Review of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) by Philip S — 16 Aug 2011

Robin Hood is among the most made and remade movies in the history of Hollywood. But when it comes to stories about the famed outlaw, this rendition is the gold standard on which all other adaptations have been set. There have been slight alterations here and there from one adaptation to another. But a close watch of nearly every one of them reveals just how influential this version was, and still is today. Even in comparison to the recent adaptation starring Russell Crowe, it stands tall. But that's because that Robin Hood is more or less a prequel to all of the Robin Hood movies that have been made over the decades.

The movie openly states before it starts, that it was culled from a number of legends surrounding Robin Hood. This is one of the major factors that make this Robin Hood such an extraordinary piece. Rather than take the risk of facing legal troubles linked to the 1922 Robin Hood, this one took its own course. And as a result, it has become the gold standard for nearly every Robin Hood adaptation created since. Heck, it's even been spoofed in the likes of Looney Tunes, and Tom & Jerry. And a side-by-side comparison of Cary Elwes' Robin in Robing Hood: Men in Tights, to Errol Flynn's is strikingly similar. Even Patrick Stewart looked and acted closely similar to King Richard portrayer, Ian Hunter, when he starrled alongside Elwes in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Even Disney Studios has lifted from this version for its own animated feature; though that feature felt much darker and more morose than this one. It seems like a lot of movies that Disney has made that take place in Britain have that dark, melancholy feel.

One of the most interesting elements of this Robin Hood story was the romance between Robin and Maid Marian. Not to spoil anything for those who haven't yet seen it, but unlike most other Robin Hood stories, Maid Marian doesn't instantly fall for Robin this time out. At first, she's anything but smitten with Robin. But that's because she hadn't yet seen what Prince John's rule had done to the kingdom. On a more random note, there's one scene in particular in which Marian actually looks a little bit like the evil queen from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Drawfs. That's because of her attire. Obviously, that wasn't intentional. But it was there.

For those who want a little extra insight into The Adventures of Robin Hood, the commentary, and the bonus feature with famed film critic Leonard Maltin add an extra layer of depth to the movie. They delve into its history and impact over the decades since its creation and debut. It's another of the rare times when the bonus features of a movie actually add something to the movie. Now, for those who want bonus features, the single disc blu-ray edition gives the most bang for the buck. But for those who simply want the story, and some extra insight into it, the single disc standard def edition is worth the cheaper price. It's just as enjoyable as the double disc standard def edition and the blu-ray edition.

Regardless of which edition a person picks, it's impossible to go wrong with The Adventures of Robin Hood. This work is the gold standard on which every swashbuckling/adventure film bases itself. Whether it be a pirate movie, Zorro, or even another Robin Hood, this Robin Hood adventure is one of the best of the best. It's one of the best adventure movies of all time. It's one of the best all-time summer movies, and one of the best movies of all time.