Robin and Marian

Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn as a mature Robin Hood and Maid Marian in a film written by James Goldman (The Lion in Winter) and directed by Richard Lester (A Hard Day's Night)? What's not to like? Weeellll…. After a long spell abroad fighting in the Crusades under the banner of Richard the Lionheart (Richard Harris), a graying, balding Robin Hood returns to Sherwood Forest with pal Little John (Nicol Williamson) only to discover that Maid Marian has become Sister Marian (Christ being a more constant lover than our man in tights). To make matters worse--and provide a plot for the film--she's also in a bit of a tiff with Robin's old nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw), whose anti-clerical property grab of various churches and abbeys puts Marian out in the lane, so to speak. With Marian serving as the connection between them, Robin Hood and the sheriff renew their age-old feud in a fight that ranges from the sheriff's stronghold to Robin's forest lair to the open fields. Unfortunately, the whole shebang feels more than a little anemic (amazing, considering the talent and source material), with one tired half-hearted engagement (both romantic and martial) after another trotted out before the final reel veers off towards a dark and rather bizarre Romeo & Juliet-like ending. Sporting a solid DVD transfer, serviceable monaural sound, and no extras, this is an optional purchase. (R. Pitman)