Washington Irving published this tale in a collection entitled, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., which he published in 1820. This short story was written in England by Irving who was living in Birmingham at the time. This spooky and fun story, along with Rip Van Winkle became 2 of the most popular and enduring tales of a young American country. Not only was it loved in England, it caught the attention of the new United States and laid the foundation for American novelists to strive for: tales and stories about and concerned with the American people.
Yes, Sleepy Hollow. It's more than a short story. More than something written and published in 1820. It's been made into cartoons, has been published over and over, told at bonfires, and at Halloween. There have been numerous movies, radio shows, stage re-enactments, and television shows. It has endured for almost 200 years, just 7 years short of that anniversary. It tells so much about the early New York period, and it gives us the desire to know more. The Headless Horseman galloped then and he still does.
Today, he rides through the streets of modern Sleepy Hollow, but there's a twist. Ichabod Crane is a resurrected Revolutionary War soldier whose blood mixed with the horseman on the field of battle, linking them together. However, this horseman is more than a Hessian soldier; he is Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Sleepy Hollow is the battlefield between two covens of witches. One good, one bad; both fighting over the End Times. Ichabod is on the good side- stopping the Horsemen and he and his new partner, Lt. Abbie Mills, a member of the Sleepy Hollow Sheriff's Department. So, this program not only updates it, it changes the tale and guess who gave Crane the order to stop Death? No one else of course than General George Washington.
Now the television show took an untold number of changes, and let's face it- it's very very loosely based on Irving's short story, but it is a new reinvention of a tale which goes along with the attractions of today's society concerning witches, evil, good, and ghosts. Let's face it, we love these characters and if you want to see what it's all about, the picture above is from the show. Special effects are really good and you really do enjoy watching deal with the advances of life in the United States which he missed for 250 years. Crane's reactions are worth watching the show- especially, when he finds out his breakfast contained a 10% tax, which he goes ballistic about.
Okay, now I'm not trying to talk you into watching a show which I am viewing. I find it sad to change the story so much. I am a huge Washington Irving fan and believe that the books should be made into movies or such just the way they are written. However, I am thrilled to see this program for it might catch people's interest and they two will read Irving's wonderful ghost story, enjoying it as much as I do. So, here you are; Sleepy Hollow...ghosts, evil, witches, good, covens, headless horsemen, the Bible, and victims....Whether you watch the show or not; read the story, with some friends and family...some apple cider, popcorn, cinnamon donuts, and a bonfire.....You will love it. What can be more American than Sleepy Hollow? Enjoy! Oh, and hang on to your head...........
Photo Credits
Sleepy Hollow
Fox TV
Executive Producers
- Alex Kurtzman
- Roberto Orci
- Len Wiseman
- Heather Kadin
- 2013
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