After returning from the Crusades, Robin Hood and Little John—played by Sean Connery and Nicol Williamson, respectively—are still working under King Richard the Lionhearted (Richard Harris) in France before finally making their way back to England and reconnecting with Marian (Audrey Hepburn) and their old adversary, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw). Directed by Richard Lester, "Robin and Marian" (1976) has a peculiar feel, blending harsh realities of Medieval Europe with understated humor and nobility. The comedic elements are subtle and mixed with sadness, though this sort of ‘dark comedy’ doesn't seem to resonate with many viewers these days—I needed some time to adjust myself. Interestingly, the blockbuster “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” (1991) had a similar combination of tones. The film focuses on how aging brings about betrayal; the will might be strong, but the body is failing. There’s longing for past glories and loves, yet decades have irrevocably changed everything. The movie also showcases actual castles, authentic Medieval clothing, and a realistic swordfight between two older men before an ending that some find controversial—though not by me. King Richard’s shocking acts of violence at the beginning are contrasted with the Sheriff of Nottingham (Shaw), who has become more mature and developed some compassion and respect. He's grown older and wiser, less inclined to be unfair. His rule now appears relatively mild and not overly oppressive. A limp accompanies his slower movements as he ages. When he leads a small army to the edge of Sherwood Forest, his plan is to wait for Robin Hood to surrender, presumably to save his life and allow his followers to return to their farms or similar pursuits. This is a pleasant surprise and demonstrates that this isn't just Sean Connery’s film; it’s Shaw’s as well. It’s worth noting how, after a prayer in the field before their duel, Robin helps the Sheriff up before they begin fighting. King Richard’s fate mirrors what actually occurred in real life—he was killed by a vengeful boy using a crossbow, and like in the film, he used a frying pan as a shield. The boy's name was Pierre Basile, and it happened at the siege of Châlus-Charbrol in central France on March 26, 1199. Although Richard generously forgave him and released him, he was flayed alive the day Richard died on April 6, 1199 at the order of Richard’s infamous mercenary captain Mercadier. This version of Robin Hood offers perhaps the most insightful portrayal of Little John by Nicol Williamson—at least in terms of understanding the character and caring about him. You'll notice that he too is fond of Marian, though secretly so. Speaking of Marian, this was Hepburn’s first film in nearly a decade after taking time off to raise her family. If you enjoyed “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” or “Robin Hood” (2010), it’s worth checking this one out; it's a well-done interpretation of Robin in his later years. It is true that Connery was only 45 during filming and Russell Crowe was the same age when he did his version, but 45 was considered quite old in Medieval times. The few drawbacks are the unusual tone, which requires some getting used to, and the lack of visual richness in the locations, which reveals that the movie wasn't filmed in England. The film is 1 hour and 46 minutes long and was shot in the Navarra region of northeastern Spain and Villalonso, Zamora, Castilla y León in northwestern Spain. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB