Robin Hood Dobson and Taylor wrote, 'More generally the Robin of the broadsides is a much less tragic, less heroic and in the last resort less mature figure than his medieval predecessor'. In most of the broadside ballads Robin Hood remains a plebeian figure, a notable exception being Martin Parker's attempt at an overall life of Robin Hood, A True Tale of Robin Hood, which also emphasises the theme of Robin Hood's generosity to the poor more than the broadsheet ballads do in general. The 17th century introduced the minstrel Alan-a-Dale. He first appeared in a 17th-century broadside ballad, and unlike many
Robin Hood: Men in Tights gave the film half of one star out of four and called it "a most disappointing Mel Brooks movie parody that suggests that the once hilarious Brooks has lost his way. The pacing is agonizingly slow, and many of the jokes are recycled from his earlier, better work." Rita Kenmpley of "The Washington Post" called it "a pointless and untimely lampoon of 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' from the increasingly creaky spoofmeister Mel Brooks." Peter Rainer of the "Los Angeles Times" was mixed, writing that "what's enjoyable about the best parts of 'Men in Tights' is its grab-bag, throwaway style,"