In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Tim Burton’s Oscar-winning Sleepy Hollow (1999) is returning to the big screen at select theaters for a limited engagement. Sunday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Sleepy Hollow will return to the cinema at select theaters. Please consult local listings to see if any of those theaters are near you. It’s an hour and 45 minutes long. It is rated R for extreme graphic violence, so leave the children at home, or let them watch the 940 Disney version.
The movie is loosely based on Washington Irving’s 1820 short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
If you haven’t seen it since it originally debuted 25 years ago, watch this trailer to refresh your memory.
All Star Cast
Sleepy Hollow has an all-star cast.
Johnny Depp (Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts) starred as Ichabod Crane. In this version a constable sent to investigate the murders by the Headless Horseman, rather than a scrawny schoolmaster.
Christina Ricci [Wednesday Addams in Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993)] co-starred as Katrina Van Tassel, the prettiest girl in Sleepy Hollow, possessing the largest dowry. She played Trixie in Speed Racer (2008)
Sir Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore in six of the Harry Potter movies played Baltus Van Tassel, Katrina’s father and the richest man in town.
Oscar- and BAFTA-winner Christopher Walken plays the dread Headless Horseman. He won an Oscar for playing Nick Chevotarevich in The Deer Hunter (1978,) He starred as Johnny Smith in The Dead Zone (1983).
Casper Van Dien [Johnny Rico in Starship Troopers (1997), Van Helsing in Dracula 3000 (2004)] portrayed Brom Van Brunt, one of Katrina’s other suitors.
Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter in the Harry Potter franchise and Queen Elizabeth I in Blackadder) played Katrina’s stepmother.
Jeffrey Jones (Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988), Edward R. Rooney in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)) played Reverend Steenwyck, the town pastor.
The late Sir Christopher Lee (Dracula in seven Hammer Horror films) and Saruman in the Lord of the Rings franchise) played the Burgomaster.
Alun Armstrong (Bandit leader Torquil in Krull (1983) played the High Constable.
Lisa Marie Smith, who was Vampira in Ed Wood (1994), Martian Girl in Mars Attacks (1996), and Nova in the remake of Planet of the Apes (2001,) portrayed Ichabod Crane’s mother.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been adapted many times since its original publication in 1820. Most people’s first introduction to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1940) which retells “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and The Wind in the Willows. The B&W silent The Headless Horseman (1922), starring humorist Will Rogers as Ichabod Crane is available for free online.. Two other silent versions were filmed, but they have been lost to the ravages of time. Tim Burton’s version is not 100% accurate to Irving’s story, but Rotten Tomatoes gives this version of Sleepy Hollow 70% by the tomatometer (comparing 129 reviews by critics a) and 80% by the popcornmeter (audience opinion.) Rotten Tomatoes also said” It isn’t Tim Burton’s best work, but Sleepy Hollow entertains with its stunning visuals and creepy atmosphere.”
Director Tim Burton is known for his horror films. Sleepy Hollow is one of his most horrific. Tim Burton directed Beetlejuice (1988), Freankenweenie (19984), Corpse Bride (2005), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) and many other movies.
Will you be going to see Sleepy Hollow when it returns to the big screen on Sunday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 16, 2024? Remember, it’s in select theaters only. Many towns won’t be showing it. Sleepy Hollow is rated R for graphic gore and a scene of sexuality. If you prefer subtle suspense to buckets of blood, this movie isn’t for you. Go to the library and check out the book. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a classic of 19th century American literature, as well as a classic of horror literature.
Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
