The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980) | Merits of Sin | Region-Free (DVD)

Title: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980)

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, TV Movie

Plot Synopsis:

In 18th-century New England, mild-mannered schoolteacher Ichabod Crane arrives in the village of Sleepy Hollow and becomes smitten with the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. However, his presence unsettles the town, especially local brute Brom Bones. As Ichabod attempts to woo Katrina, he is plagued by ghostly tales and eerie happenings, particularly the terrifying legend of the Headless Horseman who rides at night in search of a replacement head. Ichabod’s rational worldview is shaken as he finds himself pursued by the supernatural force haunting the town.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Henning Schellerup

• Writers: Washington Irving (short story), Robert Young

• Cast:

  • Jeff Goldblum as Ichabod Crane

  • Paul Sand as Frederick Dutcher

  • Meg Foster as Katrina Van Tassel

  • Dick Butkus as Brom Bones

  • James Griffith as Squire Van Tassel

IMDb Link:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980) 

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. alexnugget – ★★★
   “Classic spooky vibes with a very charming Jeff Goldblum. The low-budget TV aesthetic actually helps make it feel like a campfire story come to life.”

2. MattyO64 – ★★★½
   “Jeff Goldblum plays Ichabod like an awkward alien and it weirdly works. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s an entertaining take on the tale with some surprisingly moody atmosphere.”

3. NostalgicDave – ★★★
   “This is very much a made-for-TV movie, but I still love it for what it is. Feels like something you’d stumble across late at night in the ’80s and get a little creeped out.”

4. samhainqueen – ★★½
   “Could’ve used more scares, but the foggy sets and Goldblum’s weird charm carry it a long way. Not the best version, but far from the worst.”

5. 80sVHSKid – ★★★
   “Cheesy but cozy Halloween viewing. The Headless Horseman is barely in it, but when he shows up, it’s great. Very nostalgic.”

Meta Description:
A haunting 1980 TV adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow stars Jeff Goldblum as Ichabod Crane facing off against the spectral menace of the Headless Horseman in this atmospheric, nostalgic horror-fantasy film.