Robin Hood (1973)

About Robin Hood

Robin Hood is an animated film released by Disney in 1973. The story is based on the classic English folk tale and is set in Nottingham, England during the age of King Richard the Lionheart. The film follows the adventure of Robin Hood and Little John, who rob from the rich and give to the poor, while trying to avoid the wrath of the selfish Sheriff of Nottingham and the scheming Prince John. The film is a musical comedy filled with action and bravado.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, who previously directed other Disney classics like 'The Jungle Book', 'One Hundred and One Dalmatians' and 'The Aristocats'. The film utilised a unique style of animation, combining traditional hand-drawn animation with more modernised techniques.

Actors

• Robin Hood was voiced by Brian Bedford, who brought a sense of charm and wit to the character.
• Little John, voiced by Phil Harris, added humour and a dose of realism to the film.
• Peter Ustinov voiced Prince John, bringing an imposing and villainous aura with sarcasm and wit.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The development of the film began as early as the start of the 1960s. Walt Disney wanted to adapt the tale of Robin Hood, but with a twist, which eventually led to portraying the characters as anthropomorphic animals.
• This movie marked one of the first major uses of a Xerox camera to transfer the animators' drawings to cels, which drastically saved production time and costs.

Awards

Although 'Robin Hood' didn't garner any major awards, it was nominated for Best Original Song - "Love" at the 46th Academy Awards in 1974.

Quotes

• "Oh, Rob, you're so brave and impulsive!" - Maid Marian
• "Friar Tuck, it appears that I now have an outlaw for an in-law!" - King Richard

Music, Soundtrack

• Overture - Roger Miller
• "Whistle Stop" - Roger Miller
• "Love" - Nancy Adams
• "The Phony King of England" - Phil Harris
• "Not in Nottingham" - Roger Miller