King Richard is taken prisoner during the Crusades. Prince John, with the help of Guy of Gisbourne, seizes the moment to take over his throne. In Sherwood Forest, Sir Robin of Loxley (already kitted up in his Lincoln Green costume!) saves Much from Gisbourne, when he is caught poaching the King’s deer.
Later, Marian, a Norman girl of high standing, is feasting with Prince John. Robin interrupts the proceedings with the dead King’s deer over his shoulders. Prince John announces he is taking over the throne from his brother Richard. That is the moment Robin decides on an outlaw life, and so the scene is set.
Little John and Friar Tuck are both recruited in the traditional river-crossing manner. Will Scarlet (wearing the reddest costume in movie history) was already a close friend. Marian, being a Norman, takes rather more persuasion. However, after the Golden Arrow competition leads to Robin Hood’s capture, it is Marian who will go to his rescue, an act which will see her locked up for treason.
A “stranger” comes to town in disguise (although the gold trimmings on his robe might be a clue!) It is, of course, King Richard. The King, Robin, and his men, descend on Nottingham, a battle which climaxes in the most famous duel to ever come out of Hollywood.
A huge commercial success, winning 3 Academy Awards, “The Adventures of Robin Hood” retains its popularity today. A colourful mix of action and romance. Perhaps a little too colourful for today’s tastes, and the speeded-up sequences are a little quaint, but the image of Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, persists.
Robin Hood, The Adventures of Robin Hood.
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