Picture Strip 10 : Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood

Part 10 of Laurence's fabulous picture strip of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). To see previous pages, please click on the label below.

The Very Finest of Cinematic Art

Unfortunately, I do not know which American newspaper the article below originally came from (possibly The Cleveland Press in Ohio), but I thought it would be interesting to post this small piece of cinematic history. The column below was written by Winsor French after he had attended one of the first screenings for reviewers, behind closed doors, of the sumptuous classic ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ which would later be released across the USA on 14^th May 1938. Needless to say 72 years later, it remains the benchmark to which all later film versions of the legend are judged and this reviewer at the time was obviously impressed.

Original Press Article

It reads:

“Casting an eye about on coming events, one of the most important is the impending arrival of Warner Brothers ‘Robin Hood’ at the Hippodrome Theatre, with Errol Flynn as the swashbuckling hero of Sherwood Forest.

Screened behind locked doors the other afternoon for reviewers it emerged as another example that while Warners can produce some of the most banal films today, they can also come forward with the very finest of cinematic art.

And ‘Robin Hood’ I believe will be just that. Photographed in Technicolor, supplied with an excellent cast, it is crowded with action and suspense as one exciting sequence followed another. Primarily perhaps for children, it also should have enormous appeal for adults as well, and no one will be able to deny the superiority of Basil Rathbone’s performance.

This is in no sense a review, but simply an announcement that as [?] ‘Mad about Music,’ with Deanna Durbin, has run its course, Mr. Flynn will be along with his portrayal of the famous bandit. And you should find it a very satisfying characterization."

Winsor French, April 29th 1938.

The Cleveland Press, May 12th 1938

The Forest Lodge, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire

Back in June I spent a lovely weekend in the small village of Edwinstowe in Nottinghamshire. I stayed at a lovely old coaching inn called The Forest Lodge which is about 5 minutes walking distance from the entrance to the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
 

The owners of The Forest Lodge were very welcoming and the quality of the service and food was exceptional. There is ample parking in the forecourt and the hotel lies almost opposite St. Mary’s Church, where legend states that Robin Hood married Maid Marian. I thoroughly recommend The Forest Lodge and hope to make another visit as soon as I can. Their website is at: http://www.forestlodgehotel.co.uk/main.html

Picture Strip 9 : Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood

Part 9 of Laurence's fabulous picture strip of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). To see previous pages, please click on the label below.

Robin Hood Jig Saw Puzzle No.1

Back in March, Neil discovered three jigsaw puzzles from Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood. At the time we discussed the beautiful artwork and wondered who the artist was who painted these exquisite pictures. Well, I am pleased to say that Laurence has recently sent me yet another example of these 58 year old puzzles and an answer to our question!



Laurence said:

“I was just having a quick peep at your site and saw the images of three of the puzzles that were issued as a tie-in with the film. I thought you might like an image of the No. 1 in the series, Also, for your information, the artist for the artwork on the boxes and the puzzles themselves was Arnold Beauvais (1886-1982) who also illustrated the film tie-in book, which I am sure you are familiar with.

He also illustrated the film books for Disney's Treasure Island and Rob Roy, The Highland Rogue.”

Laurence has also very kindly sent me some information on the life of Arnold Beauvais, which I will post at a later date.

To see more memorabilia from Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men, please click on the Label Memorabilia below.

Joan Rice at the Premier

Joan Rice at the premier of Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men at the Leicester Square Theatre on Thursday 13th March 1952.

Thank You!

It’s time for a break. But before I go I would just like to say a big thank you to all of my regular readers and contributors. This blog has progressed beyond my wildest expectations and it is down to your regular input and encouragement that this has been achieved. Knowing you wonderful people are out there is a continual source of inspiration.

I will leave you all with one of my prize possessions and look forward to being back with you very soon.

Albie's Videos of Sherwood Forest, Wellow May Day and Haughton Chapel.

Above is a picture I took of an ancient tree in Sherwood Forest a few weeks back. I can see the face and horns of Herne the Hunter amongst its gnarled bark and his arms seemed to be streched right out, almost protecting the woodland behind him!

If you would like to see more of Sherwood Forest, Wellow May Day and the old ruins of Haughton Chapel in Nottinghamshire, Albie has very kindly sent in a link to his video chanel on YouTube.

It can be found at:http://www.youtube.com/user/Albieinthewoods

Picture Strip 8 : Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood

Part 8 of Laurence's fabulous picture strip of Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). To see previous pages, please click on the label below.