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 b...