The Story of Robin Hood

**The Story of Robin Hood** is a 1952 live-action film directed by Ken Annakin.

It is based on the Robin Hood legend. The film premiered in London on March 13, 1952.

## Plot

Young Robin Hood, in love with Maid Marian, enters an archery contest with his father at the King's palace. On the way home his father is killed by henchmen of Prince John. Robin takes up the life of an outlaw, gathering together his band of merry men with him in Sherwood Forest, to avenge his father's death and to help the people of the land whom Prince John is over taxing.

## Cast and Characters

* Richard Todd as Robin Hood
* Joan Rice a s Maid Marian
* Peter Finch as Sheriff of Nottingham
* James Hayter as Friar Tuck
* James Robertson Justice as Little John
* Martita Hunt as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine
* Hubert Gregg as Prince John
* Elton Hayes as Alan-a-Dale
* Anthony Eustrel as Archbishop of Canterbury
* Patrick Barr as King Richard
* Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet
* Bill Owen as Willy Stutely
* Hal Osmond as Much the Miller
* Louise Hampton as Tyb
* Richard Graydon as Merrie Man
* Michael Hodern as Scathelock
* Bill Travers as Possie Man
* Clement McCallin as The Earl of Huntingdon
* Nigel Neilson as Merrie Man
* Geoffrey Lumsden as Merrie Man
* Julian Somers as Posse Leader
* Leonard Charles Newcombe as Paige Boy

## Production

Production began in April 1951 at Denham Film Studios in London. This was the second film Disney made in the United Kingdom, the first being Treasure Island (1950). These and several other Disney films were made using British funds frozen during World War II. Originally Bobby Driscoll was going to be featured in the film as a boy in Robin's camp, but he was unable to appear in the film because he had violated British labour laws with his appearance in Treasure Island. In Driscoll's absence, the story was rewritten to focus on the romantic relationship between Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Robert Newton, who was originally cast as Friar Tuck, had to be recast with James Hayter after he was cast in Androcles and the Lion. The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men was filmed in 3-strip Technicolor.

## Release

The world premiere was in London on March 13, 1952; the New York opening was on June 26, 1952. In the wake of this film a promotional short entitled The Riddle of Robin Hood was produced.

The film was one of the most popular in Britain in 1952, and would eventually gross over $4,578,000 at the American box office.

### Home Release

A Laserdisc was released in 1992, a VHS tape was released in 1994 (the Walt Disney's Studio Film Collection) and a limited Disney Movie Club DVD was released in July 2006. All releases are 1.33:1 fullscreen in monaural (as shot).

A Disneyland Records LP of four songs from the soundtrack with narration by Dallas McKennon was released in 1963.

## Reception

### Critical Response

The New York Times called it "an expert rendition of an ancient legend that is as pretty as its Technicolor hues and as lively as a sturdy Western... The action, the courtly speeches and romance are kept to a sensible minimum, is robust and fairly continuous"; and Leonard Maltin similarly noted a "Zesty, colourful retelling of the familiar story, filmed in England by Walt Disney with excellent cast. Not as personality oriented as other versions, but just as good in its own way"; and the Radio Times wrote, "This may not hold a candle to the Errol Flynn version, but the authentic English locations and fine Technicolor photography make it excellent family entertainment. Richard Todd enjoys himself as the famous outlaw, but is up against strong competition from Peter Finch as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and the delightful Hubert Gregg, cast against type as the evil King John."