Robin Hood: A Cinematic History of the English Outlaw and His Scottish Counterparts

by Scott Allen Nollen

Overview

From Errol Flynn to Kevin Costner to Daffy Duck, the bandit of Sherwood Forest has gone through a variety of incarnations on the way to becoming a cinematic staple. The historic Robin Hood--actually an amalgam of several outlaws of medieval England--was eventually transformed into the romantic and deadly archer-swordsman who "robbed from the rich to give to the poor." This image was reinforced by popular literature, song--and film.

This volume provides in-depth information on each film based on the immortal hero. In addition, other historical figures such as Scottish rebel-outlaws Rob Roy MacGregor and William Wallace are examined. Nollen also explores nontraditional representations of the legend, such as Frank Sinatra's Robin and the Seven Hoods and Westerns featuring the Robin Hood motif. A filmography is provided, including production information. The text is highlighted by rare photographs, advertisements, and illustrations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786437573
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	05/01/2008
Pages:	269
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Scott Allen Nollen was educated in film and history at the University of Iowa. He had written and edited more than 40 books on the history of film, literature and music.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     

Part I: Robin Hood in History     
1. Sad Stories of the Death of Kings (1066–1276)     
Early Outlaws of England     
The End of Norman Rule     
Richard the Lionheart     
King John     
Robert Hod, Outlaw, and Other Rebels     
2. Was Robin Hood a Scot? (1066–1329)     
The Hammer of the Scots     
Sir William Wallace     
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots     
Wallace, Bruce and Robin Hood     
3. English Rebels and Hoods (1322–1450)     

Part II: Robin Hood in Story and Song     
4. From Minstrel’s Yeoman to Playwright’s Aristocrat (1400–1700)     
5. Robin Returns to Scotland (1671–1734)     
The Making of an Outlaw     
6. Storybook Outlaws (1771–1900)     
Fascination with Tradition     
The Scottish Chiefs     
Rob Roy     
Ivanhoe     

Part III: Robin Hood on the Screena     
7. Shadows of Sherwood: Early Silent Films (1908–1913)     
8. No Heavy Footed Englishman: Robin Hood (1922)     
9. Fluent Treason: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)     
10. A Round of Robins: Variations on the Legend (1946–1954)     
Ivanhoe     
The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men     
Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue     
11. Low-Budget Brigands: The Hammer Hoods (1957–1973)     
12. The Chairman of the Board as the Prince of Thieves: Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964)     
13. The Revised Robin: Robin and Marian (1976)     
14. Beverly Hills or Barnesdale? (1991)     
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves     
Robin Hood     
Robin Hood: Men in Tights     
15. Robin’s Caledonian Renaissance (1995)     
Rob Roy     
Braveheart     
16. Wither the Greenwood?     

Appendix A: Films About the English Robin Hood     
Appendix B: Films About the “Scottish Robin Hoods”     
Appendix C: Robin Hood Westerns     
Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

informative...always readable...recommended”—ARBA; “well written and researched...an absolute delight...a valuable addition”—Film & History; “traces the Sherwood Forest merry men in film, fact, and folklore...filled with interesting film trivia”—C&RL News; “detailed, illustrated critical study...interesting...well-informed study”—Interzone; “both the legend and the film representations are covered”—Classic Images; “covers all of the performers”—The Intelligencer Record; “the exploration of the actual legend is interesting and dealt with in two lengthy sections. Written with enthusiasm”—Film Review.

From the Publisher

traces the Sherwood Forest merry men in film, fact, and folklore...filled with interesting film trivia

C&RL News

well written and researched...an absolute delight...a valuable addition

Film & History

informative...always readable...recommended

ARBA

The author first discusses the historical events that lie at the heart of the legend of Robin Hood, weighing various pieces of scholarly evidence that attempt to determine the legendary outlaw's true identity, then examines the appearance of Robin Hood in ballads, plays, and literature since the 12th century. The remainder of the volume provides information on each cinematic version of the legend that has appeared since the advent of film. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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