dr. syn: the scarecrow of romney marsh walt disney treasures

"On the southern coast of England/Theres 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. " Okay, it may not be as catchy as "The Ballad of Davy Crockett, " but anyone who was glued to their TV sets in 1964 to watch the continuing adventures and heroic exploits of Dr. Syn on the Disney anthology series, The Wonderful World of Color, should feel a shiver of excitement that goes beyond mere nostalgia at hearing this theme song again. Old-fashioned to be sure, but The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh is still a ripping yarn and rousing family entertainment with its unforgettable hero, despicable villain, galloping chases and breathless escapes.

Grandly produced in England, this three-part miniseries is "a story of high adventure and heart, " as Walt Disney states in his folksy and avuncular episode introductions. Patrick McGoohan (known at the time for his iconic role as John Drake on Danger Man) stars as Dr. Syn, who leads a double life as a mild-mannered village vicar by day, and a fearsome avenger known as the Scarecrow by night. The haunting burlap-masked Scarecrow is a folk hero to the villagers, who are overtaxed by King George III, and brutalized by his press-gangs, who violently shanghai men into Navy service. Only two know the Scarecrows true identity, his sexton Mipps (George Cole), and the local Justice of the Peaces son, John (Sean Scully, from Disneys The Prince and the Pauper).

There is a love story between Johns older sister and conflicted and compassionate English soldier Lt. Brackenbury (Eric Flynn), but it doesnt slow things down or get too yucky. Over the course of three near-hour-long episodes, the Scarecrow foils attempts by his nemesis, General Pugh (Geoffrey Keen) to capture him, or intimidate villagers into giving him up. Leonard Maltin does his usual sterling job as enthusiastic host, who introduces the series, reflects on its place in the Disney canon, and credits the restoration efforts that made this pristine presentation possible. This two-disc set presents the miniseries as it originally aired, and also includes the widescreen feature film version that was released overseas.

Disc one contains an interesting featurette about Dr. Syns historical and literary origins. Disc two features a segment about the British films that launched Disneys live-action feature film career. This welcome addition to the Walt Disney Treasures line does full justice to one of Disneys most wanted titles. --Donald Liebenson
UPC NO: 786936769005
SKU: ADIB001DPHDCE