Way Back Wednesday - Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh

Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1964)

"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."

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.

I have such fond memories of watching this movie with my parents. Rewatching this old classic brings to mind my clown phobia. I always thought my fear of clowns began with an early episode of Dark Shadows, but after watching The Scarecrow again, I realize he may have been the orginal cause of my phobia. That white face and painted on mouth - aghhh! But white face or not, this is a wonderful movie to watch with the family.

On November 11, 2008 the Walt Disney company released a limited pressing of 39,500 issues of The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh in DVD format for the first time as a part of the "Disney Treasures" collection, and was now called Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh. The DVD's sold out in three weeks.