Robin Hood Film through the Century Part 1

The cliché of British heroic outlaw with their green tights who rob the rich to feed the poor is probably the most popular folklore since medieval era. As tradition, any good story is always a good material for an epic movie. That is why Hollywood (and Bollywood) brought us many film about the kind-hearted felon.

The original story of Robin Hood is about one Earl (Nottingham, Locksley, or Loxley of Nottingham depend on its version), good friend of Richard the Leonheart and a nemesis of Prince John, Richard’s brother. Tyran of John forced the Earl to take refugee in Sherwood Forest and opposed John corruption as thieves, protecting common folks and try to restore Richard on his throne.

From Robert Frazer til’ the recent Russel Crowe, here are the list of Robin Hood films through this century, some of it even set standard of modern movies.

Robin Hood (1912)

robin hood 1912 movie

Although there are two British silent movies that precede this movie, it is the most memorable on its time. Directed by Étienne Arnaud and Herbert Blaché, and written by Eustace Hale Ball, Robin Hood features brief superimposing of animal image to reflect each of the character’s personality and morality. The effect is probably spectacular in 1912, but I cannot imagine if one decided to use the same effect these days. Copy of 30 minutes duration film has been restored and kept in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Robin Hood (1922)

Douglas Fairbanks

Still in the era of the silent movie, this Robin Hood is the first movie which has a Hollywood premiere and have a million dollar budget, largest in 1920s era. Written, starred, and produced by Douglas Fairbanks, and directed by Allan Dwan, it has become a legend in Robin Hood film history. Many of its elements still adapted by modern movie and become a standard in almost every Robin Hood films ever produced. Interesting Fact, Alan Hale, Sr.  Is probably the best Little John ever as he reprised his role in two more film, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950).

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Errol Flynn Warner Bros

The picture stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. 1938 Robin Hood is the first Warner Studios movies which used the three-strip Technicolor process and have 2 million budgets. For Warner however, the movie was a great trade. Back then when movie ticket was only 25 cents, it grossed 4 million, and it gives Warner a great star, Errol Flynn. For enthusiast like us, it gives the first legendary arrow splitting. Even the Mythbuster cannot reanimate the technique.

Robin and Marian (1976)

Sean Connery Audrey Hepburn

While the previous movies tells about swashbuckling adventures of Robin, this film explore the romance and drama but without expelling its adventurse element. This is, in my humble opinion, the most emotional Robin Hood movie ever produced. Even Costner’ movie cannot match its epic story. Stars Sean Connery (Robin Hood) and Audrey Hepburn (Maid Marian), Robin and Marian tells the story about aging Robin Hood and his struggle against old friend, loyalty, love, and moral standards. Though some would not like the ending, it’s still worthy to watch.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Robin Hood prince of thieves

Maybe, the most memorable things about this movie is OST by Bryan Adams, aside from Morgan Freeman’s appearance and Sean Connery’s cameo. The film itself is loosely based on British TV’s Robin of Sherwood. It is pretty unfocused and violent, its atmosphere is dark, unsuitable for children who still mesmerized by Disney’s Cartoon, but for those who born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s this is undoubtedly the best Robin Hood movie.

To be continued to part 2

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