Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow (1963) Movie Script
CHORUS: Scarecrow!
Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow
MAN: On the southern coast
of England
There's a legend people
tell of days long ago
When the great Scarecrow
would ride from the jaws
of hell
And laugh
With a fiendish yell
With his clothes
all torn and tattered
Through the black
of night he'd ride
From the marsh to the coast
like a demon ghost
He'd show his face then hide
And he'd laugh
Till he split his side
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The country folk
all loved him just the same
Scarecrow!
He would always
help the farmer
When there was
no gold to bring
He'd find a way
for the poor to pay
the taxes of the King
Scarecrow!
Every man would sing
So the King told
all his soldiers
Hang him high
or hang him low
But never return
till the day I learn
he's gone in flames below
Or you'll hang with
the great Scarecrow
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The country folk
all loved him just the same
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow!
(HORSE NICKERING)
Load up and away, lads.
We'll tweak King
George's nose.
Hurry, hurry,
or I'll lose
the tide. Come on.
He gives me
the shudders.
Do what he says.
That's the whole cargo,
Monsieur Scarecrow.
Your payment, Captain.
Horsemen on the sea
road, Scarecrow.
Excise men.
Douse the lights and go.
You all know your orders.
Hellspite, Curlew,
follow me.
(ALL URGING HORSES)
(NEIGHING)
(CACKLING)
It's him. The Scarecrow.
After him!
There's nobody
hiding in here,
sir.
We headed them
this way.
They must be
around somewhere.
They've vanished.
What are they,
ghosts?
Oh, no, they were
real enough, sir.
But where the
devil are they?
LEAD EXCISE MAN:
Search the place again.
All right, men.
We'll give it up.
There's nobody here.
They've gone.
They're miles away
from where our lads
should be by now.
Light the lantern.
It's the reward
for your capture
they're after, sir.
Not the contraband
we landed.
Mmm.
John, give us
five minutes'
start.
If you don't hear
any shooting,
then you two can
go on your way.
My lord...
Hmm?
I can't understand
why you'd allow
riffraff like this
in your coach.
Christian charity knows
no social barriers,
my dear General.
The man seemed
ill and tired
and asked my help.
General Pugh's right
though, my lord.
You take chances.
The marsh abounds with
The Gentlemen at nights.
"Gentlemen"?
That's what they
call the smugglers
in these parts, sir.
Pack of scoundrels,
I'd give them,
gentlemen.
Eh?
I've my briefing here
from the War Office and
Customs and Excise.
We have plans to smash
these Gentlemen, my lord.
Well, the whole countryside
protects them, General.
Their friends are
everywhere. I don't
envy you your task.
No, I relish it.
The law enforcement's
been too slack down here.
You'll see a change,
I promise you.
(TRUMPET BLOWING)
Halt there,
in the King's name.
COACHMAN: Whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What's this? Why are
we stopping, hmm?
We're looking for a...
Sir. General, sir.
Well, what are
you looking for,
Sergeant?
An escaped prisoner, sir.
Convicted for preaching
treason.
Was to be hanged at Dover
in the morning, but he...
He got away, sir.
Treason?
Yeah, an American,
from the Colonies,
my lord.
You, there.
There he is.
After him!
(GUNSHOTS)
(GRUNTS)
SERGEANT:
Jeffrey, over there.
Search the bushes.
MAN: Go on, get up!
SOLDIER: No sign
of him, Corporal.
SERGEANT: But he
can't be far away.
Try over there!
MAN: Heave ho!
Come on, get up!
SERGEANT: Go on, you.
Take the stream.
(SERGEANT EXCLAIMING)
(URGING HORSE)
GENERAL PUGH:
Mr. Brackenbury.
No sign of him,
Mr. Brackenbury?
No, sir.
The impertinent rogue.
Sergeant,
continue
the search.
Sir. Forward!
Here you are, Vicar.
Sixty-eight kegs of brandy
and 19 bales of silk.
Captain Delacroix.
On Thursday it's the
Dutchman's turn to deliver.
We are doing well,
Sexton.
Why do you go
on taking these
chances, Vicar?
You're not getting
rich on it.
And since they don't
know, the parish
don't thank you.
Well, they can live
and clothe themselves
and their children,
and pay the taxes
in a countryside
bled white by the
King's Parliament
which represents
them, and which buys
and sells votes
as if they were
dealing in cattle.
Ah, you can't change
the way of the world,
Vicar.
No? Unjust laws can
be altered, as well
as made, by men.
There's a new spirit
in the world, Mipps.
Taxed out of existence,
robbed of their
independence by
the King's Government,
the people must fight
back how they can.
Men can't beat
armies, sir.
Ideas can.
Faith can move mountains.
What we're doing here
is just a pinprick,
but a thousand pinpricks
put together will...
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Who's that?
Who are you,
stranger?
Gently, Mipps.
(PANTING)
Dr. Syn, Mother
Hathaway sent
me, sir.
There are troops out
searching for me.
Why? What have
you done?
You're American,
are you not?
Yes, sir.
I've been branded
a traitor
and sentenced to death
for preaching sedition.
You should know this
because I ask
for sanctuary.
Sedition?
That's what
King George
calls our wish
for freedom and
independence, yes.
I can't deny you
sanctuary, Mr...
Bates.
Simon Bates, sir.
Mr. Bates. But it
would not be safe
for either of us
to hide you here.
You'll give me up?
No.
But, Mipps, take him
to Mrs. Waggett's inn.
My sexton will know
what to say to her.
She'll hide you till
the coast is clear.
You, say nothing.
Then, take this,
sir. I stole it
in my escape.
Stole it? Why?
I thought to get
it to someone
hereabouts.
A man I heard
about in prison,
I think they call
him the Scarecrow.
It concerns him.
I was going to trade it
to him in the hope that
he'd help me in return.
For all I hear,
I don't think
you'll find him.
Many have tried and
failed, Mr. Bates.
Aye, he's like
the devil himself
they say,
riding the marshes
like a ghost.
He comes and
goes, they say,
nobody knows where...
I'll deal with
this if I can.
But you must go,
and quickly.
Thank you, sir,
and God bless you.
Quickly.
"General Pugh.
Dispatch of troops,
"subjugate the
whole marsh area.
"Whatever means necessary."
Well, well, well.
I'm giving you fair
warning, Sir Thomas.
And if you're
Justice of
the Peace
in these parts,
you'll want to see
justice carried out.
Mine or any other.
And it hasn't been
up till now,
has it, eh?
Are you telling
me my duty, sir?
I'm a blunt man.
I say what's
in me mind.
You're the law
here and the law
is being flouted.
Revolutionaries
and smugglers
walking the roads.
Wasn't I robbed last night,
not ten miles from here,
in your district?
In your parish,
Parson.
Very well, then,
you wait and see
my justice.
I don't care for
your manner, sir.
There is a definition
of a gentleman that
says, "He is one who
"never wittingly
gives offense."
And what do you
think of that, sir?
(SCOFFS)
And my definition of
a good soldier, sir,
not having had my
commission bought for
me by a gentlemanly father,
but having made me
own way in the army,
is, "One who
achieves his aim
and gets results,
"in the end
justifies
the means."
KATE: Father.
JOHN: General.
And what means
do you intend
to use, sir?
My son, John,
General.
Know that everybody
has a price,
young man,
and for the price
of freedom from the
harrying of my troops,
someone will come
forward in the end
and inform against
this smuggling fellow,
this Scarecrow,
as he calls himself.
And I'll not only be
using troops, either.
What then, General?
I must warn you,
I'm afraid that the
men of this parish
are sturdy
independent folk.
They do not
frighten easily.
And their women?
Women, sir? Women?
You'll frighten
women?
I'll do whatever I think fit
to achieve my purpose here.
I think the women will
talk when they start
to lose their men folk.
The Navy needs
sailors.
I've asked for
the press-gangs,
whose job it is
to get them to
come and help
themselves here
in the King's name,
and none too gently.
General Pugh!
Father, no.
You keep out
of this, Kate.
Press-gangs.
Don't dare mention
those blackguards
in this house.
In fact, sir, I've had
all your talk I can
stomach. Good day.
Sir Thomas!
Well, what have
I said wrong?
My brother
was press-ganged
into the Navy, sir.
Clubbed insensible and
dragged away to sea
on his 18th birthday,
four years ago.
KATE: And no word
from him since.
Now can you understand
my father's feelings?
I can, Miss Banks,
believe me.
The Navy needs men
and must get them how
it can, Mr. Brackenbury.
Do you deny that?
BRACKENBURY: No, sir.
Then hold your tongue.
Thank you for
your hospitality.
If I upset your father,
I'm sorry for it.
But I'm under orders,
and orders are
written to be obeyed.
Madam, Dr. Syn,
Master Banks,
good day.
Your men of the marshes
have asked for rough
treatment,
and that's what
they're gonna get.
I tell you, I will
not tolerate
your troops
burning cottages
on my land.
Why not?
Because the people
here are my people,
General Pugh.
My family have been
squires of Dymchurch
for 200 years.
I'm acting under orders
that you're under, too,
to maintain the law.
You're Justice
of the Peace.
Peace, yes,
and you've brought
war here.
This is a war,
against time.
Offering a reward
for the capture
of this Scarecrow fellow
who leads this rabble
has been useless.
Yes, and so will be
burning, terrorizing.
My people hate you.
All right.
I'll make a bargain
with you, hmm?
I'll call off my men
if you'll help me
try another way.
Yes, well?
Now then.
The marsh people
share equally
the proceeds of these
smuggling runs,
that's the story,
is it not?
So, you're the squire here.
Who among your tenants
has been behind
in his rents
and then paid up recently,
suddenly, inexplicably,
perhaps? Well?
Yes, I see what
you're getting at.
I'll go through my accounts.
Yes, do that. Give me the
names and get the fellows
round to your house
for questioning. They won't
suspect anything if you
ask them there.
Then you leave them to me.
There's one that comes
to mind, you might make
a start with him.
Mmm-hmm.
Difficult fellow.
Bad farmer, too.
A widower with two sons
and an old mother he
treats none too well.
Ransley's the name.
Right. He'll do for
one. Send for him.
Very well.
He'll be round at
my house tomorrow
morning.
Stop this burning,
do you hear?
Your servant, sir.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Joe Ransley, sir.
Morning, sir.
Joseph Ransley,
North Farm,
Bonnington?
You're not much of
a farmer, are you?
Three years of bad
harvests, your sheep
flock down to 60 head.
It's poor land, sir.
I do my best.
Yet you stayed on it.
You got six months
behind with your rent,
and suddenly paid it.
And you've been
paying it ever
since.
Yes, sir.
Well, I...
How?
I've been selling off
some of my sheep, sir.
(GENERAL PUGH SCOFFS)
Sir Thomas never
questioned it, sir.
No? Well, I do.
I don't think you
sold your sheep, Ransley,
I think you're a smuggler.
Smuggler? I'm an
honest man, sir.
Yes?
You suddenly raise
money from selling
sheep?
Where? To whom?
Prove it with dates
and bills of sale.
I don't keep
no bills, sir.
Don't try lying
to me, Ransley,
you paid with
smuggler's gold.
You know who
I'm after.
The man who leads you,
pays you off.
I don't know what
you mean, sir.
Oh, yes, you do,
and I'll give you
a simple choice.
I'll throw you into
jail on suspicion
and I'll keep you
there for questioning
until you rot or...
Jail, sir?
Let me finish.
Or you'll turn
King's evidence.
Tell me all you know
about the Scarecrow's
smuggling gang.
Their movements,
where they meet
and when.
Nobody'll know
you talked, Ransley,
but it's you or them.
I don't know
nothing, sir.
I swear I don't know.
You're under arrest.
No, no, wait,
sir, wait.
Well?
I said I don't
know nothing, sir,
and I don't.
But I may be able
to find out, sir.
I'd try, if you'd
give me a little
time, sir.
I'll give you
48 hours.
You'll either
come forward with
the names of the men
you know to be in
this madman's gang,
these so-called
Gentlemen of
the Marshes,
or you can
rot in jail.
You've got 48
hours, Ransley,
you understand?
Now get out.
RANSLEY: Yes, sir.
I'll find out
all I can, sir.
You'd better.
Well, that's what
I heard, sir.
And one traitor's
enough to get you
hanged.
The rest of us
as well.
Hmm.
And there's a shipment
due from France tomorrow.
General Pugh is staying
at your father's,
did you say?
Your head's really
in the lion's mouth,
isn't it?
They don't
notice me,
sir.
You're going to let me
ride with you tomorrow
night, aren't you?
No, I'm afraid not.
It's too risky.
I don't see why.
I said no,
and you'll
obey orders.
Your task is to
keep your eyes
on General Pugh.
And what about
Ransley, sir?
He's under orders
for tomorrow's run.
Ransley's one of my men,
and has to be protected.
I'm going to Bonnington
this afternoon.
I'll see what frame
of mind he's in.
Hello, Mrs. Ransley.
Nice to see you
getting about again.
Thank you, Vicar.
I've brought something
to cheer you up.
Oh, Vicar,
you shouldn't,
and to come
all this way.
I've a big parish,
Mrs. Ransley.
Not as big as
your heart, Vicar.
You're too kind.
Well, how are you? Joe
and the boys looking
after you properly?
Joe? My stepson looks
after himself, sir.
He don't care
for nobody else.
Oh, that can't be true.
Whatever comforts
we have here, sir,
me and the boys,
is no thanks to him.
It's because
of the...
You won't say I told you?
I'm not supposed
to tell nobody.
I'm as secret as the grave,
Mrs. Ransley, you know that.
It's because
of the Scarecrow
and his smugglers
that we ain't
in debt no more.
And Joe's one of
them. I know it.
Surely not that villain.
He's no villain, sir,
to us poor folk.
Believe me, sir,
if it weren't for him,
there's many hereabouts
would starve.
Joe would betray
the Scarecrow
himself.
I heard him today,
telling the boys,
making them agree to
what he's going to do.
They're afraid of
him, sir. And I'm...
(DOOR OPENS)
Well, Vicar, you
wanted to see me?
Just to say good day
to you, Ransley.
And I brought
these few things
for your mother.
Stepmother.
Time for your
rest. Upstairs.
Yes, Joe.
Yes, Joe.
Yes.
I'm going.
I'm going.
Can I get you
a glass of brandy
before you go, Vicar?
Why, thank you.
Yes, you may
indeed.
Oh, Vicar,
I wanted...
Take care of yourself,
Mrs. Ransley.
Thank you, sir.
I'll call again.
God bless you, sir.
And you, Mrs. Ransley.
Well...
You're very generous
with the brandy,
my friend,
at the price
it is today.
Ah!
It's a bigger price
than you think.
I regret to say
that a great deal of it
in this parish has been
smuggled in by some
misguided men
under the leadership
of this...
This Scarecrow fellow.
I don't know about that.
Scarecrow, Scarecrow.
Why don't nobody talk
about somebody else?
I'm surprised that
among all the men
who work for him,
none has betrayed him yet.
Ah, 'cause many of them
are scared of him,
that's why.
Otherwise they
would betray him?
I don't know.
I'm not aiming to
stay and find out.
There's many men don't
want to spend the rest of
their lives in this part.
It's about no choice.
But there's ways and
means of getting away.
Don't you forget that.
I've got plans.
Well, never mind.
Thank you for calling,
Vicar, good health.
Well, I must get
on my rounds.
I've a busy afternoon
ahead of me.
So have I.
Good day to you,
Ransley.
Good day to you
and goodbye.
JAMES: I've got another
horse and cart, Dad.
RANSLEY: Good. Leave
it in the barn, Jim.
You, George, load
everything we can
take on our cart,
and you help him.
Take it up to the
old Oast House,
at Knoll Hill.
I'll meet you there.
Dad, what are
you planning?
I'll tell you when we
get to the Oast House.
Go on, hurry.
What are you going
to do now, sir?
Make an example
of Ransley
that'll teach the others
a lesson they won't
forget in a hurry.
Mutiny among the
Scarecrow's men
is a worse danger
than the soldiers
are.
Will you have to
postpone tomorrow's
run, then?
Oh, no. That cargo
from France is too
valuable for that.
Yes, but if Ransley
thieves part of it,
he'll make the
Scarecrow look a
fool to all the rest.
The government has
sent an army to
protect us.
The army shall
protect us.
That's where you
come in, John.
Go and tell
Philip Brackenbury
to be at the Knoll
Hill Oast House...
SCARECROW: Help unload.
RANSLEY: Come on,
hurry, lads.
Steady. Hold them.
For your captain.
RANSLEY:
Throw the kegs out first.
Scannel, Davis,
this is the Romney
Village share.
Take the marsh
road eastward.
Hurry, right
and loud.
Sam, to the Hathaways.
This load is for
Dymchurch.
Sir.
Ransley, your load
is for the people
of Bonnington.
Here we go, lads.
RANSLEY: Get a move
on, George. Hurry up.
Whoa. Whoa.
Now, load our gear.
Come on, we've no
time to waste.
What are you going
to do about Granny,
Dad?
Nothing, leave her,
she'd be in the way.
Yeah, but, Dad...
Come on, get
on with it.
Halt, in the
King's name.
Run for it, lads.
SERGEANT: Hold, Ransley.
(GUNSHOT)
(GROANING)
Hold your fire.
(RANSLEY SCREAMING)
The court has heard
the evidence against
these wretched men.
They were caught
red-handed
with 20 kegs of
contraband spirit
in their possession,
defrauding His
Majesty's revenue.
They have no defense.
I demand that an example
should be made of them
as a warning to all
men and to their
infamous leader.
I demand that they
suffer the extreme
penalty of the law.
(BEADLE BANGING STICK)
Unless...
Unless,
as I am instructed
by General Pugh,
they here and now
confide the name
of their leader,
called the Scarecrow.
In which case, the Crown
will not press for their
death by hanging.
I don't know who
the Scarecrow is,
sir.
I tell you,
I don't know,
nobody knows.
But you've seen him,
spoken to him.
Only to get orders.
When he called
a meeting...
I haven't...
Where does he hold
these meetings?
Tell me that.
Different places, sir.
Different every time.
On the beach, on the marsh,
in somebody's barn.
(DOOR OPENS)
Why protect him now?
He betrayed you.
Who is the man,
Ransley?
I don't know, sir.
Or else I'd tell
the court.
I don't want to swing
for the likes of him.
(SPECTATORS CHATTERING)
Silence.
Silence in court.
That concludes the case
for the prosecution,
Your Worship.
Joseph Ransley.
George Ransley.
James Ransley.
The court is left with
no alternative but...
DR. SYN: By your leave,
Your Worship,
I've just returned home
and I found this note.
It's a threat, sir,
and I do not care
for threats.
What's this? Hmm?
"If the Reverend
Dr. Syn speaks for
the prisoners on trial,
"he will answer
to the Scarecrow
with his own life."
(SPECTATORS EXCLAIMING)
(BANGING STICK)
Who would want
to threaten
you, Parson?
Were you about
to speak for these
ruffians in the dock?
How would he
know that?
Well, General,
words get spread,
I suppose. I had
mentioned to my
sexton, Mipps,
a point of law that
had occurred to me
regarding this case,
and Mipps is not averse
to an audience at the inn
where many people
spend their evenings.
(SPECTATORS LAUGHING)
What point of law, Vicar?
Well, one which,
if you will
allow me,
would certainly save
these unhappy prisoners
from punishment,
were it proved true.
I object to this
interruption,
Your Worship.
The Crown demands...
If you please,
Mr. Fragg.
What is this point
of law that occurred
to you, Vicar?
Well, sir, would
this arch smuggler,
knowing that the prisoners
were false to him, as
undoubtedly he did,
would he waste 20 kegs
of expensive spirit
to bait his trap?
(STAMMERING) I wondered if
the contents of the kegs
have been examined.
If indeed they
contain contraband,
then, of course,
the prisoners
must stand
condemned,
but should they not
be examined first?
Has counsel
for the Crown any
objection to this?
No. No, of
course not.
Beadle,
go and open
the kegs.
DR. SYN: General,
I trust I can rely
on the protection
of your troops
for coming forward
after this threat
to my safety.
Of course,
of course.
(SPECTATORS MURMURING)
Well, Beadle?
Your Worship,
the kegs are
filled with sea water.
Every one we've tried.
Sea water?
Sea water?
There is no law in England
that can hang a man or
even imprison him
for carrying kegs of water.
(ALL LAUGHING)
The case is dismissed.
The prisoners Ransley
can go free.
You incompetent!
I thought you were
a fool and now I
know you are.
You bungled this
whole business.
Yes, General.
Trying to take the law
into your own hands.
Get out of my sight.
Report back to
Dover Castle.
Thank you, Vicar.
Thank you for
what you've done.
You've escaped
the law, Ransley,
but your Scarecrow
leader won't let
you escape him.
Nor any of his men who
know you for a traitor if
you stay in this district.
You'd best get away,
as far as you can.
You got off this hook,
but you're still
on mine, Ransley.
You've till tonight,
that's all.
Keep a close watch
on Ransley.
Off you go.
And you can
watch Mr. Fragg,
the prosecutor.
(ALL CAROUSING)
(MERRYMAKING STOPS)
Good evening to you.
Sherry, please.
Rum for me, Mrs.
Waggett, please.
This case you
came down for
must have been a great
disappointment
to you, sir.
And who might you be?
Me, sir?
Mr. Mipps, sir.
Sexton, verger,
carpenter and
undertaker.
And what is more,
right-hand man,
in matters spiritual
and otherwise,
to the Vicar,
Dr. Syn.
Indeed.
You seem to mind every
kind of business,
except your own.
Oh, that's very
good, sir.
Very good.
If you want to
know anything about
anyone in these parts,
I'm the man
to come to.
And being a servant
of the church, the
soul of discretion.
And on the side
of the law.
Mmm.
Well, I suppose you'll
be on your way back
to London tomorrow,
now that your
business here
is over.
Perhaps it isn't,
Mr. Mipps.
Perhaps it isn't.
Allow me, sir.
It's an honor
for me.
MIPPS: Thank you.
To your very good
health, sir.
Yes, I felt for you
in the court, today.
FRANK: Did you?
Hmm.
Well, and your very
good health, too.
You say you are
on the side of
the law, Sexton?
Well, naturally
I am, sir.
The law was
thwarted today.
You realize that?
Ah, that Ransley's
a villain, sir.
A villain.
It was a wicked
miscarriage
of justice.
How far away does
this Ransley live?
Oh, about an hour's
ride on a good
horse, sir.
Can you get me a good
horse, without all the
world knowing, tonight?
Tonight, sir?
Why tonight?
Can you get me
a good horse,
Sexton?
Yes, yes, yes, yes,
I can get that
for you, sir.
But mum's the word, eh?
I'll meet you at
the fork in the sea
road in half an hour.
I'll have the horse
for you there. Right?
Oh, well.
Time for home and
bed. Good night,
Mrs. Waggett.
Good night, sir.
Good night, boys.
ALL: Good night, Mr. Mipps.
(BANGING ON DOOR)
Oh, it's you, eh?
What do you
want with me?
To talk to you.
The prosecutor's
just gone in.
I know,
I followed him here.
Are all the
Ransleys there?
No, only him.
The boys have run away
and the old lady's gone.
How can we hear
what's going on?
This door leads
to the kitchen.
RANSLEY: I'm getting
out of here.
FRANK: Run away?
Where are you
going to run?
This Scarecrow fellow,
or his followers,
will stop you going,
unless you stop
them first.
Your life
isn't worth that
unless I help you.
Which I won't do
without you help me.
You can't touch me now.
You can't try me twice
for the same offense.
You were acquitted
by a trick.
You didn't know
there was water
in those kegs.
The Scarecrow
knew it, Ransley,
and if he knew that,
he knows you
plan to run.
I've got to run.
Not only from him
and the others.
General Pugh's
after me, too.
General Pugh?
To put me in jail
unless I turn
King's evidence.
You tell me what
I want to know
and I'll offer you
something much
better than that.
What do you mean?
The reward for
your leader,
Ransley.
Give me the names of
the rest of your gang
so that I can bring
them to trial.
(RANSLEY EXCLAIMS IN CONTEMPT)
RANSLEY:
And get me throat
cut for certain?
FRANK: You'll get it
cut if you stay
and if you run.
Oh, leave me alone,
can't you?
Listen to me.
The Department of Revenue
will protect you,
if you talk.
I can't talk.
They won't even
know it was you,
and even if they did,
you'll be a hundred
miles away,
with enough money to
start another life.
They'll kill
me for sure.
They won't know.
You won't even have
to appear in court.
Your written statement's
all I need
and the signal system
and the hiding places
for your loot.
That'll do you no good.
I don't know who
the Scarecrow is!
He'll come forward
when we've hanged
a few of his men,
or someone will
give him up. You
leave that to me.
Give me some
names, Ransley.
You owe him nothing.
And you can buy
your freedom.
You,
the Scarecrow,
General Pugh...
You're driving me
out of my head.
Talk, and there'll be
999 more like this.
The reward, you
fool. Keep out of
General Pugh's way.
Bring your list
of names to me.
Twenty will do.
I'll meet you this time
tomorrow night at
the castle ruins,
and you can have
the rest. Then
you will be safe.
Safe from General Pugh
because you'll have
done your duty,
and safe from all
the rest, as well.
Fail me, and you
are finished.
Nobody'll know?
Nobody.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Ah, Mr. Prosecutor.
What do you want
at this hour?
I thought you left on
the London mail coach.
I'll leave when
my business here
is finished.
You called me incompetent
after today's fiasco.
I've come to tell you
that I'll make you
eat those words.
You have, have you?
And how will you
make me do that?
By bringing to
justice enough of
the smugglers here
to smash the Scarecrow
gang and probably
catch him, too.
Just like that, eh?
Well, well, well.
And when will this
haul take place,
may I ask?
This time
tomorrow night.
Hmm.
I want to make sure
you'll be here
to help me.
Help you? How?
Supply me with
an armed escort
when I go to round
up these criminals.
I don't imagine they'll
come along without a
struggle, General.
What have you
found out, lawyer?
Have a squadron of
your troops ready,
standing by at the old
monastery tomorrow
night at this hour,
and I'll tell you then.
I'll show you, General.
Tomorrow night
at this hour, eh?
Very well, I'll ride
with the troops myself.
Thank you. Good night
to you, General.
Mr. Fragg,
I hope this time you've
not bitten off more
than you can chew.
It's a good thing there
are more brains in
my profession
than the evidence
would seem to show
there are in yours.
Good night again.
Ransley will sell
us all, you can
be sure of that.
Selling the freedom,
even the lives, of 20
of his fellow marsh men
won't bother him.
We should stop
him now.
Get rid of
him, sir.
There'll be plenty
willing to do it.
Ransley's planning
to hand over
to the law.
I have a better plan.
One that'll teach
a lesson to all
would-be traitors
and to King George's
revenue men who offer
blood money.
(OWL HOOTING)
(BIRD SQUAWKING)
Ransley?
(BIRD SQUAWKS)
Ransley?
(SCREAMING)
(CACKLING)
(SNEEZING)
(GRUNTING)
Why have you brought
me here like this?
I ain't done nothing.
Untie me, curse you.
I'll fight any two
of you.
What's wrong with you?
You're my mates.
I'm one of you, ain't I?
SCARECROW: No, Ransley.
(SCARECROW BANGING)
This court is
now in session.
Uncover the second
prisoner's eyes
so that he can see the
Scarecrow's justice.
You pack of scoundrels.
In the King's name,
I demand that you
release me.
Gag him.
Now the indictment
against the first
prisoner.
Joseph Ransley,
you stand charged
with treachery.
How say you,
guilty or not guilty?
I ain't hurt you
none, Scarecrow.
Guilty or not guilty?
Not guilty, curse you.
(ALL GRUMBLING)
First witness, Curlew.
"I, the undersigned,
witnessed the accused
Ransley's conversation
"with the prosecutor
for His Majesty's
Department
"of Customs
and Excise
"on the night
of the 16th."
What?
SCARECROW: "During
which conversation,
the said Ransley
"agreed to turn
King's evidence
"against the rest of
us assembled here."
(ALL EXCLAIMING)
Silence!
"Further, the accused
agreed to hand over
20 names
"of men in our organization
and to sell this list for gold
"to Prosecutor Fragg."
That's a lie. I ain't
even spoken to him,
except in the court.
That time the parson
got me off.
You're lying, Ransley.
You were offered gold
to betray your friends.
No.
This gold.
(ALL EXCLAIM)
SCARECROW: Taken from
Prosecutor Fragg,
who came to keep his
bargain with you.
Next witness.
Hellspite.
"I, the undersigned, witnessed
the second prisoner,
Prosecutor Fragg,
"in the company of Mipps,
the sexton of Dymchurch,
"at the fork in the sea road.
"I followed the said
Fragg across the marsh
to the accused's cottage.
"This on the night
of the 16th."
Lies. It's all lies.
(ALL MURMURING)
SCARECROW: Silence!
Stand down.
And now my deposition,
Ransley.
On the last run
of my Gentlemen,
you attempted to steal
from us, were caught
and put on trial.
I didn't hurt you none,
and I was acquitted.
Through the intercession
of a parson
who disobeyed
my instructions
not to interfere.
I'll deal with him later.
You told the prosecutor at
your trial that you would
betray me if you could,
in spite of the oath
you made with me.
The oath that every
man here has taken.
If a man thinks he's
going to be hanged,
and his sons with him,
he'll say anything.
What kind of man
will sell his friends
to the hangman
for gold, Ransley?
I ain't done that.
And never intended to?
No.
Empty his pockets.
Here are the names
he would sell.
Perhaps your names
are among them.
You were taking that
note to the prisoner,
Fragg, tonight?
All right,
curse you,
so I was.
You think you own us all.
You were going to kill me.
You drove me sons away
and the army
was after me.
Cheat, liar, traitor.
Convicted by your
own words.
Gentlemen of the jury,
how say you?
Is the prisoner
guilty or not
guilty?
ALL: Guilty! Guilty!
(CLAMORING)
Guilty it is.
And this court sentences
you to die accordingly.
You dog, you're
not fit to live.
What are you
going to do?
Oh, no.
SCARECROW:
Gag him, Hellspite.
No, no, don't.
(RANSLEY SCREAMING)
SCARECROW: And spare us
seeing him die a coward
as well as a traitor.
You, Curlew,
cover the lanterns.
(RANSLEY GROANING)
Uncover the lanterns.
(ALL MURMURING)
Justice is done.
So end all men
who would betray
the Scarecrow
and the people
of the marshes.
(SCREAMING)
Let him go.
Curlew, give my
Gentlemen the
King's gold.
Share it among you,
and remember the
Scarecrow's justice.
Now go, quickly.
Let him down.
(SNICKERING)
(GRUNTS)
CURLEW: Oh. I thought...
I thought he was...
No. He's fainted.
I was afraid
he'd come to
while Fragg
was still here.
(GROANING)
Ransley.
Oh, no, no.
You're dead,
Ransley. Dead.
To all the men of
the marsh, who would
otherwise kill you.
I give you one hour to
cross the county line
and away from here,
otherwise you'll
really die.
You're dead,
run for your life!
(CACKLING)
Is the coffin ready?
Aye, sir.
I finished
it yesterday.
(LAUGHING)
Laughter, Sexton?
Have you no respect
for the dead?
Drive on. Drive on.
Well, sir, as you said,
"So end all traitors."
And the Scarecrow's men
still ride the marshes.
Can nobody stop
the villain?
They'll still try,
sir. Don't worry,
they'll still try.
Look.
(SNEEZING)
Save some space in your
graveyard, Parson,
for the Scarecrow.
Because I swear to
you he'll be there.
(SNEEZING) And soon.
Well, good luck
to you, General,
and take care with
that cold you have.
Forward.
Your orders were
to stamp out this
smuggling,
yet in the weeks
you've been down
there, it's grown worse.
Well, sir? Well?
The whole countryside
protects
the smugglers and their
leader, Your Majesty.
They see him
as a benefactor.
Protects! Protects!
My home secretary
bombards me with figures of
the drop in excise duties.
I have to listen
to sly jokes at
my expense,
at my army's expense.
Cartoons appear in
the public press,
showing me dancing
like a puppet on
strings,
held by this fellow
they call the Scarecrow.
I sent you extra troops
and what happens?
Nothing! Nothing!
By making a fool of
yourself, you make
a fool of me.
I'm doing my best,
sir, but as I said...
Your best is not
good enough, General.
You let this scoundrel
slip through your
fingers, didn't you?
Well, sir?
Well?
I did everything
in my power...
Silence!
I should relieve you
of your command,
perhaps.
Eh? Eh, sir?
If you'll give me
a little more time...
Time! Time!
I have a war in France,
rumors of insurrection
in America,
and I must give
you time?
More money,
more men to
deal with
a pack of smuggling
yokels in my
own country?
You're incompetent
and lax, General.
I'll stamp out this
business, Your Majesty.
I give you my word.
(SCOFFS)
Just one month, sir.
I'll give you
one month.
The War Office
said that you were
a hard man, General.
Well, sir, be hard.
Do you hear me, eh?
Be hard.
Now, go back to
your command and
use your brains.
SERGEANT: Any sign of him?
SOLDIER: No, Sergeant.
Oi! Let's make for
the hills. Forward!
Oh, hang it all,
Vicar,
you'd think I might
beat you once
in a while.
He's as clever
as a fox.
Do you play,
General?
No, I haven't got
the patience
for games.
But you hunt
the fox though,
don't you, sir?
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
GENERAL PUGH: Well?
General Pugh, sir.
Squadron searching
the marshes,
cooperating with
the naval pickets.
I know, I know.
All the press-gang men
who jumped ship at
Dover have been
recaptured, sir.
GENERAL PUGH: Good.
SERGEANT: Except one.
What?
A man was seen
heading for Dymchurch
an hour ago,
but we lost him.
Permission to carry
out house-to-house
search, sir?
Yes.
Sir.
Every house,
you understand,
and thoroughly.
Spare no one.
This is the chance
I've been waiting for
to turn this place
inside out.
I don't wonder
a deserter would
head this way.
Why, General?
Because your people here
are lawless themselves.
They shield this
Scarecrow and his
smugglers, don't they?
You have no proof
of that.
They do.
And if I find one of
them, any of them,
hiding a deserter,
there'll be some
hanging here.
Well, good night,
Sir Thomas.
It's time I was
getting home.
Good night to
you, Vicar.
JOHN: I'll see you
to the gate, sir.
DR. SYN: General.
(WHISPERING) If they
search every house,
they'll find Mr. Bates,
the American rebel
you're hiding.
We'll have
to move him.
Come on.
If you're the deserter,
we're here to help,
not harm you.
I'm Dr. Syn,
Vicar of Dymchurch.
Dr. Syn?
I can't believe it!
After all these years.
Do you know him, John?
It's Harry,
your brother.
I didn't recognize
you, either. You've
grown so much.
And you with a beard.
(CHUCKLING)
JOHN: And you used
to be fat!
Have you just come?
I had to wait
till it was dark.
Anyone here
would know me.
Why, Harry,
come in the house.
Well, Father's
there and...
Really, I can't.
There's soldiers
there.
I saw them through
the window.
Harry.
You heard General Pugh.
They hang deserters
from the Navy.
Harry's the man
they're looking for.
The marshes
are now under
military law, sir.
I have my authority
from the King.
If you have any objection,
complain to him,
sir, not to me.
Thank you for dinner
and good night.
Good night to you, sir.
Madam,
Mr. Brackenbury.
General.
Won't you let Philip
stay a little longer?
Just as a favor
to me? Please?
Very well.
Speak to Father now.
All right, Kate.
Could I talk to you
a moment, sir?
Hmm.
Have I your permission to
ask for Kate's hand, sir?
No, sir. You have not.
I understand that your family
regards you as independent
and rebellious,
and they've cut you
off. Am I right?
Well, yes, sir,
it's true, my
father and I...
And that you live
on your army pay.
How am I to know
that you're not
more interested
in Kate's fortune
than her hand?
As Kate's father, sir,
you may consider it
your privilege
to question my honor,
but I'm afraid I do not.
Good night,
Sir Thomas.
Good night,
Mr. Brackenbury.
I'm leaving. There's
nothing more to
say after that.
Isn't there something
to say to me?
Father fights
everybody.
He only respects those
who fight him back,
and so do I.
Aren't you going
to fight for me?
Oh, Kate.
Do you know,
when we're in port,
we're netted below
decks like cattle?
Fed and watered and
penned and driven to
the slaughter, we...
What's this? Vicar?
Hello, Father.
Harry?
Harry.
It can't be!
It can't be you!
After all these
years, boy.
I thought you...
I thought you
were dead.
Only half dead,
Father.
You look it. Why are
you here, hiding like
a criminal, hmm?
I am a criminal, sir.
Harry's the deserter
they're looking for,
Sir Thomas.
You deserted?
Escaped.
They took me by force,
and I got away by force.
Four years of my
life they've had.
Want to see the
decorations I got
in the King's service?
I'm no longer going
to be treated
like a dog.
My dear boy.
Come over to the house,
you look starved.
I am, sir.
You can't go to
the house, sir.
Philip Brackenbury's
still there.
I must get you away.
Leave this to me,
Sir Thomas, will you?
Yes, but how
will you...
And ask no questions.
If you know nothing,
then you'll not
have to lie
when the Navy
comes searching.
I'll see you
again, boy. As
soon as I can.
Don't worry,
my sexton and I
will deal with this.
Go with your
father, John.
Good night, sir.
(WHISPERING) Do you think
he heard or saw anything?
I don't know, sir.
But if he did,
we'll soon find out,
and so will Dr. Syn.
I must warn him
to get Harry
away at once.
My family.
Hundreds of years of
pride and privilege.
I wonder what
they'd think
of me now,
running away
like a stray dog.
Cover that lantern.
All well, Mipps?
Yes, sir.
John warned me
just in time. I
got Mr. Bates here
out of the inn,
five minutes before
the soldiers came.
Mr. Harry,
I couldn't believe it
when I heard.
It's good to
see you, sir.
Harry, this
is Simon Bates
from America.
He's hunted
by the law,
too.
Mr. Banks.
How do you do,
Mr. Bates?
Deserter?
No, preaching sedition.
Freedom for
the Colonies.
Mipps, tell them
where they're to go.
Yes, sir.
Yes. Mr. Bates, you
remember broken barn
in the Bonnington Hills?
Take Mr. Harry with
you and hide there
till I send word.
Enter through
the barn doors,
and under the
fourth beam
there's a trap
door leading to
an underground stable.
An underground stable?
That's right.
You'll be perfectly
safe there.
We'll get food to
you as you need it,
but whatever you do,
keep undercover.
Mr. Mipps, Dr. Syn,
you're taking
a big risk.
So are you, and
you're wasting time.
Come on, off you go.
There are soldiers and
pickets everywhere, sir.
How are you going
to get the two
of them out?
By the first ship
that delivers for
the Scarecrow.
You hope.
Hope is brightest
when it dawns
from fears.
Two men coming.
Halt, in the
King's name.
What's this?
We caught him
and another one
besides, sir.
Call off the search,
we have them.
That...
That's Mr. Harry,
Sir Thomas' son.
Who are you?
All right.
You'll find your tongue,
I promise you.
You're going to be sorry
you were ever born,
the pair of you.
Take them both
to Dover Castle.
You'll either give me
the information I want,
here and now, or I'll
hand you over to more
forcible persuasion.
I could have you
hanged today,
both of you.
Apart from your
stealing from me,
you're already condemned,
and you stand condemned
a deserter.
But turn King's evidence,
I'll spare your lives.
Who sheltered you
all this time?
This Scarecrow
who flouts the
law down here?
No.
Then one of his men?
Must have been.
Answer me.
No.
And why did you head
for these parts?
Who did you think
would hide you?
This Scarecrow,
because he helped
another scoundrel
escape the King's service?
Who are your
friends here?
Talk, and I'll exchange
their lives for yours.
Take them to the
dungeons, and see what
answers you can get,
by whatever means.
Yes, sir. March!
SOLDIER: The Vicar
of Dymchurch, sir.
Dr. Syn.
Well, what do you
want here, Parson?
I have my duties, General.
I'm chaplain to the jail.
I'm here to serve
Holy Communion to
the prisoners.
I normally report
to the garrison
commander
before I do so.
And Master Banks?
To assist me, sir.
Well, it's not
a duty I relish,
myself.
The stench in the dungeon
is strong enough to build
another wall on.
Our duties are not
always made easy.
For any of us.
But the end justifies
the means, eh?
BRACKENBURY: Even when
those means include
torture, General?
Mr. Brackenbury's
talking of those
swine who just left.
To be tortured?
They hold the key to
unlock the conspiracy
of silence
which protects
this Scarecrow
madman,
and I intend to get it.
That's my duty.
Tell me one thing, sir.
If they had told
you what they knew
when you promised
them their lives,
would you have kept
your side of
the bargain?
(SCOFFS)
Don't be a fool.
They're to hang,
anyway.
Of course, sir.
With your permission, sir,
I'll go to the dungeons now.
Your servant, sir.
I need an ally here.
I wonder if I've
found one.
Wake up!
On your feet!
Show some respect
to the chaplain,
you dogs.
Kneel.
Lift up your hearts
in hope and trust.
Let us pray.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Open up! Naval picket!
By your leave,
Reverend.
I want six men.
Come on, step lively
if you don't want
a rope's end
across your backs.
Get them chained!
Press-ganged,
the poor devils.
You lot will board
the lugger for
H.M.S. Defiant.
Wave your mates
goodbye, you dogs.
We're gonna make
men of you.
You obstinate dogs.
We haven't finished
with you yet.
PETTY OFFICER:
Here we are
again, mate.
Six less mouths
for you to feed.
March!
God be with you
and have mercy
on you.
I'm about to conduct
a service here, Jailer.
I should like to
be alone with
the prisoners.
But it ain't safe,
your reverence.
Let me be judge
of that. Leave us.
Oh, Harry!
They didn't
make us talk.
Hello, Vicar.
We ran out
of luck.
Get up, John. Get up.
The rest of you,
kneel again.
And listen to me.
Does the naval picket
come and go like that
to take men to the ships?
Yes, sir,
we never know when.
DR. SYN: I see.
Harry, Mr. Bates,
I don't know by
what means,
but somehow,
I'm going to get
you away from here
before Pugh
breaks your spirit
as well as your body.
They'll never break us.
And we'll never talk.
There's no way out
of here, except in
a coffin, not for us.
There must be. Trust me.
All of you. Somehow,
I will get you free.
Free? Free, sir?
Not so loud.
Repeat after me.
"Letteth now thy servant
depart in peace."
ALL: "Letteth now thy
servant depart in peace."
"For mine eyes have
beheld thy salvation."
ALL: "For mine eyes have
beheld thy salvation."
I wanted to fly
at them for what
they've done to Harry.
Poor Bates.
You did very well
in there, John.
Do you...
You really
think you...
You'll be able to
help them escape,
sir?
I... I don't know.
I have an idea.
It's a wild gamble,
an outside chance.
Stand against the
door a minute, boy.
Hmm, pretty good,
though I say so myself.
Here it is, sir.
I hope it works.
It's the key to
the whole plan.
What is the
plan, sir?
The Scarecrow will
tell you that tonight.
Get word to all our men,
there'll be a meeting
at 10:00 tonight at
Five-Mile Barn.
Tonight?
Time is running out.
Get on your way, Mipps.
Here they are.
SCARECROW: All here?
SAM: All who
were asked for.
There's shipment
due from Holland
tomorrow night.
There's a change of plan.
We will not be
taking the cargo.
We shall take the ship!
ALL: Ship?
I have business,
export business,
not import,
to transact
from Dover.
There are some
prisoners in
the castle.
They have asked
for my help.
I intend to release them.
Release them, Scarecrow? How?
Twelve men will board
the Dutchman's ship.
Force him to sail her
into St. Margaret's Bay,
this side of Dover.
Heave to there,
and bring two
boats ashore.
Six others will report
to Hellspite, masked,
at Dymchurch
graveyard, 8:00.
Sam, Ben Davis,
you will be required to
enter the castle dungeon.
(SMUGGLERS MURMURING)
You will be led
by the Vicar of
Dymchurch, Dr. Syn.
The Vicar?
Why's that?
He's under my orders,
too. He has no choice.
And the squire's
son, John.
I have proof that
they gave shelter to a
deserter from the Navy.
This proof will be
given to General Pugh
if they refuse to
help me with my plan.
They will hang.
You mean you
blackmailed
the Vicar?
To keep my word
to those who ask
for help,
I'd blackmail
the King himself.
My plan is set.
Ben Davis?
You trust me?
All of you?
Or will you stand
forward now, and say
that you're afraid?
I trust you, Scarecrow.
I ain't afraid.
Nor me.
But the Vicar?
Leave Dr. Syn to me.
I have him like that.
And the boy.
Tomorrow night,
the Scarecrow
and his Gentlemen
will thumb their noses
at General Pugh
and the King's injustice.
Be on time!
Our orders are to
get the press-gang
uniforms.
Who are these men?
HELLSPITE: Never you mind.
Put this on, young master.
Now, follow me.
To you fair ladies
now at land
We men at sea indict
But first would
have you understand
How hard it is to write
HELLSPITE: Mrs. Waggett will
look after the drummer boy.
(GRUNTING)
(GRUNTING)
HELLSPITE: Right.
Off with their uniforms,
mates, and don't tear them.
You'll come to
no harm, lad. Go on,
take off your uniform.
HELLSPITE:
Then tie the
buzzards up.
Upstairs, missus.
Upstairs!
(SCREAMS)
Now, come on,
hurry up, lads.
(DRUMMING)
Halt!
Who goes there?
Naval picket for
the pressed men
in the jail, sir.
I'll escort them.
GUARD 1: Sir.
Forward.
You wait outside the gate,
powder monkey.
What are you
trying to do,
sir?
Release the prisoners
from injustice
and torture.
Isn't that what
you want?
How will you open
the dungeon?
Even the Vicar will
hang, dressed like that,
if they catch us now.
JAILER 1: Why don't
you give up, then?
JAILER 2: No.
JAILER 1:
I'm finished, anyway.
And it's time for
me to do the rounds.
JAILER 2: Sit down.
Later for that.
JAILER 1:
I'm late already.
Sit down. Your deal.
JAILER 2:
I give the orders here.
Come on, your deal.
You didn't shuffle
them cards very
well, did you?
JAILER 1: Yes,
I did. You saw me.
It was a fair deal.
JAILER 2: Fair
to you, maybe.
JAILER 1: My trick.
JAILER 2: All right,
but you can take that
grin off your face.
JAILER 1: What's wrong?
It was your idea to
go on playing anyway.
My trick.
JAILER 2: Your trick?
Your trick?
It's unnatural.
There. Take that one.
JAILER 1: Like this?
JAILER 2: What?
JAILER 1: That's
mine. And that.
And the next two.
Your deal.
JAILER 2: Wait.
Give me that card.
(LOCK CLICKS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(DOOR CREAKS LOUDLY)
What was that?
I'm Dr. Syn.
Keep quiet and do
as you're told.
We'll get you
away from here.
Will you be able
to walk? Feel
strong enough?
No noise.
We have to chain
you together,
so that it looks
correct when you are
crossing the courtyard,
so that one of you doesn't
make a break for it and
spoil everything.
(SHUSHING)
DR. SYN: Down!
(THUDS)
(WINDOW OPENS)
All right. Quickly.
Quickly.
Nothing. The louts
have probably
been fighting.
Let's get on
with the game.
JAILER 2:
It don't make
any difference.
I haven't won a hand yet.
JAILER 1:
I'm not surprised,
the way you play.
JAILER 2: All right, then,
we'll play one more hand.
Double or quit.
JAILER 1:
How are you gonna
settle if you lose?
You owe me a week's
pay already.
JAILER 2: Stop gabbing!
If I could get half
the talk out of
them two prisoners
Pugh gave me to work on
as I get out of you...
Wait a minute.
My trick.
JAILER 1: It's my trick.
JAILER 2: It's my trick!
JAILER 1: It's mine,
I played the king.
JAILER 2: It's mine,
I played the king!
JAILER 1: No, you didn't,
you played the jack.
JAILER 2: No, I didn't.
JAILER 1: Yes, you did.
You played the jack.
JAILER 2: Are you
calling me a liar?
JAILER 1:
You played the jack!
JAILER 2: I'll crack
your skull, you...
(DOOR OPENING)
GENERAL PUGH: Halt!
What's this?
Naval picket for
the pressed men,
sir.
(PLAYING DRUM ROLL)
Straighten up,
you mangy dogs!
You're in the King's
service now.
Quick march!
(JOHN PLAYING DRUM)
(PLAYING LIVELY TUNE)
What the devil?
Hellspite of The Gentlemen,
at your service, Squire.
The Gentlemen?
You smuggling
scoundrels, what do
you want in my house?
You, Squire,
and your daughter.
Why you...
Quiet and easy,
now, Squire.
No hollering
for servants,
or my friend here'll
have something to say.
The Scarecrow
needs you.
The Scarecrow!
To act as hostage
while he does a little
business, Squire.
Come quiet, you'll
not be harmed.
Make trouble,
I'll blow your
brains out.
There's a carriage
waiting in the lane.
Now, not a word,
so no one gets hurt.
I was told to bring
you as far as here,
then leave you.
God bless you all.
I have to leave
you, Harry.
You're a brave boy.
Give my love to
Father and to Kate,
and say I wish
I could have
seen them.
Hurry, John.
Coming.
Goodbye, Harry.
Good luck.
Here's payment for some
passengers you're to
take to Holland.
Passengers?
From here?
Scarecrow.
You rogue, what do
you want with my
daughter and me?
You'll thank me
before the night
is out, Squire.
What the devil?
SCARECROW: Here are your
passengers, Dutchman.
DUTCHMAN:
Come on, hurry, hurry!
Harry! Harry,
you're free. How?
What do you say
now, Squire?
Kate, it's your brother.
Harry?
Is it really you?
Why, you've grown
into a beauty.
Take them to Holland
where they can board
a boat for America.
America?
Take them off, mijnheer.
You're in enemy waters,
you smuggling rogue.
Time to go,
Mr. Banks.
My men will
escort you
home, sir.
Your servant,
Mr. Banks.
Good luck.
SIR THOMAS:
So short a time.
Goodbye, Harry.
Take care.
Write to us,
remember us.
I will. Goodbye.
KATE: Goodbye, Harry.
SCARECROW:
Hurry. Get aboard.
A new life, gentlemen,
the New World and
freedom very soon.
Bon voyage!
And you suspected nothing
when you took the picket
to the dungeons?
I had no reason to,
sir. Their papers
were in order.
(SCOFFS)
(STAMMERING)
They didn't come to
me for the key, sir.
Neither did you.
But they had a key.
How?
Didn't that seem
strange to you?
No, sir. I'm not
familiar with
jail procedure.
The men's actions
seemed normal
and natural.
The deserter,
the American,
they had the answer
to everything I want.
Through them,
I'd have smashed
the smuggling here.
You fool. Why didn't
you see them
or hear them taken,
if you were on duty?
Unless you were
drunk or fighting.
No. No, sir.
Get out!
Yes, sir.
Imposters walk into the
castle and out again
with prisoners
right under your
very nose?
You saw them, sir.
You were at the gate
when they marched through.
It's all in my
report, sir.
Yes. Yes, it's all
in your report.
I sent a copy to the
Admiral, sir, about
the deserter's escape.
To the Admiral?
And another copy to
the Director of Public
Prosecutions, sir.
The Director of
Public Prosecutions who
will report to the King.
Thank you, Mr. Brackenbury,
that was very thorough of you.
My duty, sir.
Duty?
Dismiss.
"General Pugh
was at the gate."
Well, Sir Thomas,
this is a strange
story you tell me.
But, scoundrel or no,
this Scarecrow fellow
freed Harry
where I couldn't,
and arranged for
you to say farewell.
As parson and squire,
we must hope for
his capture,
but tonight let's
drink to him,
shall we?
Well, I suppose so.
BRACKENBURY:
We may see Harry again
sooner than you think.
Both you and I.
I'm not staying
in the army, Kate.
I can't after this.
I'm resigning
my commission.
And let's drink
to the young
people, too.
He's a good lad,
right for Kate.
You'll see.
Yes.
Yes, let's drink
to them.
To Philip, to Kate,
and the Scarecrow
fellow.
Whoever and
wherever he may
be, the scoundrel.
Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow
MAN: On the southern coast
of England
There's a legend people
tell of days long ago
When the great Scarecrow
would ride from the jaws
of hell
And laugh
With a fiendish yell
With his clothes
all torn and tattered
Through the black
of night he'd ride
From the marsh to the coast
like a demon ghost
He'd show his face then hide
And he'd laugh
Till he split his side
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The country folk
all loved him just the same
Scarecrow!
He would always
help the farmer
When there was
no gold to bring
He'd find a way
for the poor to pay
the taxes of the King
Scarecrow!
Every man would sing
So the King told
all his soldiers
Hang him high
or hang him low
But never return
till the day I learn
he's gone in flames below
Or you'll hang with
the great Scarecrow
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The soldiers of the King
feared his name
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
The country folk
all loved him just the same
Scarecrow! Scarecrow!
Scarecrow!
(HORSE NICKERING)
Load up and away, lads.
We'll tweak King
George's nose.
Hurry, hurry,
or I'll lose
the tide. Come on.
He gives me
the shudders.
Do what he says.
That's the whole cargo,
Monsieur Scarecrow.
Your payment, Captain.
Horsemen on the sea
road, Scarecrow.
Excise men.
Douse the lights and go.
You all know your orders.
Hellspite, Curlew,
follow me.
(ALL URGING HORSES)
(NEIGHING)
(CACKLING)
It's him. The Scarecrow.
After him!
There's nobody
hiding in here,
sir.
We headed them
this way.
They must be
around somewhere.
They've vanished.
What are they,
ghosts?
Oh, no, they were
real enough, sir.
But where the
devil are they?
LEAD EXCISE MAN:
Search the place again.
All right, men.
We'll give it up.
There's nobody here.
They've gone.
They're miles away
from where our lads
should be by now.
Light the lantern.
It's the reward
for your capture
they're after, sir.
Not the contraband
we landed.
Mmm.
John, give us
five minutes'
start.
If you don't hear
any shooting,
then you two can
go on your way.
My lord...
Hmm?
I can't understand
why you'd allow
riffraff like this
in your coach.
Christian charity knows
no social barriers,
my dear General.
The man seemed
ill and tired
and asked my help.
General Pugh's right
though, my lord.
You take chances.
The marsh abounds with
The Gentlemen at nights.
"Gentlemen"?
That's what they
call the smugglers
in these parts, sir.
Pack of scoundrels,
I'd give them,
gentlemen.
Eh?
I've my briefing here
from the War Office and
Customs and Excise.
We have plans to smash
these Gentlemen, my lord.
Well, the whole countryside
protects them, General.
Their friends are
everywhere. I don't
envy you your task.
No, I relish it.
The law enforcement's
been too slack down here.
You'll see a change,
I promise you.
(TRUMPET BLOWING)
Halt there,
in the King's name.
COACHMAN: Whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What's this? Why are
we stopping, hmm?
We're looking for a...
Sir. General, sir.
Well, what are
you looking for,
Sergeant?
An escaped prisoner, sir.
Convicted for preaching
treason.
Was to be hanged at Dover
in the morning, but he...
He got away, sir.
Treason?
Yeah, an American,
from the Colonies,
my lord.
You, there.
There he is.
After him!
(GUNSHOTS)
(GRUNTS)
SERGEANT:
Jeffrey, over there.
Search the bushes.
MAN: Go on, get up!
SOLDIER: No sign
of him, Corporal.
SERGEANT: But he
can't be far away.
Try over there!
MAN: Heave ho!
Come on, get up!
SERGEANT: Go on, you.
Take the stream.
(SERGEANT EXCLAIMING)
(URGING HORSE)
GENERAL PUGH:
Mr. Brackenbury.
No sign of him,
Mr. Brackenbury?
No, sir.
The impertinent rogue.
Sergeant,
continue
the search.
Sir. Forward!
Here you are, Vicar.
Sixty-eight kegs of brandy
and 19 bales of silk.
Captain Delacroix.
On Thursday it's the
Dutchman's turn to deliver.
We are doing well,
Sexton.
Why do you go
on taking these
chances, Vicar?
You're not getting
rich on it.
And since they don't
know, the parish
don't thank you.
Well, they can live
and clothe themselves
and their children,
and pay the taxes
in a countryside
bled white by the
King's Parliament
which represents
them, and which buys
and sells votes
as if they were
dealing in cattle.
Ah, you can't change
the way of the world,
Vicar.
No? Unjust laws can
be altered, as well
as made, by men.
There's a new spirit
in the world, Mipps.
Taxed out of existence,
robbed of their
independence by
the King's Government,
the people must fight
back how they can.
Men can't beat
armies, sir.
Ideas can.
Faith can move mountains.
What we're doing here
is just a pinprick,
but a thousand pinpricks
put together will...
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Who's that?
Who are you,
stranger?
Gently, Mipps.
(PANTING)
Dr. Syn, Mother
Hathaway sent
me, sir.
There are troops out
searching for me.
Why? What have
you done?
You're American,
are you not?
Yes, sir.
I've been branded
a traitor
and sentenced to death
for preaching sedition.
You should know this
because I ask
for sanctuary.
Sedition?
That's what
King George
calls our wish
for freedom and
independence, yes.
I can't deny you
sanctuary, Mr...
Bates.
Simon Bates, sir.
Mr. Bates. But it
would not be safe
for either of us
to hide you here.
You'll give me up?
No.
But, Mipps, take him
to Mrs. Waggett's inn.
My sexton will know
what to say to her.
She'll hide you till
the coast is clear.
You, say nothing.
Then, take this,
sir. I stole it
in my escape.
Stole it? Why?
I thought to get
it to someone
hereabouts.
A man I heard
about in prison,
I think they call
him the Scarecrow.
It concerns him.
I was going to trade it
to him in the hope that
he'd help me in return.
For all I hear,
I don't think
you'll find him.
Many have tried and
failed, Mr. Bates.
Aye, he's like
the devil himself
they say,
riding the marshes
like a ghost.
He comes and
goes, they say,
nobody knows where...
I'll deal with
this if I can.
But you must go,
and quickly.
Thank you, sir,
and God bless you.
Quickly.
"General Pugh.
Dispatch of troops,
"subjugate the
whole marsh area.
"Whatever means necessary."
Well, well, well.
I'm giving you fair
warning, Sir Thomas.
And if you're
Justice of
the Peace
in these parts,
you'll want to see
justice carried out.
Mine or any other.
And it hasn't been
up till now,
has it, eh?
Are you telling
me my duty, sir?
I'm a blunt man.
I say what's
in me mind.
You're the law
here and the law
is being flouted.
Revolutionaries
and smugglers
walking the roads.
Wasn't I robbed last night,
not ten miles from here,
in your district?
In your parish,
Parson.
Very well, then,
you wait and see
my justice.
I don't care for
your manner, sir.
There is a definition
of a gentleman that
says, "He is one who
"never wittingly
gives offense."
And what do you
think of that, sir?
(SCOFFS)
And my definition of
a good soldier, sir,
not having had my
commission bought for
me by a gentlemanly father,
but having made me
own way in the army,
is, "One who
achieves his aim
and gets results,
"in the end
justifies
the means."
KATE: Father.
JOHN: General.
And what means
do you intend
to use, sir?
My son, John,
General.
Know that everybody
has a price,
young man,
and for the price
of freedom from the
harrying of my troops,
someone will come
forward in the end
and inform against
this smuggling fellow,
this Scarecrow,
as he calls himself.
And I'll not only be
using troops, either.
What then, General?
I must warn you,
I'm afraid that the
men of this parish
are sturdy
independent folk.
They do not
frighten easily.
And their women?
Women, sir? Women?
You'll frighten
women?
I'll do whatever I think fit
to achieve my purpose here.
I think the women will
talk when they start
to lose their men folk.
The Navy needs
sailors.
I've asked for
the press-gangs,
whose job it is
to get them to
come and help
themselves here
in the King's name,
and none too gently.
General Pugh!
Father, no.
You keep out
of this, Kate.
Press-gangs.
Don't dare mention
those blackguards
in this house.
In fact, sir, I've had
all your talk I can
stomach. Good day.
Sir Thomas!
Well, what have
I said wrong?
My brother
was press-ganged
into the Navy, sir.
Clubbed insensible and
dragged away to sea
on his 18th birthday,
four years ago.
KATE: And no word
from him since.
Now can you understand
my father's feelings?
I can, Miss Banks,
believe me.
The Navy needs men
and must get them how
it can, Mr. Brackenbury.
Do you deny that?
BRACKENBURY: No, sir.
Then hold your tongue.
Thank you for
your hospitality.
If I upset your father,
I'm sorry for it.
But I'm under orders,
and orders are
written to be obeyed.
Madam, Dr. Syn,
Master Banks,
good day.
Your men of the marshes
have asked for rough
treatment,
and that's what
they're gonna get.
I tell you, I will
not tolerate
your troops
burning cottages
on my land.
Why not?
Because the people
here are my people,
General Pugh.
My family have been
squires of Dymchurch
for 200 years.
I'm acting under orders
that you're under, too,
to maintain the law.
You're Justice
of the Peace.
Peace, yes,
and you've brought
war here.
This is a war,
against time.
Offering a reward
for the capture
of this Scarecrow fellow
who leads this rabble
has been useless.
Yes, and so will be
burning, terrorizing.
My people hate you.
All right.
I'll make a bargain
with you, hmm?
I'll call off my men
if you'll help me
try another way.
Yes, well?
Now then.
The marsh people
share equally
the proceeds of these
smuggling runs,
that's the story,
is it not?
So, you're the squire here.
Who among your tenants
has been behind
in his rents
and then paid up recently,
suddenly, inexplicably,
perhaps? Well?
Yes, I see what
you're getting at.
I'll go through my accounts.
Yes, do that. Give me the
names and get the fellows
round to your house
for questioning. They won't
suspect anything if you
ask them there.
Then you leave them to me.
There's one that comes
to mind, you might make
a start with him.
Mmm-hmm.
Difficult fellow.
Bad farmer, too.
A widower with two sons
and an old mother he
treats none too well.
Ransley's the name.
Right. He'll do for
one. Send for him.
Very well.
He'll be round at
my house tomorrow
morning.
Stop this burning,
do you hear?
Your servant, sir.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Joe Ransley, sir.
Morning, sir.
Joseph Ransley,
North Farm,
Bonnington?
You're not much of
a farmer, are you?
Three years of bad
harvests, your sheep
flock down to 60 head.
It's poor land, sir.
I do my best.
Yet you stayed on it.
You got six months
behind with your rent,
and suddenly paid it.
And you've been
paying it ever
since.
Yes, sir.
Well, I...
How?
I've been selling off
some of my sheep, sir.
(GENERAL PUGH SCOFFS)
Sir Thomas never
questioned it, sir.
No? Well, I do.
I don't think you
sold your sheep, Ransley,
I think you're a smuggler.
Smuggler? I'm an
honest man, sir.
Yes?
You suddenly raise
money from selling
sheep?
Where? To whom?
Prove it with dates
and bills of sale.
I don't keep
no bills, sir.
Don't try lying
to me, Ransley,
you paid with
smuggler's gold.
You know who
I'm after.
The man who leads you,
pays you off.
I don't know what
you mean, sir.
Oh, yes, you do,
and I'll give you
a simple choice.
I'll throw you into
jail on suspicion
and I'll keep you
there for questioning
until you rot or...
Jail, sir?
Let me finish.
Or you'll turn
King's evidence.
Tell me all you know
about the Scarecrow's
smuggling gang.
Their movements,
where they meet
and when.
Nobody'll know
you talked, Ransley,
but it's you or them.
I don't know
nothing, sir.
I swear I don't know.
You're under arrest.
No, no, wait,
sir, wait.
Well?
I said I don't
know nothing, sir,
and I don't.
But I may be able
to find out, sir.
I'd try, if you'd
give me a little
time, sir.
I'll give you
48 hours.
You'll either
come forward with
the names of the men
you know to be in
this madman's gang,
these so-called
Gentlemen of
the Marshes,
or you can
rot in jail.
You've got 48
hours, Ransley,
you understand?
Now get out.
RANSLEY: Yes, sir.
I'll find out
all I can, sir.
You'd better.
Well, that's what
I heard, sir.
And one traitor's
enough to get you
hanged.
The rest of us
as well.
Hmm.
And there's a shipment
due from France tomorrow.
General Pugh is staying
at your father's,
did you say?
Your head's really
in the lion's mouth,
isn't it?
They don't
notice me,
sir.
You're going to let me
ride with you tomorrow
night, aren't you?
No, I'm afraid not.
It's too risky.
I don't see why.
I said no,
and you'll
obey orders.
Your task is to
keep your eyes
on General Pugh.
And what about
Ransley, sir?
He's under orders
for tomorrow's run.
Ransley's one of my men,
and has to be protected.
I'm going to Bonnington
this afternoon.
I'll see what frame
of mind he's in.
Hello, Mrs. Ransley.
Nice to see you
getting about again.
Thank you, Vicar.
I've brought something
to cheer you up.
Oh, Vicar,
you shouldn't,
and to come
all this way.
I've a big parish,
Mrs. Ransley.
Not as big as
your heart, Vicar.
You're too kind.
Well, how are you? Joe
and the boys looking
after you properly?
Joe? My stepson looks
after himself, sir.
He don't care
for nobody else.
Oh, that can't be true.
Whatever comforts
we have here, sir,
me and the boys,
is no thanks to him.
It's because
of the...
You won't say I told you?
I'm not supposed
to tell nobody.
I'm as secret as the grave,
Mrs. Ransley, you know that.
It's because
of the Scarecrow
and his smugglers
that we ain't
in debt no more.
And Joe's one of
them. I know it.
Surely not that villain.
He's no villain, sir,
to us poor folk.
Believe me, sir,
if it weren't for him,
there's many hereabouts
would starve.
Joe would betray
the Scarecrow
himself.
I heard him today,
telling the boys,
making them agree to
what he's going to do.
They're afraid of
him, sir. And I'm...
(DOOR OPENS)
Well, Vicar, you
wanted to see me?
Just to say good day
to you, Ransley.
And I brought
these few things
for your mother.
Stepmother.
Time for your
rest. Upstairs.
Yes, Joe.
Yes, Joe.
Yes.
I'm going.
I'm going.
Can I get you
a glass of brandy
before you go, Vicar?
Why, thank you.
Yes, you may
indeed.
Oh, Vicar,
I wanted...
Take care of yourself,
Mrs. Ransley.
Thank you, sir.
I'll call again.
God bless you, sir.
And you, Mrs. Ransley.
Well...
You're very generous
with the brandy,
my friend,
at the price
it is today.
Ah!
It's a bigger price
than you think.
I regret to say
that a great deal of it
in this parish has been
smuggled in by some
misguided men
under the leadership
of this...
This Scarecrow fellow.
I don't know about that.
Scarecrow, Scarecrow.
Why don't nobody talk
about somebody else?
I'm surprised that
among all the men
who work for him,
none has betrayed him yet.
Ah, 'cause many of them
are scared of him,
that's why.
Otherwise they
would betray him?
I don't know.
I'm not aiming to
stay and find out.
There's many men don't
want to spend the rest of
their lives in this part.
It's about no choice.
But there's ways and
means of getting away.
Don't you forget that.
I've got plans.
Well, never mind.
Thank you for calling,
Vicar, good health.
Well, I must get
on my rounds.
I've a busy afternoon
ahead of me.
So have I.
Good day to you,
Ransley.
Good day to you
and goodbye.
JAMES: I've got another
horse and cart, Dad.
RANSLEY: Good. Leave
it in the barn, Jim.
You, George, load
everything we can
take on our cart,
and you help him.
Take it up to the
old Oast House,
at Knoll Hill.
I'll meet you there.
Dad, what are
you planning?
I'll tell you when we
get to the Oast House.
Go on, hurry.
What are you going
to do now, sir?
Make an example
of Ransley
that'll teach the others
a lesson they won't
forget in a hurry.
Mutiny among the
Scarecrow's men
is a worse danger
than the soldiers
are.
Will you have to
postpone tomorrow's
run, then?
Oh, no. That cargo
from France is too
valuable for that.
Yes, but if Ransley
thieves part of it,
he'll make the
Scarecrow look a
fool to all the rest.
The government has
sent an army to
protect us.
The army shall
protect us.
That's where you
come in, John.
Go and tell
Philip Brackenbury
to be at the Knoll
Hill Oast House...
SCARECROW: Help unload.
RANSLEY: Come on,
hurry, lads.
Steady. Hold them.
For your captain.
RANSLEY:
Throw the kegs out first.
Scannel, Davis,
this is the Romney
Village share.
Take the marsh
road eastward.
Hurry, right
and loud.
Sam, to the Hathaways.
This load is for
Dymchurch.
Sir.
Ransley, your load
is for the people
of Bonnington.
Here we go, lads.
RANSLEY: Get a move
on, George. Hurry up.
Whoa. Whoa.
Now, load our gear.
Come on, we've no
time to waste.
What are you going
to do about Granny,
Dad?
Nothing, leave her,
she'd be in the way.
Yeah, but, Dad...
Come on, get
on with it.
Halt, in the
King's name.
Run for it, lads.
SERGEANT: Hold, Ransley.
(GUNSHOT)
(GROANING)
Hold your fire.
(RANSLEY SCREAMING)
The court has heard
the evidence against
these wretched men.
They were caught
red-handed
with 20 kegs of
contraband spirit
in their possession,
defrauding His
Majesty's revenue.
They have no defense.
I demand that an example
should be made of them
as a warning to all
men and to their
infamous leader.
I demand that they
suffer the extreme
penalty of the law.
(BEADLE BANGING STICK)
Unless...
Unless,
as I am instructed
by General Pugh,
they here and now
confide the name
of their leader,
called the Scarecrow.
In which case, the Crown
will not press for their
death by hanging.
I don't know who
the Scarecrow is,
sir.
I tell you,
I don't know,
nobody knows.
But you've seen him,
spoken to him.
Only to get orders.
When he called
a meeting...
I haven't...
Where does he hold
these meetings?
Tell me that.
Different places, sir.
Different every time.
On the beach, on the marsh,
in somebody's barn.
(DOOR OPENS)
Why protect him now?
He betrayed you.
Who is the man,
Ransley?
I don't know, sir.
Or else I'd tell
the court.
I don't want to swing
for the likes of him.
(SPECTATORS CHATTERING)
Silence.
Silence in court.
That concludes the case
for the prosecution,
Your Worship.
Joseph Ransley.
George Ransley.
James Ransley.
The court is left with
no alternative but...
DR. SYN: By your leave,
Your Worship,
I've just returned home
and I found this note.
It's a threat, sir,
and I do not care
for threats.
What's this? Hmm?
"If the Reverend
Dr. Syn speaks for
the prisoners on trial,
"he will answer
to the Scarecrow
with his own life."
(SPECTATORS EXCLAIMING)
(BANGING STICK)
Who would want
to threaten
you, Parson?
Were you about
to speak for these
ruffians in the dock?
How would he
know that?
Well, General,
words get spread,
I suppose. I had
mentioned to my
sexton, Mipps,
a point of law that
had occurred to me
regarding this case,
and Mipps is not averse
to an audience at the inn
where many people
spend their evenings.
(SPECTATORS LAUGHING)
What point of law, Vicar?
Well, one which,
if you will
allow me,
would certainly save
these unhappy prisoners
from punishment,
were it proved true.
I object to this
interruption,
Your Worship.
The Crown demands...
If you please,
Mr. Fragg.
What is this point
of law that occurred
to you, Vicar?
Well, sir, would
this arch smuggler,
knowing that the prisoners
were false to him, as
undoubtedly he did,
would he waste 20 kegs
of expensive spirit
to bait his trap?
(STAMMERING) I wondered if
the contents of the kegs
have been examined.
If indeed they
contain contraband,
then, of course,
the prisoners
must stand
condemned,
but should they not
be examined first?
Has counsel
for the Crown any
objection to this?
No. No, of
course not.
Beadle,
go and open
the kegs.
DR. SYN: General,
I trust I can rely
on the protection
of your troops
for coming forward
after this threat
to my safety.
Of course,
of course.
(SPECTATORS MURMURING)
Well, Beadle?
Your Worship,
the kegs are
filled with sea water.
Every one we've tried.
Sea water?
Sea water?
There is no law in England
that can hang a man or
even imprison him
for carrying kegs of water.
(ALL LAUGHING)
The case is dismissed.
The prisoners Ransley
can go free.
You incompetent!
I thought you were
a fool and now I
know you are.
You bungled this
whole business.
Yes, General.
Trying to take the law
into your own hands.
Get out of my sight.
Report back to
Dover Castle.
Thank you, Vicar.
Thank you for
what you've done.
You've escaped
the law, Ransley,
but your Scarecrow
leader won't let
you escape him.
Nor any of his men who
know you for a traitor if
you stay in this district.
You'd best get away,
as far as you can.
You got off this hook,
but you're still
on mine, Ransley.
You've till tonight,
that's all.
Keep a close watch
on Ransley.
Off you go.
And you can
watch Mr. Fragg,
the prosecutor.
(ALL CAROUSING)
(MERRYMAKING STOPS)
Good evening to you.
Sherry, please.
Rum for me, Mrs.
Waggett, please.
This case you
came down for
must have been a great
disappointment
to you, sir.
And who might you be?
Me, sir?
Mr. Mipps, sir.
Sexton, verger,
carpenter and
undertaker.
And what is more,
right-hand man,
in matters spiritual
and otherwise,
to the Vicar,
Dr. Syn.
Indeed.
You seem to mind every
kind of business,
except your own.
Oh, that's very
good, sir.
Very good.
If you want to
know anything about
anyone in these parts,
I'm the man
to come to.
And being a servant
of the church, the
soul of discretion.
And on the side
of the law.
Mmm.
Well, I suppose you'll
be on your way back
to London tomorrow,
now that your
business here
is over.
Perhaps it isn't,
Mr. Mipps.
Perhaps it isn't.
Allow me, sir.
It's an honor
for me.
MIPPS: Thank you.
To your very good
health, sir.
Yes, I felt for you
in the court, today.
FRANK: Did you?
Hmm.
Well, and your very
good health, too.
You say you are
on the side of
the law, Sexton?
Well, naturally
I am, sir.
The law was
thwarted today.
You realize that?
Ah, that Ransley's
a villain, sir.
A villain.
It was a wicked
miscarriage
of justice.
How far away does
this Ransley live?
Oh, about an hour's
ride on a good
horse, sir.
Can you get me a good
horse, without all the
world knowing, tonight?
Tonight, sir?
Why tonight?
Can you get me
a good horse,
Sexton?
Yes, yes, yes, yes,
I can get that
for you, sir.
But mum's the word, eh?
I'll meet you at
the fork in the sea
road in half an hour.
I'll have the horse
for you there. Right?
Oh, well.
Time for home and
bed. Good night,
Mrs. Waggett.
Good night, sir.
Good night, boys.
ALL: Good night, Mr. Mipps.
(BANGING ON DOOR)
Oh, it's you, eh?
What do you
want with me?
To talk to you.
The prosecutor's
just gone in.
I know,
I followed him here.
Are all the
Ransleys there?
No, only him.
The boys have run away
and the old lady's gone.
How can we hear
what's going on?
This door leads
to the kitchen.
RANSLEY: I'm getting
out of here.
FRANK: Run away?
Where are you
going to run?
This Scarecrow fellow,
or his followers,
will stop you going,
unless you stop
them first.
Your life
isn't worth that
unless I help you.
Which I won't do
without you help me.
You can't touch me now.
You can't try me twice
for the same offense.
You were acquitted
by a trick.
You didn't know
there was water
in those kegs.
The Scarecrow
knew it, Ransley,
and if he knew that,
he knows you
plan to run.
I've got to run.
Not only from him
and the others.
General Pugh's
after me, too.
General Pugh?
To put me in jail
unless I turn
King's evidence.
You tell me what
I want to know
and I'll offer you
something much
better than that.
What do you mean?
The reward for
your leader,
Ransley.
Give me the names of
the rest of your gang
so that I can bring
them to trial.
(RANSLEY EXCLAIMS IN CONTEMPT)
RANSLEY:
And get me throat
cut for certain?
FRANK: You'll get it
cut if you stay
and if you run.
Oh, leave me alone,
can't you?
Listen to me.
The Department of Revenue
will protect you,
if you talk.
I can't talk.
They won't even
know it was you,
and even if they did,
you'll be a hundred
miles away,
with enough money to
start another life.
They'll kill
me for sure.
They won't know.
You won't even have
to appear in court.
Your written statement's
all I need
and the signal system
and the hiding places
for your loot.
That'll do you no good.
I don't know who
the Scarecrow is!
He'll come forward
when we've hanged
a few of his men,
or someone will
give him up. You
leave that to me.
Give me some
names, Ransley.
You owe him nothing.
And you can buy
your freedom.
You,
the Scarecrow,
General Pugh...
You're driving me
out of my head.
Talk, and there'll be
999 more like this.
The reward, you
fool. Keep out of
General Pugh's way.
Bring your list
of names to me.
Twenty will do.
I'll meet you this time
tomorrow night at
the castle ruins,
and you can have
the rest. Then
you will be safe.
Safe from General Pugh
because you'll have
done your duty,
and safe from all
the rest, as well.
Fail me, and you
are finished.
Nobody'll know?
Nobody.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Ah, Mr. Prosecutor.
What do you want
at this hour?
I thought you left on
the London mail coach.
I'll leave when
my business here
is finished.
You called me incompetent
after today's fiasco.
I've come to tell you
that I'll make you
eat those words.
You have, have you?
And how will you
make me do that?
By bringing to
justice enough of
the smugglers here
to smash the Scarecrow
gang and probably
catch him, too.
Just like that, eh?
Well, well, well.
And when will this
haul take place,
may I ask?
This time
tomorrow night.
Hmm.
I want to make sure
you'll be here
to help me.
Help you? How?
Supply me with
an armed escort
when I go to round
up these criminals.
I don't imagine they'll
come along without a
struggle, General.
What have you
found out, lawyer?
Have a squadron of
your troops ready,
standing by at the old
monastery tomorrow
night at this hour,
and I'll tell you then.
I'll show you, General.
Tomorrow night
at this hour, eh?
Very well, I'll ride
with the troops myself.
Thank you. Good night
to you, General.
Mr. Fragg,
I hope this time you've
not bitten off more
than you can chew.
It's a good thing there
are more brains in
my profession
than the evidence
would seem to show
there are in yours.
Good night again.
Ransley will sell
us all, you can
be sure of that.
Selling the freedom,
even the lives, of 20
of his fellow marsh men
won't bother him.
We should stop
him now.
Get rid of
him, sir.
There'll be plenty
willing to do it.
Ransley's planning
to hand over
to the law.
I have a better plan.
One that'll teach
a lesson to all
would-be traitors
and to King George's
revenue men who offer
blood money.
(OWL HOOTING)
(BIRD SQUAWKING)
Ransley?
(BIRD SQUAWKS)
Ransley?
(SCREAMING)
(CACKLING)
(SNEEZING)
(GRUNTING)
Why have you brought
me here like this?
I ain't done nothing.
Untie me, curse you.
I'll fight any two
of you.
What's wrong with you?
You're my mates.
I'm one of you, ain't I?
SCARECROW: No, Ransley.
(SCARECROW BANGING)
This court is
now in session.
Uncover the second
prisoner's eyes
so that he can see the
Scarecrow's justice.
You pack of scoundrels.
In the King's name,
I demand that you
release me.
Gag him.
Now the indictment
against the first
prisoner.
Joseph Ransley,
you stand charged
with treachery.
How say you,
guilty or not guilty?
I ain't hurt you
none, Scarecrow.
Guilty or not guilty?
Not guilty, curse you.
(ALL GRUMBLING)
First witness, Curlew.
"I, the undersigned,
witnessed the accused
Ransley's conversation
"with the prosecutor
for His Majesty's
Department
"of Customs
and Excise
"on the night
of the 16th."
What?
SCARECROW: "During
which conversation,
the said Ransley
"agreed to turn
King's evidence
"against the rest of
us assembled here."
(ALL EXCLAIMING)
Silence!
"Further, the accused
agreed to hand over
20 names
"of men in our organization
and to sell this list for gold
"to Prosecutor Fragg."
That's a lie. I ain't
even spoken to him,
except in the court.
That time the parson
got me off.
You're lying, Ransley.
You were offered gold
to betray your friends.
No.
This gold.
(ALL EXCLAIM)
SCARECROW: Taken from
Prosecutor Fragg,
who came to keep his
bargain with you.
Next witness.
Hellspite.
"I, the undersigned, witnessed
the second prisoner,
Prosecutor Fragg,
"in the company of Mipps,
the sexton of Dymchurch,
"at the fork in the sea road.
"I followed the said
Fragg across the marsh
to the accused's cottage.
"This on the night
of the 16th."
Lies. It's all lies.
(ALL MURMURING)
SCARECROW: Silence!
Stand down.
And now my deposition,
Ransley.
On the last run
of my Gentlemen,
you attempted to steal
from us, were caught
and put on trial.
I didn't hurt you none,
and I was acquitted.
Through the intercession
of a parson
who disobeyed
my instructions
not to interfere.
I'll deal with him later.
You told the prosecutor at
your trial that you would
betray me if you could,
in spite of the oath
you made with me.
The oath that every
man here has taken.
If a man thinks he's
going to be hanged,
and his sons with him,
he'll say anything.
What kind of man
will sell his friends
to the hangman
for gold, Ransley?
I ain't done that.
And never intended to?
No.
Empty his pockets.
Here are the names
he would sell.
Perhaps your names
are among them.
You were taking that
note to the prisoner,
Fragg, tonight?
All right,
curse you,
so I was.
You think you own us all.
You were going to kill me.
You drove me sons away
and the army
was after me.
Cheat, liar, traitor.
Convicted by your
own words.
Gentlemen of the jury,
how say you?
Is the prisoner
guilty or not
guilty?
ALL: Guilty! Guilty!
(CLAMORING)
Guilty it is.
And this court sentences
you to die accordingly.
You dog, you're
not fit to live.
What are you
going to do?
Oh, no.
SCARECROW:
Gag him, Hellspite.
No, no, don't.
(RANSLEY SCREAMING)
SCARECROW: And spare us
seeing him die a coward
as well as a traitor.
You, Curlew,
cover the lanterns.
(RANSLEY GROANING)
Uncover the lanterns.
(ALL MURMURING)
Justice is done.
So end all men
who would betray
the Scarecrow
and the people
of the marshes.
(SCREAMING)
Let him go.
Curlew, give my
Gentlemen the
King's gold.
Share it among you,
and remember the
Scarecrow's justice.
Now go, quickly.
Let him down.
(SNICKERING)
(GRUNTS)
CURLEW: Oh. I thought...
I thought he was...
No. He's fainted.
I was afraid
he'd come to
while Fragg
was still here.
(GROANING)
Ransley.
Oh, no, no.
You're dead,
Ransley. Dead.
To all the men of
the marsh, who would
otherwise kill you.
I give you one hour to
cross the county line
and away from here,
otherwise you'll
really die.
You're dead,
run for your life!
(CACKLING)
Is the coffin ready?
Aye, sir.
I finished
it yesterday.
(LAUGHING)
Laughter, Sexton?
Have you no respect
for the dead?
Drive on. Drive on.
Well, sir, as you said,
"So end all traitors."
And the Scarecrow's men
still ride the marshes.
Can nobody stop
the villain?
They'll still try,
sir. Don't worry,
they'll still try.
Look.
(SNEEZING)
Save some space in your
graveyard, Parson,
for the Scarecrow.
Because I swear to
you he'll be there.
(SNEEZING) And soon.
Well, good luck
to you, General,
and take care with
that cold you have.
Forward.
Your orders were
to stamp out this
smuggling,
yet in the weeks
you've been down
there, it's grown worse.
Well, sir? Well?
The whole countryside
protects
the smugglers and their
leader, Your Majesty.
They see him
as a benefactor.
Protects! Protects!
My home secretary
bombards me with figures of
the drop in excise duties.
I have to listen
to sly jokes at
my expense,
at my army's expense.
Cartoons appear in
the public press,
showing me dancing
like a puppet on
strings,
held by this fellow
they call the Scarecrow.
I sent you extra troops
and what happens?
Nothing! Nothing!
By making a fool of
yourself, you make
a fool of me.
I'm doing my best,
sir, but as I said...
Your best is not
good enough, General.
You let this scoundrel
slip through your
fingers, didn't you?
Well, sir?
Well?
I did everything
in my power...
Silence!
I should relieve you
of your command,
perhaps.
Eh? Eh, sir?
If you'll give me
a little more time...
Time! Time!
I have a war in France,
rumors of insurrection
in America,
and I must give
you time?
More money,
more men to
deal with
a pack of smuggling
yokels in my
own country?
You're incompetent
and lax, General.
I'll stamp out this
business, Your Majesty.
I give you my word.
(SCOFFS)
Just one month, sir.
I'll give you
one month.
The War Office
said that you were
a hard man, General.
Well, sir, be hard.
Do you hear me, eh?
Be hard.
Now, go back to
your command and
use your brains.
SERGEANT: Any sign of him?
SOLDIER: No, Sergeant.
Oi! Let's make for
the hills. Forward!
Oh, hang it all,
Vicar,
you'd think I might
beat you once
in a while.
He's as clever
as a fox.
Do you play,
General?
No, I haven't got
the patience
for games.
But you hunt
the fox though,
don't you, sir?
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
GENERAL PUGH: Well?
General Pugh, sir.
Squadron searching
the marshes,
cooperating with
the naval pickets.
I know, I know.
All the press-gang men
who jumped ship at
Dover have been
recaptured, sir.
GENERAL PUGH: Good.
SERGEANT: Except one.
What?
A man was seen
heading for Dymchurch
an hour ago,
but we lost him.
Permission to carry
out house-to-house
search, sir?
Yes.
Sir.
Every house,
you understand,
and thoroughly.
Spare no one.
This is the chance
I've been waiting for
to turn this place
inside out.
I don't wonder
a deserter would
head this way.
Why, General?
Because your people here
are lawless themselves.
They shield this
Scarecrow and his
smugglers, don't they?
You have no proof
of that.
They do.
And if I find one of
them, any of them,
hiding a deserter,
there'll be some
hanging here.
Well, good night,
Sir Thomas.
It's time I was
getting home.
Good night to
you, Vicar.
JOHN: I'll see you
to the gate, sir.
DR. SYN: General.
(WHISPERING) If they
search every house,
they'll find Mr. Bates,
the American rebel
you're hiding.
We'll have
to move him.
Come on.
If you're the deserter,
we're here to help,
not harm you.
I'm Dr. Syn,
Vicar of Dymchurch.
Dr. Syn?
I can't believe it!
After all these years.
Do you know him, John?
It's Harry,
your brother.
I didn't recognize
you, either. You've
grown so much.
And you with a beard.
(CHUCKLING)
JOHN: And you used
to be fat!
Have you just come?
I had to wait
till it was dark.
Anyone here
would know me.
Why, Harry,
come in the house.
Well, Father's
there and...
Really, I can't.
There's soldiers
there.
I saw them through
the window.
Harry.
You heard General Pugh.
They hang deserters
from the Navy.
Harry's the man
they're looking for.
The marshes
are now under
military law, sir.
I have my authority
from the King.
If you have any objection,
complain to him,
sir, not to me.
Thank you for dinner
and good night.
Good night to you, sir.
Madam,
Mr. Brackenbury.
General.
Won't you let Philip
stay a little longer?
Just as a favor
to me? Please?
Very well.
Speak to Father now.
All right, Kate.
Could I talk to you
a moment, sir?
Hmm.
Have I your permission to
ask for Kate's hand, sir?
No, sir. You have not.
I understand that your family
regards you as independent
and rebellious,
and they've cut you
off. Am I right?
Well, yes, sir,
it's true, my
father and I...
And that you live
on your army pay.
How am I to know
that you're not
more interested
in Kate's fortune
than her hand?
As Kate's father, sir,
you may consider it
your privilege
to question my honor,
but I'm afraid I do not.
Good night,
Sir Thomas.
Good night,
Mr. Brackenbury.
I'm leaving. There's
nothing more to
say after that.
Isn't there something
to say to me?
Father fights
everybody.
He only respects those
who fight him back,
and so do I.
Aren't you going
to fight for me?
Oh, Kate.
Do you know,
when we're in port,
we're netted below
decks like cattle?
Fed and watered and
penned and driven to
the slaughter, we...
What's this? Vicar?
Hello, Father.
Harry?
Harry.
It can't be!
It can't be you!
After all these
years, boy.
I thought you...
I thought you
were dead.
Only half dead,
Father.
You look it. Why are
you here, hiding like
a criminal, hmm?
I am a criminal, sir.
Harry's the deserter
they're looking for,
Sir Thomas.
You deserted?
Escaped.
They took me by force,
and I got away by force.
Four years of my
life they've had.
Want to see the
decorations I got
in the King's service?
I'm no longer going
to be treated
like a dog.
My dear boy.
Come over to the house,
you look starved.
I am, sir.
You can't go to
the house, sir.
Philip Brackenbury's
still there.
I must get you away.
Leave this to me,
Sir Thomas, will you?
Yes, but how
will you...
And ask no questions.
If you know nothing,
then you'll not
have to lie
when the Navy
comes searching.
I'll see you
again, boy. As
soon as I can.
Don't worry,
my sexton and I
will deal with this.
Go with your
father, John.
Good night, sir.
(WHISPERING) Do you think
he heard or saw anything?
I don't know, sir.
But if he did,
we'll soon find out,
and so will Dr. Syn.
I must warn him
to get Harry
away at once.
My family.
Hundreds of years of
pride and privilege.
I wonder what
they'd think
of me now,
running away
like a stray dog.
Cover that lantern.
All well, Mipps?
Yes, sir.
John warned me
just in time. I
got Mr. Bates here
out of the inn,
five minutes before
the soldiers came.
Mr. Harry,
I couldn't believe it
when I heard.
It's good to
see you, sir.
Harry, this
is Simon Bates
from America.
He's hunted
by the law,
too.
Mr. Banks.
How do you do,
Mr. Bates?
Deserter?
No, preaching sedition.
Freedom for
the Colonies.
Mipps, tell them
where they're to go.
Yes, sir.
Yes. Mr. Bates, you
remember broken barn
in the Bonnington Hills?
Take Mr. Harry with
you and hide there
till I send word.
Enter through
the barn doors,
and under the
fourth beam
there's a trap
door leading to
an underground stable.
An underground stable?
That's right.
You'll be perfectly
safe there.
We'll get food to
you as you need it,
but whatever you do,
keep undercover.
Mr. Mipps, Dr. Syn,
you're taking
a big risk.
So are you, and
you're wasting time.
Come on, off you go.
There are soldiers and
pickets everywhere, sir.
How are you going
to get the two
of them out?
By the first ship
that delivers for
the Scarecrow.
You hope.
Hope is brightest
when it dawns
from fears.
Two men coming.
Halt, in the
King's name.
What's this?
We caught him
and another one
besides, sir.
Call off the search,
we have them.
That...
That's Mr. Harry,
Sir Thomas' son.
Who are you?
All right.
You'll find your tongue,
I promise you.
You're going to be sorry
you were ever born,
the pair of you.
Take them both
to Dover Castle.
You'll either give me
the information I want,
here and now, or I'll
hand you over to more
forcible persuasion.
I could have you
hanged today,
both of you.
Apart from your
stealing from me,
you're already condemned,
and you stand condemned
a deserter.
But turn King's evidence,
I'll spare your lives.
Who sheltered you
all this time?
This Scarecrow
who flouts the
law down here?
No.
Then one of his men?
Must have been.
Answer me.
No.
And why did you head
for these parts?
Who did you think
would hide you?
This Scarecrow,
because he helped
another scoundrel
escape the King's service?
Who are your
friends here?
Talk, and I'll exchange
their lives for yours.
Take them to the
dungeons, and see what
answers you can get,
by whatever means.
Yes, sir. March!
SOLDIER: The Vicar
of Dymchurch, sir.
Dr. Syn.
Well, what do you
want here, Parson?
I have my duties, General.
I'm chaplain to the jail.
I'm here to serve
Holy Communion to
the prisoners.
I normally report
to the garrison
commander
before I do so.
And Master Banks?
To assist me, sir.
Well, it's not
a duty I relish,
myself.
The stench in the dungeon
is strong enough to build
another wall on.
Our duties are not
always made easy.
For any of us.
But the end justifies
the means, eh?
BRACKENBURY: Even when
those means include
torture, General?
Mr. Brackenbury's
talking of those
swine who just left.
To be tortured?
They hold the key to
unlock the conspiracy
of silence
which protects
this Scarecrow
madman,
and I intend to get it.
That's my duty.
Tell me one thing, sir.
If they had told
you what they knew
when you promised
them their lives,
would you have kept
your side of
the bargain?
(SCOFFS)
Don't be a fool.
They're to hang,
anyway.
Of course, sir.
With your permission, sir,
I'll go to the dungeons now.
Your servant, sir.
I need an ally here.
I wonder if I've
found one.
Wake up!
On your feet!
Show some respect
to the chaplain,
you dogs.
Kneel.
Lift up your hearts
in hope and trust.
Let us pray.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Open up! Naval picket!
By your leave,
Reverend.
I want six men.
Come on, step lively
if you don't want
a rope's end
across your backs.
Get them chained!
Press-ganged,
the poor devils.
You lot will board
the lugger for
H.M.S. Defiant.
Wave your mates
goodbye, you dogs.
We're gonna make
men of you.
You obstinate dogs.
We haven't finished
with you yet.
PETTY OFFICER:
Here we are
again, mate.
Six less mouths
for you to feed.
March!
God be with you
and have mercy
on you.
I'm about to conduct
a service here, Jailer.
I should like to
be alone with
the prisoners.
But it ain't safe,
your reverence.
Let me be judge
of that. Leave us.
Oh, Harry!
They didn't
make us talk.
Hello, Vicar.
We ran out
of luck.
Get up, John. Get up.
The rest of you,
kneel again.
And listen to me.
Does the naval picket
come and go like that
to take men to the ships?
Yes, sir,
we never know when.
DR. SYN: I see.
Harry, Mr. Bates,
I don't know by
what means,
but somehow,
I'm going to get
you away from here
before Pugh
breaks your spirit
as well as your body.
They'll never break us.
And we'll never talk.
There's no way out
of here, except in
a coffin, not for us.
There must be. Trust me.
All of you. Somehow,
I will get you free.
Free? Free, sir?
Not so loud.
Repeat after me.
"Letteth now thy servant
depart in peace."
ALL: "Letteth now thy
servant depart in peace."
"For mine eyes have
beheld thy salvation."
ALL: "For mine eyes have
beheld thy salvation."
I wanted to fly
at them for what
they've done to Harry.
Poor Bates.
You did very well
in there, John.
Do you...
You really
think you...
You'll be able to
help them escape,
sir?
I... I don't know.
I have an idea.
It's a wild gamble,
an outside chance.
Stand against the
door a minute, boy.
Hmm, pretty good,
though I say so myself.
Here it is, sir.
I hope it works.
It's the key to
the whole plan.
What is the
plan, sir?
The Scarecrow will
tell you that tonight.
Get word to all our men,
there'll be a meeting
at 10:00 tonight at
Five-Mile Barn.
Tonight?
Time is running out.
Get on your way, Mipps.
Here they are.
SCARECROW: All here?
SAM: All who
were asked for.
There's shipment
due from Holland
tomorrow night.
There's a change of plan.
We will not be
taking the cargo.
We shall take the ship!
ALL: Ship?
I have business,
export business,
not import,
to transact
from Dover.
There are some
prisoners in
the castle.
They have asked
for my help.
I intend to release them.
Release them, Scarecrow? How?
Twelve men will board
the Dutchman's ship.
Force him to sail her
into St. Margaret's Bay,
this side of Dover.
Heave to there,
and bring two
boats ashore.
Six others will report
to Hellspite, masked,
at Dymchurch
graveyard, 8:00.
Sam, Ben Davis,
you will be required to
enter the castle dungeon.
(SMUGGLERS MURMURING)
You will be led
by the Vicar of
Dymchurch, Dr. Syn.
The Vicar?
Why's that?
He's under my orders,
too. He has no choice.
And the squire's
son, John.
I have proof that
they gave shelter to a
deserter from the Navy.
This proof will be
given to General Pugh
if they refuse to
help me with my plan.
They will hang.
You mean you
blackmailed
the Vicar?
To keep my word
to those who ask
for help,
I'd blackmail
the King himself.
My plan is set.
Ben Davis?
You trust me?
All of you?
Or will you stand
forward now, and say
that you're afraid?
I trust you, Scarecrow.
I ain't afraid.
Nor me.
But the Vicar?
Leave Dr. Syn to me.
I have him like that.
And the boy.
Tomorrow night,
the Scarecrow
and his Gentlemen
will thumb their noses
at General Pugh
and the King's injustice.
Be on time!
Our orders are to
get the press-gang
uniforms.
Who are these men?
HELLSPITE: Never you mind.
Put this on, young master.
Now, follow me.
To you fair ladies
now at land
We men at sea indict
But first would
have you understand
How hard it is to write
HELLSPITE: Mrs. Waggett will
look after the drummer boy.
(GRUNTING)
(GRUNTING)
HELLSPITE: Right.
Off with their uniforms,
mates, and don't tear them.
You'll come to
no harm, lad. Go on,
take off your uniform.
HELLSPITE:
Then tie the
buzzards up.
Upstairs, missus.
Upstairs!
(SCREAMS)
Now, come on,
hurry up, lads.
(DRUMMING)
Halt!
Who goes there?
Naval picket for
the pressed men
in the jail, sir.
I'll escort them.
GUARD 1: Sir.
Forward.
You wait outside the gate,
powder monkey.
What are you
trying to do,
sir?
Release the prisoners
from injustice
and torture.
Isn't that what
you want?
How will you open
the dungeon?
Even the Vicar will
hang, dressed like that,
if they catch us now.
JAILER 1: Why don't
you give up, then?
JAILER 2: No.
JAILER 1:
I'm finished, anyway.
And it's time for
me to do the rounds.
JAILER 2: Sit down.
Later for that.
JAILER 1:
I'm late already.
Sit down. Your deal.
JAILER 2:
I give the orders here.
Come on, your deal.
You didn't shuffle
them cards very
well, did you?
JAILER 1: Yes,
I did. You saw me.
It was a fair deal.
JAILER 2: Fair
to you, maybe.
JAILER 1: My trick.
JAILER 2: All right,
but you can take that
grin off your face.
JAILER 1: What's wrong?
It was your idea to
go on playing anyway.
My trick.
JAILER 2: Your trick?
Your trick?
It's unnatural.
There. Take that one.
JAILER 1: Like this?
JAILER 2: What?
JAILER 1: That's
mine. And that.
And the next two.
Your deal.
JAILER 2: Wait.
Give me that card.
(LOCK CLICKS)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(DOOR CREAKS LOUDLY)
What was that?
I'm Dr. Syn.
Keep quiet and do
as you're told.
We'll get you
away from here.
Will you be able
to walk? Feel
strong enough?
No noise.
We have to chain
you together,
so that it looks
correct when you are
crossing the courtyard,
so that one of you doesn't
make a break for it and
spoil everything.
(SHUSHING)
DR. SYN: Down!
(THUDS)
(WINDOW OPENS)
All right. Quickly.
Quickly.
Nothing. The louts
have probably
been fighting.
Let's get on
with the game.
JAILER 2:
It don't make
any difference.
I haven't won a hand yet.
JAILER 1:
I'm not surprised,
the way you play.
JAILER 2: All right, then,
we'll play one more hand.
Double or quit.
JAILER 1:
How are you gonna
settle if you lose?
You owe me a week's
pay already.
JAILER 2: Stop gabbing!
If I could get half
the talk out of
them two prisoners
Pugh gave me to work on
as I get out of you...
Wait a minute.
My trick.
JAILER 1: It's my trick.
JAILER 2: It's my trick!
JAILER 1: It's mine,
I played the king.
JAILER 2: It's mine,
I played the king!
JAILER 1: No, you didn't,
you played the jack.
JAILER 2: No, I didn't.
JAILER 1: Yes, you did.
You played the jack.
JAILER 2: Are you
calling me a liar?
JAILER 1:
You played the jack!
JAILER 2: I'll crack
your skull, you...
(DOOR OPENING)
GENERAL PUGH: Halt!
What's this?
Naval picket for
the pressed men,
sir.
(PLAYING DRUM ROLL)
Straighten up,
you mangy dogs!
You're in the King's
service now.
Quick march!
(JOHN PLAYING DRUM)
(PLAYING LIVELY TUNE)
What the devil?
Hellspite of The Gentlemen,
at your service, Squire.
The Gentlemen?
You smuggling
scoundrels, what do
you want in my house?
You, Squire,
and your daughter.
Why you...
Quiet and easy,
now, Squire.
No hollering
for servants,
or my friend here'll
have something to say.
The Scarecrow
needs you.
The Scarecrow!
To act as hostage
while he does a little
business, Squire.
Come quiet, you'll
not be harmed.
Make trouble,
I'll blow your
brains out.
There's a carriage
waiting in the lane.
Now, not a word,
so no one gets hurt.
I was told to bring
you as far as here,
then leave you.
God bless you all.
I have to leave
you, Harry.
You're a brave boy.
Give my love to
Father and to Kate,
and say I wish
I could have
seen them.
Hurry, John.
Coming.
Goodbye, Harry.
Good luck.
Here's payment for some
passengers you're to
take to Holland.
Passengers?
From here?
Scarecrow.
You rogue, what do
you want with my
daughter and me?
You'll thank me
before the night
is out, Squire.
What the devil?
SCARECROW: Here are your
passengers, Dutchman.
DUTCHMAN:
Come on, hurry, hurry!
Harry! Harry,
you're free. How?
What do you say
now, Squire?
Kate, it's your brother.
Harry?
Is it really you?
Why, you've grown
into a beauty.
Take them to Holland
where they can board
a boat for America.
America?
Take them off, mijnheer.
You're in enemy waters,
you smuggling rogue.
Time to go,
Mr. Banks.
My men will
escort you
home, sir.
Your servant,
Mr. Banks.
Good luck.
SIR THOMAS:
So short a time.
Goodbye, Harry.
Take care.
Write to us,
remember us.
I will. Goodbye.
KATE: Goodbye, Harry.
SCARECROW:
Hurry. Get aboard.
A new life, gentlemen,
the New World and
freedom very soon.
Bon voyage!
And you suspected nothing
when you took the picket
to the dungeons?
I had no reason to,
sir. Their papers
were in order.
(SCOFFS)
(STAMMERING)
They didn't come to
me for the key, sir.
Neither did you.
But they had a key.
How?
Didn't that seem
strange to you?
No, sir. I'm not
familiar with
jail procedure.
The men's actions
seemed normal
and natural.
The deserter,
the American,
they had the answer
to everything I want.
Through them,
I'd have smashed
the smuggling here.
You fool. Why didn't
you see them
or hear them taken,
if you were on duty?
Unless you were
drunk or fighting.
No. No, sir.
Get out!
Yes, sir.
Imposters walk into the
castle and out again
with prisoners
right under your
very nose?
You saw them, sir.
You were at the gate
when they marched through.
It's all in my
report, sir.
Yes. Yes, it's all
in your report.
I sent a copy to the
Admiral, sir, about
the deserter's escape.
To the Admiral?
And another copy to
the Director of Public
Prosecutions, sir.
The Director of
Public Prosecutions who
will report to the King.
Thank you, Mr. Brackenbury,
that was very thorough of you.
My duty, sir.
Duty?
Dismiss.
"General Pugh
was at the gate."
Well, Sir Thomas,
this is a strange
story you tell me.
But, scoundrel or no,
this Scarecrow fellow
freed Harry
where I couldn't,
and arranged for
you to say farewell.
As parson and squire,
we must hope for
his capture,
but tonight let's
drink to him,
shall we?
Well, I suppose so.
BRACKENBURY:
We may see Harry again
sooner than you think.
Both you and I.
I'm not staying
in the army, Kate.
I can't after this.
I'm resigning
my commission.
And let's drink
to the young
people, too.
He's a good lad,
right for Kate.
You'll see.
Yes.
Yes, let's drink
to them.
To Philip, to Kate,
and the Scarecrow
fellow.
Whoever and
wherever he may
be, the scoundrel.