"When Things Were Rotten" (1975) TV series

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Creators:

Mel Brooks
Norman Stiles

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 September 1975 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Comedy

Plot:

Comedy about Robin Hood, who was a complete idiot, and his band o incompetents in Sherwood Forest. Prince John...

Plot Keywords:

Prince | Sherwood Forest | Forest | Action Hero | Archery

Cast

Richard Gautier	...	Robin Hood (12 episodes, 1975)
Dick Van Patten	...	Friar Tuck (12 episodes, 1975)
Bernie Kopell	...	Alan-a-Dale (12 episodes, 1975)
Richard Dimitri	...	Bertram / ... (12 episodes, 1975)
Henry Polic II	...	Sheriff (12 episodes, 1975)
Misty Rowe	...	Maid Marian (12 episodes, 1975)
David Sabin	...	Little John (12 episodes, 1975)
Ron Rifkin	...	Prince John (12 episodes, 1975)

Runtime:

30 min (13 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Paramount Television

Trivia:

Robert Klein was offered the role of Robin Hood but turned it down.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: SST: Death Flight (#1.13)" (1989)

Soundtrack:

When Things Were Rotten

More Mel Brooks Laughs

"When Things Were Rotten" is yet another example of the fine comedic work of Mel Brooks in his heyday. Casting was spectacular with Dick Gautier as Robin Hood (the way he's never been played before or since) and Dick Van Patten as a hilarious Friar Tuck. This series poked fun at everything from television to social mores with a critical eye and sharp aim, possibly too sharp for its own good.

Though short-lived, this series was, in my opinion, very well compared to Mr. Brook's best cinematic outings, like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.