Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a made-for-TV horror film directed by Frank De Felitta. It is considered a cult classic, known for its eerie atmosphere and effective storytelling despite its television constraints. The movie blends elements of supernatural horror and revenge, with a focus on justice from beyond the grave.

The story is set in a small rural town and centers around Bubba Ritter (played by Larry Drake), a gentle, mentally challenged man who is falsely accused of harming a young girl, Marylee Williams. A group of four vigilantes, led by the vengeful postman Otis Hazelrigg (played by Charles Durning), decides to take the law into their own hands. They hunt down Bubba and, despite his innocence, brutally murder him while he’s hiding in a scarecrow’s disguise in a field.

After Bubba’s death, the truth about the girl’s accident is revealed, and the men responsible for his murder escape justice. However, shortly after, strange and terrifying events begin to occur. One by one, the vigilantes meet mysterious and violent deaths, with the figure of a scarecrow seemingly linked to the killings. The film builds suspense as the men are haunted by what appears to be Bubba’s spirit seeking revenge.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow is praised for its atmospheric tension, character-driven story, and subtle horror elements. Despite being made for television, it avoids excessive gore and instead focuses on creating a sense of dread and justice through supernatural forces. The performance of Charles Durning as the malicious Otis and Larry Drake as the innocent Bubba help elevate the emotional weight of the film.

The film is known for being one of the better TV horror movies of the 1980s and has since gained a following among fans of horror and supernatural revenge stories.