Thought: We decided to watch "The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)" yesterday, which we never seen before. We were not expecting munch. We were really surprised by how good it was. It wasn't campy and cheesey like most old movies were from the time.
Directed by: Michael Curtiz and William Keighley
Genre: Action Adventure,
Release Date: May 14, 1938
Running Time: 102 minutes
MMPA rating: PG
The Good: Errol Flynn is the best Robin Hood, Lots of well choreographed sword fighting, Good acting, Great classic story, One of the best action adventure movies of all time, Best movie from the decade,
The Bad:
Plot: Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, is taken captive by Leopold of Austria while returning from the Crusades, his brother John (Claude Rains) takes power and proceeds to oppress the Saxon commoners. Prince John raises their taxes, supposedly to raise Richard's ransom, but in reality to secure his own position on the throne.
One man stands in his way, the Saxon Robin, Earl of Locksley (Errol Flynn). He acquires a loyal follower when he saves Much (Herbert Mundin) from being arrested by Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone) for poaching one of the king's deer. Robin goes alone to see Prince John at Gisbourne's castle and announces to John's assembled supporters and a contemptuous Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland) that he will do all in his power to oppose John and restore Richard to his rightful place. He then escapes, in spite of the efforts of John's men.
His lands and title now forfeit, Robin takes refuge in Sherwood Forest with his friend Will Scarlet (Patric Knowles). There they meet Little John (Alan Hale, Sr.), whom Robin recruits after a bruising quarterstaff bout. Other men join their growing band. Later, Robin provokes Friar Tuck (Eugene Pallette) into a swordfight, but then persuades the friar into joining him to provide spiritual guidance to the outlaws. Soon, Prince John and his Norman cronies find themselves harassed beyond all bearing with many of their troops receiving instant deadly retribution for their abuses courtesy of the Merry Men's arrows.
One day, Robin and his men capture a large party of Normans transporting taxes through Sherwood. Among Robin's "guests" are Gisbourne, the cowardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper), and Maid Marian. Robin and his men "liberate" the tax money, swearing to a man to contribute it towards King Richard's ransom. At first, Marian is disdainful of Robin and his "band of cut-throats", but becomes convinced of his good intentions. Eventually Robin lets the humiliated Gisbourne and sheriff go, telling them that they have Marian to thank for their lives. Watch the movie to see what happens next.
Plot: 8.9/10- The plot is the classic story of Robin Hood and it is the best one.
Action: 9.5/10- Surprisingly the action is better than a lot of movies today. The sword fight choreography was very good,
Acting: 9.1/10- Errol Flynn is the definitive, he looks the part and is the best I have seen.
Basil Rathbone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne was also very good.
Special effects: N/A
Soundtrack: 7.8/10- While most old movie soundtracks are generic and not very good The Adventures of Robin Hood's soundtrack as good and original compared to other soundtrack of the era.
Comedy: N/A
Overall: 9.1/10- Overall The Adventures of Robin Hood is one of our favorite old movie and it still holds up well today.
Closing comments: The Adventures of Robin Hood is a excellent action adventure movie that is still comparable to adventure movies today.
Recommended for: Anyone, Action movie fans, Adventure movie fans, Action Adventure movie fans, Classic movie fans,
You got that right. I love this movie. Must've seen it at least ten times before the age of twelve! 9.5
ReplyDeleteYAY! You liked it! I'm happy to hear you say that Errol is the best as Robin Hood; I've not seen any other version of Robin Hood yet, but I'm sure he is! I love Basil Rathbone, too. :)
ReplyDeleteConsidering this is one of my top favorite films (and Robin Hood is my hero!) I'm giving it 10 out of 10!
~Jamie
I've also seen this movie multiple times, and it's by far the best Robin Hood movie made to date (the Russel Crowe Robin Hood doesn't count as an actual Robin Hood movie, in my books at least). The costumes and sets are especially gorgeous, and it's great that there's no objectionable content. Every actor, not just Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone, was perfect for the role they played. I give the movie a 9.5/10!
ReplyDeleteI was so pleasently surprised that you reviewed this! I even posted on this not too long ago!
ReplyDeleteI love Errol Flynn so much and I was also surprised not too long ago when I saw it that it wasn't very cheesy!
It helped that the first time I saw this I watched it with my best friend who was visiting!
@Jt/King Valun: I think I watched it once when I was six but I am not sure.
ReplyDelete@Jamie: Errol Fynn is the best definitely Robin Hood.
@Eldra: I agree with you about the Russel Crowe movie it wasn't anything like a Robin Hood movie.
@billyBobjoe: I agree it wasn't cheesy.
never seen a robin hood film. but i love the bbc verison. :)
ReplyDelete@Aalya Rain: I also liked that series.
ReplyDeleteThe Adventures of Robin Hood is a must-see film. The cast is great. The colour is beautiful. Erich Wolfgang Korngold contributes a stirring score. My score is 9/10.
ReplyDelete@Reel Popcorn Junkie: Glad we agree, one of the best old classic films. Thank you for commenting on my blog.
ReplyDelete-James
The Adventures of Robin Hood is a simply terrific film: fun and exciting but with a strong message (Robin does not hate Normans, but what some of them have done). The music is thrilling and fun and the performances (from the villainous Rathbone & Rains to the dashing Flynn and beautiful de Havilland) are among the greatest. 10/10.
ReplyDeleteCertainly at least a 9/10. Excellent movie.
ReplyDelete