The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - Full Reaction

I watched Robin Hood once again I thought you might be interested in knowing Errol was the model for all of the adventurers . Also, Since you’re a since you’re a lover of Romance Errol Flynn was in love with Olivia de Havilland all of his life and she him but their lives in Hollywood got in their way . Despite his wild and adventurous, personal life, Which was wild he was even accused of underage girls, (he was acquitted) . She was always the one

Nolofinwe

He doesn’t steal from the rich, he steals back the tax money that was stolen from the people Errol Flynn was the Greatest action hero ever …..and you would love his romcoms ! Watch Dodge city it has a Silverado feel also “Gentleman Jim”the true story of James J Corbett The only man to beat John L Sullivan in the ring And it’s a romcom right up your alley

Nolofinwe

I lean towards the Russel Crowe version.

Vryce

Yes he was the quintessential Sherlock Holmes

Jason Mangen

Basil Rathbone the bad guy of Hollywood actually was a master swordsman and taught the actors how to fight using the sword.

Jason Mangen

I think I read somewhere that Basil Rathbone (Guy of Gisborne, and also a great Sherlock Holmes) was a superb swordsman and actually taught Errol Flynn a lot about fencing during the filming of this movie.

Ria Grix

Cassie, Wizard of Oz was 1939 the year before Robin Hood.

Christopher Carr

When does the YouTube edit show?

Christopher Carr

You're so right. I'm a Flynn admirer for his movies but not his lifestyle. Olivia was a goddess. It doesn't seem right, but she was about the same age as Kirk Douglas. Their careers overlapped, but Douglas' career seemed a couple decades later.

Christopher Carr

I'm sure someone has already pointed both of these out, but: 1. This was the first feature-length full color movie ever released. 2. Olivia de Havilland (Marian) only died in 2020, at the age of 104!

Jamie van Brewen

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a top 5 to 10 movie for me. My personal favorites fluctuate quite a bit. I love movies from all eras, but am partial to films of the 1930s and 40s. I’ve enjoyed many of your youtube videos, but hearing you had done a full watch-along of it, tempted me to take the Patreon plunge.

Terry Wood

According to the sword master who coached Erol Flynn, he needed no stand-ins for the sword fights in his movies. He said that Flynn was every bit the swordsman you see in his swashbuckling movies, and all of the fancy sword moves in the combat scenes were done by Flynn himself. Now, Sweet Lady, you should probably watch Robin and Marian staring Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn as Robin and Marian, and Robert Shaw as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Tipper1994

Yea, that made me laugh too. Nice reminder that "annoying arrows" is still a hollywood myth. The type of bow that Robin Hood would have used (if he existed) would be whats reffered to today as a warbow. Made of Yew, they were generally 6ft tall or taller, and had a draw weight (the amount of force needed to draw the string back to your ear) of anywhere between 100 and 180 pounds. Arrows shot from a bow like that could generally pierce all but the strongest plate armor of the time.

AJ

I must have watched this movie thousands of times as a kid. It was my favorite movie growing up. It also got me to take up Archery as a hobby. Part of what makes it hold up even today, is the fact that it was filmed in 1930's technicolor. Like The Wizard of Oz, the vibrancy of the colors makes it feel almost like an illustrated storybook come to life.

AJ

This one, CAPTAIN BLOOD, and THE SEA HAWK are in frequent 'rewatch' rotation in my house.

Matt Rose

This is without doubt and by quite a margin my favorite movie of all time. I don’t know how often I’ve seen it but it doesn’t get old for me, and it’s my go-to film whenever I’m sick or beat or happy or anything. I just love it.

Christoph Wolf

"Free" and movies usually don't go together except those few in the public domain, and to do something like tell someone about illegally downloading them with torrents is frowned upon.

Mike Lemon

Just got back from a 5-day vacation / family reunion in my home state of Oregon, so I'm a little behind, but let me just say as someone who was pushing very hard for you to watch this movie before your Robin Hood week, I am very pleased that you watched it, I am even more pleased that you did a reaction to it, but I'm most pleased that you enjoyed it as I suspected you would. Movies may get "old," acting methods and filmmaking techniques may change, but good storytelling never goes out of style and this movie definitely has that. For my money, the best Robin Hood movie ever made and the one by which all subsequent versions would be judged.

Stick Figure Studios

God, I miss all y'all! I wasn't prepared for a lengthy hospital stay. Keep it up,Cassíe, I have likéd évery Robin Hood movie I have ever seen and you picked the best ones!!!!

Craig Russell

not sure if this is the right place for this but ive been having trouble finding free online versions of several movies including this one anyone know a good site . No not Amazon , hulu , vudu , YT, or Netflix

Sam R.

1968 version.

Mike Lemon

If you are ever interested in seeing more of Prince John and Richard there's a movie with them and their father called "The Lion in Winter" it has an amazing cast and is one of my all time favorite screenplays

Neill Shaughness

And a Depression still unresolved..

Steve Colletti

Favorite quote, "Wait a second, those arrows are murdering them?" Thanks Cassie, this was a treat. Loved your reaction to the Romance. So much more from this era.

Larry Darrell

This is still the best version of Robin Hood, IMHO. I also rank very high a 1991 version starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman that was not released in theaters in the US because of Costner's version the same year. I think it aired on Fox or something. Regardless, it's another fantastic version of Robin Hood and much more grounded than the Costner one. I do like the Costner version, as escapist fun, but the over the top elements and more than a few ridiculous elements, keep it from being a favorite. And of course, Disney's Robin Hood is awesome fun. What a fun series to be reacting to - I look forward to the others.

Walter

Thank you Cassie. It's a pleasure watch again this classic movie with you. Your reactions are incredible and unique. You make us feel as if we were watching it in theaters for the first time with a friend, a travel in time of memories.

Pepe M

She passed away only 2 years ago at the age of 104. Peacefully in her sleep. We should all be so lucky.

Pickupthepieces76

And Olivia de Havilland - as Lady Marian - would reach film immortality the next year in Gone With the Wind.

Matthew Hines

I’ve watched this film dozens of times as a kid. I know it word for word, so even though it was muted, I had the dialogue running in my head. There’s also one made in the ‘50s called Robin Hood and His Merrie Men, starring Richard Todd.

Matthew Hines

Yay!! Thank you Cassie for this reaction. Errol Flynn is one my favorite actors, and it’s a role he is perfect for. This is from the golden age of Hollywood, and the industry was at the top of its form in the late thirties. Michael Curtiz would direct so many Hollywood classics, including Casablanca.

Brian O'Grady

Well you wouldn't really "know" how Robin came to be because he has no definitive backstory - he came to be in a different way in nearly every version of the tale (and he was almost certainly NOT a real historical figure, at the very least not in any form we would recognize, beyond being a forest-dwelling criminal). The story told in the Crowe/Scott film was an original invention of that film and has no bearing on the legend generally.

Robin T

I found this film for the first time about 10 years ago. It was being shown on British TV on a weekend afternoon, and it just captured me and sent me on a Basil Rathbone, Errol Flynn marathon, as well as ‘Ivanhoe’. ‘Captain Blood’ is one to watch as it’s pretty much all the same cast. I’m glad you watched this. ‘Robin Hood Men in Tights’ is a parody of this movie, so you’ll get more enjoyment out of it having watched this first. Looking forward to the Costner film, I was the right age for it when it came out and saw it on my Birthday. I had the Kenner figures and play sets as well! It’s such a nostalgic watch for me!

Biggman83

Have to respectfully, but strongly disagree with your opinion.

Sean Novack

Russell Crowe's Robin Hood is the best of the Robin Hood movies.

Rick Williams

"Gilligan! Drop those coconuts!" *bonk* "D'oh!"

Carol_White

Most movies are.

Carol_White

I think the 1973 animated Robin Hood is better than the Kevin Costner movie.

Nathan Bishop

I am so glad Cassie watched this Robin Hood, it's the best one until KC Prince of Thieves.

John Cranberry

This old movie is too fast because half of it is undercranked. That, to me, is one of the things that makes it feel "old". (I dont dislike the movie, im just saying it really sticks out).

Variable38

Isn’t…

Jason Chirevas

Location shots were filmed on the Warner movie ranch at Lake Elsinore,California..

Celeste McAllister

robin hood men in tights is awful

zynjams

Alex Gorell

Fun fact (?): The guy that made the original Prince of Persia (1989) created the sword fighting animations by rotoscoping 6s of footage from the final duel in this film :)

Uncle 'Traveling' Matt

NO WAY! What a great surprise to wake up to! I suggested this film back when I first joined the Patreon and had no idea this was on the ballot! I watched this film every day for years as a kid. I literally wore out the VHS copy we had so we ended up buying a replacement. So many old school legends in this film. Was especially cool to see Basil Rathbone as Sir Guy Of Gisbourne. Dude was a legit bad ass with a blade!

Jedi Psy

She will get around to Gone With the Wind eventually,I'm all for a Eroll & Olivia followup with "Capt.Blood" Olivia looks so cute those big eyes and that million dollar smile of hers..

Celeste McAllister

Think it's cute to imagine that little kids thought this was the best over 80 years ago. Dress up like Robin Hood for Halloween and pretend you're a swordfighter! The Marvel movie of its day. Spielberg and Lucas have said this type of swashbuckling movie was a huge influence when they were kids, and they very much wanted to convey a this action/adventure element to a more modern audience with STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES.

Alex Villarreal

I haven't seen this movie, but I plan on it very soon. I'm happy you got a reaction to a movie you really seem to like.

James1035

Blast from the past. Great movie. I watched it several times growing up. Thanks for watching it. Brought back great memories. This is why you are the greatest reactor.

Rick Williams

This is probably the film I've seen most in my life. My grandmother loved it and my sister and I watched it most every time we went to her house. My dad raised me on classic films and I can name every cast member from a myriad of other roles. It's such an epic group of actors. Bess has always been a highlight.

China Andronicus

cracking during reaction and Carlie gets in heck for it?

Danny T

Wow my Mom and her family spent the early part of life working other people's farms until family could get a place for themselves... Grapes of Wrath needs to have Cassie react.

Danny T

Told ya!!!...Fun facts..many movie productions around Hollywood had to shut down due to central casting running out of extras and so many stuntmen,set builders and technicolor cameras & production/logistics crews where hired to work on TAORH,shot on location on the Warner bros movie ranch at lake Elsinore,California.. After almost ten years of hardship during the great depression America needed something to cheer people up,This movie was banned in Nazi Germany for encouraging the people to stand up against tyranny! thanks for trusting us Cassie,we got your six "My Lady"!! ❤

Celeste McAllister

This was fun, both the movie and the reaction. Glad I've seen it and happy we managed to convince Cassie into recording her reaction.😉 I feel like this film, especially that sword-fight scene has been referenced and homaged in countless movies I've seen. One peculiarly popping into my mind: The Rocketeer (1991). It feels like as if they were shooting this movie within the movie.

Gábor Árki

really enjoyed this reaction! this movie is a classic, haven't watched it in years! so glad you decided to watch this first before getting into the other Robin Hood movies! I can't wait for your "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" reaction, that one is my favorite! this movie is so vibrant with bright colors, they sure stand out amongnst the set pieces lol! every actor does an outstanding performance, one thing I was shocked to recently know was that the actor playing Prince John was none other than Claude Rains, which I know him better as the original "The Invisible Man" from Universal's classic monster films, I never knew that 😱 really enjoyed this reaction, can't wait for the others! till then, stay classy Cassie lol!😁😉👍

Wesley White

That movie (Ivanhoe from 1982) is on swedish TV every new years day since............ the movie was new I think. 😀

Björn Karlsson

If it helps to get over any remaining prejudice you might have regarding older movies, perhaps try to think of them as "vintage" instead of "old." Also, you might have recognized Prince John, as played by Claude Rains, because Rains also played Captain Louis Renault (Rick's frenemy) in Casablanca. Finally, I HIGHLY recommend reading "Ivanhoe" by Sir Walter Scott, in which Robin Hood plays a prominent secondary role. It's a different take on the state of England at the time depicted in this film.

Just Plain Bob

104?! amazing! still need to see gone with the wind, and it seems like from the comments, those two lovebirds made many movies together, can’t wait, they had amazing chemistry

Cassie

for some reason while watching i thought this was after Oz because i remember hearing how people were so amazed at the color in Wizard of Oz, did this have color originally?

Cassie

Thank you so much Cassie for scheduling this reaction. I knew you had probably never seen a film quite like this. Not that you had never seen an action adventure film, but not one made in this style, which is quite old, but still very exciting and entertaining. They just don't make films like this anymore, with these mass brawls with a 100 extras on a massive set in intricate fight choreography. This movie is one of the great adventure classics and is the definitive screen appearance of Robin Hood, the one all others are measured against. As you find out about Robin Hood this week, I know am not alone in my gratitude that you started here.

MikeLL

The reason the barons are fighting against Richard and supporting John is twofold. For one, John is buying their loyalty with the taxes taken from the Saxons and increasing their power overall. Secondly, Richard is an absent king in more ways than one. The historical Richard was almost always on campaign, famously leading the Third Crusade, and when he wasn't he spend most of his time in his family's holdings in France. Many historians have correctly commented that Richard was more French than English.

Nicholas Craig

Two notes. There were two directors, William Keighley and Michael Curtiz. As the film was not being managed well, Warner Bros. brought in Michael Curtiz to get it under control and finish the film. Michael Curtiz also directed Casablanca. Prince John was played by Claude Rains who you may recall he was the French chief of police Capt. Louis Renault in Casablanca. BTW Marian (Olivia DeHavaland died in 2020 at the age of 104. She was oldest Oscar winner at the time of her death. She was also in Gone With The Wind.

Mike McLaughlin

Thank you for doing this.

Ginko

I love that I feel a connection to that film. Part of Sherwood Forest was filmed in Bidwell Park. Love it :)

GamerGal8684

This movie really knows how to make feasts look really good! BTW, mutton is goat or adult sheep. That's the big leg of meat Robin was munching on at the feast in Sherwood.

Nicholas Craig

I had heard that Rathbone wasn't happy that Flynn had to best him in the sword fights. The color is spectacular and the costumes and make up are like something out of a Maxfield Parrish painting.

Christopher Carr

One of best movies. I wanted to be Errol Flynn.

Christopher Carr

Not watched the reaction yet, but just wanted to say thanks Cassie for adding this to the hood week. Looking forward to watching this over the weekend.

Bret

"Is there a famous cartoon character named Errol?" Not that I know of, but you might be thinking of FLYNN Rider... pretty sure that's not a coincidence ;) I want so much to get into some background history but alas I have to get to work. I'll be back later with a looong post I'm sure haha

Robin T

Some fun facts about this movie... -Both Errol and Basil (Sir Guy) did most of their own sword work. They were both very skilled swordsmen and would often practice together in their free time. Basil was actually very skilled and was considered the best swordsmen in Hollywood at the time and would often joke that with Flynn "You may win and get the girl but I could kill you anytime I like." -All the arrows in the film were shot by professional archer Howard Hill. Those shot with arrows wore clothing padded with balsa wood on protective metal plates; the metal plates prevented injury (though impact was fairly painful), and the arrows lodged into the balsa wood to create the illusion of bodily penetration. Any stuntman who agreed to take one of these shots was given an extra $50. Hill, although listed as the archer captain defeated by Robin, was cast as Elwen the Welshman who Robin faced in the archery tournament. -The Adventures of Robin Hood was produced at an estimated cost of $2 million, the most expensive film Warner Bros. had made up to that time. It was also the studio's first film utilizing the three-strip Technicolor process. The film was in fact planned to be shot in black and white for most of its development; the switch to Technicolor happened just three months before production started. -Some ties to Casablanca...Prince John was played by Claude Rains, the Police Captain in Casablanca. Michael Curtiz directed Casablanca and co-directed this. As always, loved the reaction and cant wait for the others in this group!!

Michael Barootian

I respect filmmakers who want a sober, perhaps even dark, take on the legend. In reality it’s sometimes difficult for rebels to be “Merry.” But “Robin Hood And His Dour Men” doesn’t always sell as well. People need some hope. Especially in the late 1930’s with a terrifying war looming. Thanks to all here who championed this fun film. And special thanks to Cassie for presenting it.

Steve Holton

I haven’t seen this movie either. Some of the people on discord said I needed to watch it. I’m happy to know you liked it. That gives me some added push to watch it.

James1035

So, it seems this is now the oldest movie reacted to by Cassie, taking over the title from The Wizard of Oz (1939). I think one important aspect to consider in case of such old movies is that the ones people still watch and talk about today are the ones that really stood the test of time. They might be different compared to today's style and not for everyone's taste but they are bound to be good movies. I'm also guilty at neglecting movies made in the Golden Age. Not because I don't like or enjoy them. Quite the opposite so far. But these are not the kind of movies I just hop in after a long day. I feel I have to be in a certain 'mood' to really appreciate them. I'm really appreciating Cassie tends to occasionally include such goldies because these are usually first time watches for me too.

Gábor Árki

Mel Brooke's men in tights serves as a parody of this, definitely have to follow up with that one. It's amazing.

Bubba Fett

To celebrate our Maid Marian: Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland are one of the great screen couples of the Golden Era. They made 8 films together between 1935 and 1941. The first was Flynn's break out role, Captain Blood (1935). Olivia de Haviland would immortalize herself the year after making this movie with her Supporting Oscar winning role as Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind (1939). She would go on to be nominated for Best Actress 4 times, winning two Best Actress Oscars for To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). She was center stage presenting 58 fellow past Oscar winners at the 75th Oscar ceremonies in 2003 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyOYokyiCF8 Having dual citizenship from America and the United Kingdom, she was granted damehood status by Queen Elizabeth in 2017 before her 101st birthday. Dame Olivia de Haviland passed away at her home in Paris in July 2020 at the age of 104.

MikeLL

God, i love this Movie. Im a huge fan of Movies from this period and to see you react to one of them is amazing. There are so many great Movies from this time worth a reaction. Please consider to do some more.

Curaitis

Well done 😀 The first to do this movie I've been told. Now be the first to do Show me love. If you do that, you are the best of the best 👍👍👍👍

Björn Karlsson

... I want the opposite of this, the 2010 Russell Crowe Robin Hood as well as the other four :D If you're going to do a thing, go all the way.

Planner

Woah. Mutton, when prepared properly, can be just as tasty as lamb if not more so. I won't stand for this continued bad PR with regards to mutton! Jokes aside, this is also a new adaption for me as well. Agreed on it being a perfect starting point, though it's not the oldest Robin Hood movie. Fun factoid while I wait for youtube to render properly, the actor who plays Little John did so for both the 1922 silent version and the 1950 version!

Kiera

I love this! Wait till the "old movies are too slow" crowd get a load of this one!

MikeLL

Glad you decided to start here. I've seen a number of RH adaptations, but sadly not this one till now. That meat they said was Mutton. Which is Sheep. Not as flavoursome as lamb and not as widely sold any more, certainly in the UK that is.

Daryl

Since you watched this one, I think it would only be fair if you skipped one of the others, most likely the animated one, or at least just watched it in your own time. I mean, FOUR Robin Hood movies within a week would be a bit ridiculous and overboard. That's just me, though.

Shehab Dawoud

Alice Guy-Blache immediately comes to mind. I’m hoping Cassie tries more classics from the 30s and some silent classics - The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) is still one of the most riveting films I’ve ever seen.

Rose

So glad you decided to watch this first. I'm old and never got around to watching this, but now I have a reason to!

Allen Bond

A big reason why it looks so good is that in the early 2000s this movie underwent an extensive restoration process by Warner Bros, a process they also used on Gone With The Wind, Singin' In The Rain, The Wizard Of Oz and others. It's still considered by many to be the definitive Robin Hood movie, especially compared to the original stories. I still have a soft spot for Prince Of Thieves with Kevin Costner, but if I'm comparing to the original stories, no one comes close to Erol Flynn :) Fun bit of trivia, the production for this movie was a bit chaotic. The original director had to be replaced, the man who came in to replace him was the same guy who would later direct Casablanca!

Patrick Egan

Old classic films like this one have been digitally remastered: a process where they meticulously scan each frame of the old film into a computer at 1080p resolution (or 4K these days). They touch up every visual aspect of the film digitally. The sound gets a digital upgrade. That's why films like this one and "The Wizard of Oz", for example, look so crystal clear as if they were shot recently. There is footage on YouTube where they have taken very old documentary film shot in the late 1800s to the very early 1900s and digitally converted them to 60 frames per second. It's almost eerie how it gives you a much clearer look into the past. Its remarkable tech. Unfortunately alot of the lesser known old films have been lost forever, left to rot, stocked away in their canisters.

Prof. Writhms

Errol Flynn. Probably the most famous Tasmanian to have ever lived. Born 1 day (and several decades) before me.

Brian McGovern