Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)

In prohibition-era Chicago, the corrupt sheriff and Guy Gisborne, a south-side racketeer, knock off the boss Big Jim. Everyone falls in line behind Guy except Robbo, who controls the north side. Although he's out-gunned, Robbo wants to keep his own territory. A pool-playing dude from Indiana and the director of a boys' orphanage join forces with Robbo; and, when he gives some money to the orphanage, he becomes the toast of the town as a hood like Robin Hood. Meanwhile, Guy schemes to get rid of Robbo, and Big Jim's heretofore unknown daughter Marian appears and goes from man to man trying to find an ally in her quest to run the whole show. Can Robbo hold things together?

Year: 1964
Genre: Music, Comedy, Crime, Adventure
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Film Overview
"Robin and the 7 Hoods" is a 1964 American musical film directed by Gordon Douglas and produced by Frank Sinatra. The plot is made as a funny and musical spin on the Robin Hood legend, embeded in Chicago during the Prohibition era, with the city's mob distributes taking the place of the more conventional setting in Sherwood Forest. Sinatra plays the role of Robbo, the Robin Hood-like figure, together with his fellow Rat Pack members-- Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

. The Plot The movie opens with a gang war taking place after the death of Big Jim, the bosom friend of Robbo (Frank Sinatra) and a cherished mob boss. Robbo and Little John (Dean Martin) team up versus Guy Gisborne (Peter Falk), who plots to take control of the city. After the very first encounter between Robbo and Guy, the news press reporter Allen A. Dale (Bing Crosby) spins the story, painting Robbo as a modern-day Robin Hood.

Robbo is bemused however plays along when the donations start gathering from an adoring public. With the money, Robbo develops a grand orphanage, continuing the charade of his Robin Hood-like personality. Meanwhile, Guy Gisborne tries to ruin Robbo's image by establishing a fraudulent charity, however his strategy backfires. Annoyed, he later lines up with the Sheriff (Victor Buono) to eliminate Robbo.

Character Development and Performance
The movie cleverly swaps the places of Sherwood Forest with tall high-rise buildings and the bows and arrows with tommy weapons and colorful showgirls. Sinatra as Robbo does an excellent task as a zealous and transformative character, demonstrating charm and screen presence. Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. are at their engaging best as Robbo's dependable partners. Barbara Rush as Marian likewise delivers a standout efficiency as an at first ignorant and later astute character.

Peter Falk offers excellent comic relief as the enthusiastic however not-too-smart Guy. Bing Crosby, too, entertains with his character of Allen A. Dale, the captivating news press reporter constantly on hand to put a positive spin on any circumstance.

Music and Choreography
Directed by Gordon Douglas and choreographed by Jack Baker, the vaudevillian musical numbers in "Robin and the 7 Hoods" are unforgettable. Together with the ageless music by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, the movie's energetic musical numbers, consisting of the Academy Award-nominated "My Kind of Town" and "Style", are well-woven into this gangster/American folklore mashup's comical plot.

Conclusion and Reception
"Robin and The 7 Hoods" is a suave and polished mix of music and funny that capitalizes brilliantly on the Rat Pack's distinct character appeal. While the movie was initially met with mixed evaluations, it has because acquired appreciation for its smart storytelling, iconic music, and standout performances. The film's unique approach to reimagining the Robin Hood legend uses an entertaining watch that still stands up over half a century later on. The movie remains a considerable and satisfying part of Hollywood's musical and comedic history.
Top Cast

Frank Sinatra

Robbo

Dean Martin

Little John

Sammy Davis Jr.

Will

Bing Crosby

Allen A. Dale

Peter Falk

Guy Gisborne

Barbara Rush

Marian

Victor Buono

Deputy Sheriff Alvin Potts

Hank Henry

Six Seconds

Robert Foulk

Sheriff Octavius Glick

Allen Jenkins

Vermin Witowski

Jack La Rue

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