This straightforward Robin Hood yarn is a simple and effective tale of good vs. evil and right vs. wrong. Beautifully shot and directed with flair and style by Terence Fisher, this is a film worth watching for the cast alone. First up is one of the best Robin Hoods of all, Richard Greene, reprising his role from the '50s television series and slipping back into the part with effortless ease. His heroic character is a charismatic, talented and above all believable creation and Greene deserves praise.
But let us not forget the rest of the cast: two splendidly wicked villains are here in the form of the dead-eyed Richard Pasco and the inimitable Peter Cushing, playing the Sheriff of Nottingham as a dastardly, black-hearted old-school villain who gets a surprising death. Behind a fake beard and eyebrows lurks a young Oliver Reed, all scowls and bad temper; fleshing out the roles of the Merry Men are Nigel Green, Niall MacGinnis, and even a young Derren Nesbitt. James Bond fans may note a pre-Q Desmond Llewelyn playing a wounded man. It's a veritable who's who of British talent from the period.
The story is very basic action-orientated stuff, easy viewing to the extreme. Excellent wooded locations serve as a backdrop for the action and the camera is awash with lush greens and beautiful colours. Costumes and production values are top-notch and the script authentic. The sword-fights and various battles are well-handled, especially the spectacular and brutal showdown in a nunnery which finishes off the film. On top of this, there's a good score and a fast pace. A fine swashbuckler and Hammer's best version of the Robin Hood legend.
But let us not forget the rest of the cast: two splendidly wicked villains are here in the form of the dead-eyed Richard Pasco and the inimitable Peter Cushing, playing the Sheriff of Nottingham as a dastardly, black-hearted old-school villain who gets a surprising death. Behind a fake beard and eyebrows lurks a young Oliver Reed, all scowls and bad temper; fleshing out the roles of the Merry Men are Nigel Green, Niall MacGinnis, and even a young Derren Nesbitt. James Bond fans may note a pre-Q Desmond Llewelyn playing a wounded man. It's a veritable who's who of British talent from the period.
The story is very basic action-orientated stuff, easy viewing to the extreme. Excellent wooded locations serve as a backdrop for the action and the camera is awash with lush greens and beautiful colours. Costumes and production values are top-notch and the script authentic. The sword-fights and various battles are well-handled, especially the spectacular and brutal showdown in a nunnery which finishes off the film. On top of this, there's a good score and a fast pace. A fine swashbuckler and Hammer's best version of the Robin Hood legend.