What do you need to do when you’re a little down. The simple answer is, watch The Adventures of Robin Hood. This movie is without question, Errol Flynn’s finest screen role. He does amazing stunts and works well with a stellar cast. This players consist of Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian and Claude Rains as Prince John. The chief bad guy is Basil Rathbone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Rathbone excelled in heavy roles, until portraying everyone’s favorite British sleuth, Sherlock Holmes. The movie is directed by that legend of filmmaking, Michael Curtiz. He not only took over directing duties, from Michael Keighley: who was fired from the film, but did it in technicolor. This was the first feature in color, for Warner Brothers and it only adds to this beautiful film.
King Richard has returned from the crusades, but has been captured, and held for ransom. Richard’s brother, John has assumed the throne; oppressing and taxing the people. One man, Robin Hood, has risen up to oppose the evil prince. He has gathered men with a common goal:to rob from the rich and give to the poor. He crashes Prince John’s banquet, one evening, throwing a dead deer, on his table; forbidden by common folk to hunt. He lectures the prince and others about their wicked ways. John, not liking his banquet being ruined, orders his knights to go after him. This makes for a great scene, and you can see that Flynn seems to be enjoying himself. It is one of many enjoyable scenes in the film. Robin Hood escapes in spectacular fashion.
The next day, The High Sheriff of Nottingham, (Melville Cooper) and a few knights are guarding Lady Marian and her company. They are approached by none other than Robin Hood, and some of his men, Will Scarlett,(Patrick Knowles), Little John, (Alan Hale), and Friar Tuck, (Eugene Pallette). The sheriff thinks its just a handful of bandits. Unfortunately, he and his men are surrounded, by Robin’s band. They are forced into Sherwood Forest, and Lady Marion, is greeted by Robin Hood. Flynn’s character is in a tree and shouts, “Welcome to Sherwood, my lady.” This scene is a great film moment, and is in spectacular technicolor. The sheriff and his men are forced to partake in a banquet. Maid Marion is at first appalled by Robin Hood’s actions, but comes over to his side, when he explains why he does what he does. She also falls for him. After the banquet, the sheriff and his men, are relieved of their money, clothing and horses, and are forced to walk back to the castle. Maid Marion and her ladies are escorted back.
When Prince John learns that his noblemen were humiliated, a trap is set for Robin Hood. An archery contest is announced. Robin Hood enters in disguise. He of course wins the contest. When he steps forth to claim his prize, he is seized. Robin Hood is taken to prison, to await his assured death. One of Robin’s men, Much, (Herbert Mundin) brings word to Sherwood about Robin. Also, its been found out, that Maid Marian, is in love with Robin. Sir Guy of Gisbourne, has her thrown in prison also. Once Robin’s band learns of his fate, they free him. After freeing Robin Hood, they stop at an inn. It is here they hear a hooded stranger, discussing King Richard. When questioned, the stranger, reveals himself to be Richard, (Ian Hunter). Robin and his men inform Richard that his ward, Marian, is imprisoned, and his brother John, has taken over the kingdom. He has declared Richard dead, and will have himself crowned as king. Robin, the king, and his men, intercept the corrupt Bishop of the Black Canons, before he is to perform the ceremony. The Ceremony begins and Richard reveals himself to all. A full scale fight erupts between the good guys and the bad guys. It ends with a classic sword fight between Robin Hood and Sir Guy of Gisbourne. The out come is of course fatal for Basil Rathbone’s character. King Richard banishes his brother and the bishop, from his kingdom. He also restores Robin Hood’s title and lands that were stolen from him. King Richard asks if Sir Robin of Locksley, would like anything else. He asks for Maid Marian’s hand in marriage: she was present for the failed coronation ceremony. Marian joyfully agrees to be Robin’s wife, and the two are joined in marriage. Robin and Marian then leave as husband and wife.
The Adventures of Robin Hood was one of several films where Michael Curtiz and Errol Flynn worked together. They didn’t get along well, but this is their best film. It helped both their careers. Michael Curtiz enjoyed a very long and successful career; later directing one of the best films of all time, in Casablanca. Flynn’s portrayal of Robin Hood helped propel him to Hollywood stardom. There couldn’t possibly have been a better choice to play this legendary character.
Olivia de Havilland, when working with Errol Flynn, usually played the damsel in distress. This movie is no different. She is good as Maid Marian, however. A year after this, de Havilland went on to play Melanie Hamilton Wilkes: the saintly character from Gone With the Wind. She would continue in a successful film career for many years, playing many dramatic roles.
There are many films that have great scores. Eric Korngold’s score made The Adventures of Robin Hood one of those films. The music is unforgettable and remains in your head for a while. His work on this film was recognized with an academy award.
The acting in this film by Errol Flynn and the superb direction of Michael Curtiz keep it flowing very well. These elements, combined with beautiful technicolor and great stunts make The Adventures of Robin Hood one of the best films Hollywood has ever produced.