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As the Robin Hood legend goes Robin Hood was the son of a noble forced into outlawry when he defended King Richard I against the usurpation of his brother John. The fictional Robin Hood was ennobled again by a grateful king and he lived for a while happily ever after.

But now it's the troubles of a new generation, old Robin Hood played by Russell Hicks opposes the Earl of Pembroke who is the regent for the minor King Henry III, son of King John who Robin Hood had so much problems with. Just the fact that Henry Daniell is playing Pembroke is enough to tell you who the villain is. He wants to do a Richard III number and make himself king.

Hicks is getting old, but he's got his son Cornel Wilde to do the real heavy action stuff and he and the Merry Men of both generations get to do their thing again. Wilde is once again The Bandit Of Sherwood Forest.

I feel bad for William Marshall the Earl of Pembroke who was the son of the first William Marshall who had the same title. Neither Marshall was a bad guy given the mores of the times. In fact he married the King's sister and had his own entry into the royal family.

Daniell, the man with the built in sneer in his voice is aided and abetted by George MacReady and there's a pair of villains to worry about especially in the same film.

Jill Esmond plays the Dowager Queen and Mother of the king played by Maurice Tozzin. Her lady in waiting is Anita Louise who is where Cornel wants to make some time with. But saving the king comes first.

Wilde is a natural swashbuckler, it didn't hurt his career that in real life he was a master fencer, a member in fact of the US Olympic team before he was an actor. The best parts always seemed to go to Errol Flynn or Tyrone Power.

History gets trashed in The Bandit Of Sherwood Forest but with the cast it has, the film is a royal treat.

Hot off the heels of his starring role as Chopin in A SONG TO REMEMBER, actor CORNEL WILDE was actually a fine choice to play the swashbuckling title role since he was an athlete of Olympian proportions. ANITA LOUISE, originally considered for the Maid Marian role in Flynn's film version, plays the lovely Lady Catherine.

It's strictly Saturday matinée stuff from Columbia, splashed with gorgeous Technicolor scenery but unfortunately a script that is only occasionally interesting enough to warrant the royal treatment given the production values and costumes.

Interestingly, Tony Gaudio photographed it (he did Errol's ROBIN HOOD) and all of it looks like it was filmed yesterday in the brightest of hues. JILL ESMOND, RUSSELL HICKS (as Robin Hood), LLOYD CORRIGAN, GEORGE MACREADY, EDGAR BUCHANAN (as Friar Tuck) and reliable villain HENRY DANIELL (wickedly plotting the death of a boy King) are all satisfactory in supporting roles. Only really miscast actor seems to be JOHN ABBOT as Will Scarlett.

It works on a certain level as a zestful Robin Hood film, but is really nothing special despite spirited performances by CORNEL WILDE and ANITA LOUISE as the leads.

For an entertaining hour and twenty minutes, it's well worth watching but it's directed without any particular style by George Sherman.

Of the myriad epic adventures revolving around the legendary figure of Robin Hood, this is the one (despite the inherently low-key nature of it all) to come closest – in spirit, accomplishment and entertainment value – to the definitive 1938 Errol Flynn vehicle: I suppose it was mere coincidence that both had two directors assigned to them! For one thing, the look of the film is just as gorgeous (Tony Gaudio, one of the cinematographers involved, was also partly responsible for THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD) but the action is similarly zesty, the leads (Cornel Wilde – actually playing the Son Of – and Anita Louise) equally likable and well-suited, and the rogues' gallery (including Henry Daniell, George Macready and Ian Wolfe – even if, admittedly, only the first gets a character of any real substance) no less formidable. Of course, a good deal of the plot is familiar from previous versions – since the off-spring of the crusading outlaw goes through much the same paces as his father: from the initial antagonism between him and the leading lady, and also between him and Robin's band of "Merrie Men" (apparently, they fail to notice the comparable attire!), to the presence of a usurper on the throne (who not only comes face to face with the hero for the first time when the latter interrupts the Regent's banquet, but the villain even tries to ensnare Wilde via an archery contest which Robin Jr. attends – and wins – under heavy disguise!). The script does, however, supply its own exciting embellishments to the formula, such as devising an elaborate plan to rescue the child king from certain death at the hands of the tyrant eager to get him out of the way – while the expected storming-of-the-castle at the climax by the forces of good takes a back seat to the inevitable duel between Wilde and Daniell (which surprisingly occurs out in the open at nightfall). The supporting cast also includes the likes of Jill Esmond – the ex-Mrs. Laurence Olivier – as the Queen Mother (whose character disappears half-way through), Lloyd Corrigan (as the typically bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham), John Abbott (as Will Scarlet) and Eva Moore (so memorable as Rebecca Femm in my all-time favorite film, James Whale's THE OLD DARK HOUSE [1932], relegated here to only a couple of scenes in one of her last roles). For the record, Wilde, Daniell and Macready would all appear in a number of other enjoyable swashbucklers over the years: interestingly, Daniell had previously dueled with Errol Flynn himself in THE SEA HAWK (1940), whereas Macready would eventually graduate to chief villain for this film's immediate follow-up i.e. ROGUES OF SHERWOOD FOREST (1950; which I actually watched early on in the year) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042901/usercomments-2.

Columbia Pictures reportedly spent about $1 million on this fairly robust entertainment, chronicling the adventures of Robert of Huntington (American star Cornel Wilde), the son of the legendary Robin Hood (Russell Hicks). It's 20 years since Hood Sr.'s adventures, and there's a new tyrant to deal with, the nefarious William of Pembroke (ever-reliable Henry Daniell). This piece of work wants to murder the current boy-king (Maurice Tauzin) and become king himself. But Robin still associates with his legendary Merrie-Men, and is soon joined by Robert, who's just as adept at handling swords and bows & arrows.

A first-rate cast (Jill Esmond as the queen, Anita Louise as Roberts' love interest Lady Catherine, Edgar Buchanan as Friar Tuck, George Macready as Fitz-Herbert, Ray Teal as Little John, etc.) helps to make this very pleasant if nothing altogether special. While there is enough violence on hand, very little of it is actually bloody, and the action is well-executed. The music is by Hugo Friedhofer, who'd worked on the very popular Errol Flynn Robin Hood movie, and it's appropriately rousing. The athletic and charismatic Wilde is a fine choice for the dashing lead, who has a sense of humour and a very confident attitude. Daniell is, as always, a perfect movie villain. You only have to know him briefly to know that he's pure evil. But what really makes the difference is the fact that Columbia shot this in Technicolor, which gives the adventure a degree of freshness. Some of the colours just pop off the screen.

Screenplay credited to Wilfrid H. Pettitt & Melvin Levy, based on a story by Paul A. Castleton & Pettitt and a novel by Castleton. Henry Levin and George Sherman share director credit, but maintain an effective unity of vision.

Six out of 10.

This movie was released in the 1940's starring Cornell Wilde; Anita Louise; Jill Esmond; Edgar Buchanan; Henry Daniell and George Macready.

The story deals with the legend of Robin Hood. On this occasion it is the son of Robin Hood, namely Robert, played by Cornel Wilde, who is the hero.

Obviously, since Robin Hood lived in the days of Richard The Lion Heart and King John, one must assume that the young King is King John's son Henry III, who ascended the throne during his minority. The kingdom during this time was ruled by Regents culminating in Simon de Montfort, when the King achieved his majority.

But historical fact aside, the film is an enjoyable piece of escapist adventure, which is sadly lacking from our screens today.

If you get a chance try viewing The Rogues of Sherwood Forest released through the same stable - Columbia 1950 starring John Derek and Diana Lynn. Interesting to note that this too is the son of Robin Hood but in the time of King John played by George Macready who also appeared in the Bandit of Sherwood Forest

To my knowledge, it must be the only Robin movie featuring Robin Hood Sr and Robin Hood Jr , the son the former may have had with Marian, here oddly absent whereas all Robin Hood the First 's companions have been summoned to fight again against a Lord -Regent who does not respect the Magna Carta : so begins a tyranny which denies all kinds of freedom ;they must take up again the fight against this villain.

The "twenty years after" trick would be resumed by Richard Lester in his "Robin and Marian"(1976) , but his movie was nostalgic, whereas this "bandit" is very tongue in chick , epitomized by an all-dressed-in green Cornell Wilde , who runs to the damsels in distress ' rescue , here the threatened queen ,no less!

A swashbuckling adventure story filmed in shocking Technicolour - where every hue and shade seems to be saturated to the max - THE BANDIT OF SHERWOOD FOREST is one of those Hollywood romps where a studio backlot attempts to stand in for merry olde England. It's all completely preposterous of course, and the Slovakian-born Cornel Wilde (playing the son of Robin Hood) is probably the least convincing British screen hero of them all.

With the original Robin Hood story mined out by Hollywood producers, THE BANDIT OF SHERWOOD FOREST takes to the next generation for its story of derring do and good vs. evil. Wilde's Robert must contend with an evil 'Regent' (THE BODY SNATCHER's Henry Daniell, once again typecast as a hammy villain) while romancing a beautiful lady (Anita Louise).

The expected swashbuckling scenes up and down staircases are present here, along with trick shots and archery scenes, but it all feels very familiar and more than a little passe. THE BANDIT OF SHERWOOD FOREST feels very much like a second-tier production and those glorious colours are the best thing it has going for it.

We have Robert of Nottingham, the son of Robin Hood! Robert is quiet a ladies man and full of fun antics. This is not the greatest Swashbuckler Robin Hood but it is a joy to watch. I got a kick out of it.

7/10.

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest is directed by George Sherman and Henry Levin and collectively written by Wilfrid H. Pettitt, Melvin Levy and Paul A. Castleton. It stars Cornel Wilde, Anita Louise, Jill Esmond, Edgar Buchanan, Henry Daniel, George Macready and Russell Hicks. Music is by Hugo Fridehofer and cinematography is shared between Tony Gaudio, William Snyder and George B. Meehan.

A wonderful spin on the Robin Hood legend, this finds Robin Hood (Hicks) enlisting the help of his son Robert (Wilde) in stopping the nefarious members of the Regency who seek to basically abolish the Magna Carta. What follows in narrative trajectory terms is the usual array of fights and face-offs, with bow and arrows skills supplementing the swordplay. There is of course some simmering passions at work, whilst loyalty and camaraderie is never ever far away.

There's such a sense of fun about the picture, it's like everyone is enjoying playing in a costume adventure. The Technicolor is luscious and the set design and art direction is impressive, more so when put into context the modest budget allocated to the production by Columbia.

The draw card is Wilde, a one time Olympic standard fencer, he utterly convinces as a swashbuckler and has charm in abundance. It's very unlikely anyone will ever fill a Robin Hood based film role with the panache that Errol Flynn did back in 1938, but Wilde most assuredly nails down a marker for one of the genre's best.

Not all the costuming strikes as period reflective, neither does one or two character accents, but it matters not one jot. A sometimes rousing and often engaging swashbuckling adventure, The Bandit of Sherwood Forest is one of the better "Hood" movies out there. 8/10

George Sherman will give us SON OF ROBIN HOOD in 1959, thirteen years after this one. And so you can see that he will have made two films about Robin Hood's son. Of course Cornel Wilde was a good choice Remember him in AT SWORD'S POINT, a movie in the Errrol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks' manner. This Columbia picture that I comment now is at least no produced by Sam Katzman; poor George Sherman would not have deserved such a punishment. The result is OK, as walso was Gordon Douglas' ROGUES OF SHERWOOD FOREST, made several years later. Just enjoy this agreeable movie, very entertaining fo the whole family. And of course, as a swashbuckler film from Columbia Pictures, don't expect not to have George Mc Ready as a villain character.

The story of Robert of Nottingham, (Cornell Wilde) son of the legendary Robin Hood (Russell Hicks), continuing his father's work and fighting for the rights of the people is an entertaining adventure film with some romance thrown in, Anita Louise playing Lady Catherine, his love interest and partner in adventure, as she helps him (and his followers) rescue the imprisoned young king.

There are some familiar faces here, in particular that of Little John, who fans of classic TV shows will recognize as "Uncle Joe" in the series "Petticoat Junction".

Despite the historical inaccuracies (the Magna Carta was for the benefit of the nobles, not the common people), it's still good entertainment for one of those "stay at home and watch TV" days.

The Bandit of Sherwood Froest came on Channel 4 one afternoon recently and I was pleased I taped it.

Robin Hood's son, Robert had now replaced him and in this movie, he gets up to all sorts of adventures. Towards the end, he and his lover get locked up in Nottingham Castle and he is condemned to death. But he escapes, along with his lover and the last scene shows you them snogging. A happy ending.

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest is beautifully shot in colour and is fast paced throughout.

Colenol Wilde plays Robert and Anita Loiuise plays his lover Lady Catherine. The rest of the cast includes Russell Hicks as Robin Hood and George Macready and Edgar Buchanan. Good parts from all.

Watching The Bandit of Sherwood Forest is a good way to spend nearly an hour and half one afternoon or evening. Great fun.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5.

Years have elapsed since Robin and his men left Sherwood Forest to force the Magna Carta on King John. England is now under the tyrannical rule of William of Pembroke, who plans to revoke the Magna Carta and murder the boy king. But his plans are frustrated by Robert, son of Robin Hood ... and his father's merry men ...

The Bandit of Sherwood Forest isn't a retelling of Robin Hood but a sort of a sequel with Robin Hood now an elderly man but still fighting the good fight - it's just his son Robert -well played by Cornel Wilde - has the fair share of the derring-do and the hand of the fair maiden. It's a lively and lavish tale with plenty of arrows flying and some tense moments such as when the merry men try to save the boy king, lowering him down to the moat and George Macready's villainous sidekick to Pembroke is returning to the castle to stop the plan. Henry Daniell plays Pembroke with a rather cold confidence, shelling out devious plans . The castle setting is fabulous. The Technicolor is luscious. Cornel Wilde is excellent with the fencing and his duel with Pembroke is a showstopper. This is a solid swashbuckler.

I first saw this film when I was 9 years old and I have never forgotten the story. Cornell Wilde and the most beautiful blonde actress I had ever seen. Her name is Louise_______. Very exciting story. The prison scenes are very exciting and you know all will be well Thank you, Florence Forrester-Stockton Reno, Nevada

This is the one where Columbia decided to re-do Warner Brothers' ROBIN HOOD [1938]. But there was a problem. That one ended- like World War II- with Robin vanquishing England's enemies; now boring old peace had broken out again and both Richard the Lionheart and Robin were nearing the colostomy bag stage. Hell -Robin hada been doing sumpin all those years? Heck yes! He had done what every returned American GI did -he procreated! He had a son -Bob Hood [Cornel Wilde] who looked more Czechoslovakian than English but no matter. Same dab hand with a bow a blow and a beauty, same mindless sense of humour -a pea from the pod you might say; except he couldn't be pea green like colostomy-quivering Robin, but grey. Grey Bob was allowed green underwear, though.

So much for his hose -but what about foes? History was singularly unhelpful, because in spite of green Robin & his Geriatrics' heroics the dreaded King John succeeded King Dick and died in his bed. So -what do do? Well. Columbia's script department came up with the despotic Regent [Henry Danielle] who could have been any one of a number shadowy XII century characters, and -straight from an American child-actor catalogue- a boy King [Maurice Tauzin] who had to be prevented from signing anything.

So, Bob with a cause still needed to get his paws on a broad. Enter a bleach blonde cut-price Betty Grable with a voice to die from, Lady Catherine Maitland [Anita Louise] and this technicolor 1940 period Valhalla was complete. This movie is unique for raising awareness of [1] medieval colour blindness -because in spite of having red lips that would halt freeway traffic, and a bombshell hairdon't, Anita Louise manages to pass herself off as the Prioress of Buxton -and [2] the little-known practice of becoming muscular on half female prison rations -which Bob did before putting paid to the evil Regent.

Generally the supporting players, Jill Esmond [Queen Mother] looking older than 38, but back in movies after being deserted with a new-born baby in 1940 by Laurence Olivier for Vivien Leigh, Lloyd Corrigan [Sheriff of Nottingham] and George Macready [Fitz-Herbert], helped make this the kind of movie which made -not only kids but adults- leave the cinema feeling braver, stronger and more righteous.