Robin and the 7 Hoods Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The Rat Pack tries to be Robin Hood in Chicago, but mostly they just sing, crack wise, and let Barbara Rush run the whole dang city.

🍿 Robin and the 7 Hoods: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Death of Big Jim and a Power Vacuum

In 1920s Chicago, mob boss Big Jim Stevens is unexpectedly murdered at his birthday party by Guy Gisborne, his ambitious lieutenant. Gisborne’s power grab throws the city’s underworld into chaos, creating a power vacuum and setting the stage for conflict.

Robbo’s Resistance and the Formation of a Gang

Robbo, a close associate of Big Jim and a rival gangster in the North Side, refuses to align with Gisborne. He assembles his own crew, including the sharp-shooting Will and the charismatic Indiana pool hustler Little John, to challenge Gisborne’s dominance and maintain his territory.

Marian’s Ambition and Manipulation

Marian, Big Jim’s intelligent and cunning daughter, enters the fray seeking revenge for her father’s death. She attempts to manipulate both Robbo and Gisborne, using her charm and strategic mind to position herself for control of the Chicago underworld. Marian provides funds to Robbo under the guise of avenging her father’s death, but secretly aims to use him.

The Rise of Robbo’s Reputation

Robbo uses a charitable donation from Marian to support an orphanage. This seemingly benevolent act captures the public’s attention and transforms his image from a ruthless gangster into a Robin Hood-like figure. Allan A. Dale, the orphanage director, joins Robbo’s operation, handling the publicity and further enhancing Robbo’s reputation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robbo (Frank Sinatra): A Chicago gangster and friend of Big Jim who, inspired by Robin Hood, uses charity to gain public support while battling rival gangs.
• Guy Gisborne (Peter Falk): The ambitious and ruthless underling of Big Jim who orchestrates his murder and sparks a gang war with Robbo.
• Marian (Barbara Rush): Big Jim’s sophisticated and ambitious daughter who manipulates the gang war for her own benefit.
• John (Dean Martin): An Indiana pool hustler who joins Robbo’s gang and brings his charm and skills to the fight.
• Will (Sammy Davis Jr.): Robbo’s loyal and multi-talented right-hand man, known for his sharp-shooting and flashy performances.
• Allen A. Dale (Bing Crosby): The director of an orphanage who helps Robbo gain public approval through charitable acts, but has a devious side.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Little John: “When your opponent’s sittin’ there holding all aces, there’s only one thing left to do: Kick over the table.” – Little John suggests disrupting the game when facing unbeatable odds.
• Robbo: “My Kind of Town, Chicago is…” – Robbo sings about his affection for Chicago after winning a key trial.
• Guy Gisborne: “It’s all for one and one for all!” – Guy Gisborne declares his ambition to take over Chicago’s underworld after Big Jim’s death.
• Alan A. Dale: “Don’t be a do-badder!” – Bing Crosby sings this philosophical tune to the orphans, teaching them about morality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.8 million
• Domestic Gross: $9,810,000
• Worldwide Gross: $12.3 million

💥 Robin and the 7 Hoods Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I love this movie for its sheer ridiculousness. The songs are catchy, the acting is over-the-top, and the plot is completely bonkers. When Peter Falk bursts into song, it’s like a fever dream. The scene where they turn the speakeasy into a gospel meeting kills me every time. It’s a pure, unadulterated dose of 60s camp, and I’m here for it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Frank Sinatra”
  • “Fans of Dean Martin”
  • “Fans of Sammy Davis Jr.”
  • “Lovers of classic musicals”
  • “Viewers interested in 1960s comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Gangster themes”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A slick, likable, and witty transposition of the Robin Hood legend to gangland Chicago. The stars are in their element – Frank Sinatra is Robin (called Robbo and clearly relishing the role, it’s hard not to be reminded of the star’s real-life mob connections).
• The New York Times: “While the plot summary doesn’t sound particularly amusing, the film, with its ‘tongue-in-cheek’ tone, is much closer in spirit to GUYS AND DOLLS than GOODFELLAS. With Sinatra, Crosby, Martin, and Davis crooning a rousing mission number, the music is all first-rate, with the dramatic elements all played for laughs.
• Los Angeles Times: “Robin and the 7 Hoods should have been a classic, but for me personally I’ll settle for hugely enjoyable.

Audience Reactions

The musical numbers were a joy, especially Sammy Davis Jr.’s energetic ‘Bang Bang’ performance.: Many viewers praised the film’s lighthearted tone and the chemistry of the Rat Pack.

Peter Falk stole the show with his over-the-top portrayal of Guy Gisborne.: Viewers also enjoyed the performances of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, with some considering it one of Sinatra’s best.

Overall Consensus: A fun but flawed musical comedy that benefits from the cast’s star power and some memorable songs, but ultimately falls short of being a classic.

Awards

1. Golden Laurel (Best Male Musical Performance)- 1965

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s production was overshadowed by real-life events. On the day the funeral scene for Edward G. Robinson’s character was filmed, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.”
• “A kidnapping scene was cut from the film after Frank Sinatra’s son, Frank Sinatra Jr., was kidnapped and held for ransom during the production.”
• “Gene Kelly was initially involved in the film as a dance director but left due to creative differences with Frank Sinatra regarding the number of dance routines.”
• “The song “My Kind of Town” became a signature song for Frank Sinatra and was nominated for an Academy Award.”

🖥️ How to Watch Robin and the 7 Hoods?

Robin and the 7 Hoods is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Robin and the 7 Hoods, you might like these similar films:

• Guys and Dolls (1955): Similar blend of musical comedy and gangster themes set in a stylized urban environment.
• Ocean’s Eleven (1960): Features many of the same Rat Pack members in a heist movie with a light, comedic tone.
• The Sting (1973): Set in a similar era with a focus on con men and elaborate schemes, sharing a jazzy musical vibe.
• The Untouchables (1987): Another take on the prohibition era, more serious, but shares the gangster backdrop and Chicago setting.
• Chicago (2002): Modern musical with crime themes, set in Chicago during the roaring twenties.

🛒 Robin and the 7 Hoods Related Products

• Robin and the 7 Hoods [Blu-ray]: Experience the Rat Pack in high definition with this Blu-ray release. Includes special features and a digitally remastered picture for the ultimate viewing experience.
• Frank Sinatra: Best of the Rat Pack: A collection of Sinatra’s best songs, including ‘My Kind of Town’ from the movie. A must-have for any Sinatra fan.
• Rat Pack: Live at the Sands [DVD]: Experience the magic of the Rat Pack live in concert at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. A glimpse into the world that inspired Robin and the 7 Hoods.
• Chicago Gangsters 1920’s Style Fedora: Dress like a gangster with this stylish fedora, inspired by the fashion of the movie’s Prohibition era. Perfect for themed parties or a vintage look.

🎧 Soundtrack

Robin and the 7 Hoods features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “My Kind of Town” – performed by Frank Sinatra
• “Style” – performed by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby
• “Bang-Bang” – performed by Sammy Davis Jr.
• “Mr. Booze” – performed by Bing Crosby

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A classic trio: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin in the film ‘Robin and the 7 Hoods.’ 📽️

Ever wondered what it was like to see Sinatra, Crosby, and Martin together? This quick clip gives you a peek at their on-screen magic in ‘Robin and the 7 Hoods’ – trust me, their charisma is undeniable!

Peter Falk & Company – That’s How It’s Gonna Be

Did you know Peter Falk could sing? Check out this fun musical number from ‘Robin and the 7 Hoods’ – it’s a catchy tune and Falk really shines, proving he’s more than just Columbo!

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