Robin Hood: Errol Flynn or that cartoon lion

I'm watching The Adventures of Robin Hood now on TCM. How fitting it is that I'm taking Medieval English history now. I've studied King John's reign, but it wasn't all nearly as interesting as watching Errol Flynn in tights.

Now, perhaps, is the part where I tell you what I've learnt in class about King John and compare or contrast with what is shown in the movie, but I have to tell you that I don't remember. Well, I do remember that John lost Normandy to Philip Augustus of France, and that was a terrible thing to do. England was also under an interdict from Pope Innocent III, and John was excommunicated. His actions also lead to a baronial rebellion that resulted in Magna Carta. Ok. So I do remember some stuff, but not enough to blow you away. All of these counted against John of course, and you can see why his reign isn't regarded as successful by the chroniclers or writers of his age.

To me, King John is that bumbling lion in Disney's Robin Hood. And so shall he remain. Studying Medieval English history isn't going to convince me otherwise.