Award Snub: The film received four Academy Award nominations and won three - Best Art Directing, Film Editing and Original Score. Errol Flynn wasn't nominated for Best Actor, its cinematography wasn't nominated and the reason Michael Curtiz wasn't nominated for Best Director is that he was up for Angels with Dirty Faces (though there were actually a number of write-in votes for his direction for Hood).
Awesome Music: Doubling as well as Awesome Music Of Crowning, the "March of the Merry Men," as it recurs in the coronation scene, is a riot of trumpet fanfares, soaring violins, and glittering harp strings.
Despite being called the definitive adaptation, there are naturally those with opinions on other adaptations such as Robin of Sherwood being more worthy of that title and that is all that need be said.
Likewise with Errol Flynn, one example being Brian Bedford. Again, that is all that need be said.
Catharsis Factor: The scene where the merry men ambush, outwit, and humiliate Sir Guy while robbing the treasure wagon in the forest is very enjoyable to watch.
Esoteric Happy Ending: Prince John is banished in the end, but he will become King of England upon Richard's death and his reign will be the beginning of the end of the Angevin Empire.
Evil Is Cool: The film's take on Sir Guy of Gisbourne is one of the most well-known and beloved takes on the villain to date, due to him having a pivotal role in the story this time around, and not being afraid to get his hands dirty in combat. The swordfight he has with Robin Hood in particular, is one of the most iconic filmed duels of the era.
Fair for Its Day: Marian is the one who comes up with the plan to rescue Robin. A female being credited with a plan to rescue a male was rather progressive for 1938.
Genre Turning Point: Before this film, historical movies tended to be written with a ton of Purple Prose. The original script was reportedly one of the worst cases of it ever and was totally rewritten with more natural-sounding dialogue, leading to the practice's being very quickly abandoned once its success became clear.
The opinion has been expressed that it pales in comparison to actual adaptations of the novel. Currently, The Adventures of Robin Hood has an I M d B rating of 7.9, while Ivanhoe (1952) has a rating of 6.8 and Ivanhoe (1982) one of 6.7.
Tough Act to Follow: For many this is the definitive film version of Robin Hood. Even with some later adaptations having become well-known in their own right, many fans still prefer this one.
The TV series
Hollywood Homely: In the episode, "A Husband For Marian", Marian's servant is described as "the homeliest woman in Britain". While certainly no Marian, the woman is rather nice looking in a plain sort of way.
Edgar and Lepidus are played by Alfie Bass, who would later be best known for playing Private "Excused Boots" Bisley in The Army Game.
Mark from "The Hero" is played by Bill Owen, who would later be best known for playing Compo Simmonite in Last of the Summer Wine.
Four guest roles from between 1957 and 1960 are played by Harry H. Corbett, who would later be best known for playing Harold Steptoe in Steptoe and Son.
An Uncredited villager from "Food for Thought" is played by Norman Rossington, who would later be best known for playing Private "Cupcake" Cook in The Army Game.
Thomas from "Hubert" and Judd from "The Dowry" are played by William Mervyn, who would later be best known for playing the Right Reverend Cuthbert Hever in All Gas and Gaiters.
