A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967)
After being falsely accused of murder, Sir Robin of Loxley takes refuge in the untamed wilderness of Sherwood Forest where he stumbles across a group of outlaws. Although initially suspicious of the aristocrat's motives, the men are soon won over by his integrity and prowess and Robin transforms them into a formidable fighting force, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. As word of his fame and valour spreads, a legend is born.
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Sadly Over-hyped
Memorable, crazy movie
Great Film overall
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
This is a surprisingly decent Robin Hood story. It quickly tells the story of how Robin Hood came to be. A wronged nobleman escapes to the forest and quickly gains a small army in order to gain revenge against his cousin. The plot is thankfully easy to follow which isn't always the case with these films. It features the usual Robin Hood swordplay mixed with a good dose of humour. The fast pace and plenty of good sequences means that there are few dull spots and Barrie Ingham makes a good and charismatic Robin Hood and Peter Blythe is great as the evil and snivelling Roger de Courtenay. As it's obviously not a big budget effort I thought this was a good effort and though no classic it's worth watching for old adventure film lovers.
Hammer Studios Strayed From Their Usual Horror, Sci-Fi, and Suspense Stories in This Mid-Sixties Romp and Took a Chance on Another Icon of Popular Imagination. The Studio Seemed to Give This a Good-Try but Ultimately it Pales in Comparison to the Studio's Other Well Known and Excellent Genre Movies.The Amateurish Cast and Some Sloppy Attention to Detail Bring This Down to About Average but it Can be Enjoyed if Approached with Very Low Expectations and a Willingness to Just Play Along with the Juvenile Shenanigans. It has a Pretty Good Story with Elementary Elements of Good and Evil and Presents the Robin Hood Ethic with Some Gravitas. It Moves Quickly and Never Lingers Long Enough On Any One Thing to Draw Attention to its Low-Budget and Hurried Production.Worth a Watch but Hammer Followers May be a Bit Disappointed. Robin Hood's Band of Fans, Especially Seeing This as Children Seem to Like it Just Fine. Note...Nitpickers and Grumps like to point out two scenes where a car shows up in the background and a jet contrail crosses the sky in the very first shot. Kids and grown up kids are happily oblivious.
The previous reviewer's summation of this movie seems to ring true, especially the part about seeing it over and over on HBO as a child. I have been looking for a copy of this movie for almost ten years ( video stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc.) and no such luck. Does anyone have any ideas? Someone make me a copy for christ sake. I will send the BBC their royalties if it comes down to that.Feel free to write me with any suggestions or comments on the movie. I wouldn't hazard a guess at the plot or acting as I haven't seen the flick in about 21 years.Chris
This is probably one of the first incarnations of Robin Hood I remember seeing aside from the Disney animated version. Its most likely nostalgia that I remember it fondly for I saw it many times in the early 80's on HBO when i was a kid. I loved this version.I thought it was a great retelling of the tale, and loved how it showed everyone getting together. I think this is a must see for all Robin Hood lovers. As i remember there isn't much action in it by todays standards, its more of a feel good movie.I have also been searching for a copy of this movie for years as well. If any knows where i might be able to obtain one please let me know.