Tales of Robin Hood (1951) Reviewed

Tales of Robin Hood, an American film from 1951, was originally intended to be the pilot for a television series. Fortunately, it did not come to pass. Unfortunately, the film survived, and I had the misfortune of watching it out of a sense of obligation to report on all manner of things that are theoretically swashbuckling in nature. You, of course, are under no such obligation, and this review serves as your fair warning.

Apparently, those responsible for this travesty thought the title was not enough to inform viewers what this film might possibly be about, so it begins with a narrator announcing "Merrie England in the Twelfth Century [this part appeared in writing so we know it's "merrie" and not merely "merry"] gave to the world the mysterious figure of Robin Hood. Forester or nobleman, thief or benefactor, all or any of these names befitted him. Our story begins in Loxley Castle, the home of the Earl of Chester, one of the few Saxon nobles who refused to bow meekly to the arrogance of the Norman conquerors. Attended by his son and faithful retainers, he's giving audience to Sir Alan Beaulieu, representative of Gui de Clairmont, Norman overlord of Nottinghamshire." And with that introduction sheepish acting ensues. Expository dialogue is vomited in every scene in service to the script/ipecac. The regurgitation is periodically interrupted by action scenes on par with the playacting of schoolchildren at recess. Exterior shots are of paintings with unskillfully constructed model trees and shrubbery. The pacing is that of a last-minute school play. Does anything redeem Tales of Robin Hood? Anything at all? One actor with a bit part is all that comes to mind. I know neither the name of the actor nor the part he played, but mark my words, if you pay close attention, you might catch a glimpse of some actual living, breathing talent like a single spark in the wilderness under a starless sky (approximately at the 29-minute mark). If you blink, you will miss it. Better to miss the entire movie.

Writing: Poor
Directing: Poor
Acting: Poor
Cinematography: Mediocre
Stunts: Terrible
Swordplay: Terrible
Panache: Mediocre

Overall Rating: Poor
Swashbuckling Rank: Terrible/Poor

Written by: Leroy H. Zehren
Directed by: James Tinling
Performed by: Robert Clarke, Mary Hatcher, Paul Cavanagh, et al.