Although many film websites claim that Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood was filmed in Sherwood Forest, this is not correct. The outdoor scenes were actually shot at Burnham Beeches, a magnificent area of ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire, close to Denham Studios, where the interior scenes were filmed.
Disney’s research team visited Sherwood Forest and Nottingham during pre-production, which may explain how the persistent myth arose that the film was shot there.
Burnham Beeches, designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, has long been a favourite location for film and television productions. On my last visit, filming was underway for a Harry Potter scene. It's remarkable ancient pollarded trees and atmospheric woodland have provided a convincing medieval backdrop for decades.
Disney’s second unit filmed many scenes on a part of Burnham Beeches known as Mendelssohn’s Slope, famed for its striking veteran trees. Nearby, at Middle Pond, Robin (Richard Todd) and Marian (Joan Rice) take their romantic evening stroll, accompanied by Friar Tuck (James Hayter) and Allan-a-Dale (Elton Hayes), who sings “Whistle My Love.”
Burnham Beeches became Walt Disney’s Sherwood Forest not only because it lay just twelve miles from Denham Studios — making it logistically practical — but also because its ancient woodland provided exactly the visual character required for this classic tale. Ironically, several film websites still state that Disney’s live-action adaptation was the only Robin Hood story filmed in Sherwood Forest. This is incorrect, though it does demonstrate just how convincingly Burnham Beeches doubled for the legendary forest.
No comments:
Post a Comment