Watch The Dark Night of the Scarecrow

The Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a 1981 made-for-TV movie directed by Frank De Felitta. It stars Charles Durning, Robert F. Lyons, Claude Earl Jones, and Lane Smith. The movie tells the story of a mentally challenged man named Bubba Ritter (played by Larry Drake), who is wrongfully accused of harming a young girl, Marylee Williams (played by Tonya Crowe). Bubba is hunted down by a group of vigilantes, led by Otis Hazelrigg (played by Durning), who eventually kill him. However, Bubba returns from the dead in the form of a scarecrow, seeking revenge on those who wronged him.

The movie starts with Bubba and Marylee playing in a field, enjoying each other's company. Marylee's mother, Mrs. Ritter (played by Jocelyn Brando), sees them and becomes angry, assuming that Bubba is dangerous to her daughter. Later, Marylee is found dead, and Otis Hazelrigg convinces the other townspeople that Bubba is the killer. Despite Bubba's mother's (played by Lelia Goldoni) pleas for mercy, the vigilantes chase down and kill Bubba.

The rest of the movie explores the horror that ensues when Bubba comes back from the dead. His form as a scarecrow adds an eerie and visceral element to the film, as the group of vigilantes is slowly picked off one by one. The audience is left wondering whether justice is being served or if the vigilantes are simply getting what they deserve.

One of the standout performances comes from Charles Durning, who plays the role of Otis Hazelrigg with a frenzied passion. He is determined to see justice served, and his character's descent into madness is palpable on screen. Lyons and Jones also give solid performances as members of the vigilante group who begin to unravel as the terror intensifies.

The movie's cinematography, particularly the use of shadows and silhouettes, adds to the suspenseful atmosphere of the film. The ominous music score also does an excellent job of setting the tone for the ominous events that are to come.

The Dark Night of the Scarecrow has become a cult classic among horror fans for its unique take on the revenge plot. It's a film that reminds us that sometimes, justice can be elusive and that the consequences of our actions can come back to haunt us.

In conclusion, The Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a chilling and suspenseful horror movie that has stood the test of time. Its strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and eerie score make it a must-see for fans of the genre. The film's themes of justice and revenge continue to resonate with audiences today.

The Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a 1981 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.