Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh

This story, originally presented on television as a three-part "Disney's Wonderful World of Color," must surely be one of the best and most entertaining of all the Disney non-cartoon films. Patrick McGoohan ("Secret Agent," "The Prisoner") is excellent as "The Scarecrow," Geoffrey Keen as "General Pugh" is a splendid villain, and the scenery of "Romney Marsh" is stunningly beautiful. An exciting plot with the many moves and countermoves between Dr. Syn (alias the Scarecrow) and the ruthless general and his henchmen, make it a fast-moving, thorough enjoyable tale. Many older viewers may even remember the theme song that introduces and ends each program. ("Scarecrow, Scarecrow, the soldiers of the King feared his name....") The two-disc set includes both the three TV programs and the subsequent movie combining the three episodes. And for those of us who grew up admiring the late, great Walt Disney and his works, it is a real pleasure to see him on the screen again and view his good-natured introductions to each of the TV episodes.

What a thrill to open this Walt Disney treasure. Just a fantastic package! DR. SYN: THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH was a Disney presentation
in three parts aired on NBC in early 1964. As a child I was awestruck by this production, which I viewed over my Grandma's television after Sunday dinner for three consecutive weeks. I never forgot it. It captivated me! I guess I am still a kid at heart because it hasn't lost any of it's appeal this being forty-four years later. (Can it be? That's alot of years!) It's a Robin Hood tale set in eighteenth century England- the story of a country parson who masquerades as a smuggler to benefit the welfare of the local citizens. Press gangs and high taxes roil the community, but Scarecrow, played by Patrick McGoohan, defies the King and his cronies for the greater good. The fun is watching just how he does it! A great morality tale and a true story besides! There's adventure, suspense, intrigue and action, and the acting and direction are nothing less than SUPERB! Patrick McGoohan as the parson is my favorite, but George Cole, Tony Britton and Sean Scully, prominent British actors at the time, deliver top rate performances as well. The DVD transfer is sparkling clear and the audio crisp and robust sounding. The Scarecrow's
demonic laughter will chill you to the bone!
The DVD set consists of two discs, one of the original presentation on Disney's Wonderful World of Color (Walt Disney himself introduces each segment) and the other, a theatical version released in Britain as a full motion picture. The set comes in a real metal tin much like old film reels
would be housed in, and there is a booklet and publicity photo included.
This is a limited series set and mine is numbered 34,984 out of 39,500. (So, you see, time is running out...)
I suggest you order now because my guess is this marvelous movie is going to be sold out FAST!! I know you will love this brilliant production as much as I have, and if you have kids, they will be completely mesmerized.
A real DISNEY treasure you'll love to own.

I was able to purchase one of these at a local store before the entire release was yanked by the studio. There is a short scene from episode one which is repeated in episode three--a small editing goof. Other than that this is a simply stunning faithful restoration of this wonderful series. It is great to see the show just as it originally aired. The Wonderful World of Color logo, Walt's intros, and teasers for the next episode are all there. Originally filmed in England, on film, using a wide-screen format, it is presented on DVD from HD transfer in 16x9 aspect ratio. Walt's office introductions were also filmed the same way and there is an option to see those in wide-screen too. Disc one also has a history of the Dr. Syn character in literature and film. Disc two has the European feature, with a bonus section about Walt Disney's films shot in England. Both discs have Leonard Maltin introductins. Ditto on all the other comments about how great a story this is. If you can find one at a decent price, by all means get one!!

My sister and I have been waiting for this DVD. We were little girls when the Wonderful World of Color broadcasted this movie. It's everything I remembered and more. What a great theme song.

After waiting YEARS for this on DVD, I think its a pretty rotten trick to make it unavailable less than 1 month after its 'release' date. As of today, it isn't listed on Disney.com anymore either. I sent a complaint to disney, not that I expect anything to come of it. Those of you who actually got a copy, hang on to it, I'm jealous