The Adventures of Robin Hood poster & wallpaper

Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone

Dashing Errol Flynn is the definitive Robin Hood in the most gloriously swashbuckling version of the legendary story. Warner Brothers reunited Michael Curtiz, their top-action director, with the winni...( read more  read more... )ng team of Flynn and Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian) and perennial villain Basil Rathbone as the aristocratic Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and pulled out all stops for the production. It became their costliest film to date, a grandly handsome, glowing Technicolor adventure set to a stirring, Oscar-winning score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The decadent Prince John (a smoothly conniving Claude Rains) takes advantage of King Richard's absence to tax the country into poverty but meets his match in the medieval guerrilla rebel Robin Hood and his Merry Men of Sherwood Forest, who rise up and, to quote a cliché coined by the film, "steal from the rich and give to the poor." Stocky Alan Hale Sr. plays Robin's loyal friend Little John (a part he played in Douglas Fairbanks's silent version), Eugene Palette the portly Friar Tuck, and Melville Cooper the bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham. Flynn's confidence and cocky charm makes for a perfect Robin Hood, and his easygoing manner is a marvelous counterpoint to Rathbone's regal bearing and courtly diction. The film climaxes in their rousing battle-to-the-finish sword fight, a magnificently choreographed scene highlighted by Curtiz's inventive use of shadows cast upon the castle walls. --Sean Axmaker

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PG, 102 min.

Directed by: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley

Release Date: May 14, 1938

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DVD Release Date: September 30, 2003

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Robin Hood and Will Scarlett Robin Hood vs. Sir Guy of Gisbourne Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn Claude Rains and Basil Rathbone The Adventures of Robin Hood Olivia De Havilland & Errol Flynn Olivia De Havilland & Errol Flynn Robin Hood Mah Mann!! The Adventures of Robin Hood Olivia De Havilland & Errol Flynn Robin Hood The Adventures of Robin Hood The Adventures of Robin Hood The Adventures of Robin Hood Prince John and his henchmen The Adventures of Robin Hood
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Flixster Reviews (1,336)

  • phubbs1
    July 1, 2009
    phubbs1
    The greatest Flynn swashbuckler?? yes. Its got the lot, a princess, sword fights, dashing heroes, evil baddies, great battles and a happy ending. The whole thing looks gorgeous, the colour like all oldies is great in Technicolour and the cast, again, like all oldies is perfect, R...( read more)ains, Rathbone, Knowles, Hale, Havilland, Pallette etc..its pure gold in every sense and deserves to be remembered forever. Love the costumes and their bright vivid designs and crests, the excellent matte paintings used for Nottingham castle and with dare devil stuns without the use of cgi nonsense this is the best Robin Hood flick made period. The archery tornament also highlights more of the grand scale of things when in production, its a rainbow of colours and beautiful designs in every field from the Norman troops to the fair ladies in the background, its all perfect, and lets not forget Howard Hill and his amazing arrow shooting talents hehe they actually did shoot the actors in this film haha

    Warner Bros were THE studio of the time and they knew how to make a rollocking good sweeping action epic, plus they had the men to direct them to, Curtiz being the best of the best for constant hits. The recent Bluray enchances this to beyond greatness, stunning, Errol's earlier work but probably his best.
  • PvtCaboose91
    May 6, 2009
    PvtCaboose91
    Maid Marian: "Why, you speak treason!"

    Robin Hood: "Fluently."


    Even after numerous decades and incalculable subsequent retellings of the Robin Hood legend, Warner Bros.' 1938 production of The Adventures of Robin Hood is still the definitive

    ...( read more) filmic retelling of the swashbuckling hero. Whether or not you're accustomed to this wonderful 1938 production, you'll discover everything here that you've always remembered about Robin Hood: his fight with Little John, Friar Tuck's rotund rascality, the rescue from the gallows, the romance, the swordplay and even reasoning for Robin's reputation - stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.


    The Adventures of Robin Hood contains action and intrigue aplenty, intrepid heroes and beautiful maidens in distress, torrents of flying arrows, exciting sword-fighting, and derring-do galore. This film is the paradigmatic blueprint by which all epic swashbuckling adventure films adhere to. Even if this screen gem is cheesy beyond all belief, it holds up as an entertaining, charming adventure as well as an endearing piece of nostalgia. Kids and adults alike of any age will be immediately charmed by the delightful colours, appealing acting, thrilling swordplay and the enchanting screenplay.


    "Men, if you're willing to fight for our people, I want you!"


    The familiar tale of Robin Hood is here: King Richard (Hunter) leaves England to fight in the Crusades, and is taken prisoner. Richard's brother Prince John (Rains) aspires to take the throne, and under his power-hungry reign he makes life tough for the Saxons as they are heavily taxed. The valiant Sir Robin of Locksley (Flynn) soon discovers that John is hoarding money for himself as opposed to using it for King Richard's ransom. He's a loyal Saxon and a noble man disgraced at the outrageous behaviour of Prince John. Robin is forced to turn outlaw and organises a revolt, taking his band of Merry Men into Sherwood Forest for hiding to create a resistance movement. Robin and his gang do what they do best: robbing from the rich and giving to the poor while working to ensure the nefarious Prince John doesn't take the throne.


    No story of Robin Hood is complete without the inclusion of Maid Marian (de Havilland). At first she thinks Robin is a common thief, but his charm and patriotism soon wins her heart. As Robin and his Merry Men stand up against their oppressors swords are clanged, volleys of arrows are launched, and castle battlements are climbed.


    The Adventures of Robin Hood may be the most exciting retelling of any vintage legend ever filmed. With eye-popping, gorgeously saturated reds, greens, yellows, and purples, the movie is an extravagant visual feast. Immersing yourself in all the stimuli of Sol Polito and Tony Gaudio's lush cinematography is entertainment in itself. This film is a beautiful banquet of breathtaking images, but it additionally supplies so much more. There's romance, acrobatic swordfights, thrilling acts of archery, witty banter, and an abundance of astounding stunts (a majority actually performed by Flynn himself) - all faultlessly balanced to garner universal appeal.


    Tilting the scales at just over $2 million, The Adventures of Robin Hood was Warner's most expensive picture at the time, and every penny of its budget is on glorious display. Directors William Keighley and Michael Curtiz recreate medieval 12th century England with marvellous gusto, from its voracious feasting and barbaric customs to its garish costumes and portentous pageantry. Thanks to Ralph Dawson's accomplished editing and Erich Wolfgang Korngold's inspiring score (both of which earned Oscars), the film achieves an enviable symbiosis of pace and aura. The Adventures of Robin Hood was Warner's top-grossing production of 1938. Its boundless energy, rousing swordplay, superior production values and watchable performances keep it fresh and entertaining all these decades later.


    "It's injustice I hate, not the Normans."


    The legend of Robin Hood remains a mainstay in American cinema and global mythology, regardless of the shape he's taken. The outlaw first appeared in the poems of William Langland in the 1300s. His adventures inspired medieval ballads and countless tales. He was transferred to the medium of cinema as early as 1908, when there were competing American and British movies. Then Douglas Fairbanks took the role in a hugely expensive 1920s Robin Hood epic. This silent epic left such an impression that no-one thought it necessary to attempt another version. Over a decade later, a Warner Bros. employee sent a memo to studio head Jack L. Warner, saying "Don't you think Cagney would make a swell Robin Hood?". Absurd as it may seem, James Cagney was first in line for the role. When preparation began for this filmic manifestation of Robin Hood, writer Rowland Leigh was assigned to work on the screenplay. It was subsequently substantially rewritten before the final screenplay was finally credited to Norman Reilly Raine and Seton I. Miller.


    Along the way, Cagney left the project in a contract dispute. Almost by default did Errol Flynn land what would become his signature role. Even though Flynn professed to have been bored with the character, no-one else could handle a sword, fly from a chandelier, or charm a lady like Flynn who landed the part after playing comparable roles in Captain Blood, The Prince and the Pauper, and The Charge of the Light Brigade. Flynn couldn't be better suited to Robin Hood: tall, slender, dashing, debonair, impossibly handsome, and (unlike a certain Kevin Costner who played Robin more recently), Flynn was an Australian (born in Tasmania) who had lived in England and had developed a proper accent. Many actors from Sean Connery to Cary Elwes (to be honest, Elwes even he did a better job than Costner) have taken the role, but Flynn is the ultimate Robin Hood as he buckles his swashes in classic style. He oozes charisma from every pore. The moment that really crystallises this is during the castle banquet sequence: Robin sits comfortably, enjoying a fine helping of mutton while sharply and boldly responding to the threats made by Prince John and Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Rathbone). Flynn is eternally charming as the heroic Robin Hood as he makes the audience feel young, invulnerable, noble and virtuous. Forget any other actor as the swashbuckling outlaw - to many this is the Robin Hood and it's almost blasphemy to consider any other actor bettering Flynn's performance.


    I've never heard many complaints about the film's cast (except for the forgettable and unremarkable Patric Knowles as Will Scarlett, who's frankly the film's only weak spot). The beatific Olivia de Havilland plays the beauteous Maid Marian. The actress was only year away from her most famous role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind. The chemistry between Flynn and de Havilland is noticeably present as well. Equal parts passion and flirty, the two starred in a total of nine films together throughout the course of their careers (this was their third outing together), but this film is by far their greatest collaboration.

    Basil Rathbone is the consummate villain of the picture: Sir Guy of Gisbourne (a character regularly replaced in many versions by the Sheriff of Nottingham, who's reduced to Gisbourne's subordinate here). In the film Rathbone is the very epitome of the evildoer and every bit the match for Robin.

    Warner Bros. regular Claude Rains (most commonly remembered for Casablanca) is the corrupt and rather effete Prince John, attempting to usurp the throne in the absence of his brother, King Richard the Lion-Heart. Rains portrays the perfect disdainful creep; a sneering snob who prefers his villainy to be carried out by others.

    Eugene Pallette is the essential Friar Tuck. He's perfect for the role. Alan Hale played Little John in three different motion picture versions of Robin Hood. Needless to say, he's also quite impeccable. Then there's Melville Cooper as the comically snivelling High Sheriff of Nottingham, and Ian Hunter as the noble King Richard. David Niven was first in line to play Will Scarlett, but he was forced to drop out. Our loss.


    When filming commenced for The Adventures of Robin Hood, William Keighley was at the helm. Warner Bros. expected big things from the director. However, as rushes began pouring in the studio felt the action lacked vital dynamism. They therefore brought in Michael Curtiz as a replacement. Keighley deftly handled the dramatic encounters, whereas Curtiz mastered the derring-do. There is absolutely no trace of the awkward handover. The result is a dashing, exciting, impressively lavish and energetic piece of screen entertainment. It's astonishing how fast-paced and jam-packed this flick is: the story is as intricate as a Shakespearean comedy and teeming with supporting characters, there's terrific sword-clashing skirmishes and arrow-shooting battles, and it concludes (as all stories should) with the good guys triumphant and lovers united. It may seem cheesy, corny and silly to some, but this is a splendid adventure that will easily win your heart.

    The Adventures of Robin Hood is the definitive, quintessential swashbuckler. Whether you call it a swashbuckler, a costume adventure, a comic book romance or a historical jaunt - it's simply the best of its type. Forget Kevin Costner, Michael Praed, Richard Greene, Sean Connery and Disney's fox...this is the only real Robin Hood.


    Other versions of the tale include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and a clever Mel Brooks spoof entitled Robin Hood: Men in Tights.


    "Welcome to Sherwood, my lady!"
  • kiriyamakazou
    January 11, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    A fun and exciting afternoon adventure but unfortunately not much else. Flynn is great as a confident and cocky Robin Hood but he soon becomes annoying. Perhaps I just never liked Robin Hood as a character, here he is even more evil than normal. He promises to kill one man for ev...( read more)ery Saxon killed. He doesn't do this with hate or contempt in his voice, nor do the deaths weigh on his mind. Instead he smiles politely as he makes this statement. Rathbone is the real star, his coolness lending itself well to his Guy of Gisbourne. It is also dated, with the costumes just being camp, sets often not being convincing and the fights hardly threatening. Perhaps it's because the film has been elevated to "classic" status when in my opinion it never should be remembered as a swashbuckling, matinée romp.
  • crackingdanio
    May 19, 2008
    crackingdanio
    a must see and must have
  • moonrivers
    April 24, 2008
    moonrivers
    hasn't been touched yet, particularly by film lovers, as one of the classic films of all times. watchable? that's how i judge film :"can you watch it again w/o a emergency lobotomy?" this film eats that test, and your brains, cause you wanna live in england after watching it,...( read more) wanna run around the woods and swordfight invaders, wanna go and save the girl, and want her to want you to...
    the swordfight on the staircase between errol flynn and basil rathbone is THE definitive film swordfight.
  • akimoro
    November 10, 2009
    akimoro
    This movie was great is a cheesy sorta way. I love the over the top acting and the stage fighting. It is totally laughable.
  • Yelverton
    November 8, 2009
    Yelverton
    Errol Flynn at his swashbuckling best.
  • skilletfreak15
    October 6, 2009
    skilletfreak15
    I love this movie, one of my favorite old movies.
  • ElCochran90
    September 22, 2009
    ElCochran90
    Michael Curtiz brings us THE Robin Hood by excellence: Errol Flynn, as well as a definite classic that needs to be seen.

    87/100
  • AD917
    September 6, 2009
    AD917
    The best film version of the Robin Hood legend I?ve seen. The sped up footage in the action sequences seems unintentionally funny by today?s standards, but nothing about the movie is played completely straight, so it kind of still works. Errol Flynn might have created the first c...( read more)ocky action hero with his performance in this movie, but don?t quote me on that.

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Critic Reviews

October 1, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

In these cynical days when swashbucklers cannot be presented without an ironic subtext, this great 1938 film exists in an eternal summer of bravery and romance. full review

View more The Adventures of Robin Hood reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments

  • lucasaq
    July 10, 2008
    lucasaq
    I love this film so much, Flynn is the man, but I have to say the best swordfight for Flynn was in Captain Blood with Rathbone again, but the one in here is great as well. One of the greatest things about this film is the score, Erich Wolfgang Korngold is simply epic in his composition.
  • sleddog323
    March 27, 2007
    sleddog323
    Some scenes were filmed in Chico, CA!!!!!!!! i love Chico!!!
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The Adventures of Robin Hood Trivia

  • Who Starred in the 1938 version of "The Adventures of Robin Hood"?  Answer »
  • Which diminutive actor appears in "Notorious", "The Adventures of Robin Hood", "Casablanca", and "The Invisible Man", among many other great classics?   Answer »
  • Which Tasmanian born actor played Robin Hood in "The Adventures of Robin Hood"?  Answer »
  • "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) was voted the #100 greatest thriller by the AFI. Who played Robin Hood?  Answer »
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