The Bandit of Sherwood Forest

Robin Hood does indeed appear in this minor 1946 film, but the rebel bandit of the title—played by then rising young matinee idol Cornel Wilde—is actually Robert of Nottingham, the son of the renowned hero. Russell Hicks is the old Hood, who reunites his band of aged Merry Men when the scheming Regent (Henry Daniell) revokes the Magna Carta and plots to murder the young king and put himself on the throne. Wilde is only fourth-billed here, behind forgotten starlet Anita Louise (as Lady Catherine Maitland, Robert's inevitable love interest), Brit transplant Jill Esmond (as the Queen), and gravel-voiced character actor Edgar Buchanan (the rumbling Friar Tuck), but his dashing good looks and devil-may-care arrogance and insolence stand out. Hollywood veterans Henry Levin and George Sherman share director billing for this unambitious adventure, which combines a generic story with a low-watt cast. Still, the occasionally enjoyable lark is elevated by Tony Gaudio's gorgeous Technicolor photography (which shines on this beautifully mastered extra-less disc). Coinciding with the release of Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, this is part of a quartet of titles from Sony; the others are Prince of Thieves (1948), Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950), and Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960). Optional. (S. Axmaker)