The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men

Release Date: March 13, 1952

I have loved the story of Robin Hood as long as I can remember. The multiple stories that have been written and movies that have been made are a testament to the timeless appeal to this story. It was a perfect choice for Walt Disney's second live action film. As with Treasure Island, this movie was made using the funds that were frozen during World War II. Walt wanted to make the film as authentic as possible by actually filming it in Sherwood Forest.

The movie is a delight to watch and holds its own decades later. Richard Todd plays the titular character perfectly and is easy to cheer for. He portrays Robin Hood with wonderful confidence and a charismatic smile that makes him instantly likeable. It's no wonder that he went on to star in two other films by Disney. Walt hand picked Joan Rice to play Maid Marian, and although certain members of the cast were not fans of her acting, I think she is wonderful in her role and her chemistry with Richard Todd is great in my opinion. Hubert Gregg does an excellent job portraying the evil and conniving Prince John, with Peter Finch playing his henchman, the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Everything to love about Robin Hood is in this movie--the battle with Little John on the bridge, the fight with Friar Tuck, the capture of the Sheriff and his "invitation to dine" with the merry men. My favorite scene is probably when Robin and his men "help" the sheriff make a large donation for the king's ransom. It is so fun to watch Robin and his men outsmart the traitorous prince and his sheriff, and to see them do so with laughter and wit.

I personally find the poster for this movie hysterical. It portrays a shirtless Robin Hood in the stance of shooting an arrow from his bow, with Maid Marian hanging onto him. It makes the movie look sensual, when in reality the movie is very family friendly. It isn't the only Disney movie that featured the actor shirtless on the movie poster, so clearly someone thought seeing the actor shirtless would help draw in audiences to see the movie. It is funny to me!