Hindsight

Classic Kids

Day Two: the Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938

This film, made during the peak of the Hollywood studio system, is simply fantastic.   One of Errol Flynn's first movies.  All of the Warner brothers stock players are here, Olivia de Haviland, Basil Rathbone, Alan Hale, Claude Raines.  You must see the 1938 version-the others do not count!  As my daughter, Jacqueline says, "Mom, tell them there  is no comparison."   The sword fights, the love story, the suspense.  Notice the color and sound(s) of this film.  The Adventures of Robing Hood is an early example of Technicolor, see how the set and costume designer take advantage of this.  The soundtrack, and general aural dimensions of this movie are equally impressive.  Listen to the opening soundtrack, it is so commanding.  Just, the way the arrows zing is singular.  Enjoy!  This is truly a movie any age can watch.

Topics: Class, rank and money  within the feudal system, narratives era of the film (middle ages).  Studio system in comparison to Hollywood today.

Question to bring out your child's inner critic:  Describe your favorite moment(s), was it the sword fight, the escape scenes?   How are the rich represented versus the poor?  Do you agree with how the film portrayed wealth?

Wee clip:

http://youtu.be/Evof-iVDOwQ