The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

PRINCIPAL CAST - Robin Hood - Errol Flynn, Maid Marian - Olivia de Havilland, Little John - Alan Hale, Will Scarlet - Patric Knowles, Friar Tuck - Eugene Pallette, Much the Miller's Son - Herbet Mundin, The Sheriff of Nottingham - Melville Cooper, King Richard - Ian Hunter, Prince John - Claude Rains, Sir Guy of Gisburne - Basil Rathbone.

Technicolour

LENGTH: 1 hour 42 minutes

OPENING CAPTION: In the year of Our Lord 1191 when Richard, the Lion-Heart, set forth to drive the infidels from the Holy Land, he gave the Regency of his Kingdom to his trusted friend, Longchamps, instead of to his treacherous brother, Prince John.

OPENING LINE: News has come from Vienna, Leopold Of Austria has seized King Richard on his return from the Crusades. Our King is being held prisoner, nothing further is known; his highness Prince John will make a further public announcement tommorrow. – Herald

CLOSING LINE: May I obey all your commands with equal pleasure sire. – Robin Hood

FIRST CHARACTER ON SCREEN: Two drummers heralding the public announcement.

WHO IS OUR HERO ROBIN HOOD, PEASANT OR NOBLE?: Sir Robin Of Locksley, a Saxon noble. Later knighted Baron of Locksley, Earl of Sherwood & Nottingham by King Richard.

ARE STORIES FROM THE TRADITIONAL TALES USED?

Little John & Robin quarterstaff battle over bridge: yes

Friar Tuck carrying Robin across the river: yes

An archery contest to lure Robin to Nottingham: yes

If so how does Robin disguise himself: As a tinker

Splitting the arrow: yes

Is Alan-a-Dale a character: no (Will Scarlet plays the lute briefly)

PLOT OUTLINE: News of King Richards capture encourages Prince John to gather the barons so he may take advantage of the situation. Robin interrupts the banquet with the deer Sir Guy of Gisbourne tried to arrest him for killing when he claimed he had slain it instead of Much. Prince John who has heard many such tales of him invites him to stay with the intent of capturing him but Robin escapes. He gathers men to Sherwood to form his band of outlaws. They stop Sir Guy, the Sheriff and Marian so they can use the treasure that they are transporting to pay the Kings ransom.  Marian is ashamed for doubting Robin’s greed and after dinner Sir Guy & the Sheriff are forced to return to Nottingham in rags. The Sheriffs suggestion of an archery contest proves irresistible to Robin who is captured upon winning. Marian has a plan and visits the outlaws who are able to save him from hanging. King Richard back in the country and disguised hears the Bishop of the Black Canons talk of his robbery by Robin Hood. They realise he has recognised them and leave. Prince John and Guy hire a man to dispose of the King when they are told he has returned, Marian trying to warn the king is imprisoned but her maid escapes to tell Much who intercepts him. The King and his men dressed as clergy find Robin to learn more and when Much returns and they plan to find the King first he reveals his identity and they go to the castle in disguise to prevent John from proclaiming himself King. After a daring sword fight by all, Prince John is defeated and banished from England. Robin is knighted and ordered to marry Marian.

External sites about The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

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Errol Flynn.net

http://www.errolflynn.net/Filmography/rh.htm

Film Site.org

http://www.filmsite.org/adve.html

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