robin hood

Robin Hood / Sherwood Forest UPDATES.

2012-01-13T17:44:00.001Z

I hope everyone is keeping up with the Updates (video, pics & text) over on "Robin Hood Was Here":

http://robin-hood-was-here.blogspot.com/

Robin Hood (1912) and other silent Robin Hood movies.

2011-11-24T19:03:00.009Z

Douglas Fairbanks' "Robin Hood" (1922) was not the first movie about the famous outlaw. Long since established as a tried and tested success in theatres, the story of Robin Hood was an obvious choice for emerging early 20th century film makers. (See list below).

One such film which has survived is American Éclair’s “Robin Hood” (1912). An American branch of the French film manufacturing company, Éclair Studios specialised in short films, state of the art in their day, but soon to be overshadowed by the emerging Hollywood industry. (Not to mention a fire in 1914 which destroyed both studios and negatives alike).

“Robin Hood” was directed by Étienne Arnaud and Herbert Blaché. Robert Frazer took the lead role, with Barbara Tennant as his Maid Marian. (Robert Frazer would survive the change from “silents” to “talkies”, appearing in such films as “White Zombie” and “The Vampire Bat”.) Shot in New York, and written by Eustace Hale Ball, the plot involves Guy of Gisbourne and Robin vying for Maid Marian's favour. No surprises there. But what today appears most dated and “odd” to a modern audience is the way the virtues of each character are conveyed to the audience via the momentary superimposition of an animal head. Good guys get good animals, bad guys, bad. For cast list see comments box.

Above: Robin Hood and his Merry Men are startled to find the disguised stranger in their midst turns out to be King Richard. Below: Friar Tuck performs the marriage ceremony for Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

Robin Hood silent movies:

1. "Robin Hood and his Merry Men" (1908). Dir. Percy Stow. Robin saves a man from the Sheriff of Nottingham's gallows.

2. "Robin Hood" (1912). SEE ABOVE ARTICLE.

3. "Robin Hood Outlawed" (1912). Dir. Charles Raymond. Robin is an outlawed Earl who forms an outlaw band and saves a girl from a knight. A Brian Plant as Robin Hood, Ivy Martinek as Marian. Made in the same year, but different from the above article.

4. "In the Days of Robin Hood" (1913). Dir. F. Martin Thornton. Robin disguises himself as a monk in order to enter the castle and rescue one of his men. Harry Agar Lyons as Robin Hood. Lyons would achieve greater fame as Fu Manchu. This movie is interesting because it was filmed using Nottingham locations, and in Natural Colour Kinematography.

5. "Ivanhoe" (1913). Dir. Herbert Brenon. Robin helps Ivanhoe rescue Rebecca of York from the clutches of Sir Brian de Bois Guilbert. Walter Thomas as Robin Hood. NOTE: Two different films of this title were made in this year. One American, the other British. This is the American version.

6. "Robin Hood" (Alt Title: Robin Hood and Maid Marian) (1913). Dir. Theodore Marston. William Russell as Robin Hood. Robin and his followers help the poor from their hideout in Sherwood Forest, chased by the Sheriff of Nottingham. NOTE: There is a reference on the internet to "another" 1913 film called Robin Hood in which Robin wins an archery contest and helps Alan a Dale rescue his sweetheart. I would suggest this is either number 4 or 6 from this list.(?)

7. "Robin Hood" (1922). Douglas Fairbanks as Robin Hood. See THIS LINK for pics and review.

8. Robin Hood Jr. (1923). Dir. Clarence Bricker. Frankie Lee as the young Robin Hood.

For more Robin Hood silent movie pictures see THIS LINK.

See Comments Box for cast listings of Robin Hood silent movies.

Robin Hood (1906) the stage play.

2011-11-06T18:32:00.006Z

The legend of Robin Hood had of course been the basis of many stage plays well before 1906. As far back as the Tudor period in England, when the growth of theatres positively thrived, "morality plays" were enthusiastically received by the largely uneducated public, and what better theme than Robin Hood? In fact so popular was Robin as a subject that the governments of the day grew rather concerned. All well and good to deliver plays called "Jealousy" or "Greed", but what kind of message might be gleaned from an outlaw who robbed from the rich? There is a quote from one Bishop Latimer (dated 1549), that tells of him travelling to London and stopping along the way, only to find the church door locked. When enquiring as to why, he was told "Sir, this is a busy day, it is Robin Hood's day". The Bishop recorded his concern: "Robin Hood, a traitor and a thief. It is a weeping matter when people prefer Robin Hood to God's word."

At the start of the 20th Century, and before cinema largely replaced the theatre, Lewis Waller was the most famous actor to portray Robin Hood prior to Douglas Fairbanks. Born in Spain in 1860, he formed his own company in Haymarket c.1895, producing and performing the lead role in "Henry V". Similar appearances ensured his reputation grew fast. In 1906, at the Lyric Theatre, London, he took the lead role in "Robin Hood". This was William Devereux's first play, written in collaboration with Henry Hamilton, and it ran to 163 performances, plus matinees. A further measure of its success was the number of promo postcards it elicited.

Little is known of the plot line. Certainly the emphasis would seem to have been on romance, with Robin Hood / Earl of Huntingdon (Lewis Waller), using a servant girl Adela (Dorothy Minto), to deliver his amorous messages to Maid Marian / Lady Marian de Vaux, Evelyn Millard. Playwright William Devereux played King John, and a postcard of Ethelbert Edwards, known for his height, suggests Little John was also present. Many of these names would go on to have very successful careers in the emerging silent movie industry.

Above L-R: Lewis Waller as Robin Hood, Evelyn Millard as Maid Marian, Ethelbert Edwards as Little John. For more pictures from this production see THIS LINK.

Robin Hood: What bow did he use?

2011-09-13T10:58:00.003+01:00

Above: Robin Hood draws his Welsh longbow in "Wolfshead" (1969).

Robin Hood would have used at least two different bows. One simply for hunting game in Sherwood Forest, and one powerful enough to penetrate armour when confronted by the Sheriff of Nottingham's or Prince John's soldiers and constabulary. And to do the latter he would have used one of the the most powerful weapons of medieval times: The Longbow.

The Longbow originated in Wales, a fact eluded to in the movie "Wolfshead" (1969). The Welsh used it to fight off attacks from the English before the end of the 11th century. The English recognised its awesome power and soon adopted it as their weapon of choice, so contrary to some people's belief, the Longbow was around at the time of Robin Hood albeit perhaps not yet fully established in the English army. As the decades passed it became known as the English longbow. Knights had no protection against the arrows of the longbow, which could pierce their armour more than 250 yards away. For example, at the Battle of Crecy (1364), the French lost 2000 Knights and soldiers, compared with only 50 English fatalities!

In the military, a longbow was made to measure, depending on the individual archer's height, and it is interesting to speculate whether or not Robin Hood might have received some military training. The English longbow would normally have been made of Yew, whereas the Welsh preferred Elm. It would have been protected by wax or resin, and the string made of hemp soaked in glue. Longbow arrows were about 3 feet long and came in a various types according to whether one wanted to bring down a horse, pierce chain mail or armour plate.

So powerful was the bow that skeletons of longbow archers are often found deformed, with enlarged left arms and bone spurs on their left wrists, left shoulders and right fingers. A skilled military archer would have been capable of firing 12 arrows per minute, and we can be sure Robin Hood would have matched that. However, whereas a military archer's arrow was one small part of a huge volley, Robin Hood's reputation is that of an expert individual marksman. According to legend the Yew for Robin Hood's bow came from a Papplewick churchyard, and it is worth noting that such trees were well known for their medicinal, symbolic and spiritual qualities.

For more pictures of Robin Hood and his bow click on THIS LINK, and THIS LINK.

Did you know? The English Archery Law of the 13th century ordered that all Englishmen between the ages of 15 to 60 years old must equip themselves with a bow and arrows. King Edward III further commanded obligatory archery practise on Sundays. This Archery Law "forbade, on pain of death, all sport that took up time better spent on war training especially archery practise". King Henry I later proclaimed that an archer would be absolved of murder if he killed a man during archery practise. So if you're reading this in the UK, get practising!

Princess of Thieves (2001)

2011-05-17T19:07:00.005+01:00

"Princess of Thieves" is a made-for-TV low budget movie, the title of which might imply it was a sequel to "Prince of Thieves", though the content is clearly not. The plot explores the theme "what if Robin Hood had a child?" Of course that notion had been addressed before in movies like "Bandit of Sherwood Forest" and "Rogues of Sherwood Forest", but the difference this time is that the child is a daughter.

Gwen "Hood" Loxley has grown up more or less neglected by her father Robin Hood whilst he was overseas fighting alongside King Richard. After the death of Richard, Robin returns home to try and ensure Prince Philip takes the throne and not Prince John. When Robin is captured it is up to his daughter Gwen to prove herself to her father.

Aimed at a pre-teen / teen audience, the movie is all about the equality of girls, teenage angst, "my parents don't understand me", and unrequited love type references. This would be fine if the result tackled those ideas in anything like as effective a manner as Lucy Griffiths' superb portrayal of Marian in BBC's 2006 Robin Hood. But it does not. At the end of the film Prince John calls to Prince Philip "History will ignore you!" Robin Hood fans will no doubt feel the same about this film, but I concede that on the internet it does have its fans.

(Cast list in Comments box).

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946)

2010-09-01T11:18:00.007+01:00

Above: Cornel Wilde as Robert, Son of Robin Hood.

Robin Hood, now the silver haired Earl of Huntingdon some 20 years after his exploits as the legendary outlaw of Sherwood Forest, learns that The Regent William of Pembroke is scheming to revoke the Magna Carta. The aging Robin argues against Pembroke and as a consequence is outlawed, whilst the Boy King is also kidnapped by Pembroke from the Queen. And so it is that Robin Hood / Earl of Huntington calls together his outlaw gang of old (seeming hundreds of whom come charging out of Sherwood Forest riding stallions and looking like a cross between the 7th Cavalry and Geronimo’s Apaches), whilst the Queen and Lady Catherine take shelter with the “old hag” Mother Meg.

Above: An aging Robin Hood with Merry Men Little John and Alan A Dale.

The actual hero of the film is Robert Hood, son of Robin, who in time honoured tradition proves his strengths in a good hearted sword fight with Friar Tuck. This idea of making the son of Robin Hood the central character will be used again in 1950’s “Rogues of Sherwood Forest”. However, the difference here is that the original, aging Robin Hood is still alive and fights alongside Robert.

Above: The original Robin Hood as earl of Huntington.

It would be easy to be cynical about the Bandit of Sherwood Forest, especially Cornel Wilde’s padded shoulders and huge pointy hat which make him look like Peter Pan on steroids. Also, note how in 1946 it was perfectly acceptable for the hero to creep up on a girl he’d never met, spy on her bathing, then forcibly kiss her, all within the space of about 60 seconds, only to have her fall instantly in love with him. However, I found it to be an enjoyable, well crafted, colourful adventure, in which all the legend’s main characters are present. (Apart from Marian, where there is an almost unspoken implication that Robert was raised by the “old hag” Mother Meg). As with the aforementioned “Rogues of Sherwood Forest”, “Bandit of Sherwood Forest” is intended to be seen as a possible sequel to the Errol Flynn classic, and comes complete with an attempt to duplicate the former film's staircase duel at the end.

(Note: The media would have you believe Russell Crowe was the oldest actor to play Robin Hood. Now you know better! Russell Hicks was 51 years old when he played the role in this film.)

Robin Hood (2010)

2010-05-17T15:40:00.012+01:00

“Robin Hood” (2010), may possibly disappoint as many Robin Hood fans as it will surely please admirers of director Ridley Scott, but make no mistake this is a fine movie and one with far more integrity than the stream of semi-mindless blockbusters which bombard the cinema screens of its time. Where would the disappointment lay? Well, certainly not in the absence of men in little green hats and tights. To suggest such is ludicrous, and well out of touch with the appetites of the Robin Hood audience as it has developed post-Michael Praed. But what is lacking is something of the audacity we expect from the main character; that quality which has us both smile and gasp at his daring exploits in one and the same breath. Russell Crowe’s Robin is undoubtedly heroic, and a man of principle, but he is perhaps more akin to Ned Kelly or Jesse James than he is to a Zorro or Scarlet Pimpernel type.

Ridley Scott approaches the legend by basing his movie on the premise that Robin Hood was in reality Robin Longstride, thereby claiming more “historical accuracy” than has been the case with previous films on the subject. But that seems as foolish to me as claiming a film about Dracula which takes into account Vlad the Impaler, is therefore more “historically accurate” than sticking to the novel. The theory does not stand up to scrutiny, and can result in a dull movie. Thankfully, Ridley Scott’s movie about Robin Hood is not dull. (In fact, although not my favourite Hood movie, I think it’s possibly Scott’s career best. Only my opinion).
The story involves the archer Robin Longstride, serving in the Crusades. When King Richard is killed, Robin, Little John, Alan A Dayle and Will Scarlet leave for England. Meanwhile another “Robin”, the knight Robin of Loxley, has been entrusted to return King Richard’s crown to England. When Loxley is ambushed and fatefully wounded, he passes the crown and his sword to Robin Longstride, asking him to complete the mission. It is in this way that Robin Longstride will become the new Robin of Loxley, inheriting both his lands and his wife Marian. Only at the end of the movie do we see Robin banished as an outlaw by a King John jealous of the way his soldiers admire Robin’s courage in defeating the French. (Sounds complicated, but it’s really not).
The emphasis being on action and the political manoeuvrings which went with the transition from King Richard to King John, there is little time to study the characters apart from Robin and Marian, and that is to the movie’s detriment. (I would also have liked to see more to of the feral children in the forest; a splendid, original idea). But Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham are all in place should a sequel ever get made. And if there is no sequel? Well I still came away thinking this was more of a Robin Hood movie than most reviews in the media would have you believe. I shall certainly be buying a copy for my collection.

See links on the right for many more Robin Hood film reviews and information.

Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950)

2010-01-20T20:05:00.008Z

Without specifically saying so, “Rogues of Sherwood Forest” suggests itself to be a kind of sequel to the “Adventures of Robin Hood”, and features the son of Robin Hood. This conception is given added credence with the repeat performance by Alan Hale as Little John. (This was Hale’s third performance in the role, the first being the Douglas Fairbanks version. Sadly, it would also prove to be his final film). However, this being 1950 Hollywood, no specific details are given regarding his father’s marriage to a Marian, or how babies might be made. (Note: In 1939, Tarzan and Jane could not be filmed as a married couple in the jungle and had to “find” a son in the wreckage of a plane in “Tarzan Finds A Son”.) Similarly, the “Marian” in this story is the conveniently similarly named Marianne de Beaudray. But don’t let any of that put you off.

The plot involves Little John and young Robin, Earl of Huntingdon, returned from the Crusades and living in an England ruled by King John. The King holds a grudge against Robin because of his father’s exploits as the original Robin Hood, and so arranges a jousting contest in which the young Earl is meant to be killed. Needless to say, after some flirting with Lady Marianne, Robin survives the contest.

King John is having trouble enforcing his rule in England, and needs more troops to impose his will on the people. He seeks to buy Flemish troops from the Count of Flanders, but to do so he must raise the money by introducing punitive taxes. When Robin opposes him he is outlawed and his lands confiscated. Robin then responds by becoming the outlaw his father once was and, at Little John’s suggestion, gathers together the original “merry men” (though not, it should be stressed, the original actors apart from Hale). And, of course, Marianne plays her part as an informant to the outlaws regarding the King’s plans.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film. A colourful, light hearted piece of entertainment with all the iconic outlaws present, even if (as is the point), they are more advanced in years than most films depict them. It would have been nice to hear how the original Robin had died (we don’t), and yes it is a bit strong to suggest King John signed the Magna Carter because of Robin Hood’s son. But hey, those fans who prefer their Robin Hood in such splendid attire, with lots of galloping of horses hooves through the forest, as lots of arrows find their targets in the chests of shiny helmeted soldiers, will find plenty to enjoy. I certainly did.

Beyond Sherwood Forest (2009)

2009-12-04T18:45:00.008Z

Note: This site does not support illegal downloads. To view this film go to http://www.syfy.com/ .

Above: Robin Hood (Robin Dunne) falls to the Sheriff of Nottingham's blade ((Julian Sands).

“Beyond Sherwood Forest” was the first internet movie version of Robin Hood, made for an age when entertainment on the ‘net challenged television ratings like television once challenged the movies.

Three riders charged with looking after Nottingham in King Richard’s absence, are attacked by a dragon. It slays one of the men outright, before being wounded by a second and diving into Sherwood Forest. But when the remaining two men go in search all they find slumped against a tree is a naked girl with an arrow in her side. Malcolm, the superior of the two, plunges his sword into the girl but she cannot be killed. So, realising what a powerful weapon she could prove to be in his plan to become Sheriff of Nottingham and side with Prince John against the King, he kills the other man, Loxley, and takes the girl prisoner. However, watching on from the bushes is the young boy Robert of Loxley who, seeing his father killed in this way, flees deeper into the forest. There he comes to rest before a mystical portal in the trees, leading to another world Beyond Sherwood Forest.

Above: Alina (Katharine Isabelle) the cursed girl who becomes a dragon when exposed to sunlight.

We then fast forward several years. Marian is practising her skills with a long staff, and arguing with her father over her imminent arranged marriage to Duke Leopold of Austria. When her father refuses to see her point of view, she runs away into the forest, attempting to disguise herself as a man, only to encounter Robin Hood who demands from her some payment. In an interesting twist on the original legend, Robin and Marian fight with long staffs on the bridge whilst Little John looks on. Even when revealed as a woman, Robin Hood fails to recognise his childhood friend Marian, and she, disapproving of outlaws, decides to keep that secret from him until a time later on in the plot when she sees how he “gives to the poor”.

Meanwhile, after hearing that Robin Hood has ambushed a treasure chest intended for Prince John and containing the wedding dowry, the Sheriff of Nottingham visits his “dragon girl” Alina in the dungeons deep beneath his Castle. He has something Alina desperately wants back (no spoilers here), but in order to regain it she must capture “the Man in the Hood”. Once exposed to sunlight, Alina transforms into the dragon and takes to the skies over Nottingham to complete her quest.

Above: Will Scarlet (Richard de Klerk) fights the dragon.

Are you with me so far? It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and the next part of the film sees Robin hood and Little John joined by Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck, before finally embarking on their journey to the world Beyond Sherwood Forest; a place which holds the secret of how the dragon can be slain. This is the land of the Syrans, and the Temple of the Elders, who are the Keepers of the Trees. But to get there and find the Tree of Life, Robin Hood must ward off attacks from bats, wolves, and meet the challenge of climbing a huge rock face. Yes, you guessed it, this is the stuff of computer game plot lines as both Robin Hood and the dragon strive to reach their individual respective “prize”. One wonders if that is what is intended? Is a pc game far behind?
Above: Robin Hood's first internet outlaws? Will Scarlet (Richard de Klerk), Little John (Mark Gibbon), and Maid Marian (Erica Durance).

But I found “Beyond Sherwood Forest” to be an entertaining, enjoyable adventure; one which utilises the familiar personnel as iconic heroes rather than getting too involved in character development and origins. The low budget location shooting combines very well with the special effects and the cast throughout give good performances. Special mention goes to the wonderful Katharine Isabelle, of “Ginger Snaps” fame, for her portrayal of the dragon girl Alina. Also, David Richmond-Peck for his Prince John. It’s a small part, but effective.

More pictures of Alina and the dragon on THIS LINK.

Wolfshead, the Legend of Robin Hood. (1969)

2009-11-30T18:13:00.007Z

“Wolfshead” was the fourth and final Robin Hood film to be associated with the Hammer company, more famous for their horror movies of the 1960s. However, it’s production history is not so simple. This very gritty version of the Robin Hood story was initially produced by London Weekend Television, intended as a pilot for a subsequent series. But when the television company decided against taking up that option, Hammer purchased the pilot, subsequently circulating it under their name and copyright. This explains why the film is featured in the “Costumes” episode of the 1990 “World of Hammer” documentary. (Copies sold today on internet auction sites usually come from a later TV source in which the original title was blacked out in favour of a rather crude graphic reading “The Legend of Young Robin Hood”).

“Wolfshead” was the first contemporary telling of the story of Robin Hood. Filmed entirely out on location in North Wales, it’s characters struggle for existence across a bleak, windswept, winter landscape. All thoughts of Merry Men in Lincoln Green are dispensed with in favour of an attempt to portray with greater realism the conflict between the Saxon farmers and the Norman baron’s intent on seizing their properties.

The story: Robert of Loxley, a simple farmer, is working his land with friend Much, when a fellow Saxon runs through their property attempting to escape Sir Jeffrey and the Royal Game Warden. Robert denies seeing the alleged poacher, and (in time honoured tradition), the fight which ensues is destined to seal his fate.

When Sir Jeffrey’s brother, Roger of Doncaster, learns that Robert of Loxley was not killed for his insolence, he determines to use the incident to have him arrested and his lands confiscated. Sir Roger’s ulterior motive is that his intended bride Lady Marian Fitzwater, has a crush on Robert from childhood, and this stands in the way of his marriage to her. So he enlists the help of the Abbott to have Robert made a Wolfshead: An outlaw who’s head is worth that of a wolf’s, dead or alive.

Returning from a secret meeting with Marian (who’s childhood name for him is “Robin”), Robert finds his farm burnt to the ground and his sister murdered. Nearby forest dweller Friar Tuck takes care of the survivors, whilst Robert himself is forced to flee. Much joins Robin, presenting him with his father’s Welsh bow, “powerful enough to stop a bear and pierce plate iron”. From this moment Robert refers to himself as Robin, as both a disguise, and a means of communicating via secret messages to Marian. After a while, when attempting to cross a river in search of a safer hiding place, Robin meets John Little on the bridge (how they didn’t freeze to death in those temperatures I’ll never know), and later still recruits Will Stukely, whose coat, whilst not exactly Scarlet, is of a suspiciously familiar shade of “rusty red”. And so it is that, directly after this band of outlaws take to wearing Hoods as a disguise, and nominate Robin as their leader, the short film comes to a close with Robin Hood and his familiar band of outlaws, poised to do battle against villain Roger of Doncaster and his sadistic sister, who by the way quite fancies Robin for herself. (Shades of Isabella Gisborne in BBC’s Robin Hood?)

“Wolfshead” is the start of the story of Robin Hood, and leaves us just as the Legend is about to begin. Sadly, the subsequent TV series was never made. This pilot was just too far ahead of it’s time. Maybe it still is. But this grim telling of the tale, with it’s clear attempts at authentic references, is highly recommended to Robin Hood fans who find the sequins on Errol Flynn’s green costume a little hard to take. Special mention should be made not just of Director John Hough, but of Director of Photography David Holmes, who’s camera angles are a visual feast.

More about Hammer Films dark visions of Robin Hood can be seen on THIS LINK, THIS LINK, and THIS LINK.

"The New Adventures of Robin Hood" (1997)

2008-10-11T17:37:00.006+01:00

"The New Adventures of Robin Hood", is frequently referred to as the "Xena" version of the legend. In truth, it was never up to the standards of "Xena, Warrior Princess", but it does employ a similar mindset in its most basic production values: An emphasis on action (heavily overdubbed with martial arts style sound effects), and "camp", tongue in cheek humour.
Matthew Porretta, having already lost his soul by playing Will Scarlett O'Hara in 1993's "Robin Hood men in Tights" (a film which these blogs will always decline to review), took the lead role as Robin Hood for seasons 1 and 2. To his credit, Porretta does have a strong on screen charisma, and one wonders what he might have made of the role in a much more serious, higher budget production. He was replaced in seasons 3 and 4 by John Bradley, who acquitted himself well (though less successfully) in a more rugged interpretation of the role.

Anna Galvin (season 1) and Barbara Griffin as Marion FitzWalter (seasons 2 - 4), were required to do little more than strut their whip cracking stuff in red leather miniskirts, resembling gum chewing cheer leaders rather more than maidens of Sherwood Forest. And mention should be made of Hakim Alston as Kemal, who carried on the contemporary tradition of including a black (or Saracen) outlaw amongst the "merry men". The rest of the regular cast are entirely forgettable, but Robin of Sherwood fans will want to see the late great Robert Addie (not looking too well), in an episode called "the Devil's Bride".

"The New Adventures of Robin Hood" makes no attempt at character development, schedules more noisy swordfights per episode than commercial breaks, and frequently uses costumes which resemble left overs from the Mad Max movie villains. The lack of any sense of continuity throughout the series makes meaningful review impossible. But you know what? The shear ridiculous nature of it all does make it a sort of guilty pleasure. Good fun.

Robin Hood Series 2 (2007)

2008-08-31T15:13:00.003+01:00

The advance publicity for Robin Hood series 2 heralded it as a "much darker" drama than series one had been. Just how much darker was not anticipated, and whilst the best of its episodes were certainly on a par with the best of series one, the conclusion in which Marian was murdered, alienated infinitely more fans than it ever stood to win.

For much of series two, the smiling, heroic, charismatic Robin Hood which Jonas Armstrong had portrayed before, was a thing of the past. If anything the second series documents the mental breakdown of the character, as hero becomes loser: Allan A ' Dale deserts him and turns traitor; his fiancé, Marian, rejects the idea of living in the forest with him, preferring to return to Nottingham; John disobeys him and briefly returns to the traditional "give to the poor" concept; and perhaps worst of all, Robin Hood frequently kills his enemies. The basic reason for all of this is Robin's belief that everything depends on King Richard's return from the Holy Wars, whereas Marian and the Outlaws feel the welfare of Nottingham should be their number one concern. And against this backdrop of "darkness and despair", popular characters like Will Scarlet (Harry Lloyd), and especially Djaq (Anjali Jay), are notably absent from the screen.

Nevertheless, although this reviewer's preference is for the characters as portrayed in the first series, episodes 1 - 7 of series 2 continued to thrill and delight fans everywhere. The tension created between Jonas Armstrong's Robin Hood and Joe Armstrong's Allan A' Dale, was palpable, culminating in some great fight scenes, and (need we say it), Lucy Griffiths as Marian continued to be the most popular cast member with readers of this site, turning in consistently outstanding performances. Indeed, in a series which once again involved great performances from a predominantly young cast, the only thing which lacked real consistency, was the writing.
Internet debates over the removal of Lucy Griffiths from the show, not to mention the manner in which Marian was murdered at such an early hour, will continue to rage. Partly because the centuries old Legend is far better than anything a contemporary writer might foist upon us for a half dozen years at best; and partly because taking perhaps the single most popular cast member out of the show made no sense either financially or creatively. Put bluntly, the murder of Marian was a dumb idea, of no artistic merit.

Was Lucy pushed? The writer's say they had explored her character via the "love triangle", as far as they could. (As if that's all Maid Marian was about). Jonas has said she wanted to pursue other opportunities. (A similar comment to the BBC's). Lucy said that "whatever happens at the end of the show happens by mutual consent". Whatever official statements might say, the opportunity to expand upon Marian as a member of the Outlaws living in Sherwood Forest, not to mention her Night Watchman role (and how she acquired those skills), was thrown away. For myself, and the vast majority of readers who leave comments on Robin Hood 2007, between episodes 8 and 11 the series was leaving the tracks, only to be completely derailed in the disaster that was episodes 12 & 13.

Can the BBC win it back? Certainly they are investing in experienced cast members, more elaborate costumes, even introducing traditional characters like Tuck. But they do have their work cut out for them. A significant percentage of the public and the media, were never totally persuaded by Jonas Armstrong away from their stubborn concept of Robin Hood as an older man in Lincoln green cap, with his English longbow by his side. The murder of Marian, and the exit of Lucy, have only raised the stakes higher.

Robin Hood Series 2 episode guide can be found on this link.

Robin Hood Series 3 episode guide will be featured on this link.

Robin Hood, BBC 1953

2007-06-24T12:57:00.002+01:00

1953 was the year of the first televised version of Robin Hood. Directed by Joy Harington, six thirty minute episodes were broadcast live by the BBC from Gaumont-British Studios, London, from March 17 to April 21 of that year. Only one episode is believed to have survived. Patrick Troughton played the part of Robin Hood, opposite David Kossoff as the Sheriff of Nottingham. From what very little I've seen of the programme it would seem to have had a rather serious, sombre intent, but lacking the more stylish action of the Richard Greene series which was soon to follow. Of course, as we all know, Patrick Troughton went on to become Dr Who, whilst his grandson Sam would feature in Robin Hood in 2006.
Above: Patrick Troughton as Robin Hood, with Kenneth MacKintosh as Little John. Below left: Wensley Pithey as Friar Tuck. Centre: Possibly Philip Guard as Will Scarlet. Right: Possibly John Breslin as Alan A Dale.

Robin Hood (BBC TV 2006)

2007-01-02T17:52:00.000Z

In 2006 it seemed the BBC could do no wrong as their programmes regularly beat all independent UK companies in the ratings wars. One particular jewel in their crown was the revised and award winning Doctor Who. So, as that series came to the end of its season, the BBC looked around for a similar vehicle with which to replace it. They chose the story of Robin Hood, perhaps not out of any great passion or knowledge of the legend, but more as a well known hero they could base a popular programme around.
Indeed, the early episodes did suffer a little through lack of a clear direction. Characters had been swapped around for no apparent reason: Instead of Much being caught poaching at the start, it was now a none musical Alan A ' Dale; instead of Will Scarlet being the previous leader of a gang of outlaws, it was now Little John; instead of John being Robin's second in command (or accompanying him on the Crusades), it was now Much. These changes often side lined certain key characters and deleted rather than replaced certain tales from the legend. For example, there was no meeting on the bridge with Little John, and no Friar Tuck at all on the grounds that a stout Tuck was no longer politically correct. Other issues which drew criticism during the early episodes included Maid Marian's seemingly super powered hair grips, and Robin Hood's two-at-a-time trick arrows. But if the series got off to a slightly uneven start, it very soon established high standards and incorporated new ideas which those who follow will have to take into account.

Filmed largely outdoors in Hungary as the season passed, and using an excellent and largely unknown young cast, the series had a gritty "realistic" quality. Jonas Armstrong (Robin Hood) proved capable of the heroic approach of Flynn and Fairbanks (back flipping from balconies or sweeping Marian up on horseback), whilst also displaying those tearful emotions not associated with the hero in the past, as when Marian rejects him or was mortally wounded. Lucy Griffiths (Maid Marian) admirably portrayed those tougher aspects of the role we've seen before in Patricia Driscoll and Uma Thurman, whilst also taking on the series’ one great new innovation, her secret identity as the Night Watchman. It will be interesting to see in future years if subsequent film makers include Marian's Night Watchman alter ego.

Special mention must also be made of Keith Allen, certainly the most villainous Sheriff of Nottingham to date. Allen’s experience and screen presence was often the satellite around which the younger cast revolved and developed their craft as he gave a classic interpretation of the role. Also, Sam Troughton as the ever loyal and ever complaining Much whose affection for his master Robin rivals that of Marian. Troughton's performance proved that making Much Robin's second in command rather than John was quite inspired, providing as it does a platform for exploring the emotions and humour in close male friendship. Anjali Rose as Djaq was not only the Saracen outlaw for the series (an idea first used in 1984's Robin of Sherwood), but became Robin Hood's first full time girl outlaw. (An idea flirted with periodically over the decades). Djaq proved an especially important character when dealing with such issues as the Crusades at a time when a real life war raged in Iraq. Other actors like Harry Lloyd and Joe Armstrong drew a huge following with teenage audiences, establishing their respective characters in a manner well placed for future development in series two.

The final episodes of this BBC version of Robin Hood reached a particularly thrilling climax. Probably the equal of any interpretation of Robin Hood there has ever been. Those who were somewhat dubious at the very start (and the series certainly had its critics), would be well advised to look again. It thoroughly deserved its ultimate success. Highly recommended.

NOTE: 98% of readers on the New Robin Hood blog (www.robinhoodblog.co.uk) voted in favour of including a Friar Tuck. The BBC has since decided to incorporate the character in the next series.

Robin Hood (1922)

2006-12-16T18:27:00.003Z

The Douglas Fairbanks version of Robin Hood (1922) is not in all truth an artistic classic of the silent movie era. But it is certainly a huge spectacle, and was designed as such to appeal to a public which had previously flocked to see him in his first historical action adventure film "The Mark of Zorro". This was a time when a cast of a thousand extras, and huge theatrical sets, provided the backdrop to Fairbanks's swashbuckling style as he produced and directed himself through a series of box office smashes.
The first part of the film concentrates on the Earl of Huntingdon as he becomes King Richard the Lionheart's favoured knight, beating the cheating Guy of Gisborne in a jousting tournament, and accompanying the King as they depart for the Crusades. The night before their departure the Earl of Huntingdon meets Lady Marian, having to rescue her from the advances of Prince John. This makes him both the enemy of the Prince and Guy, the latter of which has desires of his own for Marian.
No sooner has the King's Army departed for the Crusades than Prince John and Guy of Gisborne begin to terrorise the countryside in their attempt to take over the throne. Marian despatches the Earl's Squire (soon to become Little John), to tell both Huntingdon and King Richard of what is happening. But Huntingdon decides not to give the King the news for fear it will make him turn back from his task in the Holy Lands. So he "deserts" the King, returning to England to deal with the matter himself.No sooner is the Earl back in England than mysterious arrows (accompanied by gusts of wind), appear out of the forest, cautioning the movements of the Sheriff of Nottingham and all who are disloyal to the King. Sadly we never get to see how Friar Tuck, Alan A’ Dale, nor Will Scarlet join the Merry Men. And of course there is no legendary encounter on the bridge with Little John because he is already Robert Huntingdon's Squire. What we do get is much prancing through the forest, accompanied by a histrionic waving of arms, as if to drive home the none too subtle point that these Men are indeed Merry. The best silent films are neither this crude nor this obvious.Douglas Fairbanks was a slightly portly 39 when he made "Robin Hood". To be honest he looks older. Of interest to Robin Hood fans is the fact that Little John is played by Alan Hale, the same actor who played the part opposite Errol Flynn in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), upon which the Fairbanks style was a notable influence. (Alan Hale would play Little John a third time in "Rogues of Sherwood Forest", 1950.) The 1922 silent version of "Robin Hood" was a huge commercial success. The fact it has aged so badly has nothing to do with the absence of sound.
More pictures from this film on THIS LINK.

Robin of Sherwood : The Jason Connery series.

2006-10-05T15:42:00.000+01:00

When Michael Praed made the somewhat dubious career move of leaving Robin of Sherwood for a bit part in an ailing American soap opera, he obviously created something of a dilemma for the continuity of the series. The solution the producers came up with was however totally in line with the basic premise of the story; that Herne's son is a chosen one, and not a birthright title. So it was that after the death of Robin of Loxley, the mantle of the Hooded Man passed to Robert of Huntingdon.
Nevertheless, no matter how logical that solution, the general public (and a significant number of fans), did not readily take to the substitution of their hero with a bleach blonde Robin Hood, and Jason Connery had not only to live up to the expectations of a role developed by Praed, but an audience keenly aware that his dad was James Bond. Thanks to the DVD collection Robin Hood fans like me, who were more than uncertain at the time regarding the Jason Connery series, can look back and lay such apprehensions to rest.

Richard Carpenter's writing in the third series of "Robin of Sherwood", especially in the initial three transitional programmes in which Jason Connery takes over the role, is if anything even better. Clive Mantle as Little John, certainly approaches his role with greater confidence and definition, more use is made of the popular Mark Ryan as Nasir, and the sets and locations show a continued high level of investment in the continued success of the series.

The third series of Robin of Sherwood has aged well, continuing to set the bar high for those that follow. Recommended.

The Legend of Robin Hood (1975)

2006-09-13T15:45:00.000+01:00

The Legend of Robin Hood was a six part television series. Broadcast in late 1975 it then promptly disappeared for three decades until a petition campaign by Robin Hood fans encouraged its DVD release. During its absence the series became something of a legend in its own right, and expectations amongst those who had never seen it ran high.
Filmed for the most part on interior sets, the series takes the form of a historical drama, similar in style to other BBC programmes of that era. But that is not to suggest the historical content is totally accurate in regard to the throne of England, nor the original ballads about Robin Hood. This is entertainment after all.Martin Potter makes an outstanding Robin Hood. In this version he is wrongfully outlawed by King Richard himself, who believes Robin deserted him on the brink of departure for the Crusades. Potter is appropriately youthful, aggressive, but with the educated tone of a Saxon Lord. The main plot line involves the scheming Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne as they assist Prince John to take the throne from King Richard. Paul Darrow's Sheriff of Nottingham hints at the actor's subsequent performance as Avon in "Blake's 7" which made him a household name in the UK. David Dixon as the overtly camp Prince John is equally compelling, and not for the last time it is the villains of the piece who almost steal the show. Fans of Robin of Sherwood will appreciate John "Herne the Hunter" Abineri in a major role as Lady Marian's uncle, intent on marrying his niece to Guy of Gisborne in an attempt to bring Saxon and Norman together.
The Legend of Robin Hood was an important stepping stone in the modernisation of Robin Hood. It was not the first production to move away from the concept of "men in Lincoln green tights", but it was a very significant one. The general public or younger Robin Hood fans, seeking the swashbuckling style of Errol Flynn or Richard Greene, will not find it here. Fans of the Robin of Sherwood approach, full of the mysticism of the Pagan Green Man in dark damp forests, might also be disappointed at the lack of witchcraft and the emphasis firmly on changing Kingdoms. But "The Legend of Robin Hood" is highly recommended and rewarding viewing, full of outstanding performances.

Robin Hood, the Green Man.

2006-08-07T21:34:00.001+01:00

The importance of Robin Hood to the people of England far exceeded the basic legend which persists today of a Nottingham teenager, loyal to an absent King, and defending the poor from the abusive systems of the rich. Robin Hood in many ways was "the Green Man". A metaphor for the old ways and the old religions, under which life was better, game was plentiful, and taxes less punitive. (Above left: The Green Man from 1991's Robin Hood, as he is depicted in Robin hood and Maid Marian's wedding ceremony; a Pagan service carried out by Friar Tuck. Above right: Herne the Hunter, the Pagan priest from Robin of Sherwood, from whom Robin Hood recieves guidance. Below: The nightmarish world of an England awaiting the return and triumph of the Green Man.)
The Green Man can be found in seemingly countless stone and wood carvings within churches across England (churches that were often built on places of Pagan worship), and even occurs in other lands and cultures. He is a symbol of rebirth and fertility, a representation of how life returns to the soil in the spring, bringing fresh crops. These carvings represent an act of faith that the Green Man will return, bringing the warmth of the sun, and that the harvest will be plentiful. Early Christian missionaries would incorporate such entities as the Green Man into their preaching as a means of encouraging new converts. But after the Reformation the Green Man was discouraged, and his image would not be incorporated again into church decorations until the 17th century, later to become especially popular during the Victorian era.
To the people of England Robin Hood represented the same thing: A time when Saxon rule would reaffirm itself over the Norman lords, a time when King Richard would return to oversee the welfare of his own people, a time when their practical Pagan faith systems would not be persecuted by an increasingly influential, and affluent, church.
Above: Maid Marian and Robin Hood stride across the barren, cold landscape, their love not yet consumated. Below: Robin Hood and Maid Marian marry in Pagan style, bringing hope to the land. The Green Man has returned. (Pictures from Robin Hood, 1991).

Persons wishing to learn more about links between Robin hood and the Pagan faith system can visit http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/herne-wild-hunt.html

Robin Hood (1991) film review.

2006-08-03T00:09:00.001+01:00

" Robin Hood", starring Patrick Bergin in the lead role, surely ranks alongside Robin and Marian as one of the two best, intelligent Robin Hood films to date. Of course 1991 was also the year of Prince of Thieves, distracting the general public with the celebrity status of Kevin Costner and the ballad of Bryan Adams. But "Robin Hood" is the superior film by far.
The basic plot is simple enough at first glance. In time honoured style, Sir Robert Hode and his friend Will come to the aid of Much the Miller, who has been caught poaching. Sir Robert is summoned before Saxon Baron Roger Daguerre, only to find his former friend now more eager to please Norman Sir Miles Folcanet, the consequence of which leads to Robert and Will being outlawed. Sir Robert Hode of course rapidly becomes Robin Hood, and the familiar ever popular encounters with Little John, Friar Tuck, and the band of outlaws ensue. But this film is ultimately about much more than the adventures of Robin Hood battling against Norman oppression, exciting though those battles certainly are.
The night before Robin is outlawed he catches a glimpse of Maid Marian. At this point in her personal development Marian is young, beautiful, a "maid" (virgin), but driven more by her hormones than any political cause. What Robin does not see is that she is also a fairly spoilt brat, the product of a sheltered life, and destined for an arranged marriage to Norman Miles Folcanet. She is attracted by the dark, handsome, unconventional Robert Hode; even more so when she witnesses his dramatic escape from the Castle. Marian decides to investigate further, disguised as a boy, and entering the outlaw camp. The landscapes she walks across with Robin are cold, colourless places under Norman rule, and she learns for the first time about the plight of the peasants. Marian's awakening as both a woman and a person are ultimately what this film is really about. Robin Hood's ability with the bow and sword certainly vanquish his enemies, but it is Marian's love which truly empowers this "Green Man" of pagan mythology, as is evident in the final frames of the film when the gloomy landscape fills with sun. This is the power of the woman Maid Marian; not her ability with a bow and arrow, or entering Nottingham Castle as a spy, and it is this which makes the film so unique and interesting.
Patrick Bergin makes an excellent Robin Hood; romantic, angry and proud in equal measure. Owen Teale performs well as Will Scarlet, the most prominent outlaw in the script, but after a superb moment during the opening sequences in which he draws a blade slowly across the baron's neck, he is given little to challenge his ability for the rest of the film. The villains (Jurgen Prochnow and Jeroen Krabbe) are equally fine, without the camp humour of other film versions. But there is much humour here to be found, as in David Morrissey playing Little John with both the accent and attitude of a John Lennon, whilst Jeff Nuttall portrays Friar Tuck as a hustler, eating chicken so he can sell the bones as Holy relics. But it is Uma Thurman who truly excels as Maid Marian, and about whom the film is really about. Her riveting performance sees her alternate between the Pre Raphaelite beauty of Ophelia and the punk style of Pattie Smith. Highly recommended.

Patricia Driscoll, Maid Marian.

2006-07-31T01:12:00.001+01:00

When Patricia Driscoll stepped into Sherwood Forest for 1957’s third series of The Adventures of Robin Hood, taking over from 30 year old Bernadette O'Farrell as Maid Marian, she made a lot of school boys very happy. These were the days of small television screens, with rounded corners, the pictures on which were made up of 425 lines of sheer magic. The fact that the actress playing such a leading part as Maid Marian suddenly changed to the lady everyone previously knew from Watch with Mother's “Picture Book” didn't faze viewers any more than seeing Paul Eddington play a different part virtually every week.
Patricia Driscoll's interpretation of Maid Marian broke new ground. Her youthful approach hinted at Joan Rice in Disney's The Story of Robin Hood, but to which she added a warm, flirtatious, and even cheeky screen presence. In short, Patricia Driscoll was the first Maid Marian with sex appeal. Ironically, when one views the series today, it is the Sheriff of Nottingham who is far more susceptible to Maid Marian's charms than Robin Hood, and she frequently takes advantage of his obvious crush on her.
Patricia Driscoll would go on to make appearances in 1960's programmes such as Danger Man, but she will always be remembered for her role as Maid Marian. For more maid marian pictures visit here, here, and here.

Above: Patricia Driscoll plays Marian again for an episode of Into the Labyrinth. (More details on THIS LINK).

the Death of Robin Hood / Robin Hood's Grave

2006-07-21T21:44:00.000+01:00

According to legend...
Evening was drawing near when, after a particularly strenuous and successful hunt with Little John, Robin Hood began to feel uncharacteristically weakened by the day's ordeal. His fever quickly developed, and Robin asked Little John to take him to Kirklees Priory where his cousin the Prioress could bleed him and relieve him of his ills. Early versions of the legend say Will Scarlet was alarmed at Robin's intention to go without a full escort of the Merry Men. But, as Robin had probably used the Prioress's medical services before, he went with only Little John to support him in his increasingly feverish state.
Upon arrival the Prioress offered Robin food and drink, but Robin was too impatient for treatment to accept it. (Early versions have Robin giving the Prioress a considerable amount of gold, with a promise that more would follow once that was spent). The Prioress then took Robin Hood to a private room upstairs in the Priory Gatehouse. Normally travellers, or the sick, were given accommodation in the Guest House situated about a quarter mile from the Priory in return for a small donation. Robin may have received special treatment due to him being a cousin, or maybe to afford him more security. The Guest House is where Little John possibly stayed the night before returning to the trees by the Priory to await news of his leader.
Upon reaching the Gatehouse room the Prioress removed her bleeding irons from their silks and proceeded to open a vein in Robin's arm. She then left him alone until noon the following day, locking the door behind her as she went. Did she lock the door with malicious intent? Or was she just protecting her famous outlaw cousin?
At this point early versions of the legend involve Sir "Red" Roger of Donkestere (possibly the Prioress's secret lover), who sneaks up on Robin via a small window whilst he is so weak, to then fatally stab him in the side before Robin in turn beheads Red Roger with one swipe of his blade.
Whatever the circumstances of those final moments, when Robin Hood realised death was near he at first attempted to climb out through a casement window, but was too faint from the loss of blood to jump. So he blew three times on his bugle horn for Little John. Little John, recognising the signal, was immediately concerned at the weakness of the blast. Fearing the worst he ran to Robin's side, smashing his way through two or three padlocks in the process.
When he found his leader dying he was so angered and distressed that he begged Robin to let him burn the Priory to the ground with all the nuns inside. Robin refused, saying that he had never harmed a woman in his life. Then, accepting his fate (and according to later versions of the legend), Robin Hood asked for his bow, and requested that John bury him wherever his final arrow should fall. It was also Robin's desire that his grave include a grass sod for comfort beneath his head and his feet; that it be of "gravel and green", so people might know who lay there; and that his bow and his sword be buried with him.
The first arrow fell in a brook which passed the Priory ground. The second arrow fell within the grounds of "fair Kirkleys" and Little John set about completing his friend's final request.

Robin Hood's Grave: Within the private grounds of Kirklees Estate (West Yorkshire), about 600 metres from Kirklees Hall, is situated what is popularly known as Robin Hood’s Gravestone. Its distance is said to be 594 metres (c.650 yards) from the Gatehouse, an impossible distance for an archer even in the best of health. However, experiments carried out by Richard Rutherford-Moore (see comments box), and which painstakingly took into account the window size and type of bow, did establish a probable landing site of 60 - 80 metres from the Priory Gatehouse. And this is where the legend becomes especially intriguing, because it was from within that specific area in the 18th century, during renovations to the building, that human bones were recovered. Were these the actual bones of Robin Hood? Is it too much of a coincidence to be otherwise? It is not known where the bones were relocated to.

Robin Hood's Grave aerial photograph: On this aerial photograph of the area where once stood Kirklees Priory, I've marked all the relevant locations according to what information can be gathered from the O.S. maps on the internet. Please be aware this is private property.

Pictures are taken from Robin and Marian (1976). See comments box for more details and credits regarding the death of Robin Hood and Robin Hood’s grave.

Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960) film review.

2006-06-28T20:25:00.000+01:00

Sword of Sherwood Forest was the second Hammer Robin Hood film after The Men of Sherwood Forest. The presence of Richard Greene in the lead role may satisfy many fans but the film is disappointing, long on dialogue, with rather too many tedious tests and demonstrations of Robin Hood's archery skills, and a basically simple plot which nevertheless becomes totally confusing due to its direction.
By this time in 1960 Richard Greene was of course the established image of Robin Hood in the public eye, and competently delivers here a slightly more aggressive Robin than in his television series. A blonde Maid Marian (Sarah Branch) was no doubt cast more for her chest size than her acting ability, (this being a Hammer film), whilst Little John (Nigel Green), is merely tall and Friar Tuck (Niall MacGinnis) is cantankerous but totally lacking any wit or humour. Director Terence Fisher, who normally excels in the Hammer Horror genre, fails here to ignite any action and the final swordfight, which lapses into a series of oddly still and staged poses, becomes ridiculous.
On the positive side Peter Cushing as the Sheriff of Nottingham is wonderful. Cushing plays the Sheriff as a military man, in many ways anticipating the Robert Shaw interpretation in Robin and Marian by almost two decades. Peter Cushing's Sheriff also, like Shaw's, has an underlying sense of honour which leads to his downfall. Another stand out performance is that of Oliver Reed in a cameo role as Lord Melton. Reed's psychopathic villain makes one wish he had been given a prominent Guy of Gisburne type role, but alas this is not the case. Filmed in Ireland the locations, sets and costumes are most pleasing, and fans of 1950’s British music will spot crooner Denis Lotis in the Alan A’ Dale role. But in conclusion, the combination of Hammer, Terence Fisher, and Richard Greene, promises much more than it delivers. (See comments box for more cast details).

Robin Hood film reviews at this website, and more pictures of Robin Hood at this website.

A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967)

2006-06-15T01:20:00.000+01:00

A Challenge for Robin Hood came at a time when all Hammer films were suffering from a distinct lack of energy and inspiration compared to their earlier works, and this was no exception. The intention seems to be to rewrite the story of Robin Hood almost entirely, having already exploited the popularity of Richard Greene in the earlier Sword of Sherwood Forest. In Challenge for Robin Hood Robin is a Norman landowner, with Will Scarlet and Little John numbering among his men. He is outlawed when falsely accused of murdering his uncle, and flees to the forest where he meets Alan A Dale and a band of outlaws. Once he has proved his worth to a sceptical Alan A Dale his intelligence and skill with the long bow quickly make him their elected leader.
Robin Hood is played by Barry Ingham and his toupee; the performance is adequate but could never compete with the public's expectations as defined by Richard Greene. Will Scarlet is agreeably aggressive and stocky in appearance, but the concept of acting eludes him as it does Leon Greene in the Little John role. Robin Hood fans will be pleased to see the aging James Hayter return as Friar Tuck once more, but for nostalgic reasons only. The dark, gothic atmosphere normally associated with a Hammer film is missing, Lincoln green costumes are freshly pressed and tailor made, whilst the sight of Robin and Little John singing around the camp fire (“camp” being the operative word) is frankly hilarious.
However, there are good points. John Arnatt as the Sheriff of Nottingham deserves credit for his portrayal of the Sheriff as a sly, scheming, manipulator of those around him. Also Alan A Dale, played by Eric Flynn, has a more central role than in any other Robin Hood film, with the possible exception of Walt Disney's The Story of Robin Hood. But this Alan A Dale is an aggressive outlaw, keen to wreak revenge on the Normans. He only becomes the musical Alan A'Dale of legend near the end, and when he does it is a disappointment because it is his aggression which has propelled so much of the film to that point. (See comments box for more cast details).
The Robin Hood website for other Robin Hood film reviews : http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/
The Robin Hood website for pictures of Robin Hood : http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

The Men of Sherwood Forest; Robin Hood meets Hammer Horror.

2006-06-13T23:48:00.001+01:00

The Men of Sherwood Forest (1954), was the first Robin Hood film made by Hammer Productions at Bray Studios, and their first colour film. The meeting of Robin Hood and Hammer was inevitable, Hammer being a specialist in producing low budget films which exploited the success of previously well established themes, mostly with outstanding results. In 1957 their Curse of Frankenstein single handedly relaunched the whole horror genre, a success which would give rise to the phrase Hammer Horror. The Men of Sherwood is not quite in that class, but it is a good film and worthy of much more attention.
Filmed in genuine English forests, with real English castles as backdrops, the locations and sets are excellent throughout. The villains in particular hint at the dark cloaked Hammer style of their later horror catalogue, and the story is tight and well delivered, involving King Richard's imminent return to England at a secret location. What is refreshing here is the presentation of a single adventure involving the famous outlaw, and not a retelling of the whole legend with speculation about his origins.

Reginald Beckwith as Friar Tuck gives the best performance of the film. His Friar Tuck is not as obsessed with food as he is with hustling and gambling. The villain of the piece, Sir Guy Belton (David King-Wood) also swishes around perfectly admirably through the castle corridors. Don Taylor plays Robin Hood, his obvious influence in this pre Richard Greene adventure being Errol Flynn. This would of course have been Hammer's intent. They were not in the business of taking risks with new interpretations. Their honestly stated intent was to make money with a formula that had proven successful in the past. In this respect Taylor is good, especially in those scenes requiring an aggressive tone. But there is also perhaps sometimes too much hearty laughter and a jumping on of tables. The only outlaws present are a token Little John (Leslie Linder) and Will Scarlett (John Van Eyssen), both identifiable by their stature and costumes but not required to do much else, and there is no Maid Marian. In fact, as the leading Lady Alice is already betrothed, there is no romance for Robin in this film. The Sheriff of Nottingham (Leonard Sachs) makes too brief an appearance in a law enforcement role to comment upon. (It is entirely possible that Hammer decided to call their Sir Guy "Belton" rather than Gisborne in order to avoid problems with Warner Brothers. Universal Studios did threaten to sue them once already if Hammer's version of the Frankenstein monster looked anything like Karloff. But this is speculation, and judging by the way Lady Alice is able to recount to Robin an accurate account of the story of Alan A Dale as it appears in the ballads, someone at Hammer had certainly done their homework and would have been well aware that Gisborne was not a creation of Warner’s.)
The Men of Sherwood's time of release was ill fated, not being as "family oriented" as the slightly earlier Disney version The Story of Robin Hood, and soon to be swept aside by the magnificent Richard Greene series The Adventures of Robin Hood. But it is a film with many good qualities, and well worth revisiting. (Note: The date given for the production of this film varies wildly across the internet. I have given the date as it appears on Hammer's official site. See comments box for more cast details).

For more Hammer Horror pictures from The Men of Sherwood click here. Or simply visit http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ for pictures from Robin Hood films in general, including others from the Hammer studios.

Will Scarlet / Scarlett

2006-06-06T15:16:00.001+01:00

Above: Traditional or old fashioned? Will Scarlet as he appears in "Rogues of sherwood Forest".
Will Scatlock was forced into the outlaw way of life before Robin Hood, although if the stories are true that Will was Robin's cousin, they could have been outlawed at the same time simply because they were related. Will's early life as an outlaw was dominated by his anger and rage at the Normans. Will Scatlock lacked Robin Hood's later noble principles about robbing the rich to feed the poor; he simply wanted revenge. It was precisely this angry, hot headed state of mind which prevented him from becoming an effective leader, although his aggressive tone was certainly an influence among the outlaw fraternity which surrounded him. Some say the name "Scarlet" was bestowed on him because of this anger inside, (a concept explored most successfully in Robin of Sherwood. It is also possible the name Will Scarlet was given him by the other outlaws because of his amusing habit of incorporating some of the rich fabrics and items of clothing he stole into his own shabby attire, much like wearing trophies. But one thing is certain; the real Will Scarlet was no foppish dandy.
After Robin Hood's natural leadership skills had organised the outlaws of Sherwood Forest into an effective force to combat the Sheriff's exploitation of the people of Nottingham, Will Scarlet would become one of Robin's most faithful and devoted followers, second only to Little John. Possibly born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, the church of St Mary in Blidworth is said to be his final resting place.

Top: Will Scatlock (Bruce Seton) is mortally wounded in battle. His final wish is for Robin to take over as leader of the outlaws. (Scene from The Adventures of Robin Hood television series).
Bottom: Will Scarlet as played by Patric Knowles was a rather ridiculous looking character in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), a trend continued by Ronald Howard for 1950's television, and Anthony Forwood in the first Disney version of the legend. Ray Winstone totally restored the character's credibility in Robin of Sherwood a stunning performance in which his torment and anger emanated from the small screen. Robin Prince of Thieves would seem take a lot of it's inspiration from ideas within Robin of Sherwood, and Christian Slater certainly continued the trend of a tormented Will Scarlet. But before them came the gritty Robin and Marian which explored the final days of Robin Hood, days in which Robin was to find only an equally aging Will Scarlet, played by Denholm Elliott, and Friar Tuck still living in Sherwood Forest.
Click on this link for more Will Scarlet and Robin Hood pictures, and visit http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood's day

2006-06-04T18:37:00.005+01:00

Although Errol Flynn would have you believe otherwise, there is no doubt the Sheriff of Nottingham and not Guy of Gisborne was Robin Hood's true arch enemy, a cold hearted scheming opportunist, cunning and clever in equal measure.

Nottingham actually didn't get its own Sheriff until the mid 15th century. At the very start of the 13th century the title would have been "High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests". Sometimes the title was appointed by the King, sometimes purchased. Such a person would have essentially been a debt collector. Not being paid a wage, he took a percentage of the debts he collected as his fee. Over time, the Sheriffs became responsible for escorting prisoners to court, collecting taxes and rents, and keeping the peace. Such an office, certainly open to abuse, became redundant as the centuries passed. But Nottingham still has a Sheriff for tourism and promotional purposes, thanks to the city links with Robin Hood. The first female Sheriff of Nottingham was Mrs. C. M. Harper, who had previously worked on the Nottingham Council. She held office for the year 1931/32.

In Robin Hood's day the title of "Sheriff" did not yet strictly exist, but the man in charge of collecting taxes and enforcing the law, would always be called such in the early ballads. Ralph Murdac (Murdach) is probably the most popular contender for being the actual Sheriff who Robin Hood most encountered, as it was he who defended Nottingham Castle against Richard 1st. But the legends tell of Robin's encounters with more than one Sheriff, suggesting this official position changed hands several times whilst Robin roamed Sherwood. Another Knight who is often suggested as Robin Hood's Sheriff of Nottingham is Simon de Headon, and you can see his Tomb Slab on THIS LINK. For much more information and pictures of the Sheriff of Nottingham visit the links on THIS PAGE.

Above: Without doubt the most famous Sheriff of Nottingham is Alan Wheatley in the 1950's television series The Adventures of Robin Hood. Cunning, camp, and cool, in equal measure, this Sheriff's wit is the equal of Robin but he is ultimately let down time and again by the inadequacy of his soldiers.

Robin Hood and his bow.

2006-05-26T15:36:00.006+01:00

Robin Hood's longbow was made of the finest English Yew, a wood noted not only for its strength and flexibility, but also for its medicinal, spiritual, and symbolic connotations. For more details about the Longbow and the bow Robin Hood probably used click on THIS LINK and THIS LINK.

Top to Bottom: John Derek, Errol Flynn, Richard Greene, Richard Todd, Michael Praed, Kevin Costner, Robin Dunne.

All versions of the Robin Hood story are reviewed on the Robin Hood website, and illustrated on the Robin Hood Pictures website.

Guy of Gisborne (Gisbourne, Gisburne)

2006-05-22T20:52:00.004+01:00

Above: Richard Armitage as Gisborne in the 2007 BBC series Robin Hood. Below: Michael Wincott played the role in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

In reality Guy of Gisborne was just a small incidental sentence or two in the life of Robin Hood, a stranger Robin encountered one day in the depths of Sherwood Forest and dressed from head to toe in animal hide. The stranger said he was out "hunting for Robin Hood", apparently hired in his task by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin didn't tell him his name but, curious to test the stranger's skills, proposed an archery contest. The stranger's ability on the bow was of an excellent standard but no match for Robin Hood. Having lost the contest the strange revealed his name was Guy of Gisborne. At that point Robin Hood revealed his own identity, and the two men swiftly drew swords.
Robin was wounded in the side of his waist, but recovered his balance enough to kill Gisborne, after which he cut off his head and mounted it on his bow like a gruesome trophy. Then, wearing Gisborne's animal skin clothes as a disguise, he entered Nottingham Castle and rescued Little John from the Sheriff's dungeons. It was of course Hollywood that first elevated Guy of Gisborne's role in the legend, making him not only “Sir” Guy of Gisborne, but a rival to the Sheriff of Nottingham as Robin Hood's most powerful arch enemy. Basil Rathbone as Gisborne was a big factor in the success of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and no doubt a major influence on the "camp" yet stylish manner in which Alan Wheatley would later play the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1950's television series. But even Rathbone's wonderful performance pales alongside that of Robert Addie as Sir Guy of Gisborne in Robin of Sherwood (1984), where the character displays truly disturbing murderous tendencies.
Guy of Gisborne / Gisburne / Gisbourne appears frequently in the website Robin Hood Pictures and Robin Hood.

Nasir, Robin Hood's Arabic outlaw

2006-05-17T01:07:00.000+01:00

One of many innovative ideas in Robin of Sherwood was the introduction of a Saracen outlaw, Nasir, played by Mark Ryan (top picture). Traditionally (if not in truth) Robin Hood has been portrayed as a loyal supporter of King Richard the Lion heart Crusader. So the introduction of a Muslim outlaw, whose religious beliefs would clash with those of the English outlaws (especially Friar Tuck's), was a bold move but one which worked perfectly. Indeed Nasir was such a huge success that every subsequent interpretation of the Robin Hood legend has included a black/Saracen member of the Merry Men, such Morgan Freeman as Azeem (bottom picture) in Robin Prince of Thieves (one of the more successful elements of that film). Other actors who would continue this concept include Hakim Alston as Kemal (New Adventures of Robin Hood), and Anjali Jay as Djaq (BBC's Robin Hood 2006).
Mark Ryan's Nasir has retained its cult status; a silent character wielding two swords, who puts Robin Hood himself to the test before joining the band of outlaws.

See more Nasir pictures by clicking this link.

Robin Hood and Maid Marian (Marion)

2006-05-15T19:36:00.001+01:00

Robin Hood and Maid Marian / Marion were the Romeo and Juliet of Old England. In The Adventures of Robin Hood Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland) is at first very much on the side of the Normans until Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) took her into Sherwood Forest to see for herself the conditions under which the poor of England were suffering. It is said that in real life Olivia de Havilland found Errol Flynn's charms equally irresistible.

The film Robin and Marian was based on the final days of the couple's lives. Robin Hood (Sean Connery) returns from the Crusades, a wiser but older man, to find himself the subject of many a ballad in praise of the days of his youthful escapades. Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn) leaves the convent to renew their intimate romance, and try and soothe his restless spirit.

Robin of Sherwood gave us a more youthful and realistic portrayal of the relationship. Here we see the dashing young couple on horseback, Robin Hood (Michael Praed) having rescued Maid Marion (Judi Trott) from the clutches of the evil sorcerer Baron de Belleme.

See also: Robin Hood and Maid Marian's wedding, Robin and Marian's statue, the 1950's Robin Hood television series version of the relationship, and Maid Marion picture gallery. To see an aerial photograph of the church in which Robin and Marian were married click here. (Comments box has advice if not sure how to use).

Robin Hood and Much the Miller's Son.

2006-05-13T16:11:00.002+01:00

Above: Sam Troughton as perhaps the most significant Much ever, in BBC's Robin Hood (2006). Below: Jack Wild made a strong impression as Much, albeit a very small appearance in Prince of Thieves.

Much the Miller's Son is an inconsistent character within the legends of Robin Hood, but he is most commonly depicted as a young simple man who Robin Hood tries to save from being arrested for poaching the King's deer. Much's parents are persecuted as a consequence by the Sheriff's men, and Much flees to join Robin Hood's outlaws. In The Adventures of Robin Hood, he is played by Herbert Mundin (top left), in Robin of Sherwood, by Peter Llewelln Williams (bottom left). But in all interpretations of the Robin Hood story he can be seen as a symbolic figure, a metaphor for all the poor oppressed commoners of England.

For more pictures of Robin Hood's outlaws visit http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

Herne the Hunter, from "Robin of Sherwood".

2006-05-13T13:10:00.002+01:00

In Robin of Sherwood Herne the Hunter is the pagan priest from whom Robin receives guidance as to how to channel his skills and defend the oppressed people of England. This is a really refreshing change from the concept of Robin as defender of an absent King, and probably a lot closer the truth.
According to legend Herne was originally employed to look after the Forest of Windsor where he was favoured by the King because of his great hunting and woodcraft skills. This led to much jealousy among the other hunters. One day Herne saved the King's life by stepping between him and a charging stag. He fell as if dead, but a dark figure appeared, calling himself Urswick, and telling the King that for a reward he would save Herne. The stranger then cut the head from the stag, bound it to Herne's head, and carried the body back to Herne's own hut. Upon his recovery the King made Herne the Chief Keeper of the Forest.
However, the other jealeous foresters also did a deal with the strange Urswick, the result of which was that all Herne's great skills disappeared as if by magic. The King then fired Herne, who subsequently hung himself from an oak. But by night Herne's spirit would rise up and lead a band of great hunters through Windsor Forest, killing the King's deer. The only way Herne's ghost could be appeased was for the King to hang those foresters responsible for his demise, and this he did. But it is said Herne’s Spirit ruled the forest for eight years after the King's death, and may indeed be there to this day.
Above and right inset: John Abineri as Herne the Hunter in Robin of Sherwood. Left inset: Sorcerer Baron De Belleme played by Anthony Valentine, who plots to steal the source of Robin Hood's power and skill.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Herne the Hunter and related faith systems can visit http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/herne-wild-hunt.html

"Robin of Sherwood" television series (1984)

2006-05-08T10:06:00.000+01:00

Robin of Sherwood (1984) is arguably the best interpretation of the Robin Hood legend. Filmed largely on location in the often damp forests of England, and using an authentically young cast with broad commoner accents, this television series juxtaposes a sense of realism with mystical pagan beliefs in witchcraft. In the opening episode Robin from Loxley tries to save Much the miller's son from being caught poaching. As a consequence he is thrown into the dungeon by Guy of Gisburne, where he meets Will Scarlet Scattlock together with various other outlaws, and hears their stories of ill treatment at the hands of the ruling classes.
Upon their escape Robin is sought out by Herne the Hunter, a pagan mystic who dwells in the forest with the knowledge that Robin is the "chosen one", the Man In the Hood, prophesied to appear and defend the rights of the people of England. Thus it is that Robin from Loxley becomes Robin in the Hood. So this Robin Hood has no thoughts of loyalty to absent Crusading Kings. His opinions are expressed clearly to the rest of the outlaws: England is being bled dry by foreign wars, and the proletariat have no-one to fight their cause. The evident sub text here being that the Christian religions of the land-owning Lords have subdued them, but the pagan spirits of the forest can set them free.
Robin of Sherwood combines in equal measure excitement, romance, and mysticism. Michael Praed as Robin Hood, and Judi Trott as Maid Marion are both excellent in their roles, but it is the villains of the piece which steal the show. The Ray Winstone portrayal of Will Scarlett is genuinely scarey, his mind half deranged by memories of how his wife was tortured and killed. Robert Addie as Guy of Gisburne is even more psychopathic in his tendencies, restoring the status of the role to that of the 1938 version; whilst Nickolas Grace as the Sheriff of Nottingham strives to match him in equally ruthless measure. Indeed, this is the first Robin Hood adaptation to enjoy both an evil Sheriff and Gisburne, and if that isn't enough then various other Sorcerers and Witches appear along the way to steal the source of the Man in the Hood's power.
Two other notable points about the series: Robin of Sherwood was the first version of the legend to introduce an Arabic outlaw to Robin's Merry Men. Nasir (Mark Ryan) was such a success the idea was "borrowed" for the later Robin Prince of Thieves, and there can be little doubt that Winstone's Will Scarlett was equally influential. Also, Clannad's enchanting electro-folk soundtrack not only enhanced the mystical quality of the story line, it added greatly to the perception that this was a renewal of the legend; a story not just intended for children, but one which harboured still contemporary adult themes. Little wonder then, that over twenty years since first broadcast, Robin of Sherwood continues to spawn websites and fan clubs across the globe. No other adaptation of the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest can make such a claim. (See comments box for more cast details).

More pictures from Robin of Sherwood at http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham & Guy of Gisborne : Duels to the Death.

2006-05-06T15:47:00.000+01:00

Left: Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) clashes swords with Guy of Gisborne (Basil Rathbone) in a sequence which would elevate Gisborne's status as a villian in the legend far higher than any of the original ballads or tales ever did. Right: Robin Hood's true enemy the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw) in gory and gruelling battle against Robin (Sean Connery). For more pictures of their battles click here.

Richard the Lionheart : Hero or Tyrant?

2006-05-06T15:14:00.001+01:00

Above: Sean Connery as King Richard in Prince of Thieves. Connery has played the parts of both Robin Hood and the "absent King".

History depicts a far different view of King Richard than Robin Hood himself ever did. Robin Hood was Richard's loyal supporter, and would remain so until his death. In the excellent film Robin and Marian we even see Robin join his King on the Crusades, only to become sickened and disgusted with the carnage he witnesses there. But Richard was his King, and Robin could never contemplate desertion.
Here we see Robin Hood and King Richard in two entirely different interpretations. Left: The Heroic Crusader who rewards Robin for his loyalty and even judicates over his marriage to Marion. Right: The tyrant "Absent King", dying in the arms of outlaw Robin, the man he ordered executed for daring to question the King's bloodthirsty methods. In reality Richard only spent six months of his reign in England, and both the Crusades and the ransom which had to be paid when he was kidnapped, bankrupted the country.

Friar Tuck : Five Favourite Friars

2006-04-28T22:42:00.000+01:00

Number 1: Alexander Gauge's Friar Tuck was as popular a character in the 1950's television series as Robin Hood himself. He is the most popular Friar Tuck of all time. Every schoolboy in the land chuckled at, and identified with, his seemingly insatiable desire for food and drink; a recurring theme in U.K. pre-adolescent humour, from Billy Bunter to Desperate Dan. But Gauge's Friar is an intelligent man, rarely engaging in combat, but often using his wily skills in negotiation together with a sound knowledge of the law, to reach his goals.
Number 2: Michael McShane played Friar Tuck in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991). The film itself has many disappointing aspects, but McShane is not one of them. Here we see all those characteristics of Tuck which occur in the legends; not just a jolly fat man, but a cantankerous, moody, even lecherous Friar, quick tempered, with a love of alcohol, and yet a devout holy man. (There is an interesting sub plot here as Friar Tuck wrestles with his personal concerns about a Muslim outlaw joining the group).
Number 3: James Hayter played Friar Tuck on more than one occasion, but it is for the Disney production The Story of Robin Hood (1955), that he will be remembered, rather than A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967). He also appeared in the 1950's television Robin Hood series in the role of a miller. Hayter's interpretation of the Friar is outstanding in the Disney film, establishing perhaps more than any other actor a public perception of the character which persists to this day: Comical, greedy, quick tempered, but above all lovable. This was after all a film for all the family.
Number 4: Ronnie Barker provided Robin and Marian (1976) with a much quieter Friar Tuck than is usual. Barker manages to hold himself in reserve in his portrayal of the final days of Friar Tuck, avoiding the excesses normally associated with his television performances as a comedian, and the result is intriguing. A small part in an excellent film and one which comes to mind long after the film is over.
Number 5: Eugene Pallette played Friar Tuck in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). This was certainly not the first successful Robin Hood film, but it was the first major success to have sound, and as such it's interpretations of the characters would be influential for decades to come. Pallette's interpretation is quite faithful to the legend; a good swordsman, grumpy and greedy. But it does lack the humour, warmth and charm of later adaptations.
Click here to read about how Robin Hood met Friar Tuck.
Click here for more Friar Tuck pictures.
Click here to see where Friar Tuck's Friary (Carmelite Friary) once stood.

Robin Hood website for film reviews http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/

Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

Walt Disney's The Story of Robin Hood (1952).

2006-04-13T20:39:00.000+01:00

Walt Disney The Story of Robin Hood (1952), was the first of two Disney Robin Hood films. It is in much the same style as other adventure films they produced in the 50's, such as Treasure Island, and Swiss Family Robinson. But since the release of their second Robin Hood film, the cartoon version of 1973, it has largely been neglected. This is a great shame, because The Story of Robin Hood is a worthy addition to the genre and has many good qualities.
Firstly, it brought a youthful quality to the legend, particularly in the casting of Joan Rice as the "tom boy" Maid Marian who gets to wear Lincoln green, (something Olivia de Havilland would never have done in the Errol Flynn version!) Secondly, the casting of British actors Richard Todd as Robin Hood, and Peter Finch as the Sheriff of Nottingham, with James Robertson Justice as Little John, helps infuse a more English quality. The same can be said of the scale of Sherwood Forest as depicted here, and which some Hollywood versions will insist on turning into Tarzan's jungle. In this respect the settings for Robin Hood's encounters with Little John and Friar Tuck are very pleasing.
Made with family entertainment in mind, all the essential ingredients of the legend are here. Of particular note is the excellent performance of James Hayter as Friar Tuck, easily the film's strongest role. The Story of Robin Hood is also responsible for making Alan A Dale such a well known outlaw. His ballads are used here to link many scenes in "ye olde English" style. But the film is not without its faults. Peter Finch, usually an accomplished actor, makes little impression in his role as the evil Sheriff, and James Robertson Justice makes no attempt to hide his educated Oxford accent, making his Little John faintly ridiculous.
The success of this film was no doubt an influence on the direction the Richard Greene television series which would follow. In fact Archie Duncan, later to play Little John in that series, appears here as the villain Red Gill who attempts to assassinate Robin! (See comments box for more cast details).

Robin Hood meets Little John.

2006-04-06T13:18:00.006+01:00

Robin Hood would have needed a strong and loyal second in command. Keeping order of a band of outlaws, enforcing the principle of giving to the poor what they took from the rich, would not have been an easy task. Robin came across the ideal man for the job in John Little, an excellent swordsman and archer who stood just over seven feet tall, with scrawny beard and unkempt hair. It was a brave man indeed who would dare face up to John Little. But to test his skills, that's just what Robin Hood had to do.
Their initial encounter took place on a narrow bridge over a stream. Neither man would give way and let the other pass. Robin Hood drew his bow in anger. John thought him cowardly, having no bow himself, and challenged Robin to settle the dispute with quarterstaffs.
A long hard fight ensued in which both parties took injury before Robin was finally defeated and thrown into the river. Will Scarlet and the rest of the outlaws then appeared from the forest, threatening to kill John Little. But Robin, recognising what a fine lieutenant John would make, invited him to join his merry band, and wear the Lincoln green. It was at this point that Will Scarlet gave John Little the name of Little John, the man destined to become Robin Hood's most loyal friend and second in command of the Merry Men.
Today Little John's body lies in an outsized grave in a Hathersage churchyard.

Top: Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Middle: Wolfshead (1969)

Bottom: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

Below: The Adventures of Robin Hood television series (1950's)
See also: Click here and here for more pictures of Robin Hood and Little John.

There are many more pictures of Little John at the Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

Robin Hood meets Friar Tuck

2006-04-03T15:34:00.001+01:00

One of Robin Hood's greatest skills as a leader of men was his ability to put a good team together. He was well aware of the religious and spiritual needs of his men, and recognised that the addition of an outlaw who could read, with a basic understanding of medicines and Law, would be a great asset. But where to find such a man? The outlaws told him of a fat, cantankerous Friar, who had been dismissed from Fountaindale Abbey, Nottinghamshire, due to a lack of respect for his superiors. Although overly fond of his food and drink, the Friar had a reputation as a skilful swordsman.
Robin found the Friar living by a stream, but before asking this stranger to join his band of outlaws there had first to be a test. Robin goaded Friar Tuck into carrying him across the stream. This he grudgingly did, but when they reached the other side, Robin insisted the Friar carry him back again. Half way across the water Friar Tuck's volatile anger reached breaking point and he dumped Robin in the water. This led to a swordfight (as Robin surely knew it would), and Friar Tuck's skill as a fighting man was proven. According to legend Friar Tuck actually beat Robin on that day.
Satisfied that Friar Tuck was just the man he was looking for he invited him to join his merry outlaw band. Tempted no doubt by a steady diet of the King's venison and stolen wines, Friar Tuck agreed. The Sheriff of Nottingham was never certain that Friar Tuck was a member of Robin Hood's Merry Men, and so he often served as a useful spy within the grounds of Nottingham Castle.
For more about Friar Tuck the links here, and here. Also visit the Robin Hood Pictures website at http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

robin and marian (1976)

2006-03-20T12:47:00.000Z

Robin and Marian is in this reviewer’s opinion the finest Robin Hood film of all. Gritty in its realism, bitter sweet in its sadness, amusing in its humour, Robin and Marian contains several career best performances from a predominantly British cast, and is with ease the best film Richard Lester ever directed. The film opens with the aftermath of the Crusades. Robin and Little John are still alongside King Richard (Richard Harris), but sickened and disillusioned at the actions of a King who has become an insane, murderous tyrant. When they return to Sherwood Forest they find their old hiding places overgrown and neglected. Only Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck remain, although Maid Marian having become a nun is not far away. Robin is amused and flattered to find there are tales and ballads about his exploits, but the dawning realisation that he is no longer a young man haunts him, and thus the tone of the film is set: Robin Hood, an outlaw out of time, seeking one last blaze of glory.
Sean Connery as Robin Hood and Audrey Hepburn as Maid Marian have seldom been better cast as the two lovers of legend, their performances filled with pathos and humour. Nicol Williamson lacks the physical stature one normally associates with Little John, but is outstanding in the role of the loyal friend who will pass Robin his final arrow. Both Ronnie Barker as Friar Tuck and Denholm Elliott as Will Scarlett are excellent in their roles, avoiding the caricatures of previous Hollywood versions, whilst Richard Harris' portrayal of King Richard as a mad Crusading tyrant was a "first" in the genre.
Another key factor in the films success is the absence of Guy of Gisburne and the reinstatement of the Sheriff of Nottingham as Robin Hood's true arch enemy. In this role Robert Shaw is the perfect counterpoint to Connery. This Sheriff is a warrior, a man who will not tolerate the interference of King John's Knights in the affairs his Nottingham, and clearly someone who also misses the battles of old. Indeed it is apparent when Robin and the Sheriff meet that they both relish the thought of the fight which must surely follow. One can see that, if not for the respect the Sheriff secretly holds for Robin, the outcome of that fight may have been totally different.
But this is not a children's film. Rated PG, it does not contain all those hearty tales of the golden arrow, the riverside encounters with Little John and Friar Tuck, the ballads 'round the camp fire. The only part of the familiar legend present here is Robin's final arrow, and his request to be buried where it falls. Highly recommended for those Robin Hood fans who wish to see the legend given a darker, more gritty treatment. (See comments box for more cast details).

Robin Hood website for film reviews http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/

Robin Hood website for Robin Hood pictures http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/

To view an aerial photograph of the Priory in which Robin Hood died, and Robin Hood's grave, click here. (See comments box if unsure how to use).

robin hood fights guy of gisburne

2006-03-14T23:05:00.000Z

Top: Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) and Guy of Gisburne (Basil Rathbone) during the climax of the classic Adventures of Robin Hood. Beneath: Michael Praed as Robin Hood gives Robert Addie as Guy of Gisborne a rough time, but fails to heed Will Scarlet's advice to kill him in Robin of Sherwood.
Above: A spectacular picture from the climax of The Adventures of Robin Hood as Robin Hood and Guy of Gisburne lock blades in one of Hollywood's most memorable duels. In real life Flynn and Rathbone were the very best of friends.
For more information about Guy of Gisborne / Gisburne click here and here.

Alan a Dale, Outlaw of Sherwood.

2006-03-13T20:05:00.002Z

Above: Alan A Dale in his latter years. From "Rogues of Sherwood Forest" (1950).
Alan A Dale makes relatively few appearances throughout the films and television programmes devoted to the legend of Robin Hood. But any schoolboy growing up in post war Britain would be familiar with this outlaw from his numerous appearances in boys annuals of the time. Robin Hood first encountered Alan A Dale singing alone in the depths of Sherwood Forest, despairing over the loss of his girlfriend, the maiden Ellen, to an old Knight. Robin took pity on him and rescued the fair Ellen during her wedding ceremony. She went on to marry Alan, who in turn became a faithful and loyal member of Robin Hoods Merry Men.

Far too many films combine the character Alan A Dale with that of Will Scarlet. And yet two people could not be less alike. Alan was a good natured, even tempered woodsman, with a gift for story telling, whilst Will Scarlet gained his name partly because of the coloured fabric he might rob from the rich and wear as trophies, but mostly because because of the anger inside. This statue, which stands outside the gates of Nottingham Castle, depicts Alan A Dale (left) alongside Will Scarlet. Note that Alan is playing a small harp. This is correct, even though he is most popularly pictured with a mandolin, as in the Walt Disney film The Story of Robin Hood, and the Hammer films Sword of Sherwood Forest and Challenge for Robin Hood. But note also that the artist has persisted in depicting Will Scarlet as a "dandy". This is certainly incorrect.

For more information about Alan A Dale follow this link and also visit the website Robin Hood Pictures at http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ .

Curse of Nottingham Castle

2006-03-12T15:17:00.004Z

This post has moved:

http://robin-hood-was-here.blogspot.com/2011/11/curse-of-nottingham-castle.html

The Adventures of Robin Hood 1938

2006-03-08T15:16:00.001Z

The Adventures of Robin Hood is probably the most successful and popular Robin Hood film of all time, winning three academy awards. Errol Flynn relishes playing Hollywood's swashbuckling interpretation of the lead role, opposite Basil Rathbone's dastardly (and camp) Guy of Gisbourne, and the emphasis throughout is clearly on action and romance. This movie was clearly a huge influence on future Robin Hood film makers, especially the decades later Kevin Costner version Robin Prince of Thieves which emulates much of its vine swinging through the forest style.
All the elements of the traditional legend are present: The encounter on the bridge with Little John; crossing the river with Friar Tuck; and the Golden Arrow contest. Maid Marian played by Olivia de Havilland, is elevated to the status of royal ward, and the elaborate costumes come thick and fast. Indeed, what in 1938 was considered one of the film's strengths, its colour and spectacle, is today a part of it's downfall; the merry men of sherwood resembling at times a group of garden gnomes rather than Saxon outlaws. (This can be particularly distracting during the speeded up fight sequences in the forest!) Another weakness is the foppish Will Scarlet character, Robin's closest friend right from the outset of the film, and dressed from head to toe in Technicolour scarlet.
Nevertheless, one cannot help but be thrilled at Robin's impudent entrance into the heart of Nottingham Castle, throwing a dead stag before Prince John's guests, and at the sword fighting climax between Robin and Sir Guy, casting dramatic shadows across the walls; a fight which passed into Hollywood legend and rightly so. The real life hellraising friendship between Rathbone and Flynn, and the oft reported fact that de Havilland was actually in love with him, surely helped the on screen chemistry. Errol Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood is certain to retain its popular status with the general public and with younger fans, although hard core Robin aficionados might prefer a less flambouyant interpretation of the legend.

The Pictures of Robin Hood website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ and the Robin Hood website http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/ both feature more pictures from this film together with reviews of other Robin Hood films.

maid marian in the 1950's robin hood television series

2006-01-31T20:25:00.001Z

Bernadette O'Farrell (top pictures) played the part of Maid Marian for the first two seasons of 1950's television's the Adventures of Robin Hood. In these uncharacteristically passionate pictures she has just rescued Robin (Richard Greene), and needs an alibi. "Quickly Robin", the script reads, "Tie me up". But before leaving her alone Robin simply cannot resist planting a huge kiss firmly on her lips.
Patricia Driscoll (bottom pictures) took over as Marian for the final two seasons. Driscoll provided a much more impassioned version of the role, and can be seen here stopping at nothing in order to get the information Robin needs.

For more pictures of Maid Marian and her costumes visit here, here, and the Robin hood pictures website.

Robin Hood plaques and statues.

2006-01-18T16:41:00.001Z

When Nottingham Castle was visited by Queen Elizabeth these plaques were mounted along the wall outside the Castle gatehouse. They effectively illustrate the main stories behind the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Robin Hood and Little John meet on a bridge. Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and hounds, fighting Guy of Gisborne's men.

King Richard joins the hands of Robin Hood and Maid Marian in marriage. Robin Hood fires his last arrow.

For the Robin Hood statue in Edwinstowe visit this link.
For the Robin Hood statue in Thoresby Park visit this link and this link.
For the Robin Hood statue in Nottingham visit this link.

Robin Hood 1950's TV series, Richard Greene.

2006-01-05T23:41:00.000Z

Possibly the best versions of the Robin Hood legend are those made for the small screen, partly due to the way its episodic presentation can simulate the sequential verses of the original old English ballads. This television series which started in 1955 remains to this day one of the most engrossing versions of Robin Hood that we are ever likely to see. Mindful that every 1950's schoolboy would be an expert on these classic tales, each programme is produced with great care and attention to detail; the encounter with Little John on the bridge; the carrying of Robin Hood by Friar Tuck across the river; the archery contest; all are here.
Richard Green simply is Robin Hood. He combines the swashbuckling impertinence of Errol Flynn with the nobility of an educated English noble. But whereas Flynn may as well have been swinging through the rigging of Captain Blood's galleon, Richard Greene runs gallantly through a genuine looking English Sherwood Forest. Yet even his performance must take second place to Alan Wheatley's Sheriff of Nottingham. Wheatley exhibits a full understanding of what is expected of him as the dastardly villian, and no-one has ever come close to displacing him in the minds of the public as being THE Sheriff of Nottingham. His interpretation remains unique; evil, scheming, totally lacking in scruples, as camp as a row of tents, and totally cool. Wheatley's performance is matched by the lovably cantankerous Alexander Gauge as Friar Tuck. Whilst there are certainly traces of previous Friar's in his performance, he sets a standard that others will always be measured against. Veteran Archie Duncan is Robin Hood's most loyal and trusty side kick Little John, and is indeed the only other outlaw of legend who can be relied upon for regular appearances in the series.
Bernadette O' Farrell, the original Maid Marian of the series, perhaps lacks the warmth and affection one might expect of the role, ironically sounding rather too much like a well educated 1950's children's television presenter at times. But the real shortcoming is the lack of Robin Hood's Merry Men. Characters like Alan A'Dale and Will Scarlet make only fleeting appearances over the years in which the series dominated the ratings. For example, at the start of the series, Robin takes over as leader from a dying Will Scatlock, played by Bruce Seton. But Will Scarlet will not appear for another year, turning up as a womanising "dandy" rather than an angry aggrieved Saxon. However, anonymous outlaws there are a plenty, seemingly one in every tree, shooting lots of arrows into lots of the Sheriff of Nottingham's men. (See comments box for more cast details).

Summary: The Adventures of Robin Hood was produced by the independent TV company ITP for the ITV network, and exhibited production values in advance of its time. Highly recommended, and available now as boxed set DVDs.

The Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ and the Robin Hood website http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/ contain more pictures from this television series.

Robin Prince of Thieves, film review.

2005-12-31T17:56:00.001Z

Robin Prince of Thieves (1991), is probably Hollywood's second most commercially successful version of the Robin Hood legend. But new fans should be prepared for a degree of disappointment.

Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham is the real star of the film. Evil, psychopathic, but laden with lashings of dark, camp, humour; the film only truly comes to life when Rickman is on the screen. His scenes with Maid Marian and the wicked witch Mortianna near the end are both hilarious and thrilling.
Michael McShane as Friar Tuck gives the other great performance, as the most drunken, temperamental Friar we've seen. Also, the tension between this Christian Friar and the Muslim Azeem explores themes which surely originated in the UK television series Robin of Sherwood. It is even rumoured that the Azeem character was to be named Nasir, as in the television series, but permission was not granted.
Kevin Costner is a fine actor, but does not make a convincing Robin Hood. The same can be said for Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Maid Marian Dubois. She exhibits little real emotion for Costner, yet veritably springs to life when the Sheriff is attempting to both marry and have sex with her at the same time during the hysterical climax! Clearly she ended up with the wrong man when marrying Robin Hood.
Christian Slater makes a fine Will Scarlet (Robin's brother in this version), but is given far too little a chance to shine. Sadly the same cannot be said of Nick Brimble as Little John, who is largely replaced as Robin Hood's partner by Azeem, and whose fake hair and beard make him look more like a well groomed Wolfman than an outlaw. But do look out for Jack Wild as Much. It's a small part, but very well done.

Summary: Robin Hood fans will definately want this one in their collection for the Sheriff of Nottingham performance alone. If you havn't seen that, don't miss it. But there is a much better film here trying to get out from beneath some mis-casting. (See comments box for more cast details).

More Robin Hood film reviews at this website http://robinhoodtree.blogspot.com/ and more images at the Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ .

Little John, Archie Duncan.

2005-11-12T23:02:00.000Z

Archie Duncan appeared in the Walt Disney film The Story of Robin Hood ( 1952) as the villain Red Gill (above) who failed to beat Robin in an archery contest, and later tried to assassinate him. Ironic then that three years later he would be playing Robin Hood's most trusted partner Little John in the Richard Greene television series. No other actor has come close to Archie Duncan in combining the qualities of strength, skill, and humour, that make up this essentially gentle giant of a character. After 10 episodes Duncan incurred a broken leg when he heroically pushed a group of children out of the way of falling scenery. This act of bravery earned him a medal, and he returned to the series when fully recovered.
For more information on Little John click here, here, and visit the Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ .

Robin Hood and his Band of Outlaws

2005-11-12T22:34:00.004Z

Above: Robin Hood and his merry Men as seen in "Rogues of Sherwood Forest" (1950)
Above: Robin Hood and his band of Outlaws at the end of the BBC Robin Hood series 1 (2006).
Above: Will Scarlet, Little John, and Maid Marian for the internet generation in Beyond Sherwood Forest.

Above: In A Challenge For Robin Hood Barrie Ingham leads a rather clean cut band of outlaws.
This rather colourful interpretation of Robin Hood and his Merry Men is taken from the 1938 classic Adventures of Robin Hood. Note the hat Will Scartlet is wearing! But this is the image of our Saxon heroes which has survived in the public imagination. To see more pictures of Robin Hood and his Bandit Men, often referred to as Robin Hood and his Merry Men click here and here. Also visit the Robin Hood Pictures website http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/ .

Tussaud - Birt artist sculptor.

2005-09-10T14:04:00.001+01:00

The artist Tussaud-Birt statue of Robin Hood used to stand on the forecourt in front of Thoresby Hall. Nowadays it stands 200 yards away in the enclosure before Thoresby Gallery. The move was probably made necessary due to the increased security this enclosure provided in the days before the conversion of the Hall to a successful hotel was completed. On more than one occasion great outcry was caused in the nearby village of Perlethorpe because the bow had been stolen either as a souvenir or for scrap metal. Top picture: Christmas 2009.

For more pictures of Thoresby Hall and Thoresby Estate visit the website http://thoresby.blogspot.com/ .
To see an aerial photograph of Thoresby park where the Hall and statue are situated click here. (Comments box has more details).

Robin Hood statue, most famous Robin Hood statue.

2005-07-30T10:42:00.001+01:00

Outside the Nottingham Castle Gate House stands the most famous statue of Robin Hood. James Woodford's statue was sculpted in 1952 and presented to the city by a local businessman.
It is surrounded by small studies of Little John, Friar Tuck, Alan A Dale and Will Scarlet, whilst wall plaques illustrate various scenes from the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Click here and here to see another Robin Hood Statue. For more information on Nottinham castle follow this link.

Robin Hood and Marian statue

2005-07-27T15:21:00.000+01:00

This excellent contemporary statue of Robin Hood proposing to Maid Marian stands on the narrow high street of Edwinstowe, just 200 yards down hill from the Church where Robin Hood and Maid marian were to marry. It is life sized, and would surely benefit from a more prominent location than that it in which it is currently placed.
For pictures of Maid Marian costumes click here and here. To see the wedding of Robin Hood and Maid Marian click here. To see more another Robin Hood statue click here and here. To see an aerial photograph of this area of Edwinstowe, including the church and Robin Hood's tree, click here. (More details in the comments box).