Marian Style

It may be over 70 years since The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood hit the big screens, but it still remains as "merry" today as it did back then. Forget the gross historical inaccuracies (that includes the costumes, ladies!) and admit it. This film is fun. High adventure and true love reign supreme for nearly two hours and we enjoy every minute of it.

The movie would not be what it was (and still is) without the swashbuckling charisma of Errol Flynn.  Maybe I am partial because we share the same last name (and there is always a chance that he could be my 12th cousin twice removed ;) but - despite the stiff acting, terrible wigs and tights - I still think he manages to exude a charm that is pretty hard to resist. He always appears to know this fact and comes across as very cocky, but the ladies fall for him anyway. lol.

As for his co-star, the lovely Olivia de Havilland, I could go on forever about her. (In fact, her sweet style has already been featured twice on the blog - see here and here.) The casting for this film was absolutely flawless, without a single sore spot, and Olivia was the perfect Marian for the century. She is sweet and good-tempered, but not one to be pushed about. In fact, she and Robin get off to a bad start when they first meet - she thinks he is nothing but a dishonest and disloyal troublemaker. It takes a little while for her to realize just what Robin is doing to aid the poor and persecuted, but she is quick to apologize for her error and do her best for the cause.

And while she doesn't rush around brandishing weapons like Lucy Griffiths in the BBC television adaptation, she's no coward. She helps organize Robin Hood's grand escape, spies at the risk of her life, and is eventually condemned to death for her loyalty to King Richard. Of course, Robin Hood always does have something up his sleeve... ;)

The film was shot in brilliant Technicolor and the images are bright and gay - everything beautifully saturated. I wish I could have included more color photos in this post, but the highest resolution shots were all black and white stills. If you haven't watched the film before, I suggest you check it out so that you can see all the full-color the loveliness for yourself. :)

The costuming in this film is absolutely gorgeous. As much as I love to see an authentic portrayal of a time in history, a bit of fantasy doesn't bother me as long as it captures the spirit and feel of the film. In 1938, with the second World War looming on the horizon, I think it was important for Hollywood to create luscious, over the top fantasies in which people could forget about their cares and live out a little bit of their dreams.

Marian's has a basic "look" that she holds to throughout the entire film (with the exception of one scene). Her dresses are long and flowing in rich, draping fabrics - crushed velvet, crinkled organzas and all sorts of shiny "who knows what they really were" materials. Most of her gowns have long, full sleeves or a fitted under-sleeve and are accented with a variety of capes, brooches, belts, lace, trims and other draped pieces of fabric.

In all but one scene she wears a "wimple", which consists of a type of "hood" that covers her neck (sort of like something you would wear for winter sports :). Over this is placed a sheer veil of fabric which is held on with a wide, crown-like band. Most actresses wouldn't look their best covered from head to toe in fabric - without any of their pretty hair showing! - but Olivia looks just beautiful. I guess it proves that sparkling eyes and a lovely smile are truly the best accessories.

My favorite costume in the film is a nightgown and robe that Marian is wearing when Robin pops in her window for a surprise call. It's a sweet and romantic little scene and her outfit is absolutely lovely. This has always been on my "dream list" of movie gowns that I would love to create.

Well... if you aren't itching to see this film yet (or watch it for a second time - or third - or fourth) I really do feel sorry for you. You don't know what you're missing out on. It's a classic and it's just gorgeous.

Errol Flynn doesn't look so bad either. ;)

Oh yes, and just a little bit of movie trivia to finish up with... Olivia de Havilland rides a horse in the film. A certain palamino. It wasn't long before this horse was commandeered for a series of westerns and became know as... *drumroll* ...Trigger. :)

Be sure to enter the "Maid Marian" bracelet giveaway if you haven't done so already! And add your blog post and photo links by clicking HERE!

Image Credits: DoctorMacro.com / OliviadeHavilland.net / Flickr.com