The Scarecrow (2000 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Scarecrow |
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| Directed by | Brian Nissen Richard Rich |
| Produced by | Terry L. Noss Richard Rich Thomas J. Tobin |
| Screenplay by | Brian Nissen |
| Story by | Brian Nissen Richard Rich |
| Starring | Shawn Hoffman Belinda Montgomery Ray Porter Corey Feldman Paul Masonson |
| Music by | Kurt Bestor |
| Editing by | Joe Campana |
| Studio | Nest Family Entertainment (Uncredited) Rich Animation Studios |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) | August 26, 2000 |
| Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Scarecrow is an animated musical fantasy film from 2000. It was written and directed by Brian Nissen and Richard Rich. The movie is based on two older stories: "Feathertop" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and a play called The Scarecrow by Percy MacKaye. Warner Bros. released the film for families to enjoy.
Contents
The Story of The Scarecrow
The movie begins with a kind old woman named Ms. Bee Bee. She is actually a friendly witch. She tells us about a town called Grisham Heights. A very selfish man named Count Grisham owns this town. He loves dancing more than anything. Ms. Bee Bee used to be his dance teacher. But he found out she was a witch. He then chased her away. She had to live in an old house far from the village. Her magic broom, Bristles, was her only friend.
A Magical Beginning
Ms. Bee Bee explains about the town's workhouse mill. This is where orphans and people who owe money have to work. They must earn thirteen silver coins to become free. We meet a girl named Polly. She has worked at the mill almost her whole life. Polly has been saving her silver coins. She hides them at the foot of a scarecrow. She doesn't know Ms. Bee Bee lives nearby. Because she is lonely, Ms. Bee Bee brings the scarecrow to life. She uses a special magic feather. This feather also lets a grumpy mouse named Max talk. Max lives in the scarecrow's pocket.
As time passes, Scarecrow falls in love with Polly. She visits him often. Ms. Bee Bee knows Polly earned enough money long ago. But Polly chose to stay. She wanted to help three young orphans. She hoped they could all leave together. Ms. Bee Bee sees Scarecrow loves Polly. She worries she might be found out again. So, she leaves the village. She teaches Scarecrow how to dance before she goes. Scarecrow is sad. But he wants to be with Polly. He also wants to protect her money.
Count Grisham's Plan
Meanwhile, Count Grisham knows how much money Polly has. He wants Polly to be his. He often tries to charm her. He promises her and the children a good life. But Polly sees through his selfish tricks. She always says no to him. On the day Polly earns the last silver coin, Grisham finds out. He sends Cheswick, the mill overseer, to find Polly's money. Cheswick follows Polly to the old garden. He digs up her money after she leaves. Scarecrow then shows himself. He tries to get the money back. Cheswick gets scared and runs away. He goes to Grisham's two helpers for help. They corner Scarecrow in the old house. There, Scarecrow finds a magic feather. Ms. Bee Bee left a message with it. The message says the feather will turn him human. But he must be willing to give his life for another. Only then will "real life" truly be his.
Feathertop's Big Dance
Scarecrow puts on the feather. He easily tricks Grisham's helpers. They think he is just a traveler named Feathertop. They leave, but Cheswick is still suspicious. Polly returns to the garden. She finds her money gone and cries. The next morning, Grisham plans to trick Polly. He holds a dance contest. The prize is 52 silver coins. This is exactly how much Polly needs. Feathertop shows off his dancing skills. Polly asks him to teach her and be her partner. During their lesson, they dance together. They start to fall in love. Grisham then interrupts them. He asks Polly to be his partner. He gets angry when he learns she already has one. On the night of the contest, he sends his helpers. They try to trap Feathertop. But Feathertop escapes. He and Polly win the contest. Feathertop gives all the money to Polly. They both say they love each other. They plan to get married the next morning.
The Final Challenge
Grisham confronts Feathertop. He discovers Feathertop's true identity. He ties Scarecrow up in the field. He steals Scarecrow's feather. When Grisham wears it, he turns into Feathertop. He hopes to trick Polly into marrying him. But Bristles and Max manage to get the feather off him. This happens just before he enters the church. Grisham tries to force Polly to marry him. But she and the priest refuse. Scarecrow escapes. He gets his feather back thanks to Max. But he decides to leave Polly. He thinks he can never truly be with her. Polly is still waiting for him at the church. Grisham angrily tells his helper, Wooden, that he will harm Polly. But Wooden leaves him to warn Polly. Bristles, who was listening, flies off to warn Feathertop.
Polly and the children try to escape in Grisham's carriage. The only way out is across a bridge. This bridge goes over a deep gorge. Grisham had told his helpers to weaken it. Feathertop arrives and climbs under the bridge. He holds the supports together. Polly and the children cross safely. Grisham tries to stop them. In the fight, he falls to his death. Feathertop holds the bridge long enough. The carriage crosses. Then, the bridge collapses. Feathertop falls into the gorge. Max and Bristles search the fallen pieces. They find him, thinking he is gone. But they are so happy to see him alive! They climb out of the gorge together. Polly is waiting at the top. She happily hugs Feathertop. He tries to explain why they can't be together. But then he realizes something. His feather fell out of his hat. This happened when he climbed out of the gorge. This means he is now human forever! He and Polly kiss. The town celebrates Grisham's defeat. They clean up and have a big dance. They rename the town Swingtown. Ms. Bee Bee brings a girl broom to life for Bristles. She then ends the movie by talking to the audience, just like at the start.
Meet the Voices
Here are the actors who lent their voices to the characters in The Scarecrow:
- Shawn Hoffman as The Scarecrow/Feathertop
- Belinda Montgomery as Polly
- Ray Porter as Grisham
- Christie Albers as Miss Bee Bee
- Corey Feldman as Max
- David Llewellyn as Wooden
- Paul Masonson as Cheswick, Gumshoe, and Bristle
- Prince Davidson as Cooper
- Scotty Leavenworth as Farley
- Chelsea Parnell as Gretchen
- Jim J. Bullock as the Magistrate
- Catherine Lavin as the Maid
