Today’s quick review: The Adventures of Robin Hood. When Prince John (Claude Rains) seizes control of England from his absent brother, Sir Robin of Loxley (Errol Flynn) takes up the life of an outlaw to fight his oppression. Robin’s deeds earn him the love of Lady Marian (Olivia de Havilland) and the enmity of Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone), resulting an escalating series of conflicts between Sir Robin’s men and Prince John’s.
The Adventures of Robin Hood is a historical adventure movie based on the legendary hero. The Adventures of Robin Hood features the energetic and talented swordplay of Errol Flynn, as well as a strong supporting cast and a script that tends to all the many facets of an often-told story. Neither a rip-roaring comedy or a grandiose epic, The Adventures of Robin Hood is an enjoyable adventure that offers a little bit of everything.
The Adventures of Robin Hood walks a fine line in its portrayal of the Robin Hood legend. On the one hand, the movie captures the mirth, the wit, and the defiance Robin Hood is known for, all wrapped up in a colorful, bloodless, and family-friendly package. On the other hand, the movie does not shy away from the death and hardship found in a kingdom oppressed. The result is an unusual marriage of a light tone with high stakes and genuine drama.
The characters follow a similar pattern. Errol Flynn makes for a laughing, impudent Robin, cunning and bold, yet prone to overconfidence. Olivia de Havilland delivers a nuanced performance as Maid Marian, whose initial disdain for Robin softens step by step as she comes to see the virtue of his cause. Basil Rathbone makes for an able villain, menacing enough to challenge Robin but at a disadvantage against his unpredictable tactics.
The Adventures of Robin Hood does have a handful of shortcomings, imposed by either its era or its genre. The sets and costumes are adequate and consistent, but they have a touch of stagecraft about them, rather than the simulated realism of modern productions. The same goes for the combat: bustling and skillful, but staged-looking in places and obviously sped up.
The split between levity and drama also keeps the movie from reaping the benefits of committing to one tack or the other. Despite its light tone and occasional bouts of humor, The Adventures of Robin Hood is not a true comedy, though its lighter elements are enough to steer it away from high drama. The choice is not a bad one, and it sets the movie apart from later imitators, but those expecting one style of story may be disappointed.
Watch The Adventures of Robin Hood if you are looking for light, enduring adventure. The Adventures of Robin Hood earns its place as a classic thanks to its skillful swordplay, its entertaining story, and its well-managed dose of drama. Those used to weightier conflicts may find the movie insubstantial by comparison, but those who appreciate lighter stories will find it a breath of fresh air.
For a classic musical comedy in a similar vein, check out The Court Jester. For an absurd satire of the same source material, check out Robin Hood: Men in Tights. For a more dramatic adaptation of an episode from English historoy, check out Braveheart.
8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a good story, swashbuckling action, and a distinctive tone.