Dark Night Of The Scarecrow has just had a new Blu-Ray release from British label 88 Films, aptly put on 88’s slasher classics collection line. It was originally a made for television movie from 1981 and even has a 2022 sequel. It is a favourite among slasher/horror fans and some even claim it is the best TV movie ever made, especially from the horror genre. So what does Dark night of the scarecrow have to offer. Also, why is it a very satisfying story with a payoff that sees the film’s antagonists receive their just deserts.
The Story
In a rural American community, idyllic, peaceful and quiet, is a festering hate and prejudice towards one Bubba Ritter, a mentally challenged 36 year old man with the mentality of a child. Befriended by a young girl called Marylee. The two play innocently play together in the rural countryside and embark on small adventures. Their latest adventure results in Marylee being attacked by a dog as poor Bubba helplessly watches. It wasn’t Bubba’s fault and he does mange to retrieve her body. Mrs Williams, Marylee’s mother, answers her front door to a horrifying fright. A distraught Bubba, carrying her daughter’s body. Local Mail worker Otis, who has an obsessive hate and prejudice towards Bubba due to Bubba’s condition and childlike state of mind, hears the news. This is when a world of trouble starts for Bubba. Regardless of Bubba’s innocence, Otis rounds up the boys. They then hunt down innocent Bubba, resulting in the 36 year old man child being slain by Otis and his pack of angry misinformed friends. Well, then the sheriff radios them and states that Marylee has in fact survived to hound attack. She survived because Bubba rescued his young friend from being killed by the aggressive dog.
With the blood of an innocent challenged man on their hands the boys are taken to court and they manage to lie and win the case, leaving the local court house free from any charges. Little to the men’s knowledge their is someone or something out for retribution.
Why I sympathise with Bubba
Let’s look at it. How could you not sympathise with him. He is clearly challenged and has the mind of a child. I know a grown man has no business hanging out with a young little girl unless they are a relative. However it’s clear to everyone that Bubba is harmless and mentally has more in common with Marylee than his adult counterparts. It’s not even as if his murder was a knee jerk reaction. The film shows early on that Otis has a prejudice and unjustified hate towards Bubba.
Why are the antagonists so loathsome?
Otis especially is clearly the ringleader of the gang and uses his influence to encourage his friends to kill Bubba in brutal fashion. I think the narrative is quite relatable because we have all probably encountered people who simply take a dislike to us for no reason whatsoever.
The men are small minded and jump to conclusions. They are arrogant too, as Otis acts as if he is judge jury & executioner. They are also cowards who try to intimidate Bubba’s elderly mother before his slaying. They all act happy when leaving the courtroom showing no empathy and remorse for the death they all unnecessarily caused. They are truly unlikeable, detestable individuals with no real moral compass. They are not, for example, a charismatic likeable villain such as The Joker from Batman.
Why is the Movie so satisfying
After the build up at the beginning of the movie. The viewer develops a sympathy towards Bubba, he did save the young girl and took her home. It’s clear to see how awful Otis is and the satisfying scenes are served up through revenge. The killer is avenging Bubba’s death. Watching the callous murderers being picked off one by one succumbing to tailored fitting deaths is a joy to watch. They shout, they cry and they squirm making their deaths even more satisfying.
Summary
Dark night of the scarecrow is a well made TV movie with a scenic rural location and a certain charm that only older movies can possess. The characters are fleshed out enough to engage the audience. Yea the narrative is somewhat predictable but it’s done brilliantly and what we get is a classic tale of revenge and we can even learn some things along the way. Don’t jump to conclusions and hate will soon become an individuals downfall.
The new Blu-ray has a thin accompanying booklet and a thick slip cover with fantastic newly commissioned art. The amaray case inner sleeve also features the new artwork and also has a reversible cover featuring Cool retro art. There’s plenty of extra on the disk and the release features the latest 4K scan of the tv movie on 1080p Blu-Ray disk.
Movie score: 3.5/5
Release score: 4/5