Review of Robin and Marian (1976) by Brother G — 23 Mar 2009
Sean Connery was in his forties when he made this film as was Audrey Hepburn. Hair thinning and greying, he was still in tremendous shape but 'James Bond' was definately behind him now. He was the ideal choice to play an ageing Robin Hood who returns to England and the Environs of Sherwood Forest after spending years in military service to King Richard (Richard Harris) in both the Crusades and in military ventures in France (a good chunk of which was ruled by England at the time).
King Richard dies so Robin and Little John (the underated Nicol Williamson) return to England and find that Maid Marian (Hepburn) long ago became a nun and is about to be arrested by a local knight for some paltry matter.
Robin intervenes, rescues Marian, and goes on one last adventure with his "merry men." Both Little John, Marian, and even Robin's old enemy the Sherrif of Nottingham (the great Robert Shaw) try to warn Robin against this folly by pointing out that this in not the England he knew 20 years ago and he is not the man he was 20 years ago, but he will not listen.
The final duel between Robin and the Sherrif is great, a true medeival duel with large and heavy broadswords and maces. As it is a David Lester film, it is funny, but there is also a sense of melencholy underlining it all.
Its a superb British cast however.
This review of Robin and Marian (1976) was written by Brother G on 23 Mar 2009.
Robin and Marian has generally received positive reviews.
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