Dr. Syn, Alias The Scarecrow

Date: 1963
Director: James Neilson
Production Company: Walt Disney productions

Stars: Patrick McGoohan, George Cole, Tony Britton, Michael Hordern, Geoffrey Keen, Patrick Wymark, Robert Brown
Location(s): Rye, Old Romney, Romney Marsh, Dover Castle. Also cited: Whittersham, Tenterden, Stone in Oxney, Dymchurch.

Region(s):

Storyline:

18th century vicar dresses up as a scarecrow to engage in smuggling to help out the local over-taxed and press-ganged populace, much to his majesty’s displeaure. SJ

Additional Information:

Jimmy Snow worked on special effects at both Pinewood and Denham Studios but a name that often remained uncredited, as with this film. An interesting Biography and her Memories of him has been written for us by his granddaughter Brigitte, all of which can be read here.

Can you help:

If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 08 May 2019

Establishment shot of local governor Hordern's spread. Iver Grove, Wood Lane, Iver, Buckinghamshire.

Iver Grove, Iver, Buckinghamshire

Whilst reusing the shot Geoff Dodd provided for 'Carry on Again, Doctor' he tells us that the arch seen in the screen capture is false. Interestingly, the owner told him that originally there was an extension to the side of the house where that false arch was placed that housed a ballroom and was actually larger than the footprint of the house itself. It was, however, demolished shortly after WWII and she has never been able to find a photo of it or even any plans. A return visit by Geoff could well provide a more accurate angled shot. (RL)

  • Capture 2
  • 08 Sep 2014

Church Square form the corner of Watchbell Street, Rye, Kent.

Now. SD

  • Capture 3
  • 'Now' required

McGoohan visits Wymark's more modest spread.

  • Capture 4
  • 14 Oct 2014

Bit dark, as is a lot of the film. Keen with his troops prepare to search for the scarecrow.

Greyfriars Priory, Winchelsea, East Sussex. The ruins are in the grounds of a private house. Photo courtesy of Richard Comotto, with thanks. SD

  • Capture 5
  • 14 Oct 2014

A close-up of Keen. The narrative cites Dover Castle.

Greyfriars Priory, Winchelsea. Photo courtesy of Richard Comotto, with thanks. SD

  • Capture 6
  • 21 Jul 2015

Some dark ruins

Camber Castle, Rye Harbour, East Sussex. SD

  • Capture 7
  • 21 Jul 2015

And again, just before an ambush by McGoohan.

Camber Castle, Rye Harbour, East Sussex. SD

  • Capture 8
  • 15 Sep 2014

St. Clement's Church, Old Romney.

Now. SD

  • Capture 9
  • 15 Sep 2014

Closer shot with Cole and McGoohan.

Now. SD

  • Capture 10
  • 08 Sep 2014

Prisoners are paraded through Rye by the king's men.

No more parading of prisoners through Church Square now. SD

  • Capture 11
  • 08 Sep 2014

Another shot showing the Tudor construction near the corner of Watchbell Street which was the local inn attended by Cole et alii in the film.

Now. SD

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

This could be a close up of Dover Castle. Are those fake chains? Certainly the press gang approaching for the prisoners are fake. They are the scarecrow's men.