MoviVue is shining a spotlight on a chilling gem from the early days of the slasher craze, presenting the 1981 made-for-TV horror classic Dark Night of the Scarecrow.
In the movie, the quiet tranquility of a small rural town is shattered when the lifeless body of young Marylee Williams is discovered. In the ensuing chaos and grief, suspicion immediately falls upon Bubba Ritter, a mentally challenged man. Bubba, a gentle giant, becomes the target of a vengeful gang who, fueled by fear and a rush to judgment, are convinced of his guilt.
Without any real investigation or concrete evidence, the posse embarks on a misguided pursuit of Bubba. The film masterfully builds tension as the innocent man becomes the hunted, forced to flee for his life.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a testament to the power of suspense and character-driven storytelling in horror. While it doesn’t rely on excessive gore, the film creates a palpable sense of dread and injustice as Bubba tries to evade his pursuers.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow was directed by Frank De Felitta, a veteran of television movies known for his ability to craft compelling narratives within the medium’s constraints. J.D. Feigelson and Butler Handcock penned the screenplay, which expertly combines horror, suspense, and social commentary. Charles Durning, Robert F. Lyons, and Claude Earl Jones star.
For those eager to revisit this chilling classic or discover it for the first time, Dark Night of the Scarecrow is readily available to stream on MoviVue. You can watch it on your laptop or download the MoviVue app on various platforms, including Google Play for Android devices, the App Store for iPhones and iPads, Apple TV for your home entertainment system, Roku for seamless streaming, and Amazon Fire TV on your television.
