The Adventures of Robin Hood
The broadcast order varies from source to source. I’m grateful to Nicola @gleanniucha.bsky.social and her extensive research, and will follow her suggested broadcast order from now on because I believe it is the most accurate.
Episode 6: The Inquisitor
Introductory minstrel song: “The Archbishop comes from France, King Richard’s interests to pursue; Robin takes a daring chance, to tell him what is true!”
Regular Cast
Sir Robin of Locksley – Richard Greene
Maid Marian – Bernadette O’Farrell
The Sheriff of Nottingham – Alan Wheatley
Little John – Archie Duncan
Friar Tuck – Alexander Gauge
*Joan of the Blue Bull Inn – Simone Lovell
*Didn’t feature in this episode
Original air date: 6 November 1955
Screenplay: Anne Rodney (pseudonym of Howard Koch and Anne Koch)
Director: Ralph Smart
Plot: Friar Tuck is arrested and faces judgement by the Archbishop. When Marian tells them the news, Robin and Little John race to aid their friend.
This story firmly links Friar Tuck to Robin’s band. Alexander Gauge as Friar Tuck often had long speeches to make, and he delivered them well. Indeed, his performance as Tuck is a highlight of the series.
While Robin and Little John got on with the action, Friar Tuck’s scenes offered depth to the stories, provided medieval colour and background. As such, he was an integral character – the viewer believed in him and thus believed in Robin Hood’s world.
In this episode we discovered Friar Tuck’s first name – Alfred.
Standout scene: Friar Tuck insisting on speaking the truth. Tyrants are fearful of the truth, and prefer a world of lies, as we are witnessing in our own age.
Sword fights – 0. Bow fights/bow skills – 0. On the whole, this was a serious episode with verbal jousting replacing the sword.
Running total: Sword fights – 6. Bow fights/bow skills – 6.
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Willoughby Gray played the Inquisitor in this episode. He was a regular member of the Robin Hood troupe making 38 appearances in the series. He also featured in other television series, such as The Adventures of William Tell, on stage and in films, including his role as the King in The Princess Bride.
During the Second World War, Willoughby Gray commanded a reconnaissance unit in North-Western Europe. For his gallant and distinguished service, he was awarded the MBE.
His recommendation reads: Captain Gray has commanded a divisional patrol with outstanding success throughout the campaign. The resource and initiative shown by him at all times has resulted in a great deal of vital information reaching Army and Corps HQ much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case, in addition, he has shown great enterprise and complete disregard for his own personal safety on many occasions, notably whilst carrying out reconnaissances in the Antwerp area during the advance through Belgium. The bearing of this officer under arduous conditions and his cheerfulness and willingness to do any work delegated to him unhesitatingly have been an example to those with whom he came in contact.
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Coming soon, my Adventures of Maid Marian series
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