The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

There is no finer, happier old-fashioned Technicolor classic Hollywood romp than “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” It follows – of course – Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) as he battles Prince John (Claude Rains), woos Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland, never lovelier) and defends King Richard, God and country. Yes, Flynn was a creep, a drunk and quite possibly a pedophile, but his screen charisma is undeniable – he is the quintessential movie hero. “Robin Hood” feels like the beginning, the alpha if you will, of every action/adventure big-screen film that Hollywood has ever made -- cliff-hangers, kidnappings, chases, the hero about to be (gasp!) hanged and a plethora of sword fights. It still hasn’t been topped. I’m sure the gay innuendo (Prince John is beyond fey, Will Scarlett is far too happy to Robin’s, umm, wingman) was apparent to the discerning eye during the “innocent” time of this film’s release, and that might make this another first -- the ironic Hollywood film. Oh, and Basil Rathbone (what a cool name) as Sir Guy of Gisbourne – nearly steals the movie in that final sword duel. Just awesome. A+