Review of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) by Wendy W — 14 Jul 2009

Since the advent of film, there have been many big and small screen adaptations of the legendary figure of the fight against tyranny and injustice, Robin Hood, made. He has been portrayed by actors like Douglas Fairbanks, Kevin Costner, Cary Elwes (who unlike other Robin Hoods, can speak with an English accent) among many others. And Robin Hood has even appeared in animated form, most notably the 1973 Walt Disney all animal take on the legend. But the one actor who stands out as the best for me is Errol Flynn, and the best film adaptation is the 1938 film The Adventures of Robin Hood.

What makes this film work so well is the fantastic performance given by Errol Flynn. He is just so lively in the film, and gives Robin Hood an energetic and playful level of disobedience that I love watching. There are numerous great scenes in the film, but my favorite of Flynn's is when Robin Hood is accused of speaking treason when he dishonors the wannabe king Prince John (Claude Rains), and he responds by saying that he speaks treason "fluently." A small moment, but garners a laugh every time.

Horror icons Basil Rathbone, as Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Prince John's co-conspirator to take the throne), and Claude Rains were also enjoyable in the film. I love how wormy these characters are made to look and feel like in the film, and much like how Flynn slips into the Robin Hood role so well, both these actors embody their characters perfectly throughout the film as well.

The problem I have with most Robin Hood movies is that a lot of them take this legend too seriously, and don't have any fun with it (I.E. Prince of Thieves). The Adventures of Robin Hood is the perfect blend of great family fun, comedy, action and adventure. It is one of the most enjoyable films ever made, and one of the best times that any movie lover could ask for.

The Adventures of Robin Hood ranks right up there with the 1924 version of The Thief of Bagdad as being my pick as the best adventure flick of all time. Both films have amazing performances by their leads, both have great costume and set designs and both films deliver a thrilling adventure. And like The Thief of Bagdad, The Adventures of Robin Hood is pure cinematic bliss.