The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952)

With King Richard away at the crusades, Prince John rules England with an iron fist and tasks the Sheriff of Nottingham with the collection of high taxes and the capture of outlaw Robin Hood.

Director:

Ken Annakin

Writer:

Lawrence Edward Watkin (screenplay)

Stars:

Richard Todd, Joan Rice, Peter Finch

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Todd	...	Robin Hood
Joan Rice	...	Maid Marian
Peter Finch	...	Sheriff of Nottingham
James Hayter	...	Friar Tuck
James Robertson Justice	...	Little John
Martita Hunt	...	Queen Eleanor
Hubert Gregg	...	Prince John
Bill Owen	...	Stutely
Reginald Tate	...	Hugh Fitzooth
Elton Hayes	...	Allan-a-Dale
Anthony Eustrel	...	Archbishop of Canterbury
Patrick Barr	...	King Richard
Anthony Forwood	...	Will Scarlet
Hal Osmond	...	Much the Miller
Michael Hordern	...	Scathelock

Storyline

Young Robin Hood (Richard Todd), in love with Maid Marian (Joan Rice), enters an archery contest with his father at the King's palace. On the way home, his father is murdered by henchmen of Prince John (Hubert Gregg). 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 that Prince John are over taxing.

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Plot Keywords:

robin hood | robin hood character | based on legend | sherwood forest | archery | 

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Taglines:

An all-live-action picture.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Family

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Official Sites:

Disney's Official Site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 June 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Story of Robin Hood

Filming Locations:

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England, UK

Box Office

Gross USA:

$4,578,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures, Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was Disney's first take on the Robin Hood legend, which was made with British funds that had been frozen during World War II.

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Goofs

In one scene Maid Marian is wearing a dress with a zipper in the back. Zippers weren't invented for another thirteen centuries.

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Quotes

Sheriff of Nottingham: [Upon Robin's splitting his opponent's arrow] No! They are equal; have them shoot again!
Forester: You get yourself another archer. I can't beat a shot like that!

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Connections

Version of Robin Hood (1922)

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Soundtracks

Whistle My Love
(uncredited)
Music by George Wyle
Lyrics by Eddie Pola
Sung by Elton Hayes

User Reviews

A fine retelling of a classic favorite

As with 1938's "The Adventures of Robin Hood" w/ Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland Disney tries at making it's own version of the famous Robin Hood legend and succeeds admirably! Richard Todd is the perfect Robin Hood being a classic 1950s heartthrob and sporting a 50s haircut to boot and Joan Rice is a sweet and convincing Maid Marian. The script also presents a clever touch at including a wandering minstrel who weaves the story together in song. The only flaw I found was the overly-bright lighting causing the cinematography to be suffering a budget. But other than that, "The Story of Robin Hood" is very well-written, well-directed, well-acted and well worth the purchase of the video.