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.