Robin Hood (1991 British film)

Robin Hood (1991 film)

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1991 (1991)
Founder	John Irvin (director), John McTiernan (executive producer)
Products	Adventure film

Robin Hood is a 1991 British adventure film directed by John Irvin, with John McTiernan serving as executive producer. The cast includes Patrick Bergin, Uma Thurman, Jürgen Prochnow, Jeroen Krabbé, and Edward Fox. Although originally slated for theatrical release in the United States and South America, the film instead debuted on television through the Fox network in those regions, shortly before the release of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. It was shown in cinemas across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The production budget was around $15 million (£8.1 million), and it achieved a worldwide box office total of $23 million.

Plot summary

The narrative opens with a miller caught poaching on the King of England’s estate, chased by Sir Miles Folcanet, a Norman knight. Seeking assistance, the miller turns to Saxon earl Robert Hode and his companion Will. When Hode intervenes on the miller’s behalf, Folcanet demands retribution through Sheriff Roger Daguerre, who secretly aims to wed Folcanet’s niece Marian to claim her fortune. Publicly, Daguerre punishes Hode with lashes of a whip, prompting Hode to insult him and consequently become an outlaw.

Hode flees to Sherwood Forest, adopting the alias "Robin Hood" and gathering the Merry Men to resist Norman oppression. Marian disguises herself and joins their band but is eventually betrayed to the Sheriff. Hode leads an assault on Nottingham Castle to prevent Marian’s forced marriage, overcoming Folcanet in the process. In the end, Daguerre reconciles with Hode and endorses his union with Marian.

Characterisation

This adaptation draws inspiration from the 1938 swashbuckler The Adventures of Robin Hood, emphasizing the conflict between Normans and Saxons but featuring unique plotlines and characterizations. While familiar characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Will Scarlet are present, traditional villains like the Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisbourne are replaced by new figures. Baron Daguerre fills the role of a corrupt tax collector once allied with Robin, while Folcanet takes on the part of the brutal knight pursuing Robin and Marian. Notably, King Richard does not appear; instead, Daguerre makes peace with Hode, pledging equality between Saxons and Normans.

Filming

Principal photography occurred at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, a Victorian structure designed in medieval style. Additional filming took place near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales. Other shooting locations included Beeston Castle and various sites around Frodsham such as Heathercliffe and St Lawrence Church.

Release

20th Century Fox had initially intended to release Robin Hood exclusively within the domestic market, with international rights managed by Carolco Pictures. However, Carolco’s financial difficulties led to cancellation of these overseas agreements, prompting Fox to assume global distribution starting in Japan (April 1991), followed by releases in the UK (May) and other regions (June). In the United States, it premiered as a three-hour television event on Fox Night at the Movies on 13 May.

The film generated £387,139 at the UK box office and accumulated $23 million worldwide.

See also

• List of films and television series featuring Robin Hood

External links

• Robin Hood on AllMovie