The Adventures of Robin Hood (VHS, 2001)

Some (re)reviewers might slight this film because Errol Flynn (Robin Hood) was certainly not a 'good' actor; a great personality, yes; known as a handsome, charismatic "swashbuckler," of course. However, Flynn's popularity with the popular culture didn't make his performances worthy of acting awards or acclaim. Regardless, as Robin Hood, Flynn is perfectly cast & terrifically fun.

On the other hand, Olivia de Haviland (Sir Laurence Olivier's famous wife's sister) delivers her typical engaging performance as the mild-mannered damsel-in-distress; but, the Lady Miriam who de Haviland portrays turns out to be a political force with whom to reckon. In & of itself this is traditionally British for a woman to do since the saying goes of Royals, 'it's best to have two sons, in case one dies & a daughter for political advantage'.

The story goes that King Richard the Lionhearted (his crest of a red lion is where Britain's emblem comes from), is politically besieged by his brother, Prince John (Claude Rains), who in the King's absence from the actual throne during wars in which he fought, attempts to overtake Richard's crown.

Although Robin Hood and his oft times hilarious band of skilled subjects loyal to King Richard's throne, they spend their time targeting the King's henchmen for taking brutal advantage over the most underprivileged British citizens. In fact they've sworn allegiance to Richard's throne, but also to ordinary British citizens. Therefore, they rob from the rich who hoard wealth and give their spoils to the poor.

Don't dismiss the classic quality of this film because it won 3 Oscars in 1938, for Best Eediting1938, Korngold's Best Original Music Score & Best B&W Interior Decoration.

The VHS version I have is in color. I can hardly imagine viewing it without color because the period costumes & forest scenery are definitely exciting features since the videography that went into making the film doesn't include computerized graphics.

While hoping I haven't been too harsh about Flynn's ability to act, I'm also celebrating his magnetic screen personality.

However, it is Olivia de Haviland's acting skill that makes Flynn look good. She & her sister, Joan Fontaine, oft times performed with leading men whose acting abilities were quite obviously inferior to theirs. Thus, the pair of talented sisters made their leading men cohorts appear as better actors than they actually were.

Although there is 'violence' in "...Robin Hood," lots of sword fighting, killing of molesting torturers by arrows, there's hardly a drop of blood, Robin Hood himself is a great sportsman who loves a good challenge & enjoys being beaten by an opponent during a man-to-man sparring match. Because of Robin Hood's jovial spirit of good faith, there is an ethical morality that comes forth as the thread of the plot that features goodness humbly triumphing over evil.

That humility is perhaps the best acting Flynn conveys because he was known by his peers as one of the most arrogating screen actors of his era. Let's no confuse the characters Flynn played with the actual man~