The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood

In 13th-century England, Prince John sits on the throne under the critical eye of his mother and his henchman. The birthday celebration turns sour when they learn Richard, long reported dead, is actually alive and being held for ransom in Austria. The discovery threatens John's grip on power and sets the ransom plan in motion.

Gisbourne privately schemes to raise the ransom by taxing the Saxon peasants, presenting it as a necessary measure. He cynically predicts the King will die soon and that the money will stay with him and Prince John. The exchange reveals the crown's cruelty and the exploitation of the people.

Robin Hood appears at the birthday celebration in drag, reciting an insulting poem that mocks Prince John. Gisbourne orders his capture and escorts him toward Sherwood Forest. The moment foreshadows the ongoing clash between Robin's band and the crown.

Eleanor of Aquitaine manipulates events by convincing Maid Marian to play along with Gisbourne’s advances, hoping to aid Robin Hood's cause. The ploy links courtly politics to Robin’s resistance and sets Marian on a fateful path. The arrangement risks exposure but aims to empower Robin’s bid for Richard’s freedom.

Prince John and Gisbourne travel to Sherwood and are ambushed by Robin Hood’s Merry Men. They are stripped of their garments and possessions, and driven out of the forest. The humiliation strengthens Robin’s resolve and cements his status as a threat to the crown.

Eleanor and Marian sneak into the bandits’ camp at night, disguised as two nuns, hoping to enlist Robin's help to free King Richard. They are recognized by Robin, but the trio share a meal and discuss plans. Robin and Marian realize they love each other.

Robin Hood's band travels across the country to raise funds, but a string of misadventures slows them down. A bank robbery attempt ends with luck when they win a prize as the hundredth customer, leaving them with almost nothing. The failed gambit underscores how hard it is to gather the ransom.

With funds still scarce, Robin reports that England is financially ruined. Eleanor urges him to seek money from Isaac of York, a Jewish moneylender, shifting the plan from public taxation to private lending. The new approach raises the political stakes and introduces a moral dilemma.

In York, Robin meets Isaac among the Orthodox Jewish community. Isaac agrees to lend the ransom money only if King Richard grants Jews their own country. He suggests Palestine, then Miami as a secondary option, and proposes naming the country Israel after his father. The negotiation reframes Robin's mission from robbery to diplomacy.

Robin sneaks into the Prince's castle to tell Eleanor the new plan. Eleanor responds by insisting he must raise an army to enforce the plan and prepare for Richard's return. This marks a shift from secret schemes to organized resistance.

Robin tries to seduce Marian, promising they will wed once King Richard returns, but his advances meet with limited success. The moment underscores the tension between romance and the political task at hand. Marian's loyalty remains uncertain.

Richard remains the rightful king, still held captive in Austria as the others scramble to raise funds. His absence drives the urgency of the ransom and the resistance against Prince John. The fate of England hinges on whether their schemes can deliver Richard back to the throne.