Capsule Review: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Setting the tone for adaptations to follow, The Adventures of Robin Hood is packed with swashbuckling and adventure, as well as formidable baddies in the foppish Prince John (Claude Rains) and the conniving Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone). Errol Flynn stars as the titular hero, protecting the Saxons of England while King Richard is off to the crusades, and provides the requisite archery and quips as only he can. Colorful photography and wonderfully staged scenes, particularly the climactic sword fight between Robin and Sir Guy.