Robin Hood, Sequins, & Technicolor Birthday Cake Costumes

In May 1938 the Summer blockbuster didn't have a sci-fi superhero or cars who turned into weapon wielding machines. The Summer extravaganza was The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, this best picture nominee tells the story of the story of the Normans, Saxons, and Prince John trying to steal the throne from his imprisoned brother Richard the Lionheart.

While this is certainly a classic film, watching this film recently I couldn't help but to be struck by the costumes. So different then if this story were made today.

Notice the screenshots provided as some examples.

First you have Robin Hood (Errol Flynn) in sequins. He looks more like Peter Pan most the film dashing around in his sequins and green tights. It looks like his mom made the costume for a school play.

Second, the royal court looks ridiculous. My wife and I laughed regularly as we gave these characters nicknames...including the ones in the shot below. May I introduce you to...

Birthday Cake, Christmas Goat with Candy Cane, as well as Shamrock. (I have circled these "characters" emblems below).

Finally I have the films female star, double Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland dressed in some of the most unattractive outfits one could ever imagine Maid Marian to wear.

The film had many excellent qualities but the costumes of Elmer Ellsworth, Ida Greenfield, Rydo Loshak certainly give this film, it's own interesting um...technicolor surprises.