The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Plot synopsis:
From the listless repose of the place, and the peculiar character of its inhabitants, who are descendants from the original Dutch settlers, this sequestered glen has long been known by name of Sleepy Hollow ... A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere.
The story is set in 1790 in the countryside around the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town (historical Tarrytown, New York), in a secluded glen called Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow is renowned for its ghosts and the haunting atmosphere that pervades the imaginations of its inhabitants and visitors. Some residents say this town was bewitched during the early days of the Dutch settlement. Other residents say an old Native American chief, the wizard of his tribe, held his powwows here before the country was discovered by Master Hendrick Hudson. The most infamous spectre in the Hollow is the Headless Horseman, said to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper that had his head shot off by a stray cannonball during "some nameless battle" of the American Revolutionary War, and who "rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head".
The "Legend" relates the tale of Ichabod Crane, a lean, lanky and extremely superstitious schoolmaster from Connecticut, who competes with Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, the town rowdy, for the hand of 18-year-old Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter and sole child of a wealthy farmer, Baltus Van Tassel. Crane, a Yankee and an outsider, sees marriage to Katrina as a means of procuring Van Tassel's extravagant wealth. Bones, the local hero, vies with Ichabod for Katrina's hand, playing a series of pranks on the jittery schoolmaster, and the fate of Sleepy Hollow's fortune weighs in the balance for some time. The tension between the three is soon brought to a head. On a placid autumn night, the ambitious Crane attends a harvest party at the Van Tassels' homestead. He dances, partakes in the feast, and listens to ghostly legends told by Brom and the locals, but his true aim is to propose to Katrina after the guests leave. His intentions, however, are ill-fated.
After having failed to secure Katrina's hand, Ichabod rides home "heavy-hearted and crestfallen" through the woods between Van Tassel's farmstead and the Sleepy Hollow settlement. As he passes several purportedly haunted spots, his active imagination is engorged by the ghost stories told at Baltus' harvest party. After nervously passing under a lightning-stricken tulip tree purportedly haunted by the ghost of British spy Major André, Ichabod encounters a cloaked rider at an intersection in a menacing swamp. Unsettled by his fellow traveler's eerie size and silence, the teacher is horrified to discover that his companion's head is not on his shoulders, but on his saddle. In a frenzied race to the bridge adjacent to the Old Dutch Burying Ground, where the Hessian is said to "vanish, according to rule, in a flash of fire and brimstone" upon crossing it, Ichabod rides for his life, desperately goading his temperamental plow horse down the Hollow. However, to Crane's horror, the ghoul clambers over the bridge, rears his horse, and hurls his severed head into Ichabod's terrified face.
The next morning, Ichabod has mysteriously disappeared from town, leaving Katrina to marry Brom Bones, who was said "to look exceedingly knowing whenever the story of Ichabod was related." Indeed, the only relics of the schoolmaster's flight are his wandering horse, trampled saddle, discarded hat, and a mysterious shattered pumpkin. Although the nature of the Headless Horseman is left open to interpretation, the story implies that the ghost was really Brom (an agile stunt rider) in disguise. Irving's narrator concludes, however, by stating that the old Dutch wives continue to promote the belief that Ichabod was "spirited away by supernatural means," and a legend develops around his disappearance and sightings of his melancholy spirit.

Tags: murder

Review:
The best Ichabod ever..
I love this version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Jeff Goldblum is the best Ichabod Crane I have ever seen.
Unfortunately, I have only seen it maybe every other Halloween, shown on various local stations that don't advertise their lineups in the TV guide.
Also unfortunately, the film is aging poorly so every year it gets a little fuzzier.
But it doesn't feel like Halloween until you see Goldblum's stammering and Adam's apple bobbing and the lovely romance emphasized in this version.
I'm crossing my fingers that it will be remastered and put on DVD.
Am I crazy?
Yes, but I can hope..
This is a Totally 80's Classic!.
This version of Legend of Sleepy Hollow has all the ingredients of a classic.
The mood is set in the beginning through music and a great opening scene...I make it a point to watch in the autumn between Halloween and Thanksgiving...I guess you need to have grown up in the 80's to really appreciate the feel of this particular version...Great Family Film and stands on the ability and confidence of fine acting...even in the quirky monologue...This film is getting rave reviews from at least 20 or 30 of my family and friends.
I suggest anyone reading this review to go and get yourself a copy on the VHS format with the original cover...I don't know why they didn't print any DVD version yet...it is worth a view either way..
An older but better Sleepy Hollow.
Ever since I saw this on tv many years ago, it has been my favorite Sleepy Hollow.
I've seen 3 other Sleepy Hollows, including the most recent one with Johnny Depp, and I still prefer this one.
One of the elements I love most is its authenticity.
I think it is very true to the original story that everyone knows, and so many of the actors and actresses are perfectly suited for their characters.
Jeff Goldblum is excellent as Ichabod Crane; besides his tall and gangly appearance, he has an amazing ability for playing quirky characters.
I have yet to see someone do a better performance.
Dick Butkus gives a great supporting performance as the coarse, insensitive Brom Bones as well.
This is a movie that I wish would be shown every year at Halloween; I think it could become a tradition just like The Grinch at Christmas.
If you come across it in a video store, it's definitely worth seeing..
Jeff Goldblum IS Icabod Crane.
Yes, I realize that this is a made-for-TV film with a less- than-stellar budget.
And yes, I realize that it deviates a bit from Washington Irving's original short story.HOWEVER, this remains my single favorite version of Sleepy Hollow committed to film!
Who better to play Icabod Crane than lean, lanky, bumbling Jeff Goldblum at his early and most Goldblum- y?
I love the development of all the characters, the setting, the costuming, and the banter.
I love the superstitious, but well-meaning, townspeople.
You can truly feel the connection of a community that knows one another perhaps a bit too well.
Even the music score has a haunting, albeit distinctly 80s, atmosphere.This is the version I grew up on.
It is a point of nostalgia and personal taste for me, and I REALLY, REALLY wish it was available on DVD!.
Good Fun in Sleepy Hollow.
I've been a Sleepy Hollow affectionado ever since i saw the animated Disney classic as a kid, and I suppose I've seen pretty much every version from TV, movies, and cartoons since the 1950's.
In many ways, the Disney one is still my favorite.
I loved the Tim Burton film with Johnny Depp, but something about it wasn't right.
In a world where Biblical names were commonplace, "Ichabod" is a most unflattering name, meaning "the glory has departed" - but Ichabod Crane, originally NOT the nicest of men, has become a hero over the years.
Depp's Ichabod was too handsome and brave, and there were no NYC police in 1799, let alone forensics specialists.
And so Jeff Goldblum remains probably the best-cast Ichabod Crane of all time.
He has a look similar to the Disney one, but he has a much more pleasant manner, Burton's film, is ghostly and mysterious and well done.
The subplot with a brutish Brom Bones (wasn't Bram the hunky one?) and a girl friend (NOT Katrina)ain't that great - but the overall film is very enjoyable, and seems to have quite a fan following.
A good Halloween tale for all ages..
A great movie.
The TV movie version of Washington Irving's classic American story diverges from the book in many ways, however this is a great movie.
Jeff Goldblum is great as Ichabod Crane, with his tall, skinny frame storking throughout the movie (although for some reason he's constantly licking his lips).
Fritz VanderHoff, his patron and introduction to Sleepy Hollow's supernatural side, is amazing comic relief and really gets into the historic side of his handyman character.
Paul Sand is also quite good as Fred Dutcher, Dick Butkus' sidekick.
I grew up with this movie and still love it, from the period clothing and locations to the close ups of Palmer in the barn.
Every time that I watch it I come away with something new.
The picture quality is lacking, as it is a reproduction of a 1980 TV movie, so its just itching for a DVD release.
This is truly an American classic and Jeff Goldblum; et.al.
should be petitioning for it's re-release on television, if not a theatrical release..
Jeff Goldblum fantastic!
Do we have a DVD yet?.
Jeff Goldblum is simply a supreme actor.
He has the talent of drawing the audience into the role he is playing at the time and that is a rare thing indeed!
This move is a wonderful example of the Headless Horseman story.
I wasn't even aware there were VCR copies of the movie.
Hopefully the studio/production company will become aware of the need for a DVD of this movie.
Considering all the DVDs out there at this time, this DVD would be a step in the right direction of quality home entertainment.
Plus, it is not just a seasonal type of movie.
The story was very interesting and creative.
Definitely worthy of year-round appraisal.
See it, it's great!.
A wonderful flavor of colonial times.
I've loved this movie since its first airing back in 1980.
Actually I only caught the ending that night because of being out late trick or treating..lol.
Great cast, especially Jeff Goldblum and Dick Butkus.
For a lot of the movie you get so wrapped up in the characters that you almost forget about the real headless horseman.
There's just something very nostalgic about this film.
The clothing, the log cabins, the small community, the nice manners, the ghost tales, the hospitality, the music, the location..so much to enjoy!
The story is a little modified from the original but that's okay, it still works very well.
I don't think much of it was filmed in a studio which gave it that more realistic feel.
Just a wonderful film from beginning to exciting end.
Yes a DVD release would be very nice..
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Really quite enjoyable.
We've seen the tale of Ichabod Crane plenty of times before (Too many) but this is by far my favourite at time of writing.Starring Jeff Goldblum as the man himself, and the tantalising Meg Foster this comedy take on the timeless classic is one of the most charming movies I've seen lately.When Ichabod Crane a school teacher arrives in Sleepy Hollow for his new job he discovers a town full of believers in superstition, ghosts and the infamous headless horseman.
Being an educated man he doesn't believe, but then night time comes.....It's hard to believe this came out approximately 7 days before I was born!
And credit where credit is due it actually looks great for its time.Charming, whimsical, genuinely funny and well performed this is everything that Sleepy Hollow (1999) thoroughly failed to be.Sure it's not without its flaws and I wasn't keen on the ending, but regardless this is a lot of fun.The Good:Meg FosterMeg Fosters eyesVery charmingReally quite funny in placesThe Bad:Dodgy endingSome heavy changes to the original materialThings I Learnt From This Movie:Meg Fosters eyes steal every scene of every movie she is in.
Goldblum as Crane?
Hole in One!.
I loved this one!
Icabob Crane is here and Brom Bones (Dick Butkus) is angered that Katrina Van Tassel, his "girl" is taking a fond interest in Crane.
When poltergeists appear, Crane still doesn't believe until one fateful night...
My only problem with this is that it does not remain trueful to the book by Irving..
Sunn Schick did some really wonderful films and this is one.
I strongly believe that Sunn Schick Productions did posterity a great service.
This film and Deerslayer are only two of the many films they did in the 1970's.
Do you remember the Life & Times of Grizzly Adams ?
They made that too.Legend of Sleepy Hollow is as clear to Washington Irving's story as I can tell and they kept it in tact without this SDFX mess that so many newer films use now.
Jeff Goldblum shines as Icabod and the cast are all favorites, including Mr. Woodman from Welcome Back Kotter as the elderly helper who looks after the school building.I would rank this and all the Sunn Schick films a 10++  See if whenever you can get a copy..
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Jeff Goldblum!.
This version with Jeff Goldblum is pretty good.It is one of them films where nothing spectacular happens until the end but the end is worth waiting for!Some of the scenes are very similar like the cartoon.Goldblum was the perfect choice to play Ichabod Crane as he is tall and thin!That's all I'll say but if you like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow story and the new film and are able to check this out do so because it is a very rare film and it is a good watch for the mystery and horror fan!.
Fun, but NOT true to story.
I remember watching this on TV as a teen.
This movie is a fun flashback to the early 80's for those who grew up then, but despite what other reviewers have said, this version is NOT EVEN CLOSE to Washington Irving's short story.Prior to visiting Sleepy Hollow, NY recently, I re-read the original story.
Great great fun---great descriptions!!
But most movies stray from the story.
Personally, I love Tim Burton's version, but I don't consider it Irving's story, but Burton's.It's too bad that all we have are old VHS copies of this.
The copy I obtained from a local library was damaged beyond belief.
There's gotta be a master somewhere--maybe someone can clean it up a little and put out a DVD--please?.
TV Version.
Henning Schellerup directed this TV version of the classic Washington Irving story that stars Jeff Goldblum as schoolteacher Ichabod Crane, who has recently arrived in the New England town of Sleepy Hollow, and soon runs afoul of bully Brom Bones(played by Dick Butkus) after showing romantic interest in the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel(played by Meg Foster) but legends of ghosts and headless horsemen haunt Ichabod as he tries to win Katrina's hand, and keep his head...
Jeff Goldblum is perfectly cast here, as is Meg Foster, but film is harmed by too many supporting characters and dramatic padding to fill out the running time; would have been far more effective about 20 minutes shorter..
Not bad for a TV movie..
I think because this movie is based on one of the best short stories ever is what made it decent.
This the story of Icabod Crane.
And how a dark night he runs into a ghost the Headless Horseman.
This is a very spooky movie.
It has a great story line.
It also has great acting.
The 1949 version the Bing Crosby is better.
The 1999 version with Johnny Deep is also better.
But still this a good movie.
But still this a good movie.
Jeff Goldblum is a great actor.
Meg Foster is a great actress.
The 1972 short cartoon is better.
But still this a good horror film.
Is pretty scary.
Dick Butkus is a great actor.
Laura Campbell is a great actress.
This movie is a must see..
A Forgotten Gem Of American Feel-Good-Old-Time.
This isn't a groundbreaking work of cinematography and theatrical performance.
But it's precisely its low-budget and humble means that really adds a character and feel tot he movie that you just can't find anymore today.
Plus, it has a nostalgic effect, since I first saw this back in my elementary days and so watching the movie really takes me back.
There's a Facebook page I started to help get this title moved onto a more modern format, especially streaming services..
Wonderful version that I have to watch multiple times a year.
This version, to me, takes Washington Irving's classic tale and really brings it to life in a family friendly, lighthearted vein.
It's not a horror movie, it's not even suspenseful because you know who is doing what, but there is an element of wonder and the superstitions of the rural communities in upper New York make it a lovely treat to watch.
If Jeff Goldblum was born to play a role, this was it.
He is the scrawny, hawk-faced beanpole sort that you picture when you read Irving's classic.
Meg Foster's simply beautiful in this version.
I like the fact that they added another female character to give Katrina someone to play against even though it's not in the original.
I love the setting with the deep snow and the bare trees.
So many times shows 'pretend' to be set at a certain time of year but if you pay attention to the surrounding trees they are lush and green when they should be bare or it should be dreary and it's sunny and bright.
It says it was filmed in Utah so it would be easy to build the primitive rural structures required for the shoot.
The use of John Sylvester White as a confidante for Ichabod is wonderful.
He is best known for his role as Principal Woodman in "Welcome Back, Kotter" and this role allows him to be gruff and comedic but not ridiculous.
Dick Butkus is likewise perfect for his part.
He is big and kind of dumb--a bit ox-like--but he's not without sympathy.
You can easily see him bullying people in the area and being possessive of the fair Katrina Van Tassel.
Still, he isn't so horrible that you want him to get hurt or killed.
You simply want him to stop being so mean.
The other members of the supporting cast: Paul Sand, Laura Campbell, James Griffith, and Tiger Thompson just add more layers to a well-known story..
A Fun Version Of The Story.
I knew there was another version of Sleepy Hollow that I watched as a preteen/teen - I when I saw this one on YouTube I said "I knew it!
This is the film I've been trying to remember!" So good to see this one again!!
The movie is just as good as my memory was telling me.The movie is not so much of a horror as it is more of a light comedy-horror.
It's has a great atmosphere, fun version of the story and Jeff Goldblum as the famous Ichabod Crane.
Goldblum is great in this role, he's well suited for the part.If you like Sleepy Hollow then I do suggest that you give this version a try.
And for more Headless Horseman & Ichabod try The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) and Sleepy Hollow (1999) - the three would make an excellent triple feature for a night of Headless fun.9/10.
OMG!
THIS MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE!.
Okay, I am so fascinated with the "Sleepy Hollow" movies, but this one is the most inadequate one.
The acting is horrible, the camera shots are worse, but this movie does hold a place in my heart, so I gave it a 7.
It was an okay movie, Jeff Goldblum was not a good Ichabod though, but Butkus rocked.
It always comes on here in Chicago the Wednesday before Halloween from 4 in the morning to 6.
I have it now, it was released on video for some time.All in all, this is an average TV movie, and WOULD BE BETTER AS A "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE" HALLOWEEN SPECIAL.
If you get a chance, check this out..
1980 Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a great version!.
The 1980 version of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a great version to watch if you are in the mood for a light Halloween tale.
This video is on YouTube in different places.
The writer's stay somewhat close to the original text except in the end Katrina and Ichabod do fall in love and it is implied that they will get married and live happily ever after.
I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Brom and Ichabod throughout the movie.
However, the setting, acting, and overall atmosphere of the movie is sufficient for a good and nostalgic viewing of the story!
Lastly, although Meg Foster gets a lot of the attention for her role, one can not overlook the beautiful Lauren Campbell.
Also, in this version we meet an old school master named Winthrop Palmer.
I do not believe he is in the original text.
His role fits well in this version.
Enjoy.