Set in a small town in rural Texas,
some townsfolk become suspicious of the local simpleton, Bubba (Larry Drake), who has befriended a young 10
year old girl. Despite their concerns, Bubba's elderly mother is fiercely defensive of him, claiming the only
reason he hangs around young children is because, mentally, he's no older himself.
But this cuts no ice with them and when the young girl is badly injured one day, Bubba is immediately blamed and subsequently hunted down by an angry vigilante mob. Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow and convinced that he's responsible for the girls injuries, the group brutally shoots him dead.
Of course, it then turns out that Bubba was completely innocent and had in fact saved the girl. But being a small town, where everyone knows everyone, it seems killing the local simpleton in cold blood isn't considered a major crime, and the group subsequently escapes justice. But, as Bubba's mother warns them, there are other forms of justice in the world apart from the law.
When a mysterious scarecrow, identical to the one Bubba was disguised as, appears in the field belonging to one of his killers, the group initially think someone is trying to spook them. But then when they start dieing off in mysterious circumstances, they become convinced someone is out for revenge. But who could it be? Bub's mother is too old, the young girl he befriended was too young and who else knew about the scarecrow? Could Bubba have returned from the grave or is someone out to get them?
Originally made for the US TV networks back in the early 80s, the film is not particularly gory, instead relying on atmosphere and tension, which actually works in its favour. In fact I couldn't help but wonder if Stan Winston borrowed a few ideas from this film for his movie "Pumpkinhead". It also features a good cast including Charles Durning (Tough Guys), Lane Smith (Prison) and Larry Drake (Darkman and TVs LA Law) and has garnered a huge cult following over the years.
Personally, I thought this was hugely enjoyable, there's a real air of mystery as to who or what could be doing the killing as the assailant's identity is not really shown. So if you liked the original "Halloween", then you should enjoy this.
