Cheap Doctor Syn (Video) (Roy William Neill) Price

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Customer Reviews of Doctor Syn

Follows the book closely, but different from the Disney version
I purchased this movie since I was such a fan of Disney's "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" starring Patrick McGoohan. This "Dr Syn" is worth seeing, but you'll appreciate it more if you've already read the original "Dr Syn" book by Russell Thorndike. I was disappointed that there wasn't more action in the movie, but George Arliss does a good job as the title character, and it was interesting to see an older, cagier Dr Syn -- one at the end of his career. If you do decide to buy this edition of "Dr Syn," be advised that the VHS copy I received was grainy and it can be difficult to see some scenes that take place at night. Bottom line: Buy this if you're a fan of the "Dr Syn" series. It's good, but I much prefer the 3 episode "Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" that Disney made.

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Two Thumbs Up for the film, spoilt only by the poor print.
Having enjoyed this film so much in the UK both on TV and video I was naturally keen to see it again over here in the US. Whilst I still have fond memories of the film, I was slightly disappointed by the NTSC version of the film. The film suffered from fragmented scenes, caused by breakages to the original print. This is unfortunate because the print for the PAL version is near perfect, and also contains the complete opening titles to the movie. That aside, the film is a first rate yarn and definitely worth catching. The performances are great and story gripping. Of the two films made, based on Russell Thorndikes excellent and elusive series of books, this is truer to the original story, except of course for the ending.

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British Navy captain tracks aging pirate-turned-clergyman.
What would Long John Silver be like in old age, if his better half had won out? This 1930's British movie version of Russell Thorndike's novel gives us a clue. George Arliss, one of the greats of the British stage and an early star of Hollywood talkies, gives an excellent final performance in the title role. It's a switch for Arliss, who won an Oscar in the title role of "Disraeli" and usually played similar, elegant roles. Never afraid of a new role, he boldly quits the silver screen as an aging buccaneer!

Dr. Syn is a retired pirate the world believes to have been hanged. In fact, he has taken up a second career as the parish pastor of Dimchurch, near the real-world Romney Marsh on the southern English coast. But Syn has brought some of his pirate crew along and together, they are secretly smuggling. Syn gives his smuggling profits for a new schoolhouse and for the town's poor. "I've used the money better than the king and I haven't had to pay any duties," he brags. But there's also that pirate side. "I've known the Scarecrow (Syn's smuggling code name) longer than any of you," says his chief lieutenant to the rest of the gang, "and sometimes I'm mortally afraid of him."

You'll find this drama well-acted all around, including a class-crossed romance for Margaret Lockwood in the role of Syn's daughter (who doesn't know her father is Dr. Syn, advising her not to hope the squire's dashing son will wed her). The Navy captain who stumbles his way toward the truth, learning to appreciate the ironic name of the town, is amusing, but able. He fights for the law, yet somehow lets you keep rooting for Arliss/Syn. The heavy of the tale, a mute, violent mulatto, is politically incorrect - but we see how he's been used by both sides so badly and feel sympathy for him. There's intrigue, betrayal and suspense. The story is well-paced and witty. A fine yarn for all viewers over the age of ten and a fine thespian finale for Arliss. END