Dark Night of the Scarecrow and Returning from the Grave: A Movie Review

*Full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by VCI Entertainment.

Director: Frank De Felitta.

Writer: J. D. Feigelson.

Cast: Charles Durning, Tonya Crowe, Larry Drake, and Lane Smith.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow was originally released on television in 1981. Recently, VCI Entertainment released this title in a DVD format September 29th, 2010. This film has been repackaged with a commentary from director Frank De Felitta (The Entity) and writer J. D. Feigelson (Red Water). This reviewer remembers becoming paranoid of grain silos after watching this film and there is a reason that this title is considered a classic. Dark Night of the Scarecrow is rewatchable for creating some of the cliches of modern film. This title is also a reminder not to play around wood chippers!

If you are unfamiliar with this film, a mentally challenged adult (Larry Drake) is accused of killing a young girl (Tonya Crowe), in a small town. His defence is weak: "Bubba didn't do it," but his words are truthful. However, a group of vigilantes gathers to bully this defenseless victim and Bubba Ritter finds the quick route to the grave. He does not stay there long, however.

Writer J. D. Feigelson plays on one of the age old conventions of putting supernatural belief against atheism. Charles Durning plays Otis P. Hazelrigg, the atheist, while many others tremble at the thought of a six foot plus, vengeful spirit. Bubba has now returned in the guise of a scarecrow to bring justice to a small town and its prejudice. He does not care if they believe in him or not.

Listening to creators De Felitta and Feigelson reminisce about this film thirty years after the fact is comforting on some level. This reviewer knows many of the twists and turns in this film, as Dark Night of the Scarecrow has been seen many times. Yet, the material and trivia that these creators add is of note. Mostly, these two talk of the many challenges in producing this film e.g. guns not going off, bits of blood not sticking, and the necessity of creating burned down sets. The camaraderie is obvious, while the politics behind the camera are less so.

Horror film fans need to take a look at this instant classic. Dark Night of the Scarecrow was after all the first film to use the wood chipper to bloody delight (according to De Felitta). As well, this re-release pays an homage to the many actors in the film who have now passed away, such as Lane Smith and Jocelyn Brando (sister to Marlon Brando). There is much to review in this title and the use of tension and off-screen violence are some of the elements that keeps this thriller aging gracefully.

Give this title a spin in your player to reminisce of a different age of horror, or to watch this timeless piece for the first time. Either way, you will likely find yourself entertained by a menacing scarecrow, who pitchforks others from the beyond.

Overall: 7.75 out of 10 (-1 for some obvious stunt shots, -1 for not introducing the villains before the action begins, -.25 for an unbelievable court scene).

This film can be purchased at VCI:

Dark Night of the Scarecrow at VCI Entertainment

Or at Amazon:



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Posted in: 2011,charles durning,classic,dark night of the scarecrow,frank de felitta,j. d. feigelson,larry drake,movie review,revenge,scarecrow movie review