The film has been called ‘the best adaptation’ of a classic British legend
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
12:18, 21 Oct 2025
Sean Connery’s 1970s film that’s been dubbed a “masterpiece” is broadcasting later today (Tuesday, 21st October) on Film 4.
The legendary Scottish actor, who died in 2020, is most fondly remembered for being the original performer to bring Ian Fleming’s charming MI5 operative James Bond to cinema screens.
Nevertheless, one of his most praised films, launched in 1976 and boasting an extraordinary all-star ensemble, has faded from public attention in the years since.
Robin and Marian brought together the Bond icon with Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn in an epic and romantic retelling of the timeless Robin Hood stories.
It’s broadcasting on the Film 4 channel today at 4:30pm and will subsequently be accessible to watch completely free with advertisements on Channel 4, reports the Express.
Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn star in this underrated Robin Hood romance(Image: COLUMBIA PICTURES)READ MORE: Chris Hemsworth emotional in new TV project teaser following Alzheimer’s newsREAD MORE: Netflix The Perfect Neighbor victim’s mother issues blunt response to AJ Owens documentary
Alongside Connery and Hepburn is a brilliant supporting cast from some of your cherished classic pictures, featuring Jaws’ Robert Shaw as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Richard Harris, Harry Potter’s first Professor Dumbledore, as Richard the Lionheart.
The picture also features the talents of Nicol Williamson (Excalibur), Denholm Elliott (A Room With a View), The Two Ronnies’ Ronnie Barker as Friar Tuck and an early showing from The Lord of the Rings’ Ian Holm.
Admirers have remained devoted to the film throughout the years, with one five-star Google review describing it “one of my favourite films”.
“John Williams soundtrack. Sean Connery, Robert Shaw, Audrey Hepburn, Richard Harris… How could it not be great?” One viewer made a bold assertion: “This is the best Robin Hood film adaptation, the characters on both sides are a lot more fleshed out and given a more human touch.”
Another described it as “a great love story”, adding: “An excellent film with so many brilliant actors. If you’re English from the 50s or 60s you were brought up on Robin Hood and saw many unbelievable versions of the story.
Harry Potter legend Richard Harris as Richard the Lionheart(Image: COLUMBIA PICTURES)
“This version is believable and lets you wallow in that time in history. It’s a little tongue in cheek and funny and sensitive and you want to believe that this is exactly what happened.”
Over on Letterboxd, the praise continued, with one review lauding it as director Richard Lester’s “emotionally affecting masterwork”.
“The world of Robin and Marian is a world in which you wish you could live forever,” they added.
“I cried 5 times while watching this,” another reviewer confessed. “I am really glad that happened. I know that I always say that but I can not describe what I felt while watching this.
Robin and Marian is airing on Film 4 this Tuesday(Image: COLUMBIA PICTURES)
“I am in awe because once again, I felt the magic of cinema. The movie feels real, it’s humane cinema at its finest, and I never wanted it to end.”
They continued their effusive praise: “The movie has some of the most breathtaking compositions I have ever seen, some of the most passionate, fragile and emotional acting I have ever seen and I swear to god it even has one of the most powerfully moving pieces of music I have ever heard.”
One last fan dubbed it “still a masterpiece” after all these years. Will you be embarking on a nostalgic journey through British history with Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn this week?
Robin and Marian will be broadcast at 4:30pm on Film 4 on Tuesday, 21st October and will be available for streaming on Channel 4.
