Film Script Auction

Film script of 'The Story of Robin Hood'

Regular readers of my blog will know that we have been lucky enough to see the original script of Walt Disney's live-action movie The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Images of the script were sent to me from Canada by Cindy. They were owned by her father-in-law Noland Blackburn who worked for Walt Disney in the 1950's.

Richard Todd as Robin Hood

Cindy has kindly informed me that the script together with two stills ( shown on this page) from the movie are now up for auction. The link to Heritage Auctions is here. Good luck!

Joan Rice as Maid Marian

Disney's Robin Hood Script 3

Richard Todd as Robin and Joan Rice as Marian

Below is another page from the script of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men which was filmed at Denham Studios and Burnahm Beeches in Buckinghamshire in 1951. The script was originally owned by Noland Blackburn, who worked for Walt Disney Productions during the 1950's. 

Robin describes his 'fair maiden'

I have featured a few pages from this script recently. The page above, shows an early scene in the movie in which Robin Hood (Richard Todd) teases Maid Marian (Joan Rice). But we can see that some of Marian's dialogue was eventually changed. The original script had her saying:

"Chop off infidel heads enough, you'd come back a knight. Forthwith, you'd be scrimaging in a tournament - - to please a lady - - and have your own head chopped of."

But those who have seen the film will know that this was later changed, so that Marian said:

" Chop off enough heads; you will come back a knight. As a knight, you would go jousting in a tournament, to please a lady, and have you own head chopped off!"

Joan Rice as Marian going through the script with Director Ken Annakin

In his memo, Walt Disney describes Joan Rice's difficulties with the dialogue. The director, Ken Annakin went into great detail in his autobiography about the problems he had with her; how he had to slavishly go over the script with her word for word. But it is worth mentioning, that she had been rushed through the ‘Rank Charm School’ a year earlier and that she had no experience in acting beforehand.

Joan Rice (Marian) and Richard Todd Robin Hood) during a break from filming

That page also shows that the original script had Robin holding out his hand 'a foot above Marian's head', showing how much taller his imaginary 'fair maiden' was. This was also eventually cut from the movie.

Joan Rice's costume is adjusted before filming

Below is a section of a picture strip that shows that scene with Robin and Marian.

Joan Rice on set as Maid Marian

To see the whole movie in picture strip form, or read about the lives of Richard Todd and Joan Rice, just click on the relevant label in the task bar.

Special thanks to Cindy for sharing images of the script.

Disney's Robin Hood Script 2

Noland's Disney employee card

Those of you that have read my recent blog post, Disney's Robin Hood Script, will know of my excitement at seeing such a treasured item. Cindy has since, sent some more images, including the original employees identification card for Walt Disney Productions, once owned by her father-in-law, Noland Blackburn (above).

Reverse of Noland's employee card

Noland Philip Blackburn worked for Walt Disney during the 1950's and it is through the kindness of his daughter-in-law Cindy, that we are able to see pages from the original film script of The Story of Robin Hood (1952).

Robin (Richard Todd) looks for the assailant

Below is a page from the script describing the scene where Robin Hood's father is shot in the back by Red Gill, played by Archie Duncan.

Robin's father is shot by the assailant.

The original script describes the assailant and Robin both stalking each other and crawling 'in a circle through the brush.' These scenes were obviously later cut from the movie.

Robin kills that assailant - Red Gill.

Detail of the script 

Below is a couple of pages from Laurence's fabulous Picture Strip that show images of those scenes that were finally used in the movie. 





To see the whole of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men in this picture strip, please click here.

The final scene

I featured the page above in my last edition. This is the final scene where Robin Hood hugs Marian in front of King Richard and the outlaws. But this time the script is accompanied with a rare photograph taken in the studio at Denham as they filmed that exact same scene (below).

Marian (Joan Rice) hugs Robin (Richard Todd) in Denham Studios

Joan Rice as Marian and Richard Todd as Robin Hood

Once again many thanks to Cindy. 

Disney's Robin Hood Script

There have been many highlights compiling this blog over the last ten years. But I am sure my readers will agree, few can compare with seeing images of the script from our favourite movie!

Front cover of the Robin Hood script

I am extremely grateful to Cindy who has kindly emailed me these images from Canada. The script belonged to her father-in-law who worked for Walt Disney during the 1950's.

Detail of the cover

I have enlarged a few of Cindy's pictures, so that the pages can be read.

First page of the script

First page describing the opening scene

It is a pity Disney cut part of the beginning scene at Huntington Manor with Stephen the steward. In the final edit only the Earl's Page can be seen by the hall doorway holding the golden hunting horn.

Final page of the script

Joan Rice as Maid Marian and Richard Todd as Robin Hood

Detail of the final page

Cindy's father-in-law was Noland Philip Blackburn. She says he:

Went to the United States with his mother and wanted to pursue an acting career.  He got his job at Disney and was a mail clerk and told us he would deliver Walt's coffee and lunch to him.  His career there was cut short due to the draft.  He had to hop on a train to get back to Canada to avoid the draft.  He obtained a lot of his collection from items that were being thrown out when he worked there and kept them all these years.

I am sure you will agree that seeing the original screenplay by Lawrence Edward Watkin has been fascinating. So I want to send a huge thank you to Cindy.

The script will eventually be auctioned.

There will be more to see soon!

Film Script3: A New Sheriff of Nottingham

Script From 'The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men'

(From the screen play by Lawrence Edward Watkin)

Scene 3: Nottingham Castle Battlements

[Prince John is looking out over the turrets of Nottingham Castle, watching the Crusaders disappearing into the sunset].

Prince John: De Lacy!

[De Lacy steps out of the shadows of the castle].

De Lacy: My Prince?

Prince John: A heavy responsibility rests upon me from this hour. Kings have died on Crusades. The prince in line for the succession needs men about him he can trust.

De Lacy: My lord, I’m yours as blade to hilt.

Prince John: Good! You shall be my new Sheriff of Nottingham. As Sheriff you will enforce the trespass laws in Sherwood Forest, not with Richard’s lenient hand, but to the very letter of those laws. For such a task we will need a larger posse.


De Lacy: We need an army!

Prince John: Aye an Army! An army of hard shooters, men that can feather their arrows at ten score yards, should their prince so much as whisper his command.

De Lacy: Can your estate maintain so larger force?

[Prince John gives an evil smile].

Prince John: Our men will maintain themselves, gathering my new taxes.

De Lacy: My lord, you have a kingly mind.

Prince John: Then bestir you man. I shall look to see the finest bowman in the kingdom, wearing the Sheriff’s livery.

De Lacy: Give me but a fortnight; I’ll have such men enlisted.

Prince John: Good. You shall show me what they can do at the shooting match at Nottingham Fair.

Film Script 2: King Richard at Nottingham Castle

Script From 'The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men'

(From the screen play by Lawrence Edward Watkin)

Scene 2: Nottingham Castle

[The Earl of Huntingdon arrives with his daughter Maid Marian and their retinue on horseback at Nottingham Castle].

[King Richard, Queen Eleanor and Prince John enter the Great Hall at Nottingham Castle].

King Richard: I would you were coming with us brother John.

Prince John: I was not born to conqueror kingdoms Richard.

King Richard: Then while I’m gone you must help me govern mine. Our Midland Counties need the firm guidance of a princely heir.

Prince John: I pledge you my faith, I will uphold your laws with the strictest diligence.

King Richard: Diligence yes, tempered with understanding. The strength of England stems from the well being of her humblest peasant. Let your first care be for our Kingdom, you’re second for our lady mother.

Queen Eleanor: A woman who has reared two sons like you, can look after herself.

[The Earl of Huntingdon approaches].

King Richard: Welcome Huntingdon! Rise up man, do not kneel to a brother knight of the Cross. Now truly we can say the best and bravest of our realm are gathered here.

Earl of Huntingdon: May God make us worthy of you trust Sire. But before we go. I have a boon to ask of the Queen, your mother. I pray you madam, take my girl into your household, ‘till my return?

Queen Eleanor: Come here child.

[Maid Marian approaches and kneels before the Queen].

Queen Eleanor: What is your name?

Maid Marian: Marian, madam.

Queen Eleanor: Marian. A sweet and gentle name, does your nature match it?

Maid Marian: If it pleased the Queen.

Queen Eleanor: Rise then. I will take her and in your absence keep her safe.

Earl of Huntingdon: I humbly thank you madam.

[As the royal party proceed The Sheriff of Nottingham kneels before King Richard].

Sheriff: My lord king, I too would beg a boon.

King Richard: What! Another petitioner! Say on Sir Sheriff.

Sheriff: My men and I would follow our king across the seas?

King Richard: Granted! The King wills it!

[King Richard turns to Prince John].

King Richard: Find a new Sheriff of Nottingham and men to serve him.

Prince John: I will my lord.

[As King Richard and the Royal Family walk down the steps of Nottingham Castle the assembled troops cheer loudly].

King Richard: My Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, we ask a blessing on this our most Holy enterprise.

[The Archbishop of Canterbury turns to the crusading soldiers and raises his hand. The troops kneel in prayer].

Archbishop of Canterbury: Almighty God, Lord of Battles, lead the armies of the cross to the Holy places and give, them we beseech Thee, victory in the coming strife. Grant wisdom and guidance to the princes of Christendom and vouch safe that those who fall, may enter the glory of Thy kingdom.

[Assembled soldiers reply Amen. King Richard removes his sword from its scabbard, kisses its handle and then receives a kiss from his mother Queen Eleanor. He raises his sword].

King Richard: To horse!

[King Richard then mounts his white horse and ceremoniously raises his sword once again].

King Richard: Advance my banner! God wills it!

[The assembled crusaders leave through Nottingham Castle gates].

Film Script: 1. Huntingdon Manor

Script From 'The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men'

(From the screen play by Lawrence Edward Watkin)

Scene One: Huntingdon Manor

[Daybreak in Huntingdon Manor courtyard as the Earl prepares for the Crusade, Tyb the old nurse is searching for Maid Marian].

Tyb: Marian! Marian!

Earl of Huntingdon: Tyb, Is that daughter of mine not ready to leave?

Tyb: Aye, my Lord. I have her ready, decked and adorned like any daffodil. There will be no other lady half so fine. When the Queen sets her eyes on my pretty, she’ll take her, never fear.

Earl of Huntingdon: Then find her good Tyb, lest we leave in the hour, I’ll miss the King at Nottingham.

Tyb: Marian! Marian! Plague take that naughty gad-about playing will-o-the wisp at a time like this. Marian, M-Marian!

[Hugh Fitzooth enters the Courtyard. Tyb bows courteously].

Tyb: Master Fitzooth, where’s that harum-scarum son of yours?

Hugh Fitzooth: The Maid’s not with Robin if that’s what you mean.

Tyb: Find one bad penny, you’ll find two!

Hugh Fitzooth: Nay! My lad’s alone in the meadow, drawing his bow against a willow wand.

[Robin is practising his archery and Maid Marian is hidden in a bush meddling with Robin’s target. Eventually he realises and chases her through the trees until he stumbles on a root and falls to the ground. As he looks up at Marian, she laughs at him].

Marian: Did you miss the mark again poor fellow?

[As she starts to run away, Robin trips her up with his bow].

Robin: There’s more than one way to bring down a quarry.

[As they are both laughing on the ground Tyb the nurse maid approaches].

Tyb: Marian! Marian! Saints above now look at you! With the Earl, my Lord kept waiting, while you lie groveling in the dirt, showing your garter. A lady, who’s old enough to serve the Queen, should be old enough to act the lady.

Robin: Tut! Tut!

[Marian drew herself up stiffly].

Marian: Very well then, inform the Earl, my dear lord and father, I will attend to him presently.

[Tyb looks astonished].

Marian: You have my leave to go, good Tyb.

[Tyb bows and starts to make her way back to Huntingdon Manor].

Robin: Well!

Marian: And you good rogue, have my gracious leave to pine and fret till my return.

Robin: Oh! Why should I?

Marian: To please a Lady.

Robin: If I could please myself, I’d take the cross and follow my king to the Holy Land.

Marian: ‘T would come to the same thing in the end. Chop off enough heads; you will come back a knight. As a knight, you would go jousting in a tournament, to please a lady, and have you own head chopped off!

Robin: Ah! It will be worth it!

Marian: Is she so passing fair?

Robin: Aye.

Marian: Describe her to me Robin.

Robin: Well, she’s very………..

Tyb: Marian! Come now!

Robin: Your father’s waiting!

Marian: I know! I know! Tell me quickly!

Robin: Well, she’s tall and stately, with bonnie blue eyes and golden hair. And above all else, she’s sweetly tempered.

[Realising she’s been tricked, Marian kicks Robin in the shin. Robin begins to hop up and down in pain and as she passes him, Marian pushes Robin over and laughing makes her way back to Huntingdon Manor].

Marian: Farewell clod hopper!

[Robin laughs].