Main Cast: Keira Knightley, Stephen Moyer, Del Synnott, Malcolm McDowell, Stuart Wilson
Release Year: 2001
Run Time: 90 minutes
Plot
Keira Knightley stars in this made-for-TV Disney adventure that puts a spin on an often-told story. The film picks up years after the "known" events of the Robin Hood myth, centering on Robin's daughter, Gwyn, played by Knightley. As Maid Marian has passed away and Robin Hood (Stuart Wilson) is perpetually away battling in the Crusades, Gwyn has lived much of her life alone. She has grown up to be a strong-willed young woman with a talent for archery, much like her father. Her only friend is the sweet but plain Froderick (Del Synnott), who clearly is in love with her. Upon the death of Richard the Lionhearted, her father returns to see that the proper man takes Richard's place as king of England. But Robin is quickly foiled and imprisoned by the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Malcolm McDowell) and Prince John (Jonathan Hyde). It is then up to Gwyn to save the day. She must complete Robin's mission to find and protect the young Prince Philip (Stephen Moyer), who has just returned from exile in France to claim the throne -- not an easy task since he has decided to forsake his true identity and is traveling anonymously. Though she does fortuitously cross paths with the prince, she is not aware of his identity for much of the film. A romantic spark budding between them, they must find the Merry Men and join forces to free her father from the tortures of the Tower of London before the evil Prince John ascends to the thrown and brings England to ruin. Princess of Thieves originally aired on March 11, 2001, as a part of the ABC anthology The Wonderful World of Disney. ~ Dana Rowader, All Movie Guide
Review
As a family-themed retelling of the Robin Hood story, Princess of Thieves is light and entertaining. Keira Knightley is charming as the feminine yet athletic Gwyn, daughter of Robin Hood -- beautiful in a dress, but equally at home in "men's" clothing, riding a horse, and firing arrows with dead-on precision. Pre-Bend it Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean, Knightley was a relative unknown, but she still delivers an assured star performance as Gwyn. As far as the rest of the cast, Stuart Wilson is a bit disappointing as Robin O'Locksley, who it seems, has become somewhat of an absent father, more concerned with the Crusades than caring for his child (it is explained that Maid Marian has previously passed away). His character does not seem to exude the heroic aura usually associated with the Robin Hood myth. Malcolm McDowell is acceptably sinister as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham -- his visage alone would probably be enough to portray most villains -- but he seems to be walking through the part a bit. Del Synnott is likeable as Gwyn's bumbling best friend and admirer, while Stephen Moyer is suitably charming as the reluctant heir to the throne of England and more handsome suitor for Gwyn. Probably due to its budget and small scale, Princess of Thieves fails to deliver a thoroughly enchanting and engaging story, but it is entertaining and certain to inspire the imaginations of many young girls, its assumed target audience. ~ Dana Rowader, All Movie Guide
Jonathan Hyde - Prince John; David Barrass - Cardaggian; Crispin Letts - Will Scarlett; Roger Ashton-Griffiths - Friar Tuck
Credit
Cristian Niculescu - Art Director, Peter Hewitt - Director, Mary Soan - Second Unit Director, Sue Wyatt - Editor, Susan B. Landau - Executive Producer, Antony Root - Executive Producer, Jon Cowan - Executive Producer, Robert Rovner - Executive Producer, Michael Taylor - Executive Producer, Rupert Gregson Williams - Composer (Music Score), Chris Roope - Production Designer, Andy Collins - Cinematographer, Bill Leather - Producer, Robin Lerner - Screenwriter
