Patrick Bergin as Robin Hood



Patrick Bergin played the part of Sir Robert Hode, Earl of Huntington along with Uma Thurman as Maid Marian in the 20th Century-Fox movie, Robin Hood which was released in 1991. But it has almost been relegated to obscurity due to the hype that surrounded Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which was released by Warner Brothers in the same year. Bergin was also sadly overlooked in my recent Robin Hood Poll, so for WoodsyLadyM and others here are a couple of stills from this excellent movie, hopefully to help compensate.


I have watched this movie several times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Many film critics have described it as ‘the most historically authentic screen interpretation,’ and with Professor James Holt acting as historical advisor, how could it be anything else? Holt is former president of the Royal Historical Society, Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at Cambridge, an expert on the reign of King John and the Magna Carta and wrote, without doubt, the best book on the historical search for a ‘real’ Robin Hood. I shall certainly give this film some more attention in the future!

13 comments:

Clement Glen said...

Patrick Bergin as Robin Hood

Robin Hood (20th Century Fox)1991

Neil said...

Patrick Bergin very good as Robin Hood is a superior version to the Costner one of the same time. He has made many films and even played Billy Bones in a version of Treasure Island I learn. We certainly shouldnt have overlooked him. It just makes you wonder why a film doesnt do as well as it should - maybe just a matter of timing.

Mike Giddens said...

Yes I agree with you Neil ,i enjoyed this film a lot , but i think this was the worst choice of Marian ever, she done nothing for me at all I'm afraid,

WoodsyLadyM said...

Thank you Clement. I really like that first picture of Patrick Bergin. It really is a shame that Bergin's movie was overlooked because of Costner's. After watching a few rather wretched RH movies in the Robin Hood Collection by Sony, I've decided that along with Flynn, Bergin is probably my favorite Robin Hood, at least in the movies. I rather liked Uma Thurman as the bratty and independent Maid Marian.

Mike Giddens said...

Why does evryone knock Costners Robin Hood, this was a very big box office success , Alan Rickman was a great sheriff, very funny, Costner played his part with passion and integrity , Marian too was well played, a romp yes, but an enjoyable one.and filmed at Burnhan Beeches, i love Sean Connery at the end, Brian Adams song too was at number 1 for six weeks. entertaining it wes.

Clement Glen said...

Glad you liked the pictures WoodsyLadyM. I will be looking at this film more closely very soon.

Mike, Costners Robin Hood does tend to raise strong oppinions,I must admit I am not a fan. But I did enjoy Rickman's pantomime- like Sheriff! "Christmas is Cancelled!"

Keth Allen seemed to closely follow Rickman's portrayal in the recent BBC series.

Neil, I think you're right about the timing. It seems strange that both productions went ahead, knowing that they would hit the cinemas at about the same time.

Albie said...

I thought the Bergin film was more historically correct but Uma Thurman's Marian was not that good.

This is somewhat off topic but this post made me think of the Costner film. When the filming was over the set ended up just outside our village where it formed a small themed attraction. It was called 'The world of Robin Hood' where you could walk around the houses, shops, etc and try the weapons used in the film. It eventually failed and I don't know what happened to the set after that.

Question is...

What happened to the costumes & set from the Bergin film, and more importantly, what is happening to the same from the Crowe film....?

WoodsyLadyM said...

Costner's film was fine. Most of the actors were fine and Alan Rickman was wonderful. The problem for me was Costner. We'll have to agree to disagree but I saw no passion whatsoever in his performance. I usually like his understated performances but this role called for something else.

The props and costumes for Crowe's movie are on exhibit at Nottingham Castle and will be there through October 31, 2010.

Neil said...

I couldnt agree more. Kevin Costner so underplayed the role that he was in danger of disappearing. Alan Rickman saved the day. Its a pity really because it did share the same Burnham Beeches location as Mike said. The part of Robin Hood is legendary and needs a bit of character and leadership. Richard Todd I felt got it right in a role that he initially didnt want but ended up thoroughly enjoying making the film. It is a great story to put on film having almost all the elements that would be needed in any film

Avalon said...

You know I really tried to like this movie but I just could not get into it. I tried more then once to watch it, hoping for a different opinion but I just did not care for it. Maybe my expectations for Robin Hood films are just too high. I am the same way with King Arthur movies.

Clement Glen said...

That's interesting Avalon.

You are right, we all have our own expectations in a Robin Hood movie, and sometimes they just don't hit the target!

S. J. Timmer said...

Does anyone know where I can get this movie? Online or on dvd?

Unknown said...

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