1938
Directed by Michael Curtiz
This is the first movie on the list that is truly in color. I say that because there were a couple of clips in previous silent films that had snatches of color. I also watched Things To Come in color but it was remastered that way, something that Woody Allen would greatly disapprove of.
I have always loved the story of Robin Hood; it is a timeless, romantic fairy tale. I especially love the novel Ivanhoe but we will wait until the book review for that. Errol Flynn was a great choice for Robin Hood because he is the ultimate swashbuckler and he is not complete without his other half, Olivia de Hailland. Of course, with the over the top acting, visually striking sets, and romantic story, you kind of watch it like a stage production.
This is one of those movies that you just have to have fun with. It may not be the best film to study or examine, but it is entertaining and light.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
James Cagney was originally offered the role of Robin Hood. He is just in every movie; like the 30s version of Tom Cruise.
The sound of Robin's arrow was used in most of the Star Wars films.
Errol Flynn thought the role of Robin Hood was boring.
In one of the jousting scenes, one of the swordsmen accidentally jabbed Errol Flynn with his sword. Flynn asked the guy why he didn't have a guard on and the swordsman said "Curtiz said it would be more exciting without it." Flynn then proceeded to grab Curtiz by the throat and ask him if "that was exciting enough for him?" Everyone just take it easy!
LOL that last interesting fact
ReplyDeleteThis was incidentally the first movie I reviewed. I mostly remember the laughter. There is a lot of it.
ReplyDeleteHaha were you laughing at the film or with it?
ReplyDeleteThey laugh all the time. Laugh laugh laugh.
DeleteMy image of the movie is of Robin Hood throwing back his head in an over the top laugh and shoot an arrow, kiss de Haviland, swing on a rope or have a party amid score of hungry refugees.