Sword of Sherwood Forest [1960]

Even if much less remembered now than the "Draculas" or "Frankensteins" that made them famous, the House of Hammer built a very satisfactory "Robin Hood" franchise that started with "The Men from Sherwood Forest" in 1954. This very enjoyable romp, that I reviewed here  The Men of Sherwood Forest  was the first Hammer picture to be produced in color and was helmed by legendary director Val Guest. Hammer came back to Robin Hood six years later with this "Sword from Sherwood Forest", this time directed by the other star director of the company, Terence Fisher. The "battle of directors" ends up, I am pleased to say, with a very satisfactory draw. Guest has to be credited with a better pacing, more successful side characters and, more critically, a better Robin Hood (sorry British friends I thought Don Taylor brought more characterisation to the part than Richard Greene - Hazel Court agrees with me, she actually married the guy!).Conversely, Fisher brought his own qualities to the franchise: superb class, magnificent lights, gorgeous sets and this slightly menacing gothic atmosphere in the priory scenes - particularly the encounter between Robin Hood and the Prioress (played by the great Vanda Godsell).And for the French amateur of Brit actors that I am, I could only relish the all-star cast in this "Robin Hood": Peter Cushing as the Sheriff of Nottingham of course, but also Oliver Reed and Desmond Llewelyn in bit parts, the absolutely marvelous Sarah Branch (who stole the show in Val Guest's "Hell is a City" earlier that year) and and and...Derren Nesbitt, one of my favorite Number 2s in Patrick McGoohan's the prisoner. As usual, Fisher can direct a bit leisurely and his film lacks pace at times (despite lasting only 76 minutes) but "Sword" is a welcome draw with "Men": the quality of both star directors of Hammer are well expressed in each film and they put a different take on a familiar franchise. Hammer would come back to Robin Hood in 1967 in "A Challenge for Robin Hood". With similar success?

This was a spin off from the BritishTV's version of Robin Hood, starring Richard Greene. Hammer films made this film casting the great Peter Cushing as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. It also stars Nigel Green as Little John and Niall Mcginnis as Friar Tuck-Both excellent. This is an exciting film that is entertaining but not an epic blockbuster that younger viewers are used to. Aficionados of the early TV and British action films will love it.

No dislike at all. Enjoy immensly this type of vintage film and the actors who made their names in them.Fabulous to see Richard Greene and Peter Cushing in the same film, as well as the underrated Alllan Pascoe. Nigel Green as "Little John" was well cast. An all round good family film with the good side winning!!

This is one of the many films depicting everyone's favourite outlaw, Robin Hood, and in my opinion, one of the best. The story is strong and original, but the real delight is seeing Richard Green reprizing his role as the brave and charming outlaw. Females prepare for your pulses to quicken. Fans of the original TV series starring Richard Green won't want to miss this. As well as being great entertainment, the film is also historically accurate. A worthy addition to the Robin Hood film archive.

Sadly Richard Greene was to old for this film, the story line a bit wooden as the actors. I would have been ideal for TV as Richard green played this role on TV. The costumes and wigs one could see were fake. Shame as it could have been a good film other wise.

I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I USED TO WATCH THIS TYPE OF MOVIE WHEN I WAS A YOUNG WIPPER SNAPPER, IT WAS GREAT THEN AND IT'S GREAT TO WATCH AGAIN.BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD.I HAVE EVEN BEEN IN THE TREE ITSELF IN SHERWOOD FOREST,THAT WAS WHEN I WAS A KID, BUT NOW THEY HAVE A FENCE ROUND THE OLD OAK TREE.WHAT A SHAME,AND I WAS GOING TO GO THERE WITH MY BOW AND ARROW.

So nice to snag this dvd of the film starring Richard Greene, certainly one of the top two or three actors to play the role (Richard Todd and Errol Flynn were great as well). The quality of the disc was very good and the service from the seller was excellent. I highly recommend the seller to anyone and highly recommend the film to Robin Hood fans.

I havent see this film In may years and it brought back so many memories when I watch this movie