Wow! Such a good movie.

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

What begins as a feel-good-human-interest story turns into a mystery, then a tragedy, and ultimately an outrage.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

LEGENDARY CHARACTERS SUCH as Robin Hood and his Merry Men have always had a special appeal in literature and hence, they are mainstays of the cinematic world. Having been in an eternally state of "Public Domain", versions could and have been nearly limitless.GOING BACK TO the silents, there have been some very memorable tellings and re-tellings; with many less than spectacular attempts as well. Those that automatically come to our collective minds are: ROBIN HOOD (Douglas Fairbanks Pictures/United Artists, 1922), THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (Warner Brothers, 1938) and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (TV Series) with Ruchard Greene (1955-).FOLLOWING HIS GREAT successes with comedy feature films such as: THE PRODUCERS, BLAZING SADDLES and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Mel Brooks would eventually bring us ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS. But that was to be some years later. Television was his immediate objective; which had been the medium of his original successes, as writer or creator of YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS and GET SMART.THE INTRODUCTION OF this series in 1975 had been much anticipated and hyped by ABC TV Network. The Mel Brooks name was a great selling point and a hot commodity. Perhaps this set of circumstances were the accidental conspiratorial reason that cut the series run off so abruptly.WHEREAS SO MUCH of the humour in the Brooks' Theatrical Releases was or bordered on 'adult', blue or sexual innuendo, Television and the Federal Communications Commission (or FCC) would allow no such displays over the airwaves. The ascent of Cable Networks and Satellite Dishes as King was still an unknown and futuristic enterprise.THE SERIES DID have its moments with some fine sight gags and almost Loony Tunes-type cartoon humor. Cast members Richard Gautier and Dick Van Patten lead a group of spirited performers on screen. The series had some other interesting elements; including some writing by Mr. Mel Brooks, himself, and allegedly some Director's chair time for Marty Feldman, a Brooks' favourite player. '

I only give it an 8 because I don't recall too much, I mean, it's been a LONG time since I've seen it and I fully DO recall loving this show. I was lucky enough to catch an episode on, I believe YouTube a year or so ago and it brought back great memories. What lead me to YouTube was, after all the years that passed, I still recalled almost the entire theme song so, knowing you can find almost anything imaginable there, I went to see if it was there and if I had the lyrics right. I was about 95% right. If I recalled the theme, it had to have been a great show. Seeing that one episode confirmed it.It sadly was a classic example of idiotic TV executives who have no right being in those positions, making a decision that is just plain stupid. It should have run at LEAST a full season, if not several. It just never had time to grow and hit it's stride, and that is a damn shame.

Apparently many of you out there were 12, as I was, when this show was on (according to all of your reviews!). I remember loving this show, as it was funny, witty and stupid all at the same time. Meaning, it was typical Mel Brooks. When I ask people if they ever saw it, they look at me with confusion, but I watched every episode as a kid. Dick Gautier was my favorite actor on the show, but they were all perfect in their roles. Who could forget a pre-Love Boat Bernie Kopell or the terrific Dick Van Patten? The visual jokes were the best, and the word-play made you think (and what kid didn't like being quicker on the uptake than their parents?). I would most definitely recommend this show to anyone who likes Mel Brooks, and also hope that TV Land decides to air this great '70s gem.I would love to be able to purchase all the episodes on DVD, in their complete form. Hey Mel, how about it??

"When Things Were Rotten" is yet another example of the fine comedic work of Mel Brooks in his heyday. Casting was spectacular with Dick Gautier as Robin Hood (the way he's never been played before or since) and Dick Van Patten as a hilarious Friar Tuck. This series poked fun at everything from television to social mores with a critical eye and sharp aim, possibly too sharp for its own good.Though short-lived, this series was, in my opinion, very well compared to Mr. Brook's best cinematic outings, like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.