Though ' Casablanca' (1942) certainly remains Curtiz's crowning cinematic achievement, followed perhaps by 'Mildred Pierce' (1948), 'Robin Hood' certainly ranks up there in a career filled with staggering achievements. Veteran of such hits as 'The Perfect Specimen,' 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Captain Blood' (the latter two again with Flynn), Curtiz's influence helped give the film its now famous light-hearted spirit and dazzling derring-do. William Keighley was the original director, hired mainly because he had worked with Flynn the year prior on 'The Prince and the Pauper.' Despite the studio's high hopes, his early dailies were underwhelming, and he was promptly replaced by another director, Michael Curtiz. It's interesting that 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' continues to be considered the definitive telling of the classic tale, because based on the behind-the-scenes dramas that plagued its production, it should have been a disaster. (a dead-ringer for his son, future 'Gilligan's Island' skipper Alan Hale, Jr.) as Little John. stable standby Claude Rains as somewhat fey Prince John, and Alan Hale, Sr. Also look for a terrific ensemble of famous character actors, including Melville Cooper as the hilarious, sniveling High Sheriff of Nottingham Warner Bros. His performance is consummate in its wickedness and subtle wit, with Rathbone easily holding his own again Flynn (no small feat). Basil Rathbone, the world's most famous Sherlock Holmes, is wisely cast against type as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Whatever the case, their chemistry is palpable on screen - sweet, winning, and rather sexy.
Flynn was reportedly a bit of a troublemaker on set, reserving most of his goodwill only for Havilland. Olivia de Havilland is a gorgeous, sly, and feisty Maid Marian. So iconic is Flynn's portrayal that it is always his portrayal of 'Robin Hood' that is parodied in satires, like Mel Brooks' 'Men in Tights.' No one could charge into a room, swish a sword andĬharm the ladies like he could - they didn't coin the phrase "in like Flynn" for nothing. Though he was quoted later as having been "bored" by the role, after achieving stardom with earlier, similar efforts like 'Captain Blood' (1935) and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' (1936), you wouldn't know it from his performance. So what if the sets look phony, the costumes goofy, and the dialogue sounds like something out of an 'Airplane!' movie? Today's big-budget, effects-laden snooze-fests would kill to earn even a tenth of the laughs, thrills, and swoons that this little baby manages, seemingly without even breaking a sweat.įlynn was the perfect leading man. Seventy-odd years on, it holds up rather splendidly as high adventure, a soaring love story and good, old-fashioned popcorn entertainment. It was during one of those film classes that I was first introduced to the 1938 swashbuckler 'The Adventures of Robin Hood.' Getting past Errol Flynn's pageboy haircut and green tights, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Morals and antiquated sensibilities? It has only been as an adult, after having been forced to sit through semester after semester of cinema history courses in film school, that I developed an true appreciation for the classics.
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Growing up, I had little interest in films that pre-dated the late 1960s - why would I want to watch a movie about a bunch of old dead people, with their silly Of course, I can't say I'm above such juvenile snobbery myself. For some reason, audiences find it hard to relate to characters and stories without modern dress, manners, and technology. Sad as it may be, the fact remains that younger generations rarely want anything to do with classic films.
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