July 28: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Milestone Years

• 30th Anniversary: July 28, 2023
• 35th Anniversary: July 28, 2028
• 40th Anniversary: July 28, 2033
• 50th Anniversary: July 28, 2043

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Inspired by the runaway success of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), an eleven‑year‑old suggested a parody to writer Evan Chandler. He teamed with J. David Shapiro to pitch the idea, which Mel Brooks bought in 1993. Brooks had earlier spoofed Robin Hood with his 1975 sitcom When Things Were Rotten. The film is a broad spoof rather than based on a true story.

You Might Not Know

• The concept was first suggested by Chandler’s eleven‑year‑old son during a dentist visit, then sold to Brooks for $500,000. It sparked a Writers Guild arbitration over screenplay credits.
• It includes nods to both Kevin Costner’s Prince of Thieves and Errol Flynn’s 1938 classic, especially in the archery contest and costume motifs.
• Brooks famously breaks the fourth wall—there’s even a running gag involving the film crew mic that appears on screen.
• Dave Chappelle makes his feature film debut as the sneezy blind sidekick “Ahchoo.”
• The movie became a cult favorite on home video and remains one of Brooks’s best-selling titles alongside Spaceballs.

Food Ideas

• “Sherwood Forest” spinach and artichoke dip served in mini wooden bowls.
• “Prince John’s Gold Coins” – cheddar gold coin crackers.
• Medieval meat pies (mini pot pies) like Robin might’ve enjoyed.
• Anachronistic “Disco Tights” rainbow fruit skewers with edible glitter.
• Latrine Mint Life Savers served in a small leather pouch as a gag gift.

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a sing‑along to “Men in Tights” musical number with props like tights.
• Screen alternate Robin Hood films before starting this parody.
• Dress up as Robin or the Merry Men—tights encouraged.
• Pause at meta moments and riff commentary “Mystery Science Theater” style.
• Stage a mock archery contest with Velcro arrows and foam targets.

Filming Locations

Main outdoor scenes—Sherwood Forest fair, training, castle exteriors—were filmed at Sable Ranch, roughly 35 miles north of Los Angeles. Interior castle scenes were shot at Warner Hollywood Studios, the same site where Douglas Fairbanks’s Robin Hood (1923) was filmed. The ranch is still standing and can be visited on guided location tours.