A Man Called Robin Hood

I knew, of course, that Olivia of Meanwhile, in Rivendell was hosting a Robin Hood Week, but with Many Things On My Mind I gave it but a vaguely regretful wave of the hand and carried on. But was I able to resist a party celebrating one of my favorite people? Ha, the evidence is below. Besides which Olivia is not only one of my favorite bloggers, but also an honest to goodness "real" friend, too, so I can attest that she is even more (if that's possible) sweet and hilarious face to face than she is on her blog. :)

The moment I try to assemble a favorites list of anything a dozen more of the same species always spring to mind, clamoring to have a place upon it, which rather defeats the purpose of the entire thing. All this to say, this isn't going to be a list of my favorite Robin Hoods.

Yet there are two Robins who always come to mind, the ones I admire, the ones I completely trust; it is of them I am about to speak.

First and foremost (forever and a day) Richard Greene in the 1950's BBC The Adventures of Robin Hood.

The Apple Dumpling Gang and Robin Hood what similarity do they share? Both were among the first movies I ever saw and I can hardly remember a day when their magic wasn't twining into my consciousness. Though I've spoken of my love for Apple Dumpling Gang I've hardly spoken of the other. I think it's because of that very entwining, it means home, the magic of afternoons in disguise with my sisters visiting the Blue Boar Inn or running from the Sheriff, alive with all the sparkle of Imagination.

And not a little of this was because of Richard Greene.

Ever so slightly more mature than the average Robin, he's not about to lose his head in a passion, but the twinkle in his eyes shows he knows how to have a good laugh. And believe me he gets into awkward situations with the best of them. He owns Sherwood Forest like no other Robin I've seen, yet he has no need to flaunt his powers, but deals with scoundrels with the quick turning superiority of a true knight and gentleman.

I seriously love the above photo of him, as the straightford look and the mouth with ever so slightly quirked corners assures you of everything about his character.

Completely reliable and ever so enjoyable to be with, I will be ever grateful I was raised knowing him so well, and love him very dearly indeed.

Then there is this Robin...

In the upside-down-twist-you-around-and-leave-you-hanging rollercoaster of emotions that is Ivanhoe (1982), Robin Hood is the one sure shining star. 

Throughout most of the story he's scarce more than a side character, a lieutenant walking beside the Black Knight, yet in truth he's a quick leader in his own right without which the story would have a short and violent finish.

His bow is ever ready to help the right, but you can always feel his vague distaste for intrigue, his expression of which is particularly palatable at a Certain Tragic Event; knightly deeds do not blind him from the tangled truth, he's a man of the forest, keen eyed and true.

Would you name Robin Hood as one of your friends?

Have you seen either of these Robins?