SUtS: Errol Flynn

Brandie’s choice: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Airing at 6:15PM EST

The Robin Hood to beat all Robin Hoods (sorry, Kevin Costner), Errol Flynn embodies the role like no one before or since. He brings a swagger, a verve, a winking machismo that suits the character to a tee. And he makes this version of the Robin Hood legend the best one to ever be put on film.

Flynn spent years building a reputation as a swashbuckling hero on screen, starring in such films as Captain Blood (1935) and The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), and this film cemented his status as moviedom’s premier swordsman. His athletic stuntwork makes this movie a truly exciting spectacle; the romance, though potent, plays a minor role in comparison. The ambiance is heightened by the truly beautiful sets and costumes, a somewhat faithful recreation of 12th/13th-century English court life. The film also benefits from a witty script filled with wry observations and snappy one-liners: Robin Hood is, after all, the consummate smartass.

The movie features an excellent supporting cast, including Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, Claude Rains as the evil Prince John, Basil Rathbone as Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and Alan Hale, Sr. as Little John. And another star would soon emerge from the talented cast: de Havilland’s horse, the beautiful golden palomino known as Golden Cloud, would soon be purchased by Roy Rogers and renamed Trigger, eventually becoming one of the most famous acting animals in the history of film.

This was the third in a series of eight films co-starring de Havilland and Flynn. By most accounts, though each harbored a secret crush on the other, the two were never romantically involved, despite rumors to the contrary. But it’s no surprise that the Hollywood gossip machine started churning about these two–their on-screen chemistry was virtually unparalleled. The debonair Flynn and the fiery de Havilland are always a delight to watch as they spar with one another.

Truly one of the classic adventure films of all time–if you’ve never seen this one, you’re missing out!

Carrie’s choice: Edge of Darkness (1943)

Airing at 2:15AM EST

Okay, so for this one, I picked something that is just going to be depressing. There’s nothing like spending a summer day or evening with a movie about the Nazis. And yet, that’s exactly what I’m condoning. I picked this film for no reason other than it’s Nazi-invaded Norway. Most films about WWII don’t really talk about Norway, and for this unique quality, I decided to go with this one. Besides, Norway doesn’t always get much film time over this way, so let’s do it.

The other interesting thing about his particular movie is that it’s a small fishing village against the Nazis. I mean, really. What’s not to love? It’s our favourite: against the odds, little guy against big and mean. One senses an Errol Flynn pattern… after all, he’s Robin Hood. So, maybe this is slightly less of a stretch than we might originally have thought. I haven’t seen this one myself, so I don’t know how it’s going to go. It’s an adventure for me, as well.  So, tune in to see these guys prepare and hold the line until the Nazi’s cross over it.

Then, get some chocolate. You’ll feel better.