The Adventures of Robin Hood
(A- or 3.5/4 stars)
In 1938's epic adventure 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (directed by Michael Curtiz & William Keighley), Errol Flynn stars as Robin of Locksley, a 12th century Saxon nobleman who's furious at the mistreatment of his people, as well as the dominating ambitions of his corrupt government. After King Richard the Lion-heart (Ian Hunter) departs on a crusade, is captured by Austrians, & held for ransom, merry 'ole England falls into the hands of his megalomaniacal brother Prince John (Claude Rains), who is only out to fill his pockets with Saxon $$. He abuses the people, taxes them to the high heavens, & leaves them impoverished.
Robin gallantly takes on their cause as a leader, becoming an outlaw for resisting Prince John's decrees (raising the ransom $$ by stealing from the caravans of the rich through Sherwood Forest). Soon enough, Robin is making a complete fool of the John, starts wooing the beautiful Maid Marion (Olivia de Havilland), & enlisting the aid of his band of merry men, including Little John (Alan Hale) & Friar Tuck (the always enjoyable Eugene Pallette). That's all swell. But can he defeat Prince John, the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper), the evil sword-wielding Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone), & return King Richard to his rightful throne? Good old-fashioned entertainment ensues.
'… Robin Hood' is simply one of the great action entertainments of the 1930s; featuring a terrific, having the-time-of-his-life lead performance by Errol Flynn -- dashing, handsome, easygoing, athletic, and with a quick-witted sense of humor, to boot. Olivia de Havilland is both beautiful & immensely likeable as romantic interest, Maid Marion. The various members of Robin's band are broadly portrayed, but genial, nevertheless. And Robin's enemies are all memorable. Claude Rains is the perfect sniveling Prince John. And best of all is Basil Rathbone (well-known as Sherlock Holmes through the 30s & 40s) as the conniving Guy of Gisbourne. His climactic dueling scene with Flynn is one of the most exciting sword battles of cinema history.
I love that this movie doesn't take itself too seriously. Sure there are some dramatic moments, some serious narrative goings-on, but overall, it's an infinitely FUN film to experience. Robin's 1st meetings with Little John & Friar Tuck delight. Even during the many fight scenes, the tone is light. The entire proceedings are spirited. And I can't end this review without mentioning the technical aspects. Plainly put: brilliant. The Technicolor cinematography is bright, rich, & lush. The production design is extravagant, to say the least -- I loved just looking around the castle sets. The costumes are impeccable. i.e., colorful male outfits (Robin's green attire, our villain's aristocratic looks), chiffon ball gowns for the women, etc. And Eric Wolfgang Korngold's Oscar-winning musical score is rousingly upbeat. Great movie!
Robin gallantly takes on their cause as a leader, becoming an outlaw for resisting Prince John's decrees (raising the ransom $$ by stealing from the caravans of the rich through Sherwood Forest). Soon enough, Robin is making a complete fool of the John, starts wooing the beautiful Maid Marion (Olivia de Havilland), & enlisting the aid of his band of merry men, including Little John (Alan Hale) & Friar Tuck (the always enjoyable Eugene Pallette). That's all swell. But can he defeat Prince John, the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper), the evil sword-wielding Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone), & return King Richard to his rightful throne? Good old-fashioned entertainment ensues.
'… Robin Hood' is simply one of the great action entertainments of the 1930s; featuring a terrific, having the-time-of-his-life lead performance by Errol Flynn -- dashing, handsome, easygoing, athletic, and with a quick-witted sense of humor, to boot. Olivia de Havilland is both beautiful & immensely likeable as romantic interest, Maid Marion. The various members of Robin's band are broadly portrayed, but genial, nevertheless. And Robin's enemies are all memorable. Claude Rains is the perfect sniveling Prince John. And best of all is Basil Rathbone (well-known as Sherlock Holmes through the 30s & 40s) as the conniving Guy of Gisbourne. His climactic dueling scene with Flynn is one of the most exciting sword battles of cinema history.
I love that this movie doesn't take itself too seriously. Sure there are some dramatic moments, some serious narrative goings-on, but overall, it's an infinitely FUN film to experience. Robin's 1st meetings with Little John & Friar Tuck delight. Even during the many fight scenes, the tone is light. The entire proceedings are spirited. And I can't end this review without mentioning the technical aspects. Plainly put: brilliant. The Technicolor cinematography is bright, rich, & lush. The production design is extravagant, to say the least -- I loved just looking around the castle sets. The costumes are impeccable. i.e., colorful male outfits (Robin's green attire, our villain's aristocratic looks), chiffon ball gowns for the women, etc. And Eric Wolfgang Korngold's Oscar-winning musical score is rousingly upbeat. Great movie!