Product: Robin Hood [VHS] (1973)
Rating: 5.0
How the animals tell the Robin legend
As rooster-minstrel Allan-a-Dale (voiced by the late country singer Roger Miller) explains in the introductory sequence, the animal kingdom has a slightly different take on the story of Robin Hood than we humans do. And how wonderfully Disney has told it! What *would* wily Robin be but a red fox? Or Little John but a big, good-natured bear? Or King Richard and Prince John but a pair of rival lion brothers (in a fascinating foreshadowing ofThe Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition))? The voice talents are especially fine--Brian Bedford as Robin, Phil Harris as Little John, Andy Devine as Friar Tuck (a badger), Peter Ustinov as Prince John, Terry-Thomas as his sinister snake-advisor Sir Hiss, Monica Evans as Maid Marian, Carole Shelley as her lady-in-waiting Kluckie (a hen), Pat Buttram as the Sheriff of Nottingham (a wolf), George Lindsey and Ken Curtis as his vulture-deputies Trigger and Nutsy. Though somewhat more inclined to slapstick than most Disney animation, it will charm even those who don't care for that kind of humor (and being one myself I can speak with authority): the wild chase that ends the shooting match at Nottingham Fair will have you rolling on the floor. There's also plenty of intrigue, swashbuckling adventure, and clever scheming, and--as in any version of this legend--ample opportunity to start a discussion with your kids about right and wrong. One of my favorite cartoon features and one that should find favor with all ages.