Cast
View All
Warner Baxter
as Joaquin Murrieta
Ann Loring
as Señorita Juanita de la Cuesta
Bruce Cabot
as Bill Warren
Margo
as Rosa F. 'Rosita' de Murrieta
J. Carrol Naish
as Three Fingered Jack
Soledad Jiménez
as Madre Murrieta
Carlos De Valdez
as José Murrieta
Eric Linden
as Johnnie 'Jack' Warren
Edgar Kennedy
as Sheriff Judd
Charles Trowbridge
as Ramon de la Cuesta
Harvey Stephens
as Capt. Osborne
Ralph Remley
as Judge Hank Perkins
George Regas
as Tomás
Francis McDonald
as Pedro
Kay Hughes
as Louise
Crew
Director
- William A. Wellman
Producer
- John W. Considine Jr.
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/History/Western/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Robin Hood of El Dorado distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director William A. Wellman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1936, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Robin Hood of El Dorado took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2314 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Robin Hood of El Dorado shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Damned United, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Robin Hood of El Dorado subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc and Che: Part Two explore similar territory, Robin Hood of El Dorado stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 17, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 25m
