A Challenge for Robin Hood (1968)

A Challenge for Robin Hood (1968)

  • 5.6
  • 96 mins
  • Adventure

Storyline

Robin, a young Norman nobleman, is falsely accused by his cousin of murdering another cousin. His accuser is actually in league with the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham to seize control of the family lands, which Robin would inherit. Forced to flee into nearby Sherwood Forest, Robin begins to gather a band of rebels to fight against his scheming cousin and the evil sheriff.—frankfob2@yahoo.com



Short Review

Although this story does not have quite the clichï¿ 1/2 (C)d elaborate swashbuckling splendor that people would normally expect of "The Legend," it makes up with a fascinating twist on the backstory to Robin Hood's origins. Instead of the overused Saxon name of Loxley, Robin is of the Norman family DeCourtenay, living the life of a noble in his uncle's castle, along with two cousins. When a dispute over the uncle's will arises, resulting in one cousin murdering the other and blaming Robin for it, Robin is forced into exile in nearby Sherwood, where he must prove his integrity to a band of Saxon exiles. The main plot, after establishing Robin's background and how he came to be known as Robin Hood (which I found quite plausible, actually), revolves around Robin's attempts to vindicate himself against his evil cousin Roger DeCourtenay, who has also allied himself with the corrupt sheriff of Nottingham. Prince John and King Richard are mentioned but not seen here, which I think actually works well, leaving the possibility of further stories along this theme (which never occurred, unfortunately, but should have). The cast performed their roles very well, lending even more credibility to the twist on the legend. I did, however, find the title of the story a bit confusing and misleading, ass the story shows more significantly the origin of Robin Hood, not merely any particular challenge--any of which would be expected of the prince of thieves in any case.


Trailer


Streaming Service

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