King Richard is being held to ransom in Germany whilst Prince John is trying to usurp the throne. The film begins with a man in Sherwood Forest killed and robbed by outlaws. They take from him a silver model of a Saracen knight. Richard increases the reward for capturing Robin Hood, but Sir Saltire and Duke Moraine know that the silver Saracen is worth far more. Moraine wonders how he might contact Robin, just to get it.
Saltire and Moraine, in disguise, get Little John to take them to Robin Hood’s cave, where they reveal their true identity and inform him that the silver Saracen holds the secret to where King Richard is about to come ashore on his return to England. Robin agrees to help them. He soon locates the two outlaws who took the model, and who they did it for. Sir Guy of Belton is the mastermind, so Robin disguises himself as a minstrel to visit Belton Castle serenading one Lady Alys before the evening is out. Whilst they are suspicious of Robin he is kept captive. However, the message the silver Saracen holds is soon revealed. Lady Alys helps Robin escape (of course), sword fights and chases through the forest ensue, and many an arrow finds its target in the race to protect King Richard.
It’s a really good movie. Made by Hammer, it has a slightly darker feel than other Robin Hood movies of the era, in my opinion the best since Errol Flynn. A good script, with new ideas not repetitious of things gone before, and fine casting.
Robin Hood, Robin Hood Outlaw, Robin Hood blog, Robin Hood pictures, Robin Hood history, Robin Hood legend, Robin Hood movies, Sherwood Forest, Nottingham.
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