From the opening shot of decaying fruit, we understand we're at the end of a myth. Robin (an ebullient performance by Sean Connery) and loyal John (Nicol Williamson) return to Nottingham, where the evil Sheriff (Robert Shaw) still holds sway. Marion (Audrey Hepburn) is now a nun, but soon forgives Robin after he rescues some of her Sisters. They're also reunited with Tuck and Will, Ronnie Barker and Denholm Elliott (sadly both underwritten).
Medieval decor (Michael Stringer), dodgy sounding looping (a lot of the grunts and off screen comments sound like they're being played for laughs). You start to wonder where it was filmed from Spanish names in crew - turns out the whole film was made there! And Connery is clearly wearing underwear one moment and not another.
At the end, with Robin and Marian gone, Will and Tuck captured and their motley army routed, you can summarise that it's game over. So, a melancholy mood, but still enjoyable and interesting.
Also with a mercurial Richard Harris, Kenneth Haigh, Ian Holm, Bill Maynard, Esmond Knight (old castle defender). Written by James Goldman, music by John Barry, photographed by David Watkin, edited by John Victor Smith (worked often with Lester from Help! on).
It was Audrey's first film since Wait Until Dark. She is as fabulous as ever. Connery too.
Connery and Williamson's climb up the castle gate is terrifyingly well put together.
No comments:
Post a Comment