The Adventures of Robin Hood
Episode 12: The Ordeal
Introductory minstrel song: “Murder in a village, an outlaw is the one accused; Robin sees that right and truth, shall triumph unabused!”
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
Guest: Edgar – Alfie Bass
Original air date: 11 December 1955
Screenplay: Eric Heath (pseudonym of Ring Lardner Jr.)
Director: Dan Birt
Plot: Edgar, an outlaw, secretly visits his wife and child and is framed for murder.
Standout scene: the opening scene with Edgar and his wife. They discuss how the Sheriff of Nottingham sets the villagers against each other, to distract their attention from him, and how he manipulates them through lies. Yet again, a story set in medieval times and written in the 1950s resonates with our times.
An excellent episode encompassing a murder mystery and medieval attitudes to justice. Robin plays detective in this story, a wordy and thoughtful piece, low on action, but high on morality.
Sword fights – 0. Bow fights/bow skills – 0.
Running total: Sword fights – 9. Bow fights/bow skills – 11.
Alfie Bass features as Edgar. The youngest of ten children, with his family Alfie fled persecution in Russia. In 1936, he took part in the Battle of Cable Street, a famous event in London’s history in which activists attempted to prevent a march through the East End by fascists.
Alfie’s stage, film, television and radio appearances were numerous. There was a time in the 1960s when no British production was complete without an appearance by Alfie Bass.
During the first two seasons of The Adventures of Robin Hood, Alfie Bass made five appearances. He also appeared as the Pie Merchant in the 1967 film A Challenge for Robin Hood.
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Coming soon, my Adventures of Maid Marian series
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Hannah Howe 