Many men in tights

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

With the release of Ridley Scott's take on the classic tale of Robin Hood, we've strolled through the digital archive for other film and television versions of the story available on DVD or Blu-ray.

"The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) » The character made his film debut in Percy Stow's 1908 "Robin and His Merry Men" and later became a vanity project for Douglas Fairbanks (who wrote, produced and starred) in 1922. But it wasn't until Errol Flynn took on the role for 1938's "The Adventures of Robin Hood" that the legend received proper treatment.

"Bandit of Sherwood Forest" (1946) » Eight year later, this version focused on Robert of Nottingham, son of Robin Hood, while the leading role was played by Cornel Wild. It lacks the budget of its 1938 predecessor but successfully re-creates the swashbuckling spirit.

"Prince of Thieves" (1948) » Following "Bandit of Sherwood Forest" and through the 1960s, rarely a year passed without another Robin Hood film or television series. 1948's "Prince of Thieves" starred John Hall, and the plot includes the story of Robin Hood saving Maid Marian from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Often overlooked because it was marketed to younger audiences, this version remains entertaining.

"Rogues of Sherwood Forest" (1950) » Another tale of the son of Robin Hood and his romantic interest Lady Marianne goes head-to-head with the always evil King John. This version's campy nature makes it more entertaining than it was possibly intending to be. Other 1950s versions included the well-received live-action treatment of "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men" from Disney Studios in 1952; the first color production by British studio Hammer Films with "The Men of Sherwood Forest" in 1954; and the British television series "The Adventures of Robin Hood" starring Richard Greene that ran from 1955 to 1960.

"Sword of Sherwood Forest" (1960) » For this Hammer Films production, Richard Greene reprises his television role in a glorified made-for-TV movie worth seeing for Peter Cushing as the Sheriff of Nottingham, but otherwise it lacks the charm of the original television series.

"Robin Hood" (1973) » Disney returns to the Sherwood Forest with its delightful take on the classic tale; my introduction to Robin, and it remains one of my favorites.

"Robin and Marian" (1976) » Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn star in this unnecessary but generally pleasing story of the older, wiser Robin Hood (Connery) returning to his old stomping grounds only to learn that the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to his old tricks and his beloved Marian (Hepburn) has become a nun. What's a hero to do?

"Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991) » The 1980s weren't exactly kind to Robin Hood, as the character was sparingly used except for two British television series, "Robin of Sherwood" and the children's cartoon "Maid Marian and her Merry Men." The 1990s brought this big-budget blockbuster starring Kevin Costner with Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman and Sean Connery. Heavily influenced by "Robin of Sherwood," the film became a hit, despite mixed reviews (generally pointed directly at Costner). Rickman and Freeman are excellent, while I'm not nearly as enthusiastic about the rest of the performances.

"Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1994) » Why, hello there, Mr. Mel Brooks, nice of you to stop by. This parody took aim at the classic 1938 film and the recently released Costner vehicle. It's hard to believe that there was a time when parody didn't equate to ineptitude, but "Men in Tights" is a fine example (along with many of Brooks' other films) that these films can be intelligent and still extremely funny.

"Princess of Thieves" (2001) » While clearly not a Robin Hood film, "Princess of Thieves" was Disney's latest twist on the legend featuring an undiscovered actress named Keira Knightley as Gwyn, the daughter of Robin Hood.

"Robin Hood" (2006) » In 2006, the BBC brought Robin Hood back as a television series starring Jonas Armstrong. The series ran for three seasons, and while I would have preferred a more serious and less modern take on Robin Hood, the series grew on me over time.