Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (TV, 1983)
VHS from Fox Home Ent.
This often-overlooked TV movie was the debut episode of a
British TV series called Robin of Sherwood. It is unique
in that it was the first to eschew the usual glitz and movie
star glamour which has typified most Robin Hood films. The characters
are also less archetypal and more like real people.
An excellent, all-British cast populates the film, with Michael
Praed playing an understated yet dashing Robin. Judi Trott complements
him perfectly with a gentle but strong Marian who is impressively
adept with a bow. Nickolas Grace serves up a sadistic and conniving
performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham while Robert Addie (so
memorable as Mordred in Excalibur) makes for a cruel and
despicable Guy of Gisborne.
The supernatural plays a far greater role in this version of
Robin Hood, with Robin summoned by the forest god Hearne
the Hunter, who grooms him to combat the evil Normans. Likewise,
the villains traffic in black magic, a decidedly more chilling
event than the silly, contrived witchery in Robin Hood: Prince
of Thieves.
Instead of artificial sets, the production is filmed in actual
castles and beautiful, mossy forests, which adds to the organic,
realist style. Although the soundtract music by Clannad is weak,
overall, this production is a great triumph. As yet sadly unreleased
onDVD, this and subsequent episodes are available on VHS, making
for one of the most uniquie and soulful forays into the Robin
Hood myth.
Paul Andrew MacLean
© 2004
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LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com