He’d Ride From The Jaws of Hell

One of the many colorful treasures broadcast on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh tells the thrilling tale of a spectral strawman (actually a British vicar intriguingly named Dr. Syn) who fought against the unfair taxations of tyrannical King George III. Played by Patrick McGoohan, the star of the TV series Secret Agent and the cult-favorite The Prisoner, the Scarecrow was not a villain. Rather, his frightening disguise and unforgettably maniacal laugh were designed to strike terror into the hearts of those who unjustly exploited the poor, making him a bizarre, night-riding Robin Hood. One of the most vividly remembered World of Color presentations, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (Parts 1-3) would make for a wonderfully haunting Halloween treat. This exciting action adventure with a twist is long overdue for a DVD release (it’s been in the hopper at least once, scheduled however briefly as a Walt Disney Treasures DVD at the time I was working on that line). In the meantime enjoy this spectacular comic book cover, issued in April 1964.