Bandit of Sherwood Forest, The (1946)

[bunniefuu]

Comrades,
I've called you together again

because the people of England
face a grave crisis.

Many years ago, as Robin Hood,

I led you as an outlaw band
here In Sherwood Forest.

Together we resisted
the tyrant King John.

When he dled, we dispersed

because we believed that
tyranny had d*ed with him.

But tyranny did not dle.
It merely slept.

And now It has awakened again.

It's the same tyranny,
different only In name,

and Its name Is William of Pembroke,
the lord regent.

Now the lord regent
calls the Council of Barons

to a special meeting
at Nottingham Castle.

As the Earl of Huntington,
1 wlll attend.

But no one knows
what the outcome willl be.

But If he dares try to destroy the
rights glven you by the Magna Carta,

we must take up our swords again.

You, Little John,
my old comrade Friar Tuck,

Allan-A-Dale, WIII Scarlet -
all of you.

Together we will fight
this new tyranny.

I've sent to Huntington
for my son Robert.

Ever since he was a lad of ten, I've
trained him for such a time as this.

We meet here In Sherwood Forest,
day after tomorrow.

Ho, the guard!
A horseman approaches.

The Earl of Huntington!

Lower the drawbridge.

These are the reasons for
my dissatisfaction with the England

to which I have been called
as Regent.

A boy king
under the Influence of his mother,

a government weakened
by the terms of the Magna Carta.

That, however, can be changed.

A weak king was forced to surrender
to the terms of the Magna Carta,

but we should not continue
to be bound by such cowardice.

The powers that king gave up,
I shall take back again.

The people are not fit
to rule themselves,

therefore I am withdrawing
the Magna Carta.

From now on, the people will be taxed
as they should be taxed

and ruled as they should be ruled.

It will be necessary for each of you

to place his armed men
under my command.

I ask each and every one of you
to do this at this time.

- Lord Mortimer, you're first.
- Yes, my lord, of course.

My men are at your service.

- Fitz-Herbert?
- You have only to request.

Thank you.

- Lord Frederick?
- Certainly.

Lord Warwick?

Er... l should like time
to think It over, to conslider...

- Are you questioning my right?
- Oh, no, my lord, but...

Good. I knew I could depend upon you.

- My lord, may I address the councli?
- You may.

I have sat here hardly believing
what my ears hear or my eyes see.

Have you forgotten that English blood
was shed to galn the Magna Carta?

Does It mean nothing to you
that thousands of men have dled

for the people's right to rule
themselves, to tax themselves,

to live In liberty and In dignity?

Now the regent asks you
to take away those rights.

And you are ready to agree.

How can you face your famliles,
your friends,

and all those people you wlll betray,
for one ambitious man?

Or, If you will not think of others,

you must think of yourselves.

Today the regent
calls on you for help

because without you he Is powerless.

If you grant the regent what he asks,
he wlil need you no longer,

and he wiil turn on you
and destroy you

Just as surely as today
he's destroying those

whose only protection
Is the Magna Carta.

If you refuse the regent,
you'll be your country's heroes.

But I warn you,
If you give In to him,

you'll be history's
blackest traitors.

You're still eloquent, my lord,

but the world has changed.

20 years ago, as Robin Hood,

you gathered a band of men
who did as you ordered.

That Is no longer possible.

The men who followed you then
are too old for fighting now.

We are not moved by your eloquence.

If you wish to live In England,
It'll be the England that I govern.

I would rather leave England.

Mllords, the Earl of Huntington
Is banished from this land.

His wealth Is confiscate.

Should he be found within England
past sunset tomorrow,

he wlil be hunted down
like any other outlaw.

You see how easily It Is arranged?

- Your Majesty.
- My lord.

I must speak to you alone.

- Lady Catherine, will you stay?
- With Your Majesty's permission.

Of course, Lady Catherine.

The regent has abolished
the Magna Carta, has banished me.

- No, It's not possible!
- Shh.

Fitz-Herbert followed me.

- I'm not leaving England.
- Where wlll you go?

Men are gathering In Sherwood Forest.
I Joln them Immediately.

- What are you going to do?
- What I did before

when there was tyranny.
Fight It.

The first time the regent moves
toward the king, send word to me.

My son Is but a chliid.
He wouldn't dare harm him.

You must realise the danger Is great.

The council does his bidding
without question.

As his power grows, he'll become
bolder. No one knows how far he'd go.

Therefore I pledge my life
for your safety and that of the king.

And If I cannot redeem my pledge,
my son will.

Robert? He's but a boy.

He's a grown man now.

He's In the North Country.
I have sent for him.

We thank you.

Know ye!

By order of William of Pembroke,
Regent of England,

from this day
Magna Carta Is abolished.

Tyranny!

Death to the regent!

Death to the regent's tyranny!

Was It the solitary horseman again?

I've discovered who he Is.
The son of the Earl of Huntington.

The son of Robin. I sent you
o clean out Sherwood Forest

and bring me Robin Hood
allve or dead.

- Exactly...
- And all I get from you Is excuses.

- But my lord, I...
- Now, listen to me.

Bring those traitors back soon
or I'll hang you.

- Now have you anything to say?
- No, my lord.

- Then get on with It.
- Yes.

On your way out, look at the gallows
and remember It may be for you.

If I were king, no one would
resist me. They wouldn't dare.

Proclaim yourself king.
It's the only way to restore order.

Do It now.

Patience, my friend.
There are obstacles to be overcome.

- The young king?
- For one.

Boys are frall. They often
do not live to full manhood.

One step at a time.

First Is to separate him
from his mother.

My Lord Regent. How dare you enter
my apartment unannounced?

You seem to allow outlaws privileges
you deny the regent... Your Majesty.

- What do you mean, sir?
- You think I'm unaware

that the Earl of Huntington had
a conference with you In this room?

I answer for my actions
only to the full Council of Barons.

To you I need explain nothing.

It's regrettable that you
think so lightly of my authority.

It forces me to exercise It
with greater firmness.

What will you do?

Your strange sympathy with outlaws
proves you unfit to be trusted

with the care and education
of the king.

I am removing him
from your Influence.

- You wouldn't dare.
- Mother!

Mother, they're taking me away!

They're taking me away!
Mother, please!

You can't! You can'!

Mother!

"Can't", madam?

- What are you going to do to him?
- Your son Is England's king,

and therefore my responsibility.

1 shall see that
he's well taken care of.

Catherine, they've taken my son.

I know, I was listening.

You must leave at once.

Leave? With my boy In the regent's
hands? What are you saying?

We know he will stop at nothing. You
must get away, Your Majesty. Tonight.

I couldn't. I'd be deserting him.

As long as you remain here,
you're powerless.

You must go to Robin Hood at once.

Robin Hood.

We leave tonight.

There's a boat waiting. Dash
through the gate as soon as It opens.

Thank you.

What's wrong?

This crank Is stuck.
= I'll help you.

Thank you.

She... She worked all right
that time.

Ah, Just your muscles
were stuck, not the crank!

You're getting too old
for this kind of work.

Mm. Maybe you're right.

- Well, I'll lower It for you.
- Thank you.

My Lord Regent,
the queen has disappeared.

Disappeared? Are you sure?

She's not In the castle.
I sent a search party after her.

- How did she escape?
- The gate. There's no other way.

Hang the guard who let her through.
And put two men on the postern.

Yes, my lord.

It's too dark now.
We'll return to the castle.

What are you doing here?

Hunting. It's pleasant.

I like the trees,
the flowers, the water.

And, uh...
..the muslc of the birds.

- Wl you please go?!
- But I Just got here, and I like It.

- Well, I don't!
- Careful. Logs are slippery.

Oh!

Well... put me down.

- Aren't you going to thank me?
- Thank you?!

If It hadn't been for you, I...

Put me down!

You know, you're really very pretty.

- I could easily...
- Ooh...

Oh!

- Can't I be of further assistance?
- You've done enough, thank you.

What's a pretty girl llke you doing
all alone In Sherwood Forest?

If you must know, I work nearby.
I'm a scullery mald.

Oh, with slik stockings?

- You're very observant, aren't you?
- When there's something to observe.

Catherine.

The woods are full of scullery malds.
Glorious England.

- We'd better go.
- Why the hurry?

The pots and pans can walt.
Can't they?

Come, Catherine.

- What are you afraid of?
- They mustn't find us.

- It's too late. They've seen us.
- Were you looking for these two?

Yes. They led us a merry chase.

I thought It suspicious for two women
to be wandering. So I detained them.

Good work.
You'll get a reward for this.

Thank you, sir.

- Help her up.
- Yes, sir.

Permit me.

You've really earned that reward!

- Come along, woodsman.
- Yes, sir.

Just one moment.
Let go of those bridles.

- Have you lost your mind, woodsman?
- I sald let go.

You'll hang. They're under arrest
by order of the regent.

That's why I won't let you take them.

YOU won't let us? Why, you...

It's a long way to Nottingham Castle.
I suggest you start running.

I sald run!

Woodsman, we owe you a great deal.

- I've already been repaid.
- I'm very sorry. I didn't know.

Since when has the regent been
arresting scullery malds?

They'll return with more men.
We'd better leave.

We'll go on alone. We'll
be safe when we get to Robin Hood.

Robin Hood? We can go on together.

Is this his home?

No. All of Sherwood Forest
Is Robin Hood's home.

But you'll find refuge here
while I go for him.

- It Is a quaint place.
- As quaint as Mother Meg herself.

You'll find her a very charming
and gracious old lady.

Begone! I want no thieving vagabonds
In this house!

Charming, Isn't she?

- Open up!
- Who are you? Who sent you here?

Now, be your sweet self
and open the door.

Or must I break It down, Mother Meg?

- How did you know my name?
- Open the door!

Put that broom down, you old witch,
or I'll take you over my knee.

Don't you recognise a friend?

Friend?! Spy, more likely.
1 don't know you or them.

- You knew me once, you old crone.
- Begone!

- These are friends. Scullery malds.
- Put me down! Down, you blackguard!

Now, you listen to me, Meg.
Make your guests welcome.

Go to the cave In the back of your
house and bring some rare old wine.

- How do you know about the cave?
- There's little I don't know.

Do as I tell you or Robin Hood shall
hear of how you treat his friends.

Robin Hood? Oh, that black scoundrel!

Save that prattle
for the regent's sples.

Goodbye, sweet one.

See? Could I leave you
In more gracious hands?

We've come a long way.
That wine would be refreshing.

Wine? For scullery malds?

Water, and fetch It yourself!

- What's this? Get out of my way.
- Oh-ho-ho!

- You're In a hurry, youngster.
- Yes. To see Robin Hood.

Oh, now, forgive me, sir.

What makes you think Robin Hood
wishes 10 see you?

You should be able to guess that,
Little John.

And how do you know
my name Is Little John?

There's only one man with such
a blg body... and such a little mind.

The child seems blessed with second
sight. Tell me, what Is my name?

Mm, Allan-A-Dale, the minstrel.

- Now wlll you step aside?
- Certainly.

For any man who fights
as bravely as he talks.

With all my heart.

A cr*ck on your thick skull may
release the cloud from your brain.

Hold on! Desist!

Disturbing Heaven's peace!
Shame, shame, Little John.

Are these the manners I've taught
you, quarrelling with a babe In arms?

- Who's a babe In arms?
- A man full grown.

A fighting man,
squabbling with a little boy.

Little boy?! One moment, Friar Tuck.

Little boy?!
Why, you great tub of lard.

Were It not for your holy office
and gigantic waistline,

I'd cr*ck your seams wide open.

Pass me a meat skewer
and give me spitting room.

Stand back whlile I teach
this whippersnapper a lesson.

- Why, that's Robert.
- Your boy?

- Yes.
- You'd better stop this, then.

Why? The boy
can take care of himself.

- Tub of lard, am 1?
- Yes, a double tub.

I'm a double tub, am 1?

- Save your breath, old man.
- Old man?!

Another stroke or two
and the boy'll have him In the dust.

Stuck.

Care to try a boy's sword,
ancient one?

Shame on you, Friar. It's your duty
to chasten our souls, not our hides.

It Is I who am chastened.

- Roblin, do you know this lad?
- Know him?!

Gentlemen, this Is my son.

Your son?

A girl and a woman?
You've no Idea who they are?

I know they're not scullery malds.

- How?
- Thelr breeding glves them away.

Thelr hands are well-kept.
Thelr speech Is not of the kitchen.

You're very observant.
Is the girl pretty?

See for yourself.

Go away. Quickly.

It's all right. You needn't go.

Meg, my sweet, where are your...?

Your Majesty.

Majesty?

The queen.

The queen?!

Dearle... me.

And so I came to Sherwood Forest,
and to you.

All that remains of free England -

you, your son, your men.

No one else Is free.

No one else Is safe.

Not even my own son.

Not even England's king.

- The king wlll be safe.
- Aye, that he will.

What my son means, madam,
Is that we wlil see to his safety.

That so long as there's one free spot
on this Island, that spot Is England.

There was a tyrant
that Sherwood Forest conquered.

It will do so agaln. We wlil not rest
untll all of England Is free.

So help us God.

Thank you... all.

We'll storm the regent's castle
at daybreak.

We'll do nothing of the sort. Look.

We make a very little flame.

A hand could cross us out
and never even feel the burn.

- If we refuse to be snuffed out...
- Then the flame wlll grow.

It'll grow untll It brings every
honest man In England to our side.

- And where do we start the fire?
- In Nottingham Castle.

But we must know the regent's
every move. We need someone there.

' Go.

No. Not yet.

Allan.

Men who are glven too much power
sometimes abuse It.

They make mistakes. The regent's
mistake will glve us our chance.

As a minstrel, you'll get Into the
castle. Send word as soon as you can.

1 w"I, Roblin.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,
we have taken the first step.

You have my deepest gratitude.
How can I ever thank you?

Mistress.

Your Majesty, If you...
If I could help...

I'm not a lady-In-waiting by trade...

With you beside me,
I know I'm In good hands.

Come.

Mother Meg and the queen.

We're living In the age of miracles!

It's late. We must get back to camp.
Good night, Lady Catherine.

- Good night.
- Good night, Lady Catherine.

- Lady Catherine.
- Yes?

Oh. Good night.

Walt.

I, uh...

- I owe you an apology.
- An apology?

Yes, for what I... when you...
Ahem. At the pool.

Oh.

Oh, you saved us from the regent's
men. Is that what you mean?

You know very well
that's not what I mean.

Well, that's all I can remember.

In that case, I don't owe you an
apology. Good night, Lady Catherine.

Robert?

Robert.

- Yes, Lady Catherine?
- I... l really do remember more.

Do you?

And... l didn't terribly mind.

In that case, I'm ashamed for you.

Why, you...!

- Try the other cheek sometime.
- Oh!

Lady Catherine!

Catherine.

Sleep well, Lady Catherine.

There, there, lass. Don't be
frightened. You're safe now.

- I'm not frightened.
- Then why the tears?

Oh, It's that blockhead Robert.
I could have slapped him.

- What did he do?
- That's It. He didn't do anything.

He's as stubborn as a goat.

He's a devll.
He's Just like his father.

When Robin Hood was young,

he used to make all the women hate
him and love him at the same time.

Well, I hate Robert.

That's a sure sign that you love him.

Hold. We're being followed.

It's only the chiid. Believe me,
I use the word respectfully.

1 didn't expect you so soon.

I'd have lingered for a pretty face.

- You don't understand women.
- 1? 1 don't understand women?

You'd be surprised
how they've changed In 50 years.

Fif...?

Rlots, chaos, confusion. This boy can
never bring order to the country.

I's time we had a new,
more powerful, king.

- We dare not, my lord.
- Dare not do what, Sir Mortimer?

- 1 thought...
- You thought wrongly.

The king Is about to abdicate.

In fact, I've already prepared
a proclamation.

- The king wlll sign It?
- Why shouldn't he?

Take It to him now.
He's playing In the garden.

Oh, but...
do you think he'll sign It?

Certainly. He's a chlid.
He finds It difficult to understand.

Say It's a detail of government.
He's used to signing such documents.

Yes, my lord.

He's fond of Mortimer.
He won't question him.

- A brilliant Inspiration.
- Come. Let's watch from the balcony.

- I have something for you to sign.
- What Is It?

The regent sald It's a mere detail.

The regent? I won't sign,
not unless my mother tells me to!

But you've always
signed the documents.

I won't! Not while my mother's away.

Mortimer's a fool.
Send the sheriff to me.

Just a little more time, my lord.
Just a week more, I beg of you,

both Robin Hood and hle eon.

Robin Hood? That wasn't
what I wanted to talk to you about.

- It wasn't, my lord?
- I'm worried about the king.

He seems disturbed In his mind,
unhappy since his mother went away.

Even now he's crying In the garden.

He needs a change of scene,
don't you think?

- Oh, yes. Yes, my lord.
- Put him In the west tower.

Of course... My lord,
that's where we put the prisoners.

He'd enjoy the view.

See that he's taken there at once.

- Yes, my lord.
- The west tower's very high.

If the boy were to fall from there,
he might be k*lled.

There's that danger, but...
I'll put up some bars...

No, no. That won't be necessary.

I can almost see him standing there,
looking out of the window.

You're beside him.

Your hand Is on his shoulder.

Suddenly he falls.

You understand?

Oh, no, I... l couldn't. I couldn't.

- You must.
- Oh, no.

No, not the young king. I... I...

No.

No.

Walt.

You did look at the gallows
as I told you?

Your neck would snap llke that.

Well... when must I...?

When will he... Tall?

Tomorrow night,
after the changing of the guard.

Tomorrow night I shall be king.

Good sh**ting!

Llke you 20 years ago, Robin!

- Well done!
- That's archery!

Some soldiers at the castle
do as well.

But, of course,
they're picked bowmen.

Light these In the fire, WIII.
Throw them In the alr, one at a time.

- An arrow s a slender mark.
- It's a hard sh*t, boy.

Ready?

Throw.

- Did you see that?
- Amazing.

- It's marvellous.
- That's a true son of yours, Roblin.

Robin Hood!
Robin Hood!

The king's life Is In danger.
They plan to klil him. The regent.

Hey! Save your anger.
We'll have need of It later.

We'll tear the castle down!

There's no other way.
We must get Inside the castle.

They'd lower the drawbridge
for the Prioress of Buxton.

- What?
- I stopped her on the road today.

- You didn't harm her?
- The head of a nunnery? No.

She was anxious to get back
In time for evening prayers.

- I don't see what she has...
- One of us poses as the prioress.

Others as her attendants.

If she falls Il along the road
and asks for refuge In the castle...

Why, of course.

I hope the prioress
Isn't known In the castle.

- No, I don't think so.
- The plan wlll work.

You plck the men
you want to go with you.

The rest of us wlll walt outside the
walls and help you get the king away.

Who'll be the prioress?

- WIII Scarlett!
- In skirts?

You understand women.
You'll be very convincing.

- With this beard?
- Why not use a real woman?

Who?

Your face Is known In the castle.
You'd be recognised.

The prioress is ill.
She can keep her face covered.

No, It's... It's too dangerous.

If strangers come to take the king,
he may cry out and rouse the guard.

- He'll trust me.
- I told you no.

I'll make preparations.

- Tell him to let me go.
- It's Robert's plan.

He must make his own decision.

Robert, please.

There's nothing more to be sald.
It's too dangerous.

- For whom?
- For... For success.

Robert. I lled to you.

The soldiers at the castle
don't sh**t as well as you.

Really? Not even the best bowman?

Robert, I've told the truth.
Why won't you?

There are too many things
to attend to.

- The real reason you don't want...
- I must arrange disguises, horses...

Robert, you're In love with me.

What were you saying?

- I love you, Catherine.
- I love you too.

That's why I must go with you.

- Together.
- Together.

- The road Is guarded past here.
- Then It's time to separate.

Let's go over the plan
to be sure everything's understood.

Take your position opposite the west
tower. I'll be Inside the castle.

Allan-a-Dale wlill be
listening for your signal.

When he hears the hoot,
we'll begin work.

If anything goes wrong,
we'll cover your retreat.

Good luck to all of you.
God watch over you.

I wouldn't glve much for thelr lives
If It goes wrong.

Sending his own son...

Ho, the guard! A party approaches.

Slump In your saddle, Catherine.
Remember, you're Ill.

The Prioress of Buxton has been taken
1ll, and asks to stay the night.

Walt. The Prioress of Buxton.
11l and asking for shelter.

Lower the drawbridge.

Your quarters will be prepared.
Follow me.

God will reward your kindness,
my son.

- Leave the castle tonight.
- So suspicion may not point at me?

- Stop at the Golden Pheasant Inn.
- I'll leave at once.

Guard.

- Who are they?
- Prioress of Buxton.

She was taken Ill
and asked for shelter.

This Is most unfortunate.
Strangers In the castle.

Church people? Most convenient.

Witnesses to the fact
that the king dled by accident.

Of course.

There's a beast they call a camel
lives only In the Holy Land.

The crusader told me that this animal
can drink enough ale In one sitting

- to stay drunk for seven days.
- Not possible.

He swore he had seen It
with his own eyes!

Well, what a beast can do,
a man can do!

Innkeeper!

- Yes, sir?
- Lodging for the night. And food.

The mutton's roasting, sir, but won't
be ready for a quarter hour.

Bring us some ale.
And be quick about It.

Yes, my lord.

An Innkeeper Is slower than a snall.

Nixon. You'd better stop drinking.
We're staying here untll morning.

- Why?
- I thought we were riding to Buxton.

The prioress changed her mind.

I'll never be as good as that camel.

Do you serve the Prioress of Buxton?

20 years, wherever she went,
but never away from home so long.

From Buxton to Leeds to Manchester
to Oxford. Nine long weeks.

Now, Just two hours from home, she
decides It's too late for travelling.

- Is the Prioress of Buxton a guest?
- Yes, sir. She has already retired.

Drink to the regent's health.

A gold plece!

Into the bedchamber, quick!

Our men are waiting at the moat.

Here Is a plan of the castle.
This Is the west tower.

The window of the king's chamber
faces the battlements.

How many guards
outside the king's door?

Two. My bosom comrades.

I've taken great care
to cultivate thelr frlendshlip.

Stay In the shadow of the walls.
They've posted guards here and here.

- Any on the wall below the tower?
- One.

Good. When you reach
the king"'s chamber, signal me.

Then stand back. I'll sh**t
an arrow through the window.

- An arrow?
- With a length of twine attached.

The twine wlill be fastened to a rope.

Allan wlil keep watch
while you haul It up.

Then you take my place at the door,
while I lower the king to Robert.

- I'll follow after I've lowered you.
- Is that everything?

- Everything.
- You can start now, Allan.

Little John will call
when It's time for you to go.

I'll be waiting for you
at the top of the tower steps.

I thought I wouldn't be afraid,
Robert.

If anything should go wrong now,
we might never see each other again.

Nothing wlll go wrong.

Welcome, minstrel.

What about some music
to brighten up a long watch?

Why not?

It's time. Remember - keep In the
shadow as you cross the courtyard.

♪ Let the back
and the side go bare, my boys

♪ Let the hands and the feet go cold

♪ But give to the belly, boys,
beer enough

♪ Whether It be new or old

♪ Sometimes we lle like hogs In a sty

♪ With a flock of straw on the ground

♪ Sometimes eat a crust
that has rolled In the dust

♪ And are thankful
If that can be found

♪ Let the back
and the side go bare, my boys

♪ Let the hands and the feet go cold

♪ But give to the belly, boys,
beer enough

♪ Whether It be new or old ♪

What are you doing there?!

Hurry. I'll warn you If anyone comes.

- Lady Catherine! Is my mother here?
- I've come to take you to her.

- Where Is she?
- We haven't time to talk.

- You must do exactly as I tell you.
- Yes! Anything!

Dress quickly.

Stand back!

It's Fltz-Herbert returning.

It's Lord Fltz-Herbert.
Lower the drawbridge.

Lower the drawbridge. Quickly!

It's too late to stop him now.
Be ready for trouble.

You watch the corridor, Lady
Catherine, while I lower the king.

- Take care of the king.
- Aye.

- Courage, lad.
- It's a long way down.

- But I'll be all right.
- Yes.

You'll be all right.

- The strangers are Imposters.
- Imposters?

The prioress
Is at the Golden Pheasant.

- We'll visit this prioress. Come.
- Look. Look!

- Where are you going?
- To stop them.

Walt till they're all In the moat.
Then see that the king Is k*lled.

Take some guards to the tower room.
Capture anyone who's there.

Robert, what's happened?

- Hurry, Allan. Something's wrong.
- He's almost down.

They've seen us. We"ll have to Jump.

We haven't time for that now.
We'll have to go this way.

It's too late.

Break that down! Go on!

Allan, get ready.
Catherine, get back.

The king escaped,
but we captured three of the outlaws.

- Hold them.
- Yes, my lord.

This has forced me to act
sooner than I thought.

Find all the barons In the castle.
Bring them to the council chamber.

My lord barons, as most of you know,
the king has been abducted.

Tomorrow morning, each of you
wlll depart for his estates

and return as soon as possible with
the armed men under his command.

Together we shall then
ride to London.

Before the week Is out,
1 shall be crowned king.

The council Is dismissed.

Mortimer,
have the prisoners brought In.

Yes, my lord.

The last obstacle has been removed.

Why was not Warwick here?
I don't trust him.

I Intend to get rid of him.

My lord, here are the prisoners.

Lady Catherine.

The queen's friend
In the company of traitors.

Too bad. Too bad that I'm forced
to hang a lady as a common criminal.

- On what charge?
- Abducting the king Is high treason.

The king was not abducted,
he was rescued

from the m*rder you planned
for him for tonight.

How boldly these traitors lle.

I was outslide that window
when you gave the sheriff the order.

I heard every word you sald
and you can't deny It.

Take them out and hang them all.

Just one moment. I still have the
right to dle with a sword In my hand

Instead of a rope around my neck.

- What glves you that right?
- The law of trial by combat.

- That law Is reserved for nobility.
- 1 am of the nobility.

- You?
- The son of the Earl of Huntington.

Robin Hood.

So you are the son of Robin Hood.

I could hang you on the gallows,
but I owe your father a grudge.

To klll his son
will glve me pleasure.

Your life Is too precious to England.

You will enjoy this traitor's death
no less If I slaughter him.

Thank you, Fltz-Herbert, but this
Is one thing I wish to do myself.

Take these prisoners
to the east tower.

You heard. Go.

1 think you're making a mistake.
Five men trled to capture him.

He k*lled two.
You can't fight him.

Three days without food and water,
he'll be very weak.

- You think I'll have much trouble?
- No.

A brlillant plan, my lord. Brilliant.

Mortimer, you've a long Journey ahead
of you. You'd better leave early.

Yes. Yes.

Rise for the regent. Rise.

I've come to tell you the trial by
combat Is to be held In three days.

Hm. To give yourself
three more days of life.

I'm giving you three days
before you dle.

When I klll you, I hope your sword
wlll be as nimble as your tongue.

Three days without food or drink wilil
slow up your tongue. And your sword.

No one's to see this prisoner.
He's to be glven no food or drink.

Yes, my lord.

- Glve me the key when It's locked.
- Yes, my lord.

- Robert. Robert.
- Catherine.

Come to the window.

- Where are you? I can't see you.
- I'm In the next cell.

Are you all right?
Did the regent do you harm?

Harm? He Just decided
he wouldn't die today.

Please, Robert.
I heard everything he sald.

Well, don't you realise a little
hunger sharpens a man's wits?

Speak up.
What happened to my son?

I told you before, I don't know.

You've questioned me for hours.
I know nothing. Let me go!

- The regent would...
- Shall I, Robin?

No, for heaven's sake.
Your lordship...

- No, WIIL. It's my pleasure.
- No!

- Robin.
- Thank you, Your Reverence.

In the old days,
you'd have clipped his ear neatly.

I'll try agaln.

No! No, I'll tell you.

Your boy Is safe. He's still allve.

- What wlll the regent do with him?
- I've told you all I know.

- In that case, I might as well.
- No, walt.

He challenged the regent to trial
by combat. It's In three days.

- Who's fighting for the regent?
- The regent himself.

Oh-ho! The regent...

If he's fighting Robert,
there's trickery planned.

No! No. Don"t klll me.

Do you really believe I would?

To think you're an Englishman!

Robert.

- Yes, Catherine?
- I have some food for you.

- What?
- Part of what they bring me.

Oh, no. You can't do without It.

Please. I have more than I need.

Shh! There's someone coming.

It was the Jailer. He's gone now.

He doesn't bother me,
thanks to the regent.

Go to the door and listen.
Warn me If you hear him coming.

Robert?

- Yes, Catherine.
- I'm going to swing a line to you.

- A line? Where did you get It?
- Never mind that. Listen now.

The Jug Is tled to the end of It.
When I swing It, catch It carefully.

Don't let It break. Get ready now.

- Ready.
- Here It comes.

- Can you reach It?
- Not yet.

- Almost had It then.
- I'll try to let out more line.

If you send the line back to me, I'll
wrap up the food and send It to you.

Just a minute.

Here It comes. Be careful.

I thought I heard talking In here.

You heard me at my prayers.

Bring some more water, please.

Hm.

You have handled everything
very well.

- One detail still needs attention.
- My lord.

Are all the preparations made
for the trial by combat?

Everything. This man
will be In charge of the archers.

- You understand your Instructions?
- 1 do.

- Repeat them.
- 1 sh**t If the regent Is In danger.

- Good.
- Yes, yes. Go on.

Thank you, my lord.

- We all know what we have to do.
- That we do.

A single mistake may mean death for
Lady Catherine, Allan, and Robert.

We must move quickly. The guard
changes shortly after elght.

You'd better start.

It's getting late. We'd better start.

There's plenty of time, Fltz-Herbert.
Stop worrying.

- That's the change of guard.
- I'm ready. Get back.

- Relief, Bruce.
- I's about time.

Good night, Bruce.

Don't worry, Robin.
We'll get the signal In good time.

Robert?

Robert?

Yes, Catherine?

Why didn't you answer?
I thought they'd already taken you.

I'm sorry, Catherine.
I was lylng down.

Asleep? Now?
Just before the duel?

- No, not asleep. Only thinking.
- Thinking what?

Of how happy I'll be
when I can not only hear your volce,

but hold you In my arms.

I love you, Robert.

Make your preparations.
Here's the key to the boy's cell.

- I shall go to the courtyard.
- Yes, my lord.

Sheriff?

1 think It might be a good Idea to
have Lady Catherine watch this duel.

Certainly, my lord.

Places. Quickly!

Turn out your men.
Mount the battiements.

Robert.
Robert, they're coming for you.

Let them. I'm ready.

Water. Water! Glve me water!

No water. Take him to the courtyard.

I hope you're strong enough
to hold a sword.

Yes. Lady Catherine wlll have
the pleasure of watching me klll you.

Not fast enough, my Lord Regent.
You're too well fed.

Ready, my lord?

Archers, sh**t!

Fools! Obey your orders! sh**t!

Guards!

First man to move
gets an arrow through him.

Robert of Huntington,
wlill you please come forward?

Kneel, Robert of Huntington.

I dub thee knight and earl.
Rise, Sir Robert, Earl of Sutherland.

I Invest thee wlith all the lands
and goods pertaining to the titles,

and to the Castle of Sutherland.

Lady Catherine, please come here.

- You llke him very much.
- Why... Why shouldn't I?

Do you love her too?

- Yes, I do.
- Then I command you to be married,

and spend your honeymoon
at Sutherland Castle.

I cannot disobey the king.