| Sword of Sherwood Forest | |
| Director: | Terence Fisher |
| Starring: | Richard Greene Sarah Branch Peter Cushing |
| Music: | Alun Hoddinott |
| Cinematography: | Ken Hodges |
| Editing: | Lee Doig |
| Studio: | Hammer Film Productions |
| Distributor: | Columbia Pictures |
| Runtime: | 80 minutes |
| Gross: | 1,229,879 admissions (France)[1] |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
Sword of Sherwood Forest is a 1960 British Eastman Color adventure film in MegaScope directed by Terence Fisher and starring Richard Greene, Peter Cushing, Niall MacGinnis and Sarah Branch.[2] Greene reprises the role of Robin Hood, which he played in The Adventures of Robin Hood TV series 1955–1959. It was produced by Sidney Cole and Greene for Hammer Film Productions.
The Sheriff of Nottingham plans to confiscate the estate of the Lord of Bawtry, a nobleman who has died on Crusade. The Archbishop of Canterbury, speaks against this plan and the Sheriff plots to eliminate him. Robin Hood is asked to undertake the assassination of the Archbishop for the plotters, led by the Earl of Newark and Lord Melton, but on realising who the intended target is, resolves to help the Archbishop instead.
Maid Marian also wants to meet the Archbishop so she can grant freedom to the family of a man murdered by the Sheriff's men, and she is also keen to meet Robin again who she met when she thought he was a common outlaw, but now realises he is on the side of good.
Apart from Greene, none of the original cast from The Adventures of Robin Hood appear in the film.
While most Hammer films of that period were filmed at the company's permanent home at Bray Studios, Sword of Sherwood Forest was made at Ardmore Studios in Bray, County Wicklow, in Ireland. The film's music was composed by Alun Hoddinott, with songs by Stanley Black.[3]
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Lush Irish landscapes, doing service for Nottinghamshire's medieval green belt, and the presence of two solitary actors, Richard Pasco and Jack Gwillim, fail to save this joyless romp. Pantomimic dialogue, a sprawling plot and a rouged and lipsticked Prioress are but three of the hazards common to this type of film; a needless flogging scene, and the flea-bitten costumes and performances of the small-part players, are more damaging and unpleasant elements in a tradition that remains specifically Hammer's."[4]
British film critic Leslie Halliwell said: "The big-screen version of a popular TV series makes a rather feeble addition to the legend, but the actors try hard."[5]
The New York Times wrote: "It's business as usual, but hold on. Alan Hackney's script and Terence Fisher's direction keep the incidents jouncing ...a nicely tinted Sherwood Forest is as pretty as could be, and Sarah Branch is certainly the curviest Lady Marian we've ever seen. Mr. Greene is aptly limber, and Peter Cushing, Richard Pasco and an unidentified "Archbishop of Canterbury" are excellent".[6]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "To many, Richard Greene was the definitive Robin Hood, ushering in ITV in a cleverly cast (though cheaply made) television series with a remarkably catchy theme tune. This is the feature, co-produced by Greene for Hammer Films. Alan Wheatley makes way for Peter Cushing as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, and the film is directed by Cushing's Hammer colleague, Terence Fisher. Technicolor adds some scale, but this is really a cheap and cheerful affair."[7]