Robin Hoods Vergeltung

This film is centered on the son of Robin Hood who's also named Robin. It's definitely in the spirit of the many other Robin Hood films of the era - though most are rather obscure today. I'd watch this one again on a lazy afternoon - entertaining.

7/10.

Gordon Douglas's 1950 dip into the Son of Robin Hood formula turns out to be one of the most spirited and lively of all the swashbuckling Columbia pieces of matinée fodder of their 40s/50s heyday. Gordon Douglas is one of Hollywood's dark horses among genre (mostly action) directors: neither as reflective or consistently stylish in his mise-en-scene as Raoul Walsh nor as spectacular using scarce means as William Witney, his track record in this area is by no means slight. He has made several good westerns (The Doolins of Oklahoma, The Nevadan, The Great Missouri Raid, Only the Valiant, The Charge at Feather River, Yellowstone Kelly, Rio Conchos), two very tough James Cagney vehicles (Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, Come Fill the Cup), a science-fiction classic (Them!) and an honorable romantic melodrama as a change of pace (the Doris Day/Frank Sinatra remake of Four Daughters, Young at Heart).

Rogues of Sherwood Forest may not have the voltage of the Errol Flynn/ Olivia De Havilland/Claude Rains/Basil Rathbone combo or even the authentic feel and quirky charm of Disney's Richard Todd/Joan Rice/Peter Finch version; but John Derek's energetic acrobatics, Diana Lynn's fetching and proactive Lady Maryanne, and George Macready's really vicious King John make this humble but red-blooded and fast-moving programmer compulsively watchable during its entire 80 minutes.

Personable John Derek makes a handsome Robin Hood, but he can't overcome a lifeless script and weak direction. What does steal the show are the costumes, scenery and brilliant Technicolor. Otherwise, this is a dull affair full of wooden acting and cardboard characters.

It looks magnificent and the sets are really striking, but the script is the main culprit. Even the villains are given little to do but strike angry poses, making one wish for Sir Guy of Gisbourne to show up in the person of Basil Rathbone.

It's a hodge-podge of Robin Hood elements, with Robin's son rounding up all of the "old guys" who helped his father in the past. Alan Hale is on hand to reprise his Little John role for the fourth and last time. He's a tired looking actor in this one, barely able to summon up enough gusto to get through the role.

Diana Lynn is the pretty spy at court who helps Derek with his fight against the palace stronghold. She's lovely but looks out of place in her period costumes since these kind of roles were never part of her past history as an ingénue. Lowell Gilmore has almost no flair as the man who wants to marry her and even George Macready lacks the dynamic spirit to play a nasty villain.

Gordon Douglas can't be commended for directing this one. Pace and flair are two of the missing ingredients, along with a lifeless script.

Not recommended, except for the kiddies who might enjoy the fights.

Of course John Derek is not Errol Flynn and George Macready is not Basil Rathbone, but this Gordon Douglas' directing is more than worth watching. It is fun, fast paced, with a splendid production design, despite the obvious studios lots settings. Columbia pictures was rather good in those cheap medieval tales, not as much as Metro Goldwyn Mayer directed by the likes of Richard Thorpe; I will even prefer Columbia to Universal - BLACKSHIELD OF FALSWORTH was rather lame compared to this one. So, yes, this Gordon Douglas film is an exciting little programmer, perfect for a sunday afternoon time waster. I discovered it in 1975, precisely a sunday afternoon. And don't confound it with another Gordon Douglas' flick of this kind: THE BLACK ARROW.

With England suffering under the rule of the villainous King John (George Macready), Robin and his father's loyal band fight countless battles with the king's tax collectors and henchmen, who have corrupted the kingdom, oppressed the common folk, and brought false charges of treason and murder against the disenfranchised. When the tyrant has been deposed, Robin finally returns to the lovely Lady Marianne (Diana Lynn) and just rule is restored.

John Derek plays son of Robin Hood, and soon is following in his footsteps by helping the downtrodden. Derek certainly looks the part, is suitably youthful and nimble on his feet, and though he's doesn't have the same charisma as Errol Flynn, he does a good job, and comes across lively. He ably supported Alan Hale (Little John), and the trio of villains headed by George Macready are a fiendish delight as they plot and plan their diabolical scheme. It's a zesty Sherwood Forest programmer, colourful, brimming with some some good swords fights - the one in the finale is really good.