DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW

Cinemavixion Review

Frank De Felitta's "Dark Night of the Scarecrow" is a chilling folk horror tale that transcends its modest production to deliver genuine dread. The narrative, centering on the tragic injustice faced by Bubba Ritter, a mentally challenged man wrongly accused, is both heartbreaking and suspenseful. Charles Durning's portrayal of the officious postmaster is a masterclass in small-town tyranny, while Larry Drake embodies Bubba with a poignant vulnerability that makes the subsequent events all the more horrific. The film expertly builds an atmosphere of unease, transforming a rural landscape into a hunting ground for vengeance. As the spectral scarecrow emerges, the story delves into themes of mob mentality and the terrifying consequences of prejudice. With a respectable 6.7 rating on IMDb and a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1981 gem offers a potent blend of supernatural terror and social commentary, proving itself a standout within the genre.