Dr Syn – 1937 | 78 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Exciting, well-handled adventure yarn of the clergyman-cum-pirate Dr. Syn adapted from Russell Thorndike’s 1915 novel, Dr Syn: A Tale of Romney Marsh. Director William Neill keeps things moving at a brisk pace whilst maintaining a light atmosphere in this faithful adaptation beautifully designed by Alex Vetchinsky. George Arliss made his final film appearance in the lead role at the age of 69. Later versions include Hammer Studios Captain Clegg (1962) and Disney’s The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1964).

In the 18th century, the small Kentish parish church of Dymchurch is invaded by a detachment of Royal Navy revenue men hunting liquor smugglers. The vicar, Dr Syn (George Arliss) is the smuggler’s leader and the parishioners his followers. Using the cover of a kindly cleric, Syn smuggles at will and uses the profits for the betterment of the small coastal village over which he presides. After a series of cat-and-mouse clashes across Romney Marshes with the revenue officers, Syn, really Pirate Captain Clegg, believed hanged 20 years before, destroys all evidence against him, marries his daughter Imogene (Margaret Lockwood).to the squire’s dashing son Denis (John Loder), and escapes to continue his life of derring-do.