| Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh | 
| Actors: Patrick Mcgoohan, George Cole, Kay Cole, Alan Dobie, Eric Flynn
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Category: DVD
Buy New: $56.91
Buy New/Collectible from $56.91
Avg. Customer Rating:   (90 reviews)
Sales Rank: 1737
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Limited Edition, Restored, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 287 minutes
Number Of Items: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.9 x 1.1
MPN: D57822D
UPC: 786936769005
EAN: 0786936769005
ASIN: B001DPHDCE
Release Date: November 11, 2008
Theatrical Release Date: 1964
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Album Description
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. George Cole, Michael Hordern, Sean Scully also star. Includes all three episodes, along with the British theatrical version; 129 min./98 min. AKA: "Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow," "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh." Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital mono.
Amazon.com
"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." 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 Scarecrow?s true identity, his sexton Mipps (George Cole), and the local Justice of the Peace?s son, John (Sean Scully, from Disney?s The Prince and the Pauper). There is a love story between John?s older sister and conflicted and compassionate English soldier Lt. Brackenbury (Eric Flynn), but it doesn?t 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. Syn?s historical and literary origins. Disc two features a segment about the British films that launched Disney?s live-action feature film career. This welcome addition to the Walt Disney Treasures line does full justice to one of Disney?s most wanted titles. --Donald Liebenson
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| Customer Reviews: Read 85 more reviews...
DR. SYN gets first class Disney treatment January 9, 2009
Based on the Russell Thordike classic books of British smugglers, DR. SYN: THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH first appeared as a three part mini-series as part of Walt Disney's WONDERFUL WORLD OF COLOR in 1963. Then known only as THE SCARECROW OF ROMNEY MARSH, this production was set in the southern British coast near Dover during the time of King George III. Just prior to the American War of Independance, it tells the story of a mild mannered minister (Patrick McGoohan) who helps his over-taxed parishoners by masquarading as the sinister Scarecrow, the leader of the local smuggling ring. Only Mipps, his faithful sexton (George Cole) and the young son of the local Squire (Sean Scully) know his real identity as they outwit the British general (Geoffrey Keen) sent to capture them. Filmed on location in the actual Romney Marsh area, this is a lush and eye-catching yarn full of high adventure. McGoohan is perfect in his dual role of the kindly vicar and the harsh-voiced Scarecrow, while Cole adds the right touch of puckish humor as Mipps. Michael Hordern lends strong support as the put-upon Squire, while Keen makes for a perfectly hissable villian. With wonderful cinematography and a solid cast, this is definitely one of the highlights of Disney's classic TV show. The exceptional 2 disc DVD presentation is also lovingly presented with documentaries about the history of the Dr. Syn character, as well as Disney's British studio. Also included is DR.SYN ALIAS THE SCARECROW, the 2 hour film version of the story that was released for British and overseas markets. Unfortunately, this handsome DVD edition was sold-out within 2 weeks due to a very limited release by Disney. While this is very regrettable, I would say that it is definitely worth trying to see this delightful adventure and something that I highly recommend.
 Booooo to Disney for limited release! January 8, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been waiting for this release for a long time, but didn't order until December 12. Amazon took my order, but it was supposed to be shipped from Big Rock Media. I waited until January 5, but no DVD. Only then did I learn that the release was sold out. E-mail to Big Rock went unanswered. Naturally, I canceled, but Big Rock ignored all e-mails after that for information on when it would be available. So I bought one on Ebay for more than I would have had to pay. From now on, that's where I'll check first, rather than Amazon. If they choose to do business with a shoddy company like Big Rock, who won't follow up on customer e-mail, I'll do my business elsewhere.
The three stars are for the movie. I took off one star for poor (actually, NO) service. I get better customer service from my cell phone company, and everybody knows how bad that is. I took off another star for the very limited number of copies produced by Disney, who had to have known that a LOT of people wanted this film.
fantastic..but.. January 8, 2009
like most other reviewers, i loved this as a kid. i got it as a christmas present and have watched it every night since! (9 days as of this posting). my only question is- in the 3rd installment, it repeats the scene when simon bates taps on the vicars window- this scene is also in the first installment. i don't remember this repeated scene as a kid- what do you other fans have to say about it? other than this, i am completely mesmerized by the dvd and it's made me completely giddy!
confused, disappointed, but hoping DVD arrives January 6, 2009
I signed up on Amazon YEARS ago to be notified if this title came out in any form, and at one point was almost able to order a VHS copy, but it never materialised. Never received any notice of the DVD release, so I can't understand the one reviewer who is so grateful to Amazon for receiving a copy (and for only $30). I'm buying a copy (I hope) from one of the 3d party sellers, hope it arrives and is as described since I'm paying way more than $30! There is very little information available on these 3d party entities, so I'm more than a little leery of buying this way but have wanted this title ever since I first saw it the first time on TV as a child. The only format I've ever been able to buy was the Beta release Disney did sometime in the late 80's, which I can still play because I still have my Betamax (yeah really, there are still some of those out there and functioning; Sony makes good stuff). I can't wait to get the DVD, it sounds wonderful, but Amazon, if you offer a notice service, please follow through! I just checked lately out of curiosity, found all these reviews and checked out the few offers available.
Dr. Syn January 5, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have all the earlier Treasures and just didn't get them pre-ordered this year. Oh, my chagrin when it was out of stock. As a Disneyland Premium Annual Passholder I had to go to the source to find my copy, but they did had them in the park. The certificate notes that they only made 35,000 copies.
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