Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1983) Ian Sharp   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

To order Renaissance Magazine, click here.     To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.