When Things Were Rotten | Episode 3: The House Band

Mel Brooks' 1993 parody "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" may be one of the most well-known outings for modern audiences, but it wasn't Brooks' first attempt at bringing the legend to life! 1975's "When Things Were Rotten" is a mashup of Brook's screwball comedy with the classic tropes of Robin Hood on television, with mad schemes, colourful characters, and more than a hint of camp! The series was cut short after only 13 episodes after dwindling ratings - despite the critical praise, it was shifted around the schedules and never found a solid following. Now the series is here to enjoy again! "The House Band" sees the Sheriff recruit a band of evil lookalikes to impersonate Robin Hood and his band in order to muddy their name with the peasants while the real Robin and his men are on vacation... Originally aired 24 September 1975. Starring D**k Gautier as Robin Hood, D**k Van Patten as Friar Tuck, Bernie Kopell, as Alan-a-Dale, Richard Dimitri as Bertram, Renaldo Henry Polic II as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Misty Rowe as Maid Marian, David Sabin as Little John, and Ron Rifkin as Prince John. All rights to the current copyright holder. Uploaded in the spirit of sharing this hard-to-find series!

Added 11 Sept 2026