The Adventures of Robin Hood
Episode 14: The Highlander
Introductory minstrel song: “Strange tales are told of Robin Hood, but strangest far of all the lot; is when he met Wild Duncan, a very canny Scot!”
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
Guests: Little John – Rufus Cruikshank, standing in for the injured Archie Duncan
Victor Woolf and Willoughby Gray, who played a variety of roles throughout the series, also featured.
Original air date: 25 December 1955
Screenplay: Eric Heath (pseudonym of Ring Lardner Jr.)
Director: Ralph Smart
Plot: The mysterious Duncan of Stoneykirk, a Highlander, arrives in Sherwood Forest. There, he meets Robin Hood and flirts with Maid Marian, who responds by unfurling her hair within seconds of meeting Duncan, turning Robin Lincoln Green with envy.
Standout scene: Maid Marian and Duncan of Stoneykirk flirting.
No Sheriff of Nottingham again in this episode. Duncan of Stoneykirk dominated, to the extent that the incidental music played in the episode replaced the traditional Robin Hood song over the end titles.
Another excellent episode, fun with a genuine sense of mystery. Also, an insight into the Scottish political scene and their struggle to overcome oppression.
Furthermore, another good episode for Marian. She featured in a number of scenes, not as a Lady of the Manor, but as a woman keen to display that she could hold her own with the men.
Sword fights – 2. Bow fights/bow skills – 1.
Running total: Sword fights – 13. Bow fights/bow skills – 12.
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Coming soon, my Adventures of Maid Marian series
Hannah Howe 