A bittersweet romance, in the classical sense of the word, about the consequences of doomed love. Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn hit all the right notes in this witty, sad screenplay. Nicol Williamson manages to put his personal demons behind him to offer strong support as Little John. Despite my love of Alan Rickman, I have to say that Robert Shaw is the best Sheriff of Nottingham of all those who have played the role; while he certainly is a menacing presence, he brings a warmth and humanity to the part. The climactic sword battle, like those in Richard Lester's other swashbucklers "The Three Musketeers" and "The Four Musketeers," show not only the physicality and brutality of swordplay but also the sheer exhaustion it inflicts on those who participate in it. Many will probably not care for the downer ending, but within the structure and tone of the story it is the most logical way to give a solid ending to the tale of Robin and Marian, and there is a tearful sadness to it. This, and not "Bloodline" or "Always," should have been Audrey Hepburn's curtain call to her filmography. Her work is nothing short of magnificent. I highly recommend this film.