This great still from Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952) shows Richard Todd as Robin Hood looking at the dead body of Red Gill (Archie Duncan). In this dramatic scene Robin had just killed Red Gill, after witnessing the murder of his father, who was shot in the back by the Sheriff’s henchman, hiding in a tree. In the background the Sheriff’s foresters can be seen ready to pursue Robin through the forest.
The picture clearly shows the remarkable ancient pollarded tree that is typical of those found in Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire. This was the location chosen to be ‘Sherwood Forest,’ not only because of its close proximity to Denham Studios but also because of its amazing ancient woodland that was ideal as a backdrop to this classic tale.
Robin Hood kills Red Gill
ReplyDeleteRichard Todd (Robin Hood)
Red Gill (Archie Duncan)
Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood (1952)
A great shot, it would be fantastic to find that very same tree, theres a good cahance it is still there, the area is vast, so i doubt if we could locate the tree with certainty. its great shot and a memorable scene.
ReplyDeletePity it is not in colour though as Mike says it is a great shot. I love the scenes just before this when Red Gill fires an arrow at Robin as he shelters behind a tree. The colours in that scene are about as good as it gets. It would indeed be difficult to locate the tree but it must be quite accessible to the road because the Technicolor cameras weighed a tonne and would have to be manhandled to the location. These scenes must have been some of the first ones filmed because the trees are only just in leaf whereas later in the film they were fully laden and quite beautiful. As well as a great film this is also a Technicolor treat.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shot.
ReplyDeleteI had a good look around for that tree when I was at Burnham a few years ago. Trouble is the movie was filmed 60 years ago and although it looks quite distictive, it's rather like finding a needle in a haystack. But that is a very good point by Neil about it being in a good position fot access.
ReplyDeleteI will contine my search on my next visit!