This episode aired opposite The Beatles' first appearance on CBS's The Ed Sullivan Show, 9 February 1964.
In 1962 Hammer made Night Creatures (1962), which concerns the same character, Christopher Syn, created by Russell Thorndike. Much of the basic plot is the same. Disney had already purchased the rights to the novel "Christopher Syn", based on Thorndike's works. It was determined that Disney had a better hold on the copyright for the names of Syn and Scarecrow, so the character's name is the Rev. Dr. Blyss, alias Captain Clegg.
Disney funded the rebuilding of Old Romney Church, which doubled for Dymchurch.
When deciding on the mask for the Scarecrow, the Director James Neilson wanted something ethereal, unusual, and terrifying. Famed British makeup artist Harry Frampton tried several things, including greasepaint makeup. Nothing gave the look that anyone wanted, but Frampton knew that the actor, Patrick McGoohan, would have to be comfortable in it, not to mention be able to speak clearly in it. He hit upon the idea of using a linen dishcloth as the mask, with holes cut for the eyes, and a nose piece in the same fabric dyed black stitched in. The mask gave a horrifying look and captured that ethereal quality Neilson so wanted.
A promotional picture shows Patrick McGoohan's face half as the Vicar with the other half painted, instead of a mask as in the movie, as the Scarecrow.