The Adventures of Robin Hood (Warner Bros.) (1938)

CE READERS... ~ Olivia de Havilland—From ~ Understudy To Stardom Go there was a 17-year old girl whose glossy hair couldn’t decide whether to be permanently red or dark brown, and whose dimples couldn’t decide whether to show themselves in a steady smile or to hide in an attempt to look grave and learned. The girl herself couldn’t deide, either, what to do about ac i : Olivia de land. time was mid-June, right after Olivia’s gradtating grades in high school had won her the college scholarship,’ and just before she celebrated her eighteenth birthday. That was Fen Britons Head ‘Robin Hood’ Cast (Canada papers please copy) There are ten Britons in the twelve leading roles in Warner Bros.’ Technicolor film “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” coming to the Radio City Music Hall, but none of them is anxious to go back to England and appear in films made there. In fact, the two featured leads in the story, Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian) and Errol Flynn (Robin Hood), while known in this country as English people, are regarded in Great Britain as Americans, their film careers having been wholly American. Even Herbert. Mundin, floridfaced and: ever jocose veteran of the British variety stage, who is playing Much, the Miller's son, ‘\© is without any current desire to oe \ “go home.” “I find I laugh at different things from what I did in the old country. Living in America changes one. Why, over there, they don’t even think that English brands of cigarettes are funny,” says the British comedians. KING RICHARD — lan Hunter portrays the crusading monarch in the Technicolor Music Hall. (Mat 106—I5c) juction "The Adventures of Hood" coming to the (Mat 215—30c) two years ago. Then fate began taking Olivia’s case in hand, It decided her hair should stay both dark brown and reddish, which it still is—a sort of lovely, deep chestnut. It decided her dimples should do what dimples were created to do, come and go in rapid changes of expression which make Olivia's face very reflective of moods and heart emotions. As for the other matters, Fate irely out of Olivia’s series ors. ‘These led on a plush ca: down a long, sunny cor ' ridor to a gay place marked at the end by a big sign: “Hollywood, Home of Fame, Success and Money. This spot is reserved for Olivia de Havilland.” SHERWOOD FOREST WAS BOYHOOD HOME OF PAT KNOWLES When a search was being made by Warner Bros. for a technical expert. who, what Sherwood Forest looked , to assist in the Technicolor production of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” — the epic drama that opens next Friday at the Radio City Music Hall — no one thought to call upon Patric Knowles, handsome young leading man who plays the role of Will Scarlet. And Knowles, not knowing of their difficulties, never told anyone for. several weeks, until ac ‘ cidentally he revealed that he spent most of his early boyhood in Nottingham and knew Sherwood Forest like a book, because he played Robin Hood with his young friends there nearly every day. It was too late then to take advantage of Knowles’ intimate knowledge as another expert had been employed and the company was already on location in a huge natural oak forest at Chico, Lor itt a “The expert knows his stuff, all right,” Knowles commented, “as this location is a perfect counterpart of Sherwood Forest. I'll be interested in seeing the studio’s conception of Nottingham Castle when we return to Hollywood as I have visited the real one many times and saw it every day for years.” No Danger In Swords Two workmen were kept busy for several days on “The Adventures of Robin Hood” set at Warner Bros., filing swords to make them dull. Terrific fighting went on between Robin Hood’s men and soldiers of Sir Guy and the constant clashing nicked the metal into sharp ridges, making them very dangerous weapons. Hence the job for the filers. Only, the big sign was at that time invisible to all eyes save those as discerning as Professor Max Reinhardt’s; or the equally sharp eyes of Reinhardt's talent scout, Felix Weisberger; or Film Producer Jack Warner, and Film Director William Dieterle. Doctor Reinhardt was preparing to stage an outdoor presentation of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream” on lavish scale in the Hollywood Bowl. Little Miss de Havilland, who had asked only to be allowed to watch the famous Reinhardt and the great ones of his troup rehearse, found herself singled out for an understudy for one of the roles. True, the role of Hermia had been entrusted to Gloria Stuart, who already possessed a motion picture reputation; and Jean Rouverol, also well known, had been cast as Miss Stuart’s regular understudy. It had become time for Olivia’s lucky Fate to intervene again. A couple of weeks before the opening, Gloria had to leave the cast because of a prior contract. “So that made Jean the first Hermia and me the first understudy,” Olivia says. “Then, about ten days before the opening, Jean caught a bad cold. Professor Reinhardt came to me and said, ‘You try it, Olivia.’ Olivia played Hermia in the Hollywood Bowl production of the “Dream” — and triumphed. Then when Dr, Reinhardt made it into a picture, she played it again and won still further ac claim. Warner Bros. immediately put her under contract and made her leading lady in a couple of minor pictures for experience. in e Light Brigade” and finally, for the third time in the immense Technicolor melodrama, “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” which comes to the Radio City Music Hall Friday. Plays RAINS HAS FLAIR FOR PLAYING Ac SCAMPS OF SCREEN wie a first Class scam role pops up in Hollywood, chances are about ten to one that the first actor Producers think of to play it is Claude Rains. He has been tried at all di grees of villainy and always 8 managed to give his dirty work a flair that stamps him as one of the most satisfactory rascals th films ever have seen, i He has one of the Most flex ible voices in pictures, ‘ make it sharply edged tune it into a soft Purry at will. It can be Menaci can be appealing, It has the Purry ‘ quality in his latest pita Wart ner Bros.’ Technicolor “The Ad. ventures of Robin Hood,” which opens next Friday at the Radio City Music Hall. In this he en acts the role of the sly, conniving Prince John, who tries to Nin the English throne jn the absence of his brother, King Richard Rains particularly likes htesare ical characters or ones with historical backgrounds because of the added opportunity it gives him to make a thorough Study of their habits. When he was assigned to the Prince John 1) (ae re stance, he delved into English history and read every thing he could find about the scampish brother of King Richard, “I discovered for instance,” he says, “that Prince John was a strict vegetarian and a teetotaler, which was very unusual in those Twelfth Century days of hearty eating and heavy guzzling. I surmised then that he was a bit on the fastidious side — 3 man who didn’t go in for bloodshed himself and didn’t Care to see brutalities, but also one who openly countenanced such goings on by pthers, ish by birth, Rains recently H © can or can quality ing. It cl a P lvania,\where he owns a self-supporting farm. There he goes promptly when he has time off between pictures and his greatest delight is to go out into the fields and dig and hoe. ->-SHORTS...ART Errol Flypn—He Was Born To Play ‘Robin Hood’ Role Le ppd content with motion picture stardom, to which he rose in his first big role, Errol Flynn, handsome Irish actor, is going in for further glory. This young lad who was so sensational in “Captain Blood” and then again in “Charge of the Light Brigade,” has already proved himself as an author. He wrote and sold to his own studio, Warner Bros.-First National a story called “The White Rajah,” with Borneo as its setting. Naturally, he will be its star. Now he will journey to Borneo and photograph all the background scenes necessary for the unusual tale, which deals with a white ruler of native tribes. Flynn recently completed his greatest role to date — and one which, he was born to play — in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,”, the Warner Bros.’ Technicolor production, which comes to the Radio City Music Hall on Friday. On his far journey Flynn will be joined by an old friend and fellow adventurer, Dr. Herman F. Erben, and the two will push with camera equipment into the virtually impenetrable jungle to photograph the dangerous Dyak tribes in their native habitat, as background for the picture, which will be made by Warner Bros. Flynn, from personal experience, is entirely qualified to act as technical advisor as well as star, of the production. He has spent much time in Borneo. Incidentally, it was Dr. Erben, former member of the Rockefeller Institute, who was indirectly responsible for giving Flynn his start in motion pictures. While Errol was pursuing a pearl diving career in the South ed his boat was chartered by Jolitney up the wnchartored ‘Se. pik River of New Guinea. Erben wanted to make motion pictures of the wild New Guinea head-hunting tribes and Flynn led the party into the jungle after the little schooner had gone as far up the river as it was navigable. Several days inland the party was ambushed by head-hunters. During the ensuing fight, Erben, though wounded, kept his camera in action. In the thick of the fight, Flynn was almost constantly in camera range and some time later, when a British film company decided to make a picture entitled “In the Wake of the Bounty,” based on the famed mutiny aboard the ill-fated British ship, Flynn was to play the leading role &fter the producers had seen Erben’s photographic tecord of the fight in the New Guinea jungle. ‘That taste of motion pictures planted the dramatic bug in Flynn's veins. He went to Lon (Mat 218—30c) don, where he played on the Stage and in films until a Warner Bros. scout discovered him, sign~ ed him to a contract aiid sent him to Hollywood. “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” gives Flynn a’ role which is tailored to his measure. As the daring, adventurous leader of a band of outlaws who rob the rich to care for the poor, the handsome young Irishman gives © a grand performance. Cast opposite Flynn’ is Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian. Other principals are Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone, Ian Hunter, Patric Knowles, Eugene Pallette, Alan Hale, Melville Cooper, Una O'Connor, Herbert Mundin, Montagu Love and Howard Hill. ee eee ee Alan Hales ‘Little John’ Once Again Same Role In New Technicolor ‘Robin Hood’ As He Did in 1922 Version 5. ipo HALE, veteran film actor, says that re-enacting the same character on the screen fifteen years after he first played it gave him a feeling that: the ghost of the first portrayal was looking over his shoulder at every move he made in his later performance. “If I were inclined to mysticism,” he says, “I would swear that Little John No. 1 was standing right at my elbow, prompting Little John No. 2 every time I was before the cameras, saying, ‘That wasn’t the way we did it with Fairbanks! You're not doing justice by me, you dolt!’ and similar uncomplimentary things.” There are a few cases on record similar to Hale’s in which the same player, years afterward, re-enacts the same character, certainly not in pictures. Hale, in 1922, played Little John in Doug RINCE JOHN — Claude Rains ey the English monarch who outriven vs Hood in "The Adventures Robin Hood" coming to Radio City Music Hall, (Mat 103—15c) las Fairbanks’ production of “Robin Hood,” and now is playing Little John in Warner Bros.’ Technicolor version of “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Errol Flynn, today’s counterpart of the virile, dashing Fairbanks of sixteen years ago, is doing the title role. “There is considerable difference in the two productions,” Hale continues. “The first picture was a silent, of course, made years before talkies came in. [¢ also was filmed in black and white, whereas ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ is being done in Technicolor, taking full advantage of the brilliant costumes and the natural beauties of a great forest. “The story varies considerably, too, as the Fairbanks’ version carried Robin Hood through some of the Crusades, whereas our present story centers entirely Una O’Connor Goes On And On In Pictures Foreign importations to Hollywood come and go but Una O'Connor, noted character actress, apparently goes on forever. Brought from London from the stage company of “Cavalcade” to re-enact her maid’s role in the Picture, she has remained in the film capitol ever since — in fact, she’s never left California. Her excellent characterizations assure her of a choice of roles constantly, and what was intended as a three months’ stay has lengthened into nearly five years. Miss O'Connor's current part is that of Bess, nurse and comPanion to Olivia de Haviltand, who plays Maid Marian in Warner Bros.’ Technicolor production of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” coming to the Radio City Music Hall on Friday. about Sherwood Forest and Nottingham. “The legendary battle with quarter staves between Robin and Little John in which the latter tumbles the outlaw leader into the brook, is in the Present picture, giving me a chance to compare Flynn’s prowess with that of Fairbanks, “Flynn is more powerful axd almost as agile as Fairbanks, and I am certain that he will be a tremendous success in this picture. The role is made to order for him and should further add to his popularity with the movie fans. “I was very pleased when I was asked to do Little John again after all these years, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.” “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” which has Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, its heroine, will be seen next Friday at the Radio City Music Hall. RATHBONE HAS MANY NARROW ESCAPES IN “ROBIN HOOD’ Basil Rathbone, pre-eminent movie “méanie,” didn’t join the Warner Bros. “Adventures of Robin Hood” company on location at Chico, Calif., until he had made certain that all his insurance policies were in order. For Rathbone was in for a tough session in the Technicolor production as Sir Guy of Gisbourne who had to do a lot of battling with Robin Hood and to lose every encounter. Here are some of the things that happen to Rathbone during the course of his “villainy” in the picture: He is knocked down by an arrow and only saved because of his armor. He is knocked from his horse while wearing full armor in a jousting match with Robin Hood. And finally, he fights a terrific duel with Errol Flynn, who plays Robin in the picture, and is laid low by a crack over the skull with a broadsword. As a veteran villain, however, Rathbone refused to be worried at the prospect of the punishment he was scheduled to take. The worst thing that happened to him was a very slight sword wound in the foot. “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” with a huge cast of stars, is coming on Friday to the Radio City Music Hall. Valets At Work More “gentlemen's gentlemen” worked in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” than in any other picture ever before made in Hollywood, according to a census taken at Warner Bros. studio. Errol Flynn, starring, led off with Sheffield, who is butler and general factotum of his home as well as his valet on the set. Eight others in the cast also had their personal male attendants. Howard Hill Does William Tell Stunt Howard Hill, world’s foremost game hunter with bow and arrow, is probably the only living man who ever duplicated the stunt attributed to William Tell —shooting an apple off a boy’s head. Hill, who was archery expert for Warner Bros. production of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” performed the stunt nearly a year ago for a two reel film he made himself which never received the wide distribution it deserved, He deliberately missed with his first shot to be sure of his range, and the next arrow ticked the apple on a young man’s head and knocked it to the ground. It was the first time he had shot at a human target, but he shoots at several men in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” including Errol Flynn, who plays the title role. Several of the soldiers and knights he “kills” were shot full in the. chest — with proper protection, of course. The immense Technicolor melodrama has Olivia de Havilland as its feminine star.