One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
148. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) (Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley)
The Movie: After being captured by the Duke of Leopold during The Crusades, King Richard cannot oversee his kingdom. That leaves his nefarious brother, Prince John (of course Claude Rains) to rule over England. Prince John, with the help of Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone) raise the taxes on the Saxons, telling them it’s for the King’s ransom.
A noble Saxon, Sir Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn) steps up to save the land.
Robin confronts Prince John at a banquet, and calls him a traitor for declaring himself regent. Outraged, Prince John orders Robin’s execution, Robin however, escapes with his trusty friends, Much, the Miller’s Son and Will Scarlet (O’Hara, Mel Brooks joke, score!) into the Sherwood Forest.
Soon Robin becomes an outlaw, and forms his Merry Men. Those joining the ranks are John the Little (Alan Hale), Friar Tuck (Eugene Pallette). Their mission; steal from the rich and give to the poor.
Along the way Robin humiliates Sir Guy, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper), their friends and falls in love with Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland).
Knowing that Robin is a great archer and in a rouse to lure him out, Prince John hosts an archery tournament, with the winner receiving a golden arrow from Marian. Robin is in disguise, but his brilliant archery skills fool no one and he is soon revealed. Robin is captured and sentenced to death. Marian and The Merry Men have other ideas and rescue Robin, who confesses his love to Marian and escapes to Sherwood Forest.
Unknown to Robin, King Richard (Ian Hunter) has returned in disguise. After proving his worthiness and loyalty, King Richard reveals himself to Robin and they devise a plan to stop Prince John and his compadres.
Disguised as monks Robin and King Richard enter the castle and reveal themselves to Prince John, and a fight ensues. Robin duels Sir Guy, and of course wins and slays the no-good Grisbourne.
King Richard throws Prince John out of his Kingdom and gives Robin the title of Baron of Locksley, and Earl of Sherwood and Nottingham, and in a total 1938 move, King Richard orders Robin to take Marian as his wife and the two leave the castle.
Why I Love The Adventures of Robin Hood: Having grown up loving Disney’s 1973 Robin Hood, I was immediately taken with perhaps the greatest adaptation ever.
Errol Flynn is the ultimate Robin Hood. He is handsome, dashing, charming and a brilliant fighter. Flynn embodies what it takes to be Robin. As time went on most films now depict a dour and tough Robin. I will take mine dashing and funny (and if it’s not Flynn, either a fox or Cary Elwes).
The film is the definition of a swashbuckling adventure. The sword play is first rate, with style and humor throughout. Olivia de Havilland is the picture perfect Marian, beautiful and resourceful and tough. When Robin first asks for her hand in marriage she declines, instead wishing to stay on as a spy for the hero.
You can’t talk about how great The Adventures of Robin Hood is without mentioning the stunning Technicolor cinematography by Tony Gaudio and Sol Polito. The film is a shimmering example of the three strip color process.
From start to finish, The Adventures of Robin Hood is without a doubt one of the finest examples of the archer hero. A wonderful, Technicolor marvel that showcases the best of early Hollywood.