The Adventures of Robin Hood

"Why, you speak treason!"

"Fluently."

In 1191, while fighting in the Crusades, King Richard (Hunter) of England is taken captive.  His younger brother Prince John (Rains) claims the throne, kicking out the regent that Richard left behind.  Prince John raises the taxes, oppressing the Saxons, to build his support.  His oppressive laws are carried out by Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Rathbone) and the High Sheriff of Nottingham (Cooper).  He also counts the Bishop of the Black Cannons (Love) among his followers.  When he travels to Locksley, he brings along Richard's ward Lady Marian (de Havilland).

Sir Robin of Locksley (Flynn) is sick of the tyranny and has given up his lands and position to live in the forest and defend the Saxons.  Known as Robin Hood, he is the best archer in England.  He is joined by minstrel Will Scarlett (Knowles), Much (Mundin) the Miller's son, Little John (Hale) who is deadly with a staff, and Friar Tuck (Pallette) an expert swordsman.  As Prince John's men continue to oppress the people, Robin Hood and his men defend and provide for the Saxons.  Can they stay one step ahead of the tyranny and protect the country until King Richard returns?


The legend of Robin Hood has been adapted to film and TV numerous times, but for me, this will always be the quintessential version.  Everything about this film works.  The cast, action, and pacing are all perfect.

Errol Flynn is effortlessly Robin Hood, and every man that has taken on the mantle since has to live up to his performance.  In fact, it is hard to picture anyone else in this role.  Olivia de Havilland is gorgeous and feisty as Maid Marian (billed as Maid Marian, but called Lady Marian in the film).  She is more than just the beautiful damsel in distress, she isn't afraid to speak her mind.  Claude Rains is perfect as Prince John, he's authoritative and cunning and a real threat.  Bail Rathbone imbues Sir Guy of Gisbourne with a menacing nobility and you can't wait to see what he will do next.  Melville Cooper makes the Sheriff a braggart and a coward, and it works.  Patric Knowles, Alan Hale, Eugene Pallette, and Herbert Mundin work well as the merry men: capable of fighting alongside Robin, and quick with a sarcastic comment.

The script by Norman Reilly Raine, Seton I. Miller, and Rowland Leigh is a swashbuckling adventure that isn't afraid to show lighter moments.  It moves at a brisk pace, but never feels rushed.  The duels were choreographed by swordmaster Fred Cavens, who paced them like a dance to add to the excitement.  Professional archer Howard Hill, who appeared in the film as archer Elwen the Welshmen, made all of Robin Hood's shots and used a specially designed bow to make a distinct sound for the soundtrack.  The score by composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold is memorable and fits perfectly with the story.  It might not be iconic, but it holds its own in the film.

Originally, the film was planned as a remake of the 1922 Robin Hood film starring Douglas Fairbanks.  However, they ultimately chose a different path.  Alan Hale also appeared in the 1922 film as Little John.  They also planned to make a sequel, after this film became a huge success, but it was never developed.

The film won 3 Academy Awards (it was nominated for 4): Best Art Direction - Color, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score (it was also nominated for Best Picture).  It has also appeared on many top film lists and several AFI top 100 countdowns.

It is a wonderful film and the best of the Robin Hood films / television series.  I grew up watching this film and loved it as a child.  Decades later it still stands as an excellent film.  Everyone should see this film.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) 102 minutes
Director: Michael Curtiz & William Keighley
Starring: Errol Flynn as Robin Hood
Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian
Basil Rathbone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne
Claude Rains as Prince John
Patric Knowles as Will Scarlett
Eugene Pallette as Friar Tuck
Alan Hale as Little John
Melville Cooper as High Sheriff of Nottingham
Ian Hunter as King Richard
Una O'Connor as Bess
Herbert Mundin as Much
Montagu Love as Bishop of the Black Canons