Filmed in Britain

Richard Todd as Robin and Joan Rice as Marian

For this latest blog post, I thought I would delve into the newspaper archive and look at some reports on the release of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood in 1952.

This is from the Coatbridge Leader on April 19th 1952:

"For his filmed-inBritain all-live-action Technicolor production, 'The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men,' Walt Disney assembled a galaxy of British acting talent.

The cast include Richard Todd, Martitia Hunt, Peter Finch, james Robertson Justice, James Hayter, Hubert Gregg and Elton Hayes.

Richard Todd plays the role of the legendary greenwood he-man with a convincing mixture of calculated cunning and stern righteousness that is a refreshing change from Hollywood heroics.

Joan Rice

Lovely British discovery, Joan Rice, also brings fresh appeal to the screen in her first big role as Maid Marian.

Peter Finch, as the bold, bad Sheriff of Nottingham, is as ruthless as any hero could hope to thwart, and at the other end of the stave (wielding it with religious stoutheartedness), James Hayetr is a kindly, jovial Friar Tuck.

Kingly characters both, Hubert Gregg as Prince John, and Patrick Barr as King Richard, thunder realistically in their royal beards.

Strumming a tuneful six-stringed instrument, Elton Hayes was a natural choice for Allan-A-Dale, and a hoary, hefty Little John, James Robertson Justice excels. "