Robin Hood: Men in Tights
From Freepedia
Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993) is a film parody of the story of Robin Hood, particularly parodying Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Other Robin Hood films, such as The Adventures of Robin Hood and Disney's Robin Hood, are also parodied. It was directed by Mel Brooks and stars Cary Elwes in the title role. The film is reminiscent of Brooks's 1975 Robin Hood based sitcom When Things Were Rotten.
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Plot
Robin Hood (played by Cary Elwes) is captured during the Crusades and is imprisoned. With the help of a fellow inmate, he escapes and makes his way back to England. When he arrives, he discovers that Prince John (played by Richard Lewis) has taken over England while King Richard (played by Patrick Stewart) is away fighting in the Crusades and unbeknownst to him, John is abusing his power. With the help of his bumbling blind servant Blinkin (played by Mark Blankfield) and exchange student Ahchoo (played by Dave Chappelle), he attempts to form a band of thieves to right the wrongs of the Prince. At the same time, he attracts the anger of the Sheriff of Rotingham (played by Roger Rees), as well as the love of Maid Marian (played by Amy Yasbeck). His band of thieves turns out to be a large contingent of village idiots, so he must train them for battle, with great difficulty.
Trivia
- The film makes references to Blazing Saddles (1974) and History of the World, Part I (1981), both previous works of Brooks. There are also references to White Men Can't Jump and Malcolm X.
- Matthew Porretta, who played Will Scarlet O'Hara in this film, later played Robin Hood in the television series The New Adventures of Robin Hood.
- Patrick Stewart, who plays King Richard, also previously assumed the role of Robin Hood as his character Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, in the episode "Q-pid" (1991).
- Mel Brooks previously parodied Robin Hood in his critically acclaimed but short-lived 1975 TV series, When Things Were Rotten. Dick Van Patten co-starred in that series as Friar Tuck, and has a cameo in Men in Tights playing a similar role.
- This film parodies Kevin Costner's performance as Robin Hood, in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, in the following quote: "Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent."
Technical data
- writing credits: Mel Brooks, Evan Chandler, J.D. Shapiro
- music: Mel Brooks (songs "Men in Tights" and "Mariam"), Hummie Mann
- runtime: 104 minutes
- sound: Dolby SR
- aspect ratio: 1.85 : 1
- release date: July 28, 1993 (USA)
- total gross (USA): $35,699,287
- MPAA rating: PG-13
See also
External links
- Robin Hood: Men In Tights at the Internet Movie Database
- Images
- All Movie Guide entry for Robin Hood: Men In Tights
