The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men

Ken Annakin keeps the film solidly on target in time and place. The movie's score is exceptional; from Allan A'Dale broadcasting the news as a wandering minstrel, to the Gregorian chant sung by the knights as they set off on Richard's crusade, we are transported 800 years back in time. And Annakin reminds us, in a telling scene where Allan A'Dale is snubbed by some villagers, that not everyone in merrie olde England thought Robin and his men were saviors; to most of the upper class, and many of the small but growing middle class, they were a gang of thieves and worse.

A great cast helps keep the film rolling. Richard Todd was never better than he was as Robin; bold, generous, not to mention full of himself; merciless to the enemies of the underclass, he's a winning hero. Joan Rice is sweet and sassy as Maid Marian; no simpering damsel is this young lady, she gives as good as she gets. And the minor cast is terrific: James Robertson Justice is just right as Little John; Elton Hayes is excellent as Allan A'Dale; Anthony Forwood is sly and cynical as Will Scarlett, and James Hayter almost walks off with the film with his hilarious performance as Friar Tuck. The movie works both as an action/adventure film and a fascinating romp through medieval England. It's one of Disney's best.


Vastly Underrated Version   October 19, 1999
Louis Barbarelli (San Francisco, CA USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

This movie is often overlooked, because Disney made a cartoon version years later which is what people usually think you mean when you refer to "Disney's Robin Hood." It is a small, jewel-like film, with great photography and a joyful, boy's book quality not found in other versions such as the overblown Costner flick. In its own unassuming way, it's a kind of masterpeice. James Robertson Justice is perfect as Little John. And Prince John is a great under-stated villian. The Sherrif of Nottingham in none other than Peter Finch. A real sleeper.


Wonderful and exciting!   May 9, 2000
Charles M. Cornell (New Orleans, LA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

This film really deserves rediscovery! It is so far superior to the animated Disney version, and explains so much more about the legend of Robin Hood and how he assembled his Merrie Men. It also gave some background on his friendship and love for Maid Marian, and the whole setup of why King John was in power to begin with. The animated film tried very hard to be cute, but left out a lot in terms of character development and plot. By comparison, The Story of Robin Hood is far and away a stronger film!


UNIQUE VERSION OF OLD LEGEND   March 16, 2002
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This Walt Disney version of an age old legend is unique and, I think, on par with the Eroll Flynn version. This British made Disney version has a great producer/director team (Perce Pearce/Ken Annakin) and it shows. Great cinematography of English countryside, atmospheric stage sets, good casting of most/all characters by actors who can be invisioned as their character (Instead of being protrayed as strong willed and direct, Prince John is portrayed as a subtle and conniving younger brother, as he would have to be if usurping his older brother's crown), and the musical score by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is just downright charming. (To this day, whenever I watch the opening credits where Alan Adale wanders through Sherwood singing the opening theme while playing a lute, I end up whistling and humming the tune for some time afterward. Charming!!)

I believe the reason that so many studios can make their own version of Robin Hood and an audience can watch all of them without becoming bored with the Robin Hood story (or favoring one studio's version over another) is because each studio can emphasize a different aspect of the story; Robin and his relations with Marian, Robin and his relation with his followers, Robin interacting with Sheriff of Nottingham, the exact reason why Robin becomes an outlaw, whether Robin started as a nobleman or became one when Richard returns, and how much the story develops the characters of Prince John and Richard I. This version by Disney includes interaction between Robin and his father which I do not think any other version has. There is also some story line for Eleanor of Aquitaine, the mother of Richard and John as well as the archery contest being at the beginning of the story instead of the middle or end. All these differences keep the story fresh and not just a stale rehash.

I personally would like to see some studio make a version in which the story continues long after the reign of Richard and into the reign of John with King John outlawing Robin a second time ( on some trumped-up charge, of course) For example, the last scene could concern King John signing the Treaty of Runnymede in 1215 with his barons and earls with Robin (now older and maybe middle aged) having a minor/background role in the signing of the Treaty, being the Earl of Huntingdon after all; or at least being present at Runnymede when it was signed. True to the Robin Hood? Maybe not, but the essence of Robin Hood is the struggle of common men against the caprice of great noblemen. So, I think it makes sense and would make for a four or six hour drama instead of the usual two hour.

Anyway, to conclude, this film is in the true, original Disney fashion when old Walt was still around to do quality control( i.e. before the Eisner era) and I consider it picture perfect. no pun intended, and one should purchase a copy before it disappears!!


The best joust   July 28, 2003
patrick daly (Corwall, NY)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

In this version of Robin Hood the jousting match on the bridge is the best I've ever seen it done. Robin and the stranger get right to the point. They both want to cross the narrow bridge over the deep brook first. They quickly decide to settle it by jousting with staves.
The jousting match is very realistic with, of course, Robin Hood getting tumbled in.
I first saw this movie when I was about 10 years old. I loved the joust so much that a friend and I went to the woods, found a nice deep brook with a bridge and Robin Hood and Little John lived again. I was Robin Hoood, so I took the dunking and loved it.