This film takes place in the late 19th century in England where high taxes on certain goods has created a smuggling ring that is operating on the southeast coast in Kent near the small town of Dymchurch. Because England needs the revenue to continue its wars with France and to hold down the rebellion in its American colonies, the decision is made to send a high-ranking officer by the name of "General Pugh" (Geoffrey Keen) to solve the problem using whatever means are necessary. What he doesn't realize is that the entire town has benefited from the smuggling operation in one way or another and as a result many of the townspeople have conflicting loyalties. Likewise, the leader of the smugglers is a costumed man known simply as the "Scarecrow" (Patrick McGoohan) who is as terrifying as he is clever. As a result, General Pugh has to resort to even more harsh methods to ascertain the scarecrow's identity in order to bring him to justice. What he doesn't know is that the Scarecrow has spies everywhere and quite often he is aware of General Pugh's plans before they are even passed on to his soldiers. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film was essentially taken from a 3-part mini-series and condensed into a 98 minute movie. Fortunately, the editing was top-notch and the film itself is one that is quite enjoyable on its own accord with Patrick McGoohan putting in an outstanding performance as both the Scarecrow and under his dual identity "Dr. Syn." That being said, this is one of those movies that can be watched by the entire family and I recommend it to all those who are interested.

Probably not quite right for anyone over the age of 12 and under the age of 55. But it is what it is, more of a 1930s rollocking adventure production than 1960s, but with the benefit of full-colour and the many talents of Patrick McGoohan and some nice horses. The gang's masks are amazing, as it McGoohan's cackling, and the many cunning plans and escapades are just clever enough to satisfy and outwit the dreaded King's men although more analytical teenagers might be more inclined to tear them to shreds. Don't take it too seriously and you'll find that you probably quite enjoy it.

The Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn comes from a series of novels by Russell Thorndike and was inspired by 18th-century smuggling when brandy and tobacco were smuggled into the U. S. to avoid British taxation. The books were originally made as movies in 1937 as Doctor Syn and in 1962 as Captain Clegg, which starred Peter Cushing.

The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh was produced for the Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color TV series. Shot on location in England, it was directed by James Neilson, who also made the Disney movies The Moon-Spinners and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin.

Patrick McGoohan (The Prisoner) plays Dr. Syn in three different parts, which were all edited together to run in British theaters as Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow on a double feature with The Sword in the Stone.

Dr. Syn, a country priest, leads his rebels against the armies of the King of England, who is enslaving American colonists for his Royal Navy. Think of Zorro in the pre-Revolutionary War and you have a good idea of what this is all about,

The first part of the film deals with General Pugh, who has come to the New World to destroy the smuggling ring of Dr. Syn, who is dealing with a traitor in his midst. Finally, Syn rescues his men from General Pugh before faking his death.

I've always been fascinated by Dr. Syn/The Scarecrow, who is nearly a horror movie character within the Disney universe. I was so happy when Disney Adventures magazine started featuring his stories in the 2000s, even crossing his story over with Jack Sparrow from The Pirates of the Caribbean.