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Robin of Locksley, an English nobleman, joins King Richard "the Lionheart" in the Third Crusade. In Jerusalem, Robin is captured and imprisoned along with his comrade Peter. Robin engineers an escape, saving the life of a Moor, Azeem in the process; Peter dies in the attempt and has Robin swear to protect his sister Marian. Robin returns to England with Azeem, who vows to accompany Robin until the debt of saving his life is repaid.In England, with King Richard away, the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham rules over the land, aided by his cousin, Guy of Gisbourne along with the witch Mortianna and the corrupt Bishop of Hereford. At Locksley castle, Robin's father (Brian Blessed) is lured to the gates and killed by the Sheriff's men after refusing to join them.Robin returns to England to find his father dead, his home in ruins, and the Sherrif and his men oppressing the people. On his flight from the Sherrif's forces, he and Azeem meet with a band of outlaws hiding in the Sherwood Forest, led by Little John. Also among them is Will Scarlet, who is later revealed to be Robin's illegitimate half-brother. Robin eventually assumes command of the band, encourages his men to fight against Nottingham and trains them to defend themselves. They begin to rob English soldiers and convoys that pass through the forest, then distribute the stolen wealth among the poor. One of their early victims is Friar Tuck, who is impressed to also join the Merry Men. Robin’s successes infuriate Nottingham, who increases the maltreatment of his people, resulting in more support for Robin Hood despite Nottingham's attempts to defame him and ever-growing rewards on his head.Finally, Nottingham has had enough. Hiring Celtic warriors to bolster his forces, he tracks down the outlaws' hideout and initiates a massive attack which destroys the forest refuge. He also restrains and confines Marian when she tries to summon help from France. Nottingham proposes to Maid Marian, saying that, if she accepts, he will spare the lives of the captured woodsmen and their families. Nevertheless, several of the rebel fighters - including Little John's youngest son - are to be executed by hanging.However, despite his information, Robin and a handful of his most trusted aides did survive the assault. On the day of the Nottingham and Maid Marian wedding and the scheduled hangings, Robin and his men fight their way into Nottingham castle and free the prisoners. Robin kills Nottingham, avenging his father. With his guard down, Robin is attacked by Mortianna, who charges with a spear. Azeem throws his sword, slaying Mortianna and fulfilling his vow.
Robin and Marian profess their love for one another and marry in the forest. Their wedding is briefly interrupted by the return of King Richard I (Sean Connery), who blesses the marriage and thanks Robin for his deeds.
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