Dark Night of the Scarecrow
Dark Night of the Scarecrow

Dark Night of the Scarecrow

1981
Movie
97 min
English

Bubba, an intellectually disabled man, is falsely accused of attacking a young girl. Disguised as a scarecrow, he hides in a cornfield, only to be hunted down and shot by four vigilante men. After they are acquitted due to lack of evidence, the men find themselves being stalked one by one.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: James KenelmGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a small Southern town, a kind-hearted but simple-minded man named Bubba is brutally murdered by a group of rednecks who believe he is responsible for the death of a child he cared for. However, the child's parents, distraught and seeking vengeance, are quickly made aware that Bubba was innocent. Shortly after his death, a terrifying scarecrow begins to appear, seemingly enacting revenge on those who wronged Bubba.

Critical Reception

Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a cult classic horror film, often praised for its unique premise, atmospheric dread, and a surprisingly sympathetic protagonist despite his violent demise. While it may have been overlooked by mainstream critics upon its release, it has garnered a dedicated following over the years for its memorable villain and chilling narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique and unsettling premise of a vengeful scarecrow.
  • Appreciated for its atmospheric and suspenseful build-up.
  • Noted for the sympathetic portrayal of the titular character, Bubba.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's effectiveness as a creepy and suspenseful horror movie, particularly for its era. Many appreciate the iconic imagery of the scarecrow and the satisfying, albeit supernatural, revenge plot.

Fun Fact

The character of Bubba Gant was initially conceived as a more menacing figure, but the filmmakers decided to portray him as a gentle soul to evoke greater sympathy from the audience, making his brutal murder and subsequent supernatural revenge more impactful.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**Of Scarecrows and Men**_ Something horrible happens in a rural community and four yokels are haunted by their part in the tragic event. Their torment increases when mysterious things start occurring. Charles Durning stars as the lead ...
John Chard

John Chard

Bubba Didn’t Do it… Dark Night of the Scarecrow is directed by Frank De Felitta and written by J.D. Feigelson and Butler Handcock. It stars Charles Durning, Larry Drake, Tonya Crowe, Jocelyn Brando, Lane Smith and Claude Earl Jones. Musi...