The shelf

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) poster

All Ages

The Adventures of Robin Hood

1938

While King Richard is held captive abroad, his brother Prince John seizes power and oppresses the Saxons. Sir Robin of Locksley turns outlaw in Sherwood Forest, gathers a band of merry men, and wins the heart of Maid Marian.

The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.

Runtime
1 hour 42 minutes
Rating
PG
Directors
William Keighley and Michael Curtiz
Cast
Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, and Patric Knowles
Picture
Color
Genre
Adventure, Romance, Action
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

Errol Flynn's Robin is loyal to the rightful king and defends the oppressed. Pure Technicolor swashbuckling joy, with one of the great film scores.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Constant bloodless swordplay, arrows, and hangings, plus talk of torture; the violence is stylized and clearly good against evil. Robin's band robs travelers, which the film frames as resisting a usurper, so it's worth talking about.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. Why did Robin stay loyal to King Richard?
  2. What changed Marian's mind about Robin?
  3. Was it right for Robin to rob Prince John's men?
  4. Which fight was the most exciting?

Content advisory

Common Sense Media 8+: much bloodless swordplay and archery; hangings and talk of torture; wine at feasts; a few kisses.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Adventures of Robin Hood Blu-ray

Blu-ray · August 26, 2008

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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