Robin and the 7 Hoods

Robin and the 7 Hoods is a classic musical comedy film with a unique blend of humor, music, and drama that hit the big screen in 1964. Directed by Gordon Douglas, the film moves the legend of Robin Hood into a 1930s Chicago setting, creating a unique and unforgettable blend of genres.

This captivating portrayal stars iconic figures from the Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., who all lend their unique talents to the movie, resulting in an unforgettable performance. Sinatra embodies the role of Robbo, a charitably inclined Chicago gangster alongside Martin and Davis Jr., who enlighten the musical numbers with impeccable humor and charisma.

The plot of Robin and the 7 Hoods unfolds in a power struggle amidst a group of charismatic mafia bosses and mobsters who vie for power and control over the city, following the demise of Big Jim, the reigning crime kingpin. Sinatra's character, Robbo, finds himself at the heart of the struggle and, in the process, uncovers an unexpected role as a public hero.

Robbo, however, is abreast with a formidable rival in the guise of Guy Gisborne, played brilliantly by Peter Falk, who is eager to usurp the thrown left by Big Jim. The clash between these two forms the crux of the movie’s narrative, as both parties attempt to establish dominance with elaborate plans, twists, and turns.

While the plot is exciting and intriguing, it is the musical numbers that grace Robin and the 7 Hoods that truly steal the show. The unforgettable talents of Sammy Davis Jr., brings about an energetic allure in the film, whilst Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin grace the soundtrack with their legendary vocal performances. Musical numbers like "My Kind of Town," sung by Sinatra, has since become a classic tune, synonymous with Chicago itself.

In a humorous turn of events, Robbo unknowingly gives a large amount of money to an orphanage, leading the press to compare him to the legendary Robin Hood. Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., both playing Robbo's loyal lieutenants, initially scoff at this idea, but soon, they are all swayed by the public opinion and decide to embrace the new persona as modern-day men of the people, playing the “rob from the rich and give to the poor” game in a grand style unique to the Roaring Twenties.

Romantic subplots also find their way into the tale, as singer Marian, played by Broadway star Barbara Rush, oscillates between Robbo and Gisborne. She uses her influence to control the men while maintaining a charismatic and inspiring visage, leading to a more complex view of the damsel in distress archetype typically found in Robin Hood stories.

The incorporation of the Robin Hood legend into the world of 1930s gangsters allows Robin and the 7 Hoods to comment on societal issues of the time — such as poverty, corruption, and the concept of heroism — in a way that is deftly balanced with comedy, music, and action.

As the rivalry rages on, the political landscape is influenced by the overlapping world of crime, as an ambitious sheriff known as Potts, played by Victor Buono, enters the scene. Both Robbo and Gisborne need to be cautious of him, for Potts has a vested interest in controlling Chicago's vice-ridden streets.

The fact that Robin and the 7 Hoods masterfully combines the legend of Robin Hood with the subculture of American organized crime during the 1930s is truly where it shines. This creative fusion of historically disparate elements results in a narrative that is as unpredictably delightful as it is intriguing.

Overall, Robin and the 7 Hoods offers a refreshing take on the well-known tale of Robin Hood, mixed with the elements of 1930s American underbelly gangster culture, and elevated by clever comedy and unforgettable music performances. This Rat Pack musical puts spotlight on some of the legendary performers at their prime, making this vintage film a timeless piece of cinema. If you appreciate music, laughter, and a slice of nostalgia, you are not likely to be disappointed with this flick.