The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men

Release Date: June 26, 1952

Watch Date: February 11, 2023

 

    This is probably my favorite retelling of Robin Hood…possibly ever. It’s classic, it’s charming, it adds to the lore without taking away from the original purpose of the myth, and it doesn’t make my relative look too bad.

    Let me say a word for my extremely distant ancestor Prince John, okay? Was he as good as Richard the Lionheart? Well, he didn’t abandon his country men to go on crusades. So I would argue he wasn’t terrible. Better to have a present monarch. Did he fuck up so badly that the nobility forced him to sign the magna carta, the first document to take away power from a monarch on that scale, and which would inevitably lead to the formation of democracy as we know it in modern day? Also yes, but you’re welcome America.

    I like how much backstory and history they put into Robin Hood and Maid Marian’s relationship. Usually she’s just the noble woman Robin has the hots for, not his childhood friend with a mutual crush on him. I like the way they tie Robin’s rebellion to the death of his father.

    Bob really did not anticipate enjoying this movie as he ended up doing. He was, actually, sure that he’d seen it before. But he hadn’t and he ended up immediately, inexplicably, falling for this film. The loyal American in him normally can’t help but mock anything even remotely British – but this one? He was simply drawn in – able to enjoy the fantasy and myth much like hundreds of years worth of people have. You could say my husband and Henry the Eighth have a ton in common.

    Bob is going to kill me for saying that.

    But see, then he’d have even more in common with Henry Tudor.

    If you’re a fan of all things Robin Hood, this is a film not to be missed. If you’re not a fan, then try this out because it might change your opinion on Robin Hood stories as a whole. It won’t hurt anything for you to try it, anyways, and chances are – like my husband – you will realize you love it.