PREFACE

On the following pages is a dissertation on the character of Robin Hood as portrayed in film and on television. Originally written as my final year project during my degree in 1999 from University of Wales : Aberystwyth.

Originally, written on a word processor, it has been transferred to web and may suffer as a result of this in terms of correct references and credits. If any are wrong or missing I apologise and hope it does not detract too much from reading it. Some of the links included in the crdits may no longer be active, this was written a while ago! It, of course, does not include the latest offering from the BBC, but may be of interest to anyone who has been introduced to the character via the new series. (in my opinion it will have to be something very special to alter my conclusions as outlined in this dissertation).

Finally, it can be read straight through in the order intended by clicking the links at the bottom of each page from intoduction to conclusion, or use the menu to the left to access sections. Below is a list of contents and a brief synopsis of what each section covers. I hope you enjoy reading it.

LIST OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Stating aims of dissertation. The information sources to be used.
Films & television series' examined.

The Historical and Literary Robin Hood: Mention of character in historical records.Whether or not a real life person.

Analysis of the character in ballads: The emergence of characters that make up Robin's band within ballads and written material.

How the story has adapted through the ages: How the story has adapted through the ages
Discussion of the two threads of the Robin Hood legend; theearlier common born version and the later noble born variant. Analysis of how each generation has adapted the story. The interest in the United States towards the mythology.

Robin of Sherwood: Introduction to indepth study of the HTV series written by Richard Carpenter.

The Michael Praed Version: How the series began. The introduction of a mystical element.
The choice of soundtrack. Praed as a Celtic Robin. Introduction of Saracen character.

The Changing Face of the Hooded Man: How the writers' used the change of actor to create a deeper mythology.

The Jason Connery Version: Jason Connery as an Anglo-Saxon Robin. Continued development of magical aspects. Story as modern morality plays and their part within contemporary society. How the series ended.

Other Faces under the Hood: An analysis of character within other films and television series'.
Political and cultural meaning of legend variants. The Hollywood interpretation of Robin Hood. Comparison of serious and humorous approach to the legend. Satire and Parody. Trivialisation of the story.

Men in Tights: A study of Men in Tights directed by Mel Brooks. Implications of a film parody version of another film. Discussion of the real meaning behind this traditional mode of Robin Hood attire. Mention of other films.

Conclusion: A summing up of the discussion. The state of the mythology in the present day.Why the author considers Robin of Sherwood to be the most authentic version of the legend.