Robin Hood's Chairs

 

Several readers have contacted my blog about the so-called "Robin Hood Chairs," and John Nelson has shared another image of their use in Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986).

Back in 2011, while watching a rerun of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955–1958) starring Richard Greene, I recognised those distinctive chairs—originally designed by Carmen Dillon for Disney’s The Story of Robin Hood (1952). Later, I spotted one again in Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986), where the Sheriff (Nickolas Grace) was seated in it!

After writing about this discovery, my readers pointed out that the same chairs had appeared in several other medieval adventure films. Among them was Men of Sherwood (1954), which also reused props and costumes from Disney’s film.

After The Story of Robin Hood wrapped, it's likely that these "Robin Hood Chairs," along with thousands of other props, were shipped out of Denham Studios when Rank Organisation ceased film production. From there, they were probably rented out for various film and television projects.

With the help of my readers, I’ve started compiling a list of productions that featured props from Disney’s The Story of Robin Hood (1952)—some as many as 64 years later:

The Men of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1954)

The Black Knight (Film, 1954)

The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV, 1955–1958)

The Dark Avenger (Film, 1955)

Ivanhoe (TV, 1958) – Episode: The Night Raiders (featuring Joan Rice, who would have remembered these chairs from her time filming at Denham Studios)

Sword of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1960)

Robin of Sherwood (TV, 1984–1986)

The Mission – Stay With Me (Official Music Video, 1986)

Horrible Histories (TV, 2013–2015)

I would love to know where they are now!

If you know of any additional appearances, feel free to get in touch!

Robin Hood's Script

Regular readers of my blog may recall that in 2017 I had the incredible opportunity to view portions of the original script for Walt Disney's live-action film The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). Cindy from Canada generously shared these script pages with me, whose father-in-law, Noland Blackburn, worked for Walt Disney during the 1950s and owned the documents.

This rare insight into the original script highlighted changes made to scenes and adjustments to the dialogue.

Below is a transcript of the opening scene:

***********************************************************************

ROBIN HOOD

FROM CREDIT TITLES DISSOLVE TO:

The tooled-leather, copper-bound cover of a Twelfth Century MANUSCRIPT BOOK opens to a parchment page, upon which is lettered:

In the Year 1190 Richard the Lion Heart

Summoned his armies to a crusade.

Among the Loyal Knights who answered

his call was the Earl of Huntingdon

The page turns, disclosing a monotone pen-sketch VIEW with the caption:

'The Earl of Huntingdon --his Manor House.'

As CAMERA moves toward sketch it DISSOLVES INTO:

1. EXT. HUNTINGDON MANOR-LONG SHOT (MATTE)

The estate is surrounded by meadows and wooded hills. The courtyard shows the activity of horses and grooms.

2. EXT. MANOR COURTYARD - FULL SHOT

Preparations for the Earl's departure are everywhere in evidence. Manor-servants are loading two great wains, with iron-bound, crimson trunks and wicker hampers. Immobile in the background are saddled horses that will carry the Earl's escort, while in front of the manor hall steps, Pages are leading the Earl's black charger and a little palfrey, saddled for a lady's use. On the upper steps waits a dignified old steward, with a Page who is holding a gold-mounted drinking horn in a napkin; below is the Earl's Squire.

Through the manor-hall doorway strides the Earl in riding dress. 

3. EXT. MANOR COURTYARD - MED. SHOT - EARL

He addresses the Squire.

                                  EARL

                  Everything in readiness, Stephen?

Stephen inclines his head respectfully. The Steward steps forward, taking the drinking horn from the hands of the Page.

                                  STEWARD

                 A stirrup cup to your departure, Sir?"

*******************************************************************

The Original Script

This never quite appeared in the film. But in the opening scene, the Page can be seen standing on the steps holding the drinking horn, as Nurse Tyb rushes around the courtyard calling for Maid Marian.

I will share a few more pages soon. 

The Story of Joan Rice

Joan at the premiere of Robin Hood

This site is dedicated to the memory of Joan Rice (1930–1997), who will always be cherished by readers of my blog and Facebook page as our Maid Marian. Joan would have turned 95 this year.

Joan holds a special place in my heart. As a family historian and genealogist, I’ve been captivated by the life of this largely forgotten British film star—a life that feels like a fairy tale. Over the 19 years I’ve been writing my blog, I’ve been fortunate to receive help from her family, friends, and acquaintances to piece together her story. I hope one day to write a book about her. For now, this brief account looks back at the early years of her life.

Dorothy Joan Rice was born on February 3, 1930, at City Hospital in Derby, England. She was the first of three daughters born to Hylda May Rice (née Watson) and Harold Rice, a laborer. Her sisters were Roma (1931), Barbara (1935), and Gillian (1938).

Nazareth House, Lenton, Nottinghamshire

In 1936, the family was living on Hawthorne Avenue in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. That year, Harold Rice became the subject of scandal when he was convicted of indecently assaulting his 7-year-old daughter. The case made headlines in local newspapers. Joan, along with her three sisters, was sent to a convent orphanage in Nottingham called Nazareth House. It was here that Joan had her first exposure to acting, as the nuns staged several plays each year.

The 1939 Register showing Joan Rice

By 1939, Joan was living with the Watson family in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. George Watson, a brewery laborer, was likely a relative. Joan, listed as Dorothy J. Rice, was attending school at the time.

In 1946, at age 16, Joan worked as a housemaid for Dr. Vosper in Stanmore, Middlesex. She also took part-time work as a barmaid at The Green Man and The Crown. Derrick Pawley, a former Stanmore resident, recalled Joan borrowing clothes and bus fare, often struggling financially.

Lyons Tea House in the Strand

Joan’s journey to stardom began when she moved to London with just half a crown in her pocket and took a job as a waitress at the Lyons Corner House on the Strand for £3 a week. Her natural poise, developed from balancing trays, led her to enter Lyons' in-house beauty contest, Miss Lyons, in 1949. She won the contest, impressing judges like John McCallum and Ann Crawford, as well as Isidore Gluckstein, the company president.

Joan Rice in a swimsuit suit

As the winner, Joan went on a promotional tour to Torquay, which would later have personal significance when she returned for a stage performance 20 years later. Her victory in the competition brought her to the attention of theatrical agent Joan Reese.

By 1950, Joan joined "The Company of Youth," a training school for actors, where she honed her skills alongside future stars like Christopher Lee and Joan Collins. After a screen test, Joan secured a two-line part in the comedy One Wild Oat and her first substantial role in Blackmailed (1950). Following Blackmailed's London premiere in January 1951, Joan signed a two-year contract with Rank Studios, which raised her salary to £20 a week and provided her with a flat in Westminster.

Just days after Blackmailed's release, Disney producer Perce Pearce announced that Richard Todd would play Robin Hood in the studio’s upcoming live-action adaptation. Joan was quickly cast as Maid Marian after Disney saw some of her rushes and praised her acting ability.

Richard Todd and Joan Rice

In a major turning point for her career, on her 21st birthday, Richard Todd was photographed presenting Joan with orchids at the Dorchester Hotel, marking the official announcement of her role in The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). Joan had become a rising star, with Walt Disney himself declaring, “Joan has quality... The camera loves her.”

Though Joan's role as Maid Marian cemented her status as a rising star, Rank Studios struggled to capitalise on her newfound fame. Despite being hailed as the "new Jean Simmons," Joan was often relegated to supporting roles in films with large ensemble casts. Yet, in just a few short years, she had transformed from a girl with barely any money to a promising young actress playing opposite Richard Todd in a major Disney production.

It’s hard to imagine that this was the same young woman who had arrived in London with only a half-crown in her purse just a few years earlier.

Studio Christmas Card

 

 I know it’s late, but I wanted to share this wonderful 1951 Christmas card created by the Walt Disney Studios. I posted it recently on my Disney’s Story of Robin Hood Facebook page, and it’s a perfect example of how Disney blended holiday cheer with movie promotion. The card features some of my favourite Disney films from that era. The cover shows Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and his nephews carolling in front of the Little House. When you open it up, you’re treated to a scene with classic Disney characters riding a train, with the upcoming year's calendar displayed on the train cars. On the back, there's an ad for the upcoming Disney films Peter Pan (the animated feature) and The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (the live-action film).

Each year, Disney Studios created a new holiday card designed by in-house talent. The card showcased the beloved characters of the moment and promoted upcoming projects.

When you unfold this card, you see Robin Hood and Peter Pan represented. The Story of Robin Hood, starring Richard Todd, was released in the USA in June 1952, while Peter Pan didn’t reach theatres until February 1953.

The artwork on this card was painted by the talented Eyvind Earle, known for his distinctive style that adds a unique touch to this holiday greeting.

Where Robin Hood Stood

Wentbridge, Barnsdale, Yorkshire

A Gest of Robyn Hode" (or The Geste) is one of the oldest surviving tales of Robin Hood, originating in the 15th century. It frequently highlights Barnsdale as the central hub of Robin's activities, portraying it as the base for his band of outlaws. Located in South Yorkshire, Barnsdale is near the historic Great North Road, a major medieval route connecting London and York. This road, frequented by merchants, nobles, and clergy, made Barnsdale an ideal location for intercepting travelers and merchants.

The narrative begins in Robin Hood's camp in Barnsdale. True to his chivalric nature, Robin refuses to dine until he has a guest to share the meal. To find a guest, he sends Little John, Much the Miller's son, and Will Scathlock to a place called "the Sayles" on "Watling Street." The Sayles likely refers to a clearing or open space—strategically positioned for observing travelers. In this context, "Watling Street" was a name used for the section of the road that later became known as the Great North Road.

The road descends to Wentbridge

The ballad provides specific details about the area. Historically, the Great North Road descended into Barnsdale to cross the River Went at Wentbridge. Today, the A1 bypasses Wentbridge about half a mile to the east, where the modern viaduct now stands. It was near this location that Robin Hood's men lay in wait for the knight featured in the ballad.

The accompanying images illustrate the exact spot where the outlaws would have positioned themselves. Beyond the white building, the road winds down into Wentbridge from the opposite side of the valley, offering an excellent vantage point for watching and intercepting travellers.

Merrie Christmas

 

Merrie Christmas to all the readers of my blog and Facebook group! Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the year. I look forward to another year of exploring the dappled ancient paths of Sherwood together

Robin Hood's Family Tree

From an early age, my fascination with history and a deep love for the legend of Robin Hood naturally led me to embark on a quest to uncover the true story behind the legendary outlaw. Over fifty years later, this pursuit has shaped my career and culminated in a successful genealogical business.

The origins of Robin Hood have sparked centuries of debate. Historians and antiquarians have long struggled to find concrete evidence of his existence, with many theories evolving without definitive proof.

One such theory was the pedigree published by William Stukeley (1687–1765). It linked the earls of Huntingdon with the descendants of a man called Ralph Fitz Ooth, who he claimed became lords of Kyme.

When I first encountered this family tree in the 1970s, I was thrilled by the possibility. There he was, Robin Fitzooth, alias Robin Hood! However, this pedigree, first presented in Stukeley's Paleographica Britannica in 1746, has since been thoroughly debunked by scholars like Professor J. C. Holt. They have argued that Stukeley’s claims were not only fabricated but that Stukeley himself, known for his eccentricities and romanticism, may have been more interested in myth-making than historical accuracy.

Although scholars have debunked it, the idea that Robin Hood was once an Earl of Huntingdon became firmly embedded in his legend. Centuries later, this version of the tale was embraced by Walt Disney, who depicted Robin as Robin FitzOoth in his 1952 live-action film The Story of Robin Hood.

Robin Hood at School

We often revisit Disney's short promotional film The Riddle of Robin Hood, a rare gem that provides a fascinating look into the making of the live-action movie The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). It highlights the efforts of Disney's research team in delving into the Robin Hood legend. While its primary purpose was to promote the upcoming film—an idea devised by Disney publicist Bill Crozier Walsh (1913–1975)—I was surprised to learn it was shown in nearly every school across the USA!

This article from "Walt Disney Studio Production News " again demonstrates something we have known for a long time—Disney was meticulous when promoting his films. Matt Crandall kindly sent me the pages shown above and below, which show the preparations for the future releases of Disney's animation Peter Pan (1953) and the live-action Story of Robin Hood (1952).

Here below is the text taken from the article:

"Probability that Walt Disney's live-action Technicolor romantic melodrama, THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD, will be one of the hit pictures of the year got a big added push through a precedential promotion device blanketing every important school district in the nation.

It bears the provocative title, THE RIDDLE OF ROBIN HOOD, and is a 15-minute documentary prelude to the theatrical feature. 

 

Stirring highlights in the legend of the celebrated outlaw patriot are combined with a behind-the-scenes revelation of how the Disney picture was made. This, as scores of prominent educators have acknowledged, has legitimate classroom value. At the same time, wherever THE RIDDLE has been loaned to schools, a new focal point of intense interest in THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD has been set up, with obvious reflection at the local theatre box office. 

Use and reception of the innovation by school authorities and students in scores of cities is the talk of the trade and portends further use of similar documentary shorts for other feature releases. 

It is also designed for television use and has already been importantly programmed in this medium as part of the enormous advertising, publicity and exploitation campaign in operation behind THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD".

I have been told the Riddle of Robin Hood was also shown in Britain, both on television and in the cinema. Did you see it? 

 

 

The Earl of Huntingdon's Arched Doorway

Clement McCallin as the Earl of Huntingdon

In this rare still from Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952), we see the Earl of Huntingdon, portrayed by Clement McCallin (1913-1977).

Film writer Lawrence Edward Watkin (1901-1981) introduced an intriguing twist to the legend by making Maid Marian’s father the Earl of Huntingdon. Traditionally, this title was linked to Robin Hood himself, dating back to Tudor times and the two plays by Anthony Munday,  The Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntingdon and The Death of Robert Earl of Huntingdon, both written around 1598.

The Earl of Huntingdon leaves for Nottingham Castle

In those stills above, the Earl of Huntingdon, portrayed by Clement McCallin, stands before an elegant arched doorway.

I am sure this doorway is based on the highly decorated Norman west door at Southwell Minster in Nottinghamshire, England. This remarkably preserved Romanesque church architecture (below) dates between 1108 and 1150 and must have influenced Walt Disney's production crew.

The West Door of Southwell Minster

Disney’s production crew, including producer Perce Pearce, scriptwriter Lawrence Edward Watkin, historical advisor Dr Charles Beard, art director Carmen Dillon, and Richard Todd, visited Nottingham City Library, Nottingham Castle, Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest, including Robin Hood’s Larder (now gone) and the Major Oak, Ollerton, Creswell Crags, Nottingham’s Caves, the Salutation Inn, Trip to Jerusalem Inn and Newstead Abbey. Their quest was to bring the REAL story of Robin Hood to the screen.

Dr Charles Beard was a historical scholar and used as an advisor on 'the mode, manners and customs of medieval England'. His knowledge and guidance, no doubt, influenced Carmen Dillon's art department to produce the Norman doorway at Denham Studios.