbccdc08 (http://cgi.ebay.com/1960s-SCARECROW-ROMNEY-MARSH-Costume-DR-SYN-/390234692616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adbccdc08)
This was the movie that made my childhood-
After watching it I was infatuated/obsessed with the character!
I've heard that Disney stopped showing it for a few years because parents wrote
in saying it "scared their children"...
any truth to this?
Here's a beautiful custom doll by Kingsley Wallis-
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/il_430xN_106513603.jpg)
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/il_430xN_106513712.jpg)
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/il_430xN_106513896.jpg)
& here's somthing that may interest some of you...
it's not (our) Dr. Syn, but still a fun read-
http://www.desperadopublishing.com/TITLES/MurderScarecrow.htm (http://www.desperadopublishing.com/TITLES/MurderScarecrow.htm)
Some trivia: Peter Cushing was a big Dr. Syn fan. He wrote a short story as an idea for a movie where he would play the Scarecrow--following his fun on Night Creatures. The story went for auction as part of the Cushing estate some years ago. I think it fetched about $1200.
I've been a big fan of the Scarecrow as well. I remember watching it the first time in 1963 then in 1972 it was rereleased on TV at the time Ballatine began publishing the Dr. Syn books (they only did 2 of the series). I made a Halloween costume of the Scarecrow that year.
In 1974 Disney released it to the theaters editing the 3 episodes into one story. The movie poster is awesome.
I managed to collect the record, 8mm movie, the DVD, the poster, and even some artwork from the comic books as well as lobby cards and stills. I then created a Marx style playset of The Scarecrow using existing figures and customizing the Scarecrow and his crew. I am now working on a 12 inch doll similar to the one seen below.
I have always been a fan of RObin Hood type characters and, to me, the Scarecrow is the coolest because that element of fear helps connect it to the monster world.
Wow, I love that figure of the Scarecrow. I've been thinking about doing a painting or a sculpt of him for some time now.
I would love to read the Cushing screenplay. When I think of Dr. Syn I picture McGoohan as the younger version and Cushing as the older.
As to the Halloween costume, I used to have the mask when I was a kid and I kept it until I was in college. I don't know became of it...sigh!
I think the mystery/evil aspect of the Scarecrow is what drew me to the character and I suppose the same thing is true with my love for the Shadow and the Spider pulp heroes.
This thread demonstrates one of the many reasons I love coming to the UMA: learning about new (old) movies. I had never heard of this until now. I'm disappointed to see it's not on Netflix, but I will keep a lookout for it. It looks great!
Quote from: Moonshadow on September 15, 2010, 12:05:08 PM
This thread demonstrates one of the many reasons I love coming to the UMA: learning about new (old) movies. I had never heard of this until now. I'm disappointed to see it's not on Netflix, but I will keep a lookout for it. It looks great!
I concur with this, as well. It's been buzzing in my brain since reading about it!
I had mentioned a while back that I would like to do a sculpt of the Scarecrow, well I finally finished this.
(http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9023/img2021i.jpg)
I love "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" and the Dr Syn stories in general. I pre-ordered the DVD because I thought it might be hard to find locally, and I'm glad I did. I read somewhere that Disney only released a limited number because they intended to release it on Blu-ray soon, but I haven't heard anything since.
Some years ago, after college, I wrote several screenplays and acquired an agent for a time. One of the stories I worked on (but never completed) was a remake/re-imagining of the Dr Syn/Scarecrow of Dymchurch story. I saw it as a modern swashbuckler in the mold of "The Mask of Zorro." I still think it would make a great period adventure film.
RICKH- That is a beautiful sculpture! And while I was looking at it I was singing- Scarecrow......Scare-Crow-ow! You know the song :)
This was the movie that made my childhood-
After watching it I was infatuated/obsessed with the character!
I've heard that Disney stopped showing it for a few years because parents wrote
in saying it "scared their children"...
any truth to this?
Here's a beautiful custom doll by Kingsley Wallis-
That is a beautiful doll, any chance this guy still makes these?
Sal
Got the movie poster,lobby card,dvd,autographed Scarecrow pic by Patrick,the 3 Disney comic books.I also love that movie.My God,how many times did I ride my spider bike with a broom handle under a coat and pretend?
I think Disney had sold out of the DVD inside of a week. That's one company who, when they say they're making a limited edition, should always be believed. It's the quick and the dead.
I ran the DVD for my kids and they loved it. Right from the opening song and they still talk about it.
Actually, I'm very fond of Scarecrows in general.
I too have memories of watching Scarecrow of Romney Marsh on The Wonderful World of Color back in '63. There are certain things that make an impression on you and Scarecrow was one of them. I can't fathom Patrick McGoohan doing a scarecrow cackle though...just not hid nature IMO. I have a novelization and a comic book and fun memories of playing pretend...I think I was Curlew. Luckily I got to see it again on the Disney channel back in the 1990's during the time of free cable viewings offered by Disney, Showtime, etc. Disney cable had a free viewing weekend and they showed Scarecrow on Vault Disney. Darn! Shoulda popped a tape in the ol' VCR. Alas, Disney did a Fubar when releasing Scarecrow on DVD for a limited time only. A stupid move. Why the heck do they do that? I will keep my fingers crossed that they will relent and release it once more on disc for I surely would love to own a copy.
Zombie Grin
Scarecrow! Scarecro-ow!
(Interesting how down the road I would find two other literary favorites that have Romney connections: Edith Nesbit's Five Children and It and Mapp and Lucia by E. F. Benson. )
Quote from: Most Horrible on November 14, 2010, 09:21:45 PM
I can't fathom Patrick McGoohan doing a scarecrow cackle though...just not hid nature IMO.
McGoohan didn't do the laugh in the title song, but he did do the Scarecrow's laugh in the show.
Much of show biz is run by (often clueless and arrogant) young execs who have no concept that people might actually want this "old stuff." They are far more invested in recent material, created during their tenure. I'm sure somebody at Disney with better sense had to fight to get a DVD release for this at all.
Quote from: Scary Terry on November 15, 2010, 09:51:58 AM
Much of show biz is run by (often clueless and arrogant) young execs who have no concept that people might actually want this "old stuff." They are far more invested in recent material, created during their tenure. I'm sure somebody at Disney with better sense had to fight to get a DVD release for this at all.
Right said Scary Terry! Have you ever noticed how execs for example at Disney never consult US before making decisions like this? Why is that? ;) ;)
I should note that I'm aware that Disney DOES merchandise their older material -- but it's usually niche market high-priced collectibles. What ends up at Wal-Mart and Target is the newer mass merchandised stuff. They just hadn't a clue there'd be so much interest in a "dead" property such as Scarecrow -- if they HAD, they'd have done a bigger print run, trust me. Disney does not object to making money. But since this was sold as a "limited edition," they can't go back to print with it without getting themselves in dutch.
Quote from: Gillfan on September 14, 2010, 09:40:27 PM
He doesn't actually have a scene in the graphic novel, but Dr Syn is shown in The Leage Of Extraordinary Gentleman as having been a member of an earlier team.
(http://www.obscurehorror.com/1780sLeague.jpg)
Its cool u pointed that out because if you happen to watch the LXG movie, you will notice in the scene where Quatermaine goes to London and meets with M, behind 'M' is a portrait of the members of the League and it is a portrait of one of the first members of the League, which is the same sketch you have posted.
http://www.nosferatu.ru/gallery/liga/17.jpg (http://www.nosferatu.ru/gallery/liga/17.jpg)
Watched Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow, now onto The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh as presented on Wonderful World of Disney!
I think I'm going to like the 3 episode version more than the movie edit....and that's saying a lot because I really enjoyed Dr. Syn!
The only weird thing about the Wonderful World of Color episodic version of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh," is that there is one story thread that is repeated TWICE, using the exact same footage, but played as if it's a completely different story! It involves Dr. Syn helping an escaped prisoner, I believe. The first time I watched the episodes, even I got confused. I thought, "Wait a minute, I've seen this before!" The movie version cut out that whole subplot.
Quote from: Radioactive Rod Whitenack on February 21, 2013, 09:20:46 AM
The only weird thing about the Wonderful World of Color episodic version of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh," is that there is one story thread that is repeated TWICE, using the exact same footage, but played as if it's a completely different story! It involves Dr. Syn helping an escaped prisoner, I believe. The first time I watched the episodes, even I got confused. I thought, "Wait a minute, I've seen this before!" The movie version cut out that whole subplot.
The only part I saw repeated was the escaped American prisoner, Simon Bates; Part I shows him escape from a coach, while stealing some important documents, then meeting up with a woman that tells him to go see Dr. Syn and the we see his meet up with Dr. Syn. Then in part III we see him enter Dr. Syn's window and we get his info, again; American, Simon Bates, wanted for spreading secession but the documents he obtained are not mentioned. All of this is included in the film version (besides the doubled scene) because both Bates and another prisoner are the main plot point of part III and the later part of the movie.
If that is the scene you are recalling then it isn't played as a completely different story?! They have been hiding Simon all along but now the navy is after a deserter so they are authorized to go door to door and search every home, which means they have to hide Simon elsewhere!
But, I can only see this scene being doubled in the tv edit due to time?! Not only do we get the scene repeated but a few scenes later we are yet again reintroduced to Simon (American, name and why is wanted) when he meets the navy deserter, Harry Banks before they are set to a "better" hide out.
I actually wish they'd have done 4 parts and had the first episode deal with some of the Scarecrow's exploits as well as show Dr. Syn in some day to day affairs, that would have made the "reveal" which comes right off the bat a little better pay off than how it appears in either version!
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/scarecrow_11.jpg)
Apparently there's some Scarecrow comics by Bret Blevins in the Disney Adventures
magazine (issues published in 2006 - 2007). I'll have to look into this...
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/scr2.png)
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/scr1.png)
Quote from: kklloo on November 13, 2010, 10:36:20 AM
That is a beautiful doll, any chance this guy still makes these?
Sal
Not sure what's available now, here's a link to his site
http://kingsleywallis.daportfolio.com/ (http://kingsleywallis.daportfolio.com/)
& a Hellspite doll-
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/hellspite_doll_scarecrow_by_kingsley_wallis-d35ythy.jpg)
Are those paintings from the comics? They're amazing, whatever they are. I particularly like the Dr. Syn vs Headless Horseman one.
I remember little of the Disney Scarecrow of Romney Marsh except the Scarecrow's voice...enough to put a fright into ya for sure!
Quote from: Skeletron on February 22, 2013, 10:24:14 PM
Are those paintings from the comics? They're amazing, whatever they are. I particularly like the Dr. Syn vs Headless Horseman one.
Yes -- from the comics -- by Bret Blevins.
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/603033_379166202179606_658883844_n.jpg)
My all time favorite Disney film. I have a lobby card from the film as well as the Disney novel and comics. I always wished Disney had made a sequel.
Maybe one day , someone will make "a dark and gritty, edgier" remake that will suck completely, but make people appreciate the original more. :)
Giilfan- That picture brought happy- tears to my eyes! I really need to see this movie again- soon! :)
Quote from: Phantom Stranger on March 17, 2013, 01:39:11 AM
My all time favorite Disney film. I have a lobby card from the film as well as the Disney novel and comics. I always wished Disney had made a sequel.
Maybe one day , someone will make "a dark and gritty, edgier" remake that will suck completely, but make people appreciate the original more. :)
An obvious call to Tim Buton. We know Jhonny Depp can play the scarecrow, and there is no reason that Helena Carter could play the voice of the horse, in an homage to the Mr. Ed TV show.
I hope I don't regret this, but I'd be willing to loan out the feature version (no way I'm lettin' the 3 pt series out of my hands) to anyone who agrees to my terms. I know how much people love this show and I'd be really bummed if I wasn't able to see it, knowing it's on DVD.
People can get on a list (by PMing me and including your mailing address) and the last person who has it pays to send it to the next person. You can keep the disc for 2 weeks and then send it on. The disc will be in a paper sleeve and needs to be mailed in a stiff cardboard mailer (you can maybe use the same one over, as long as you can cover the old label with a new one). And most importantly, DO NOT SCRATCH MY DAMN DVD!!!
So, if anyone is interested, give me a shout (PM)!
I have VERY vague memories of watching this (either the 3-part series or the edited movie) on Disney Channel back in the 80s. Just like Disney's Zorro, I became a big fan.
We're actually in the Disney movie club, so when Scarecrow came to DVD a few years back, I was just waiting for it to hit the catalog. It never did. I was very disappointed, and keep hoping they'll do another print run, or put it on Blu-Ray.
Chris
Quote from: Earth 2 Chris on March 27, 2013, 08:02:58 PM
We're actually in the Disney movie club, so when Scarecrow came to DVD a few years back, I was just waiting for it to hit the catalog. It never did.
Not sure what the Disney movie club is, but did they offer the "Disney Treasures" sets?
I was in the DMC when my grandson was younger, and I also remember looking for it. I ended up buying Darby O'Gill and a few other old ones, but no Scarecrow. They had some of the Treasures sets- Silly Symphonies & Mickey in B&W.
Not sure if they sell them now though. I would like to put myself on the Mike Scott Scarecrow list, when it goes into circulation. :)
I will send you letters of reference & my credit report, so let me know when you start your awesome dvd rental adventure!
Quote from: charp13 on March 27, 2013, 09:19:16 PM
I would like to put myself on the Mike Scott Scarecrow list, when it goes into circulation.
Just send me a PM and that puts you first on the list (unless somebody beats you to it)!
No need to show me your credit report if you're a regular. I may not except people I'm not familiar with, though?
Quote from: Street Worm on February 22, 2013, 08:38:31 AM
Not sure what's available now, here's a link to his site
http://kingsleywallis.daportfolio.com/ (http://kingsleywallis.daportfolio.com/)
& a Hellspite doll-
(http://gallery.unrealspawnboard.com/albums/userpics/10006/hellspite_doll_scarecrow_by_kingsley_wallis-d35ythy.jpg)
Wow.....that is super cool.
I'm one of the lucky sons o' guns who got that fancy DVD set, and I love it. I'm the only person I know in my age group who has any idea what the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is, let alone loves it. I wish it would get a decent revival somewhere. It sounds like something Hammer should try again, if you ask me.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on March 28, 2013, 08:50:56 PM
I'm the only person I know in my age group who has any idea what the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is . .
I take it we're not in the same age group, 'cause probably everybody in mine remembers The Scarecrow! One of the great childhood movie/TV memories!
I picked up a resin model of the Scarecrow at this past Wonderfest last month and it arrived Saturday being a one week early father's day present. I loved that show which was on about the time I was 11. I wonder if kids these days are far too jaded and wanting of gory action to like such a well done and excellent show? Anyway, I'll be putting this one on the bench in the not too distant future. I must say the casting is very good and will require minimal work to prepare it for painting.
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/Rocketguy5/Figure%20Models/Scarecrow%20of%20Romney%20Marsh/Scarecrow1C_zpsebd74468.jpg?t=1370870499)
Looks cool! Post a pic when it's done! :)
Can't wait to see it when its done!
Very Cool! :)
That's a really interesting figure; who was the maker/sculptor? I'd be interested in getting one.
Thanks!
I love that Scarecrow model kit! It's stuff like this you won't find anywhere other than Wonderfest!
I saw that this topic was in general discussion, so I thought it was ok for me to ask a question about making a Scarecrow of Romney Marsh mask. I'm planning on using burlap, because it will hold up outside, and I am NOT an artist- just a huge fan of the movie and character. If anyone else around here makes props for their yard haunts, that are mainly just seen by kids, I was wondering if you have any advice about what I might use for the curved nose piece on the Scarecrow's mask? I think I can wing the black eye areas and the stitching, but that nose is stumping me.
Also, that resin model is outstanding! I think it's been in my head since I saw it a couple months ago, and I am inspired to try to make a life size prop for my yard.
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 29, 2013, 12:41:39 PM
I take it we're not in the same age group, 'cause probably everybody in mine remembers The Scarecrow! One of the great childhood movie/TV memories!
Yeah, I'm a young punk. Much as I like to brag to other folks my age about my knowledge and love of classics both famous and obscure, I am still discovering things, and this board is a big help for that. I only wish I could have experienced these great shows and movies the way you guys did, the way they were meant to be seen.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on August 14, 2013, 11:54:34 AM
I only wish I could have experienced these great shows and movies the way you guys did, the way they were meant to be seen.
I think you can still get plenty of fun from SCARECROW, even if you're just now watching it for the first time. The problem is in
getting to see it!
Quote from: Mike Scott on August 14, 2013, 01:20:00 PM
I think you can still get plenty of fun from SCARECROW, even if you're just now watching it for the first time. The problem is in getting to see it!
I got the Disney Treasures set a few years ago actually, so I've seen it a few times. Indeed, finding these old gems can be a pain, but it's worth it. When I finally got my hands on
Island of Lost Souls (thank you Criterion) I was immensely excited, and it did not disappoint. In a way, getting to see them for the first time after hunting them down, or waiting for a proper DVD/BR release, is its own reward.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on August 14, 2013, 02:00:57 PM
I got the Disney Treasures set a few years ago actually, so I've seen it a few times. Indeed, finding these old gems can be a pain, but it's worth it. When I finally got my hands on Island of Lost Souls (thank you Criterion) I was immensely excited, and it did not disappoint. In a way, getting to see them for the first time after hunting them down, or waiting for a proper DVD/BR release, is its own reward.
Actually that coincides with what we had to do pre-VCR when we had to wait for months or even years for a TV showing. Of course that often included sneaking into the living room in the middle of the night, turning the TV really low, playing with the rabbit ears, and sitting up close in the floor while being bathed in the eerie light of the cathode ray tube. When you finally got to see the movie back then, it made it all the sweeter.
Quote from: charp13 on August 14, 2013, 10:47:02 AM
I saw that this topic was in general discussion, so I thought it was ok for me to ask a question about making a Scarecrow of Romney Marsh mask. I'm planning on using burlap, because it will hold up outside, and I am NOT an artist- just a huge fan of the movie and character. If anyone else around here makes props for their yard haunts, that are mainly just seen by kids, I was wondering if you have any advice about what I might use for the curved nose piece on the Scarecrow's mask? I think I can wing the black eye areas and the stitching, but that nose is stumping me.
I would probably shape a face out of cardboard or chicken wire (or use a manniquin head), lay the burlap on it, pin it down in a few areas and then spray it with some kind of sealer/hardener. You could either leave it on the form or remove it once it's dry! Don't I make it just sound so simple!? ;D
ZH- That sounds pretty straight forward! I like it! I am using a foam head. I already went out today and bought some thick black yarn for the stitching. I was thinking of using a paper towel/bathroom tissue cardboard roll, for the nose. I figured I could cut it out of the cardboard and it would have that convex look to it. Like I said, children & their parents will see it so I'm not too worried about it being to scale. But you know us yard haunt people....we are perfectionists! If it comes out well, I'll post a picture. I like the idea of spraying the whole thing with a hardening agent- thanks.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on August 14, 2013, 02:00:57 PM
I got the Disney Treasures set a few years ago actually, so I've seen it a few times.
I was lucky enough to get it when it came out. I'd hate to have to pay for one, now!
charp13 - when my dad used to make my Halloween Scarecrow masks he'd use cheese cloth.
Street Worm- I may try that. I also want to make those cheese cloth table top ghosts that I always see in magazines. I've never worked with cheese cloth, but I've studied the plans and I know I will need fabric stiffener to make the ghosts stand up. I usually just make a scarecrow body and shove a fake jack o'lantern on top for the head, so this year I'm going to try some new techniques- thanks to The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh :)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/28jxzck.jpg) Scarecrooooow! Me & my friend....so far
Wow.....that's blurry! Anyway, So far I have spent $0, on my Friend from Romney Marsh- but we may go out to dinner later, so...
I used a Styrofoam head & a dress form. He needs a great coat, but I'm still asking family members to look in their closets! I'm a total amateur- but I am having fun. I have been watching the 3 part movie on youtube, and it's still an awesome story!
Great job Charp13. He look genuinely happy to be inhabiting your haunt this year!
I remember talking and emailing with Harry Woodbury constantly, so whomever first heard about the DVD release could alert the other. a great set.
Romney Marsh scarecrow looks great Charp13!
Thanks, monster pals. I really love doing something creative & pretending I'm making it for a show! He has become part of our family!
I'm still 10 years old in my mind, and I love having The Scarecrow come up in conversation now with my family members. My brother & sister are a lot younger than me, so they don't remember the movie- and I've been educating them about the great Dr. Syn! Now I just need to dress him! He's only about 5' tall, but I will have him in an elevated area on Halloween, so he'll look imposing!
I find a black Overcoat works great for period outfits. I've used that for both pirate, and 19th century undertaker. Being summer, maybe you can pick one up cheap at a thrift shop.
I just had this conversation with my brother- about an hour ago :) He also suggested a black overcoat (even though I was banking on a brown one) and the good thing about it is my 17 year old nephew is a tall boy that's outgrowing his coats...and has one I can get in October! I love it! And you're right- I can use it for many future figures & characters.
Quote from: charp13 on September 05, 2013, 03:30:03 PM
(http://i44.tinypic.com/28jxzck.jpg) Scarecrooooow! Me & my friend....so far
Great job Charp!!