- Goody Rickby conspires with Satan to avenge herself when Gillead Wingate refuses to acknowledge their illegitimate child. Years pass, and Wingate becomes a powerful figure in his Salem, Massachusetts, community. Satan appears, ready to effect Goody's revenge. He makes a scarecrow come to life and plans to marry him to Rachel, Wingate's ward, thereby causing her and Wingate to be hanged for having been associated with witchcraft. Their plan is partially foiled when the scarecrow falls in love, acquires a soul, and sacrifices himself to save Rachel.—AFI
- In 17th century Salem, Massachusetts, a son is born out of wedlock to Gillead Wingate and Goody Rickby. When the son becomes ill, Wingate, not wanting to acknowledge he is the father, refuses to give the child medical aid. Dr. Nicholas (who in reality is The Devil) tries to negotiate with Goody for the boy's soul in return for curing him. But Goody refuses and the child dies. Years later, Goody sees an opportunity to get even with Wingate. She hatches a plot with Dr. Nicholas to bring about Wingate's downfall. Wingate is now at the height of his power, and is trying to drive witchcraft out of Salem. Dr. Nicholas and Goody conspire to have him accused of witchcraft. Dr. Nicholas creates a man out of a pumpkin-head Scarecrow, and recalls it to life by giving it the spirit of the illegitimate son. The creation is named Lord Ravensbane. Dr. Nicholas plans to marry him to Rachel, who is Wingate's ward. He then plans to make The Scarecrow's identity known, thus convincing everyone that Wingate and Rachel have indulged in witchcraft, the penalty for which is death. But the plans go awry when Rachel, with the aid of the Mirror of Truth, discovers the ugly scarecrow beneath Ravensbane's exterior. Ravensbane, who has fallen in love with Rachel, finds his soul, which breaks The Devil's spell. Ravensbane sacrifices his own life. Rachel then realizes her real love was for Richard Talbot, who was Ravensbane's rival for her affections. Wingate is sent to the gallows, and Dr. Nicholas and Goody disappear.
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