Washington Irving's tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman gets a few new twists in a screen adaptation directed by
Tim Burton. In this version, Ichabod (
Johnny Depp) is a New York City detective whose unorthodox techniques and penchant for gadgets make him unpopular with is colleagues. He is sent to the remote town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of bizarre murders, in which a number of people have been found dead in the woods, with their heads cut off. Local legend has it that a Hessian ghost rides through the woods on horseback, lopping off the heads of the unsuspecting and unbelieving. Ichabod refuses to believe in this legend, convinced that there must be a logical explanation for the murders. In time, Ichabod becomes smitten with a local lass, Katrina Van Tassel (
Christina Ricci), who is the sweetheart of the burly Brom Bones (
Casper Van Dien), and he becomes determined to capture the murderer to prove his bravery and win her heart.
Christopher Walken,
Jeffrey Jones, and
Christopher Lee highlight the supporting cast; Lee's appearance is particularly apt, since Burton has cited the Hammer films of the 1960s as a major influence in making this film.
Andrew Kevin Walker and
Tom Stoppard contributed to the screenplay. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide