Friday, January 4, 2019

SWORD OF SHERWOOD FOREST: SAVING THE DAY THE HAMMER WAY



For those who thought that Hammer Studios only made horror films think again. They were making all kinds of movies during their tenure even if horror films were what got them noticed. Not only that they were making TV productions as well. One of those was THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD that ran from 1955-59 starring Richard Greene in the title role. Yes the same Richard Greene who would later appear in TALES FROM THE CRYPT in 1972. Before wrapping things up though the studio made the feature film SWORD OF SHERWOOD FOREST.

A stranger is on the run from the minions of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Before he can escape he is mortally wounded but rescued at the last minute by Robin and his men. Giving him refuge he carries with him a crest and before dying keeps saying he needs to get to Bawtry. Heeding his warning Robin decides to head there himself to find out what is going on.

Along the way he stops by to visit Friar Tuck. While there a group of noblemen come along and insults are traded. Before he is slain the leader of the group the Earl of Newark offers him a challenge. Still not knowing who he is he offers Robin his life if he can shoot his sidekick Lord Melton’s falcon from the air. Of course he succeeds and the Earl takes him under his wing with the promise of a job. It isn’t until later that Robin finds out the job is to assassinate the Archbishop of Canterbury so that the Earl can take over the area.

Robin also learns of the men responsible for the death of the stranger at the beginning of the film. The men were members of the Sheriff’s guard. The Sheriff (Peter Cushing) is determined to seize the land of the dead Lord Bawtry who died in the Crusades and make it his own. That is unless he is stopped.

But hey, how can we have a Robin Hood movie without a Maid Marian? Well she’s here too and runs into Robin early on, thinking he was responsible for the stranger’s death. Later she learns who the real killers were and how two faced the Sheriff is when he kills a man he swore he wouldn’t in return for information. Seeking justice for the man the Sheriff had killed she asks for help from the Archbishop. Which of course will lead the paths of both stories to converge.

The movie is an entertaining romp that fans of Robin Hood will enjoy. It’s family friendly which is a rare thing to find these days too. I can remember loving the movies about the character as a child and my guess is younger viewers will be thrilled by the action on screen with this one too.

As with all of their releases Twilight Time is sending this one out with just 3,000 copies available. Extras are limited here with the theatrical trailer and an isolated effects and musical track. If this movie brings back memories for you make sure you pick up a copy before they’re gone.

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