Dr. Syn [VHS]
by Roy William Neill

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VHS Movie Reviews of Dr. Syn [VHS]

Movie Review: dr.syn
Summary: 5 Stars

Movie Review: Follows the book closely, but different from the Disney version
Summary: 3 Stars

Movie Review: Two Thumbs Up for the film, spoilt only by the poor print.
Summary: 5 Stars

Movie Review: British Navy captain tracks aging pirate-turned-clergyman.
Summary: 5 Stars

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

Classics Video

• Genres > Action & Adventure
• Classics > General
• Art House & International