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Editorial Reviews
When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious postmaster Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect: her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob "justice"...only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, as the legend of the Scarecrow begins. Bonus Features: Director & Writer Commentary, Original World Premiere Trailer. Product Specs: DVD9; Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; 96 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA NR; Year 1981; SRP - $19.99.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
75 of 77 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
So who says you need a huge budget, a lot of computer generated special effects, and super big names to make an excellent horror film?
I saw this originally back when it first aired on TV and have never forgotten it. The screenplay is superb; I believe even Stephen King could not have done any better. One is kept wondering throughout the film if a vengeful human--District Attorney, Bubba's mother, the little girl--might be exacting the justice that was denied in the courtroom. The ending shot is almost poetic in both its simplicity and what it confides to us. The director halts the film at that touching, if horrific moment, while the little girl's voice continues speaking to the Scarecrow as the credits roll. It doesn't get any better then this.
I have always found scarecrows to be unsettling at the least and a frightening parody of man at best. Curiously, its origins actually stem back into ancient pagan religions. Scarecrows actually do not scare crows, or other birds for that matter, due to the fact that they never move (except in the movies) and the animals become used to their presence. In reality, they represent the ancient God of Fertility, and were put in fields as a supplication to this god for a bountiful harvest. Few people today realize that when they put up this effigy, they are really worshiping an ancient deity. Which, in my opinion, fits in nicely with the theme of supernatural revenge in this movie.
There is also an unsettling thread throughout this movie and others like it (Dark Secret of Harvest Home comes to mind) of just what might be occurring in these small and isolated communities. Seemingly almost out of touch with the modern world, Dark Night of the Scarecrow reminds us that anything is possible within an insular town, even murder and revenge.
This is a classic that needs to be digitally re-mastered onto DVD, if someone hasn't thought of it already. It is a refreshing change from the big blockbusters of today, and shows that imagination coupled with an outwardly innocent setting can produce a tale of pure horror. Horror, yes, but with an ending that is curiously satisfying. I could not think of a better way to end this grim little fairy tale from the depths of darkness.
I saw this originally back when it first aired on TV and have never forgotten it. The screenplay is superb; I believe even Stephen King could not have done any better. One is kept wondering throughout the film if a vengeful human--District Attorney, Bubba's mother, the little girl--might be exacting the justice that was denied in the courtroom. The ending shot is almost poetic in both its simplicity and what it confides to us. The director halts the film at that touching, if horrific moment, while the little girl's voice continues speaking to the Scarecrow as the credits roll. It doesn't get any better then this.
I have always found scarecrows to be unsettling at the least and a frightening parody of man at best. Curiously, its origins actually stem back into ancient pagan religions. Scarecrows actually do not scare crows, or other birds for that matter, due to the fact that they never move (except in the movies) and the animals become used to their presence. In reality, they represent the ancient God of Fertility, and were put in fields as a supplication to this god for a bountiful harvest. Few people today realize that when they put up this effigy, they are really worshiping an ancient deity. Which, in my opinion, fits in nicely with the theme of supernatural revenge in this movie.
There is also an unsettling thread throughout this movie and others like it (Dark Secret of Harvest Home comes to mind) of just what might be occurring in these small and isolated communities. Seemingly almost out of touch with the modern world, Dark Night of the Scarecrow reminds us that anything is possible within an insular town, even murder and revenge.
This is a classic that needs to be digitally re-mastered onto DVD, if someone hasn't thought of it already. It is a refreshing change from the big blockbusters of today, and shows that imagination coupled with an outwardly innocent setting can produce a tale of pure horror. Horror, yes, but with an ending that is curiously satisfying. I could not think of a better way to end this grim little fairy tale from the depths of darkness.
55 of 60 people found the following review helpful
By E. Barrios
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I can't believe this gem of horror is finally being released on DVD. I'm glad VCI Entertainment stepped up to the plate on this one, just like they did when they released Gargoyles, which is another made-for-tv classic. Dark Night of the Scarecrow has everything going for it and then some. It's got actors who know how to act, spooky atmosphere, decent script, great kill scenes, and of course, a healthy dose of the supernatural.
I must've been around ten or eleven when I first watched this movie with my mom. We both loved it, especially Charles Durning's role as the town's mail carrier. The expressions on that guy's face are incredible. His performance alone really draws a person in. And Jocelyn Brando's performance as the mother is also amazing.
I hope that VCI does a great job on the transfer. I hope it's progressively scanned with a high bitrate without any noise reduction filters or edge enhancements. Also, I'd love to see blacks as deep as possible and colors spot on. Are you hearing me VCI?
Don't rent this baby, just go and buy it and keep it in your collection!
UPDATE: The quality of the picture is very good. I'm sure it'll look even better on Blu-ray.
I must've been around ten or eleven when I first watched this movie with my mom. We both loved it, especially Charles Durning's role as the town's mail carrier. The expressions on that guy's face are incredible. His performance alone really draws a person in. And Jocelyn Brando's performance as the mother is also amazing.
I hope that VCI does a great job on the transfer. I hope it's progressively scanned with a high bitrate without any noise reduction filters or edge enhancements. Also, I'd love to see blacks as deep as possible and colors spot on. Are you hearing me VCI?
Don't rent this baby, just go and buy it and keep it in your collection!
UPDATE: The quality of the picture is very good. I'm sure it'll look even better on Blu-ray.
44 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By Melanie
Format:VHS Tape
Excellent movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I first saw it in 1981 and I still find it one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. The fact that you don't have to endure the usual bloody mess makes it easy to watch time and time again.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A made for TV horror classic just got better on high def!
In a small town, a mentally challenged man named Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake) is accused on hurting a young girl named Maylee (Tonya Crow) as he is being hunted down by a vigilant... Read more
Published 26 days ago by John Lindsey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark Night of the Scarecrow
I remembered watching this movie when I was much younger. I got online and Googled the plot to see if I could find out what the name of the movie is and found it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Susan Rudd
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cult classic horror
One of my favorite light horror movies. Gotta love Larry Drake and his ability to portray a mentally challenged individual believably. Again, this is a horror move and not L.A. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Eric W. Borden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Need I saw More
Great TV movie made for TV, was one of the better horror flicks of thst yer, I waiting for thid to come out for years & now finally a blu Ray
Published 1 month ago by walter ruether
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Very Best by Charles Durning.
Love the Film. True Classic. I watch it over and over again and it gets better and better. Charles Durning's best film by far. He's amazing in this as Otis Hazelrigg.
Published 2 months ago by John Gale
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Different Type Horror Movie
When local busybodies erroneously accuse a retarded man of harming a little girl, when in fact he saved her life after she was attacked by a guard dog, they become vigilantes, and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Roy M. Raffield
5.0 out of 5 stars
great classic
if you love old classsics this is a great one he hides in the scarecrow than becomes one the real villian gets it end the end
Published 4 months ago by dsracing
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark Night of the Scarecrow
I wasn't really expecting much, when I started to watch this movie. Oh, but if you like to see justice and sweet friendship, this is the one for you!
Published 4 months ago by Emmy Dingler
5.0 out of 5 stars
joycemarie58
Very pleased. Didn't think I would find it anywhere. In my opinion this is a classic. Happy I found it this.
Published 4 months ago by joycemarie 58
5.0 out of 5 stars
Give me these scary movies any day.
I really enjoyed this movie. It is not that scary, and is another one which leaves more to the imagination than really happens. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lesa Rasure
