sword of sherwood forest black widow

Hammer Films released some of the most progressive horror films ever made, including shocking full-color reboots of the Universal monster catalog. But they also produced a good amount of escapist adventure films that fans don't remember near as fondly, including Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960), a feature film adaptation of the popular British TV program featuring the exploits of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Part of this cinematic dead zone is due to simple supply and demand: Hammer aficionados haven't really had a chance to appreciate the studio's lesser-known efforts.

Twilight Time's 3000-copy limited edition Blu-ray should rectify that somewhat with a fine hi-def transfer courtesy of Columbia Pictures. As for the film itself, well, there's a reason the studio specialized in horror. At his best, director Terence Fisher had a knack for turning stuffy, set-bound stories into intensely terrifying cinema experiences. But the gorgeous outdoor landscapes of Sword of Sherwood Forest don't play to his skill set. The widescreen photography is a nice upgrade from the TV show, but script still feels episodic in nature, not quite epic enough for a stand-alone film. And the action scenes have all the visceral impact of a game of make-believe in the backyard.

The players, though, are a treat to watch. Peter Cushing makes for a despicably entertaining Sheriff of Nottingham, Sarah Branch is a fetching Maid Marian and other Hammer regulars (including Nigel Green and even Oliver Reed) pop up for posterity's sake. As legendary outlaw Robin Hood, Richard Greene (the only actor from the show to reprise his role) doesn't quite have the looks or charisma to suit the big screen. But, damn, if Hammer's clever editing doesn't make him look every bit the swashbuckler all the same.

Special features include an isolated music & effect track, the original theatrical trailer and a handsome set of liner notes to match the handsome cover art.

With its rather misleading title and a deadly dull opening 30 minutes, it's no surprise that Black Widow (1954) isn't exactly a household name either. Director Nunnally Johnson takes his sweet time laying the groundwork in what should be a tightly paced thriller. But patience has its rewards, and once the first act is out of the way, this oddball film noir / melodrama draws you in like the titular spider in its web.

Broadway producer Peter Denver (Van Heflin) takes pity on poor aspiring writer Nancy Ordway, even offering to let her use his apartment while his wife is out of town. But when Nancy winds up dead, the police finger Denver as the most likely suspect. Even his wife and closest friends are hard-pressed to believe his claim of innocence, which sends Peter on the run to find the real killer...whoever ever he or she may be.

The Technicolor sheen and endless dialogue seems out of place in a story this dark (it's revealed Nancy was pregnant when murdered...the film even uses the "P" word!), but Johnson's script gains momentum quickly, mercilessly turning the screws on its main character until a final twist releases the pressure. And the performances are superb across the board, especially from Ginger Rogers and Reginald Gardiner as Denver's celebrity neighbors who may or may not be involved in the conspiracy to ruin his good name. As a hybrid thriller, Black Widow is not entirely successful, but it's unusually entertaining all the same.

Twilight Time's 3000-copy limited edition Blu-ray includes an isolated music track, audio commentary with film historian Alan K. Rode, featurettes on Ginger Rogers and co-star Gene Tierney, the original theatrical trailer and liner notes.