The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946) is a scant 87 minutes, and mercifully probably one-quarter of that time is taken up with watching the various factions riding through the forest. Years have passed since Robin Hood retired. But now tyranny has returned to England in the form of the Regent, William of Pembroke. Not only does he want to abolish the Magna Carta, he intends to murder the young king, the only person standing between him and the throne. The movie stars Russell Hicks, Anita Louise, Jill Esmond, Edgar Buchanan and Cornel Wilde.

Cornel Wilde

Robin Hood (Hicks), now the respected Earl of Huntington, comes out of retirement and reassembles his merry men. Only now they're a merry band of senior citizens who look like they're competing in the archery and equestrian events of the Senior Olympics. Fighting alongside these men is Robin's son Robert (Wilde).

The film is corny and overacted. Most times Wilde seems to forget he's supposed to speak with an English accent. And his boorish behavior toward the woman he loves, Lady Catherine (Louise) would make any modern-day woman shudder. What part of "no" doesn't he understand?

But Robert's heart is in the right place, and when the evil Regent kidnaps the young king, he rallies the forces and leads a daring assault on the Regent's castle. Of course, he and Lady Catherine are captured, and the highlight of the film is the clever way she gets food and water to him. Then there are the battle scenes which use up probably another one-quarter of the film's time. The only reason for anyone to watch The Bandit of Sherwood Forest is if they are in need of a good laugh.

Special Features: none

Director: George Sherman and Henry Levin

Screenplay: Wilfred H. Petitt and Melvin Levy; story by Paul A. Castleton and Wilfred H. Petitt

Cast: Russell Hicks, Anita Louise, Jill Esmond, Edgar Buchanan, Cornel Wilde, Henry Daniell

Rating: Not Rated (okay for familes but boring)

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

DVD Release Date: May 11, 2011

Run Time:   82 minutes

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Enterainment

Format:   Color, full frame

Photo credits: Columbia Pictures