Boring

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Production manager: Bryan Coates. Producer: Clifford Parkes. Executive producer: Michael Carreras. A Hammer Film, released by Warner-Pathe in the U.K., by 20th Century Fox in Australia and the U.S.A. Australian and U.S. prints in color by DeLuxe. 8,641 feet. 96 minutes. Registered: July 1967. "U" certificate. (An excellent Optimum DVD).Copyright 31 December 1967 by Hammer Film Productions — Seven Arts Productions. No New York opening. U.S. release: June 1968. U.K. release: 24 December 1967. Australian release: 2 May 1968. Cut to 85 minutes in the U.S.A. NOTES: A rare cinema role for prolific TV actor, Barrie Ingham, plus a school holiday hit in many capital cities, "A Challenge for Robin Hood" drew surprisingly enthusiastic crowds. VIEWERS' GUIDE: Although the censors all regard this movie as immensely suitable for general exhibition, I think otherwise. I would rate this attraction as borderline. COMMENT: One would think it impossible to offer any new embellishments of the Robin Hood legend, but screenwriter Peter Bryan has done just that. More time is spent establishing the characters than in previous versions, there is another brother (well played by Eric Woolfe) and the familiar characters are all introduced in an unusual way.I particularly like Maid Marian's entrance and the deft way the director and his astute film editor penetrate her disguise. The conclusion, too, with its note of further peril to come is in marked contrast to all other versions and is probably unique for this sort of period adventure. Mind you, it was probably inspired by the demands of television, but nonetheless… The acting is uniformly pleasing, with John Arnatt as the Sheriff of Nottingham taking over the mantle of the late Basil Rathbone and wearing it with ease. He has some sharp dialogue and he handles it impeccably. As might be expected in a Hammer production, the film is loaded with violent action, most of it well done. The climax is superbly staged. We like the way the director keeps the aged steward crouching in the background, watching on, and the sheriff picking his way carefully through the outskirts of the action. The fighting itself is handled with considerable relish and is most convincingly and excitingly staged. The vibrant Color by Technicolor photography is a decided asset and the music score rates as excitingly melodious.

Christ this is beyond awful!! I do not mind old,low budget, cheesy adventure yarns but this is chronic! Hammer Productions outdid themselves with this one! I mean any movie that has Alfie Bass has special guest star has not got a lot going for it. The actors really do look like 20th century bankers dressed up in cod-medieval dress!! As for their performances - well they can say the lines quite convincingly but they just do not look right. The "star" of this debacle is a Barry Ingham (yes I hear you say, "Who?") . I suppose it was work of a sort for the poor sod. James Hayter manages to be James Hayter as always. The "writer" has managed to re-imagine the story and origins of the Robin Hood legend, which is neither here nor there, it just seems a bit desperate. I kind of enjoyed it because it was so bad it was good.

This is an excellent and underrated Robin Hood adventure. I really enjoyed it as a child, and it is interesting how well it stands up when viewing it as an adult.It has a lot of good scenes, even involving minor characters (such as Robin's cousin Henry, who is killed off early on but has several good scenes before he goes). The cinematography and costumes are also first rate. The story has several impressive twists on the familiar tale, which help it avoid being stale. And I do think Barrie Ingham does well in the lead role, although some disagree.Altogether, a highly enjoyable romp.

The previous reviewer's summation of this movie seems to ring true, especially the part about seeing it over and over on HBO as a child. I have been looking for a copy of this movie for almost ten years ( video stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc.) and no such luck. Does anyone have any ideas? Someone make me a copy for christ sake. I will send the BBC their royalties if it comes down to that.Feel free to write me with any suggestions or comments on the movie. I wouldn't hazard a guess at the plot or acting as I haven't seen the flick in about 21 years.Chris