The Green Archer (1940): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1940, The Green Archer is an action, crime and mystery film directed by James W. Horne, running about 285 minutes. “HITS THE BULL'S- EYE FOR THRILL LOVERS! (original print ad-all caps)” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Columbia's 12th serial of 57 total (following 1940's "Deadwood Dick" and ahead of 1941's "White Eagle") is another of director's James Horne's "classics" where he evidently figured that the same reactions that served him well in Laurel and Hardy films would work well in action serials where he has all hands, heroes and villains alike, doing some kind of over-the top "take", no matter the situation. This loose adaptation of an Edgar Wallace story finds Michael Bellamy (Kenne Duncan in his Kenneth Duncan period) inheriting Garr Castle, but his brother, Abel Bellamy (James Craven, as usual making Oil-Can Harry look smooth), has him imprisoned unjustly and moves into the castle himself. When Michael's wife, Elaine Bellamy (Dorothy Fay), fails to return after visiting Abel, her sister Valerie Howett (Iris Meredith), accompanied by their father,

Who’s in it. The Green Archer stars Victor Jory as Spike Holland, Iris Meredith as Valerie Howett, James Craven as Abel Bellamy and Robert Fiske as Savini, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, The Green Archer has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Green Archer page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Green Archer tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.