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:
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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?"
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| 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.