From the silent era's Douglas Fairbanks to today's Russell Crowe, every generation has embraced the iconic character of Robin Hood. On May 11, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment spotlights the Columbia Pictures legacy featuring the legendary bandit hero who steals from the rich to give to the poor by releasing four films on DVD for the first time. The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946) stars Academy Award nominee Cornel Wilde (Best Actor, A Song to Remember, 1945) as the son of Robin Hood following in his father's footsteps; Prince of Thieves (1948) with Jon Hall wearing the green tri-cornered hat and tights, Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950) has John Derek (Knock on Any Door) as Robin's son; and Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960) with Richard Greene reprising his role for Hammer Films from the long-running TV series. Each title will be available separately for $14.94 SRP.  

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946)

Cornel Wilde (The Greatest Show on Earth) stars as the son of Robin Hood in this lavish Technicolor swashbuckler. William of Pembroke, Regent of England imprisons the young King of England, and moves to repeal the Magna Carta returning England to autocratic rule.   Robert of Huntington (Wilde) joins his father and his reunited band of men to save the boy King and England from tyranny.  Anita Louise plays Lady Catherine, Robert's love interest.   The cast also includes Jill Esmond (Random Harvest), Edgar Buchanan, George Macready, Russell Hicks (as Robin Senior), Lloyd Corrigan and many more.  Tony Gaudio, the accomplished cinematographer (who shot the Errol Flynn version of the story in 1938) once again uses the Technicolor palette to bring Henry Levin's lush conceptualization of the Robin Hood tale to the screen.  This is among the very finest depictions of one of England's most fabled heroes.   The Bandit of Sherwood Forest has a running time of approximately 82 minutes and is not rated.

Prince of Thieves (1948)

From legendary producer Sam Katzman and Academy Award ^®-winning writer Charles Schnee (The Bad and the Beautiful, 1952) comes this rousing adventure of England's most beloved bandit. Iconic action star Jon Hall (Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves) stars as Robin Hood, who rescues Maid Marian (Broadway star Patricia Morison) and her brother from an unseen attacker. Because of their opposition to the ruthless rule of Prince John, their lives are in danger and his impending marriage threatened. So the Merry Men saddle up and ride to Nottingham Castle to save England and true love. Filmed in Cinecolor, the film features Hollywood veterans including Adele Jergens, Alan Mowbray, H.B. Warner, Gavin Muir and comic great Syd Saylor, Prince of Thieves is rollicking fun for all ages. Prince of Thieves has a running time of approximately 72 minutes and is not rated.

Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950)

John Derek (The Ten Commandments) plays the role of Robin Hood's son in this action-packed adventure. With England suffering under the rule of the villainous King John (George Macready, Gilda), Robin and his father's loyal band fight countless battles with the king's tax collectors and henchmen., who have corrupted the kingdom, oppressed the common folk, and brought false charges of treason and murder against the disenfranchised. When the tyrant has been deposed, Robin finally returns to the lovely Lady Marianne (Diana Lynn, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek) and just rule is restored. Briskly directed by Gordon Douglas (Harlow, Them!), this is grand fun for the entire family, and film buffs will especially appreciate the final screen appearance by Alan Hale, again playing Little John-as he did opposite both Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn! Rogues of Sherwood Forest has a running time of approximately 76 minutes and is not rated.

Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960)

Naturally you'd expect Hammer Films to make a Robin Hood movie, and of course it would star Richard Greene, who played him so memorably on TV for five years. But, add none other than Peter Cushing as the Sheriff of Nottingham and then have it directed by Hammer ace Terence Fisher (Horror of Dracula), and you've got much more than just another swashbuckler. Robin and his Merry Men must go undercover when they learn of a plot to assassinate the Archbishop of Canterbury, and plenty of action and intrigue ensue. Beautifully shot in color and MegaScope, and featuring such reliable British actors as Nigel Green, Niall MacGinnis (Curse of the Demon), a young Oliver Reed and James Bond's Q himself, Desmond Llewelyn, this is a rare and delightful chance for young and old alike to see a home-grown adaptation of England's best-loved populist hero. Sword of Sherwood Forest has a running time of approximately 76 minutes and is not rated.