The Story of Robin Hood

The best film version of the Robin Hood legend
Many Disney fans born after 1960 aren't aware that Disney wasn't all about cartoons; in the early 1950s his studio released a number of live-action adventure films, which were nowhere near as financially successful as his animated movies. But a few of them were as good as many of his cartoon features, and none was better than "The Story of Robin Hood", which appeared in the summer of 1952. Set in 12th century England at the start of Richard the Lionheart's crusade to the Holy Land, we see England as it was then, rural, mainly poor, solidly Catholic, devoted to the Holy Mother Church, and ruled over by a benevolent king about to set off to holy war while he leaves his evil, scheming younger brother, Prince John, behind to rule in his stead. When the film opens, their mother, Queen Elinor of Aquitaine, is giving her blessing to the enterprise while reminding all within earshot that she needs no looking after ("The woman who bore two sons like you", she informs her oldest son the...

The best movie version of the Robin Hood legend
It's about time they finally released this excellent film version of the Robin Hood legend on DVD. Many Disney fans born after 1960 aren't aware that Disney wasn't all about cartoons; in the early 1950s his studio released a number of live-action adventure films, which were nowhere near as financially successful as his animated movies. But a few of them were as good as many of his cartoon features, and none was better than "The Story of Robin Hood", which appeared in the summer of 1952.

Set in 12th century England at the start of Richard the Lionheart's crusade to the Holy Land, we see England as it was then, rural, mainly poor, solidly Catholic, devoted to the Holy Mother Church, and ruled over by a benevolent king about to set off to holy war while he leaves his evil, scheming younger brother, Prince John, behind to rule in his stead. When the film opens, their mother, Queen Elinor of Aquitaine, is giving her blessing to the enterprise while reminding all within earshot...

Vastly Underrated Version
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.

2008 Update - Buy the now-available DVD. Much better quality. The DVD is a limited "club" edition, but can be purchased from Amazon's outside sellers.

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