Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981) is a masterfully crafted made-for-TV horror film that has more on its mind than jump scares and cheap thrills. With its understated approach and deliberate pacing, the film builds an atmosphere of suspense that lingers long after the credits roll.
Set in a small, rural town, the narrative centers on Bubba, a mentally challenged man wrongfully accused of molesting a young girl. In response to the accusation, a group of vigilantes—driven by fear and prejudice—takes the law into their own hands, resulting in tragic consequences. Following Bubba’s death, the townspeople are plagued by a series of eerie and inexplicable occurrences that seem to be linked to his untimely demise. The scarecrow in the cornfield emerges as a haunting symbol of retribution, blurring the lines between the natural and the supernatural.
The film excels in creating an unsettling mood without resorting to excessive gore or cheap jump scares. The oppressive atmosphere, underscored by the ominous presence of the scarecrow and the eerie quietude of the rural setting, amplifies the sense of dread. The slow-burn pacing allows viewers to become deeply immersed in the story and to forge a connection with the characters.
Performances in Dark Night of the Scarecrow are exceptional. Charles Durning delivers a haunting portrayal of a morally compromised mailman, while Tonya Crowe provides a heart-wrenching performance as the grieving mother. Larry Drake, in his breakout role, offers a memorable and nuanced depiction of the mentally challenged Bubba. Films of much greater stature have handled material like this with far heavier hands. The actors' performances bring depth and complexity to their roles, making them both sympathetic and chilling.
The film’s exploration of justice, guilt, and the supernatural is handled with subtlety and depth. It critiques vigilantism and underscores the importance of due process, presenting the vigilantes' actions as a grave mistake. Additionally, the film raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of justice and the possibility of supernatural vengeance.
Though Dark Night of the Scarecrow may not be as widely recognized as some of its horror contemporaries, it stands as a gem within the genre. Its restrained approach, haunting atmosphere, and strong performances make it a must-see for enthusiasts of horror and psychological thrillers. Its lasting impact stems from its ability to provoke fear, empathy, and contemplation long after the film ends.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow Part 2 marks the long-awaited return to the world of "Dark Night of the Scarecrow," with J.D. Feigelson stepping in as both writer and director this time around. Feigelson penned the original film more than forty years ago, and now, he's bringing his vision to the sequel. However, despite the anticipation, this follow-up struggles to live up to the classic status of its predecessor.
The sequel introduces Chris Rhymer (Amber Wedding) and her young son Jeremy (Aiden Shurr), who have recently relocated to the quaint town of Stubblefield County. Their move from the city to this rural setting raises eyebrows among the tight-knit community, particularly as Chris seems content to work in a local country store. As Chris tries to settle into her new life, Jeremy forms a bond with the elderly caregiver, Aunt Hildie (Carol Dines), and begins talking to an imaginary friend he calls Bubba. Chris, feeling increasingly disconnected and overwhelmed, starts confiding in a worn scarecrow in a nearby field, placing a flower in its lapel—only for the flower to mysteriously return to her each night.
As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Hildie is using Jeremy to reach the spirit trapped within the scarecrow. Compounding the tension, Chris's past resurfaces with dire consequences, revealing that she had been living under witness protection and is now in danger of being found.
While Dark Night of the Scarecrow Part 2 attempts to pay homage to the original, it falls short of capturing the eerie subtleties that made the first film memorable. The sequel fully embraces the supernatural element, with the scarecrow now clearly depicted as containing Bubba's spirit. This departure from the original's more ambiguous supernatural hints might disappoint fans who appreciated the first film's subtlety.
The film's lower budget compared to its predecessor is evident, and while it attempts to leverage effective filmmaking techniques, it lacks the assured direction that marked the 1981 classic. The absence of the original cast, most of whom have passed away or were killed off in the first film, is felt, and the new cast struggles to fill their shoes.
In summary, Dark Night of the Scarecrow Part 2 is a valiant effort to continue the story but ultimately falls short of its predecessor's impact. For those who hold the original in high regard, the sequel may feel like an unwelcome addition rather than a worthy continuation. Despite its attempts to build on the original's legacy, it is likely to be remembered as a distant echo rather than a successful successor.
Overall, this release is a must-have for fans of the original or any horror enthusiast looking to complete their collection of horror's greatest.
Bonus Features:
- New 2023 DNOTS Triple Fan Commentary Track Hosted by Heath Holland (Cereal Midnight Podcaster) and featuring Robert Kelly noted film historian, and super-fan Amanda Reyes, expert on TV movies, author, podcaster!
- Original DNOTS Commentary Track with Writer J.D. Feigelson and Director Frank DeFelitta.
- New 2023 DNOTS2 Commentary by J.D. Feigelson
- Video Feature - “Bubba Didn’t Do It: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” by Daniel Griffith.
- Video Feature – DNOTS Cast Reunion Q&A Recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival.
- Video Feature – 1981 CBS World Premiere Broadcast Promo.
- Video Feature – 1985 CBS Network Re-Broadcast Promo.
- Photo Gallery – Behind the Scenes.