The New Robin Hood is Richard Todd

Evening News April 5th 1952

I have discovered this small article in The Evening News, dated Saturday April 5th 1952:

“ Walt Disney’s new version of the Sherwood Forest legend makes ‘Robin Hood’ ideal family entertainment - colourful, gay and packed full of action.

As the honest lad who turns outlaw when his father is murdered by the Sheriff’s men, Richard Todd pulls a powerful longbow and turns in a different performance from all his previous ones.

Joan Rice, ex-waitress turned top-line star, is a pretty Maid Marion and earns the approval of the gallant Robin.

The supporting cast is exceptionally strong and includes James Robertson Justice as an enormous Little John, James Hayter as the plump Friar Tuck and Hubert Gregg as Prince John. And there is a pleasing portrayal of a strolling “news vendor” by Elton Hayes. This ranks as the best of the Merrie Men stories”. 

This was just one example of the huge publicity machine behind the promotion of Walt Disney’s live-action movie The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Disney was a master at promoting his films.

Shop window displays promoting Robin Hood

Neil discovered an article in ‘Picture Post’ dated 27th March 1952 that showed some of the incredible window displays in London’s West End, promoting Robin Hood.

Some of the stores shown in the picture included:

1. The ‘Robin Hood’ display put on by the Houndstitch Warehouse Company in their women’s outdoor wear window.

2. The elaborate sports window tie-in at Selfridge’s Oxford Street.

3. Vatric, Regent Street, purveyors of vacuum cleaners, use this modernistic ‘Robin Hood’ motif.

4. Famed toy store, Hamley’s of Regent Street, brighten their windows ‘Robin Hood’ cut-outs, bows and arrows.

5. Cramer’s music store, of Kensington High Street, favours the eye-catching ‘Robin Hood’ music display.

6. This ingenious ‘Robin Hood tie-in’ is on show at Anglo-French Shoes, of Victoria Street.'

Queues to see ‘Robin Hood’.

The ‘Picture Post’ article also showed the huge crowds outside the cinemas. The film was of course a huge success!

Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet

John Nelson has kindly made me aware of the still below of Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet in Walt Disney’s live-action film The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).

Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet

I have often lamented that there was never a sequel to this movie. With todays modern trend for film companies to create a franchise, this Technicolor masterpiece would have been a perfect contender. The Story of Robin Hood could have continued. One of the many reasons, I believe, is because the movie is jam-packed with great characters played by wonderful actors and actresses.

Will Scarlet is one of them. ‘Cousin Will’ as Robin Hood (Richard Todd) describes him, first appears amongst the outlaws in their camp in Sherwood Forest. Nothing in the screen-play explains Will’s background any further. In fact the dapperly dressed Will Scarlet, (Anthony Forwood), only has one main scene and that is to simply help the other outlaws ‘Christen’ Little John (James Robertson-Justice), by throwing him in the river.

Will Scarlet grabs Little John

After the scene with Little John, Anthony Forwood’s time on the silver screen as Will Scarlet is short-lived. I feel that much more could have been added to the narrative. 

Another still of Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet

I am sure Anthony Forward, or Tony as he preferred to be known, would have wanted a larger part in the movie. He was born in the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset on 3rd October 1915. In 1939 he began courting the husky-voiced Welsh actress Glynis Johns, whom he later married. Their only child, Gareth was born in London in 1945. (Gareth Forwood was later to appear in films such as Ghandi in 1982). 

Glynis and Tony were divorced in 1948. 

Anthony Forwood

Anthony ‘Tony’  Forwood’s films included :

Man in Black (1949)
Traveller’s Joy (1949)
Meet Simon Cherry (1949)
The Black Widow (1951)
Colonel March Investigates (1952)
Appointment in London (1952)
The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952)

Knights of the Round Table (1953)

In 1939 Tony had met Dirk Bogarde who was later to become one of the biggest British matinee idols of the 1950’s. Tony started off by chauffeuring for Bogarde, who often simply referred to him at that time as ‘Forwood’. They later lived in a mansion together, near Pinewood Studios, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. But Bogarde repeatedly denied that their relationship was anything other than friendship. He described Tony Forwood as a tremendously intelligent, controlling influence. This became more apparent when his former chauffeur now started being referred to as his ‘personal manager.’ 

Tony also kept a unique record of their life together on 16mm film, which included the pair of them entertaining film stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck and Jean Simmons.

‘Tony’ Forwood

Together, Dirk Bogarde and Tony Forwood moved during the 1970’s to a 15th century farmhouse in Provence, in the South of France. Bogarde began writing some successful books, but he also began witnessing Tony’s terrible protracted fight with Parkinson's disease and bowel cancer. When Tony’s health became critical, they moved back to London in 1987. But sadly Tony passed away on the 18th May 1988. 

After witnessing his partners slow tragic death, Dirk Bogarde became active in promoting voluntary euthanasia for terminally patients in Britain. Dirk died in 1999 and in the year 2000 his ashes were taken back to the farm in Provence, where he had spent some of the happiest days of his life-with Tony Forwood.

“ We had a terrific fifty years together and nothing can take any part of that away.” 
(Dirk Bogarde)

Dirk Bogarde, Kathleen Tynan and Tony Forwood

The Chant of the Crusaders

I have often written about the quality of Walt Disney’s live action movie, The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Thanks to a message from a reader, here is another example of an often overlooked scene and the research behind creating it:

Prince John watches the Crusaders ride into the sunset

Like many, whose childhood was spent watching hazy black and white television, a chance to watch a Techinicolor film at a local cinema, was a wonderful experience. So, I can only describe seeing Walt Disney’s live-action movie, The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952) as a kind of epiphany, and that experience has inspired me to write about the sheer quality of this motion picture ever since.

I have many favourite scenes in The Story of Robin Hood, and one that never fails to take my breath away is the moment Prince John (Hubert Gregg), looks out across the battlements of Nottingham Castle to watch his brother, King Richard I, lead his crusading army into the sunset. This is a great example of the matte work and special effects of Peter Ellenshaw.

Knights follow King Richard to the Holy Land

But, it is not only the imagery that is breathtaking. As King Richard’s knights, men-at-arms and baggage train follow their king to the Holy Land, the haunting chant and music by Clifton Parker is equally amazing. It sends shivers down my back. This seems to be a scene of the film that is often overlooked. 

I asked about, the ‘Gregorian Chant,’ that accompanies the crusaders many years ago, and Barrie Thurlow has also recently asked about the music that accompanies this scene:

“ ...does anyone know whether the fantastic melody to the Crusader hymn "Lignum Crucis Signum Ducis", sung by the departing army as King Richard marches off and Prince John plots with the Sheriff, was based on a mediaeval original tune, or was it newly composed by Clifton Parker? It's marvellous, wonderful either way, but if anyone knows I'd love to share the knowledge!” 

The long trail of Crusaders

I have briefly researched the Crusader hymn that Barrie mentions. And it does seem to be based on:

Lignum Crucis,
Signum ducis,
Sequitur exercitus,
Quod non cessit,
Sed praecessit,
In vi Sancti Spiritus.

Translated it means:

Wood of the Cross,
Sign of the leaders,
Battle follows,
Which has never ceased,
But excelled,
Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Like many verse compositions, its origins are lost to history. But the chronicler Roger of Howden (d.1201) provides evidence for the use of hymn verses like this, in crusade exhortations at daily masses performed at St Paul’s Cathedral, in London at the time. He describes, ‘a certain clerk named Master Berther, a native of Orleans, who aroused the spirits of many to assume the cross, by reciting a sermon that took the form of rhymed lament’.

Clifton Parker

Clifton Parker (1905-1989) is credited with writing most of the music for Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood. So it does seem the crusader hymn mentioned above, had been researched by the production crew and adapted for the film. Yet another example of the attention to detail in this wonderful film.

If anyone else can help answer Barrie’s question, please get in touch.

Elton Hayes Interview

John Nelson has recently sent me a link to a fascinating interview with Elton Hayes. I have posted about this video clip before, but its worth mentioning again.

Elton Hayes in 1984

Back in 2012, Neil also made me aware of this, but unfortunately, due to the strict copyright laws by the owners, East Anglian Film Archive, I can not post the interview on here. But, for fans and admirers of the talented Elton Hayes, this is a must-see. Not only does he describe his work for Walt Disney on Treasure Island and Robin Hood, but Elton also sings a verse from the song ‘Wanderin' Star’, from the movie Paint Your Wagon.


Here is the link:  Elton Hayes Interview


The video clip is referenced as ‘Spectrun-Out of Town-Squeezbox: Elton Hayes’ and was filmed at Elton's farm in Suffolk in 1984.

Elton Hayes as Allan-a-Dale

In my opinion, Elton Hayes’s portrayal of Alan-a-Dale in Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood (1952), has never been surpassed. He was ‘made for the part’ and as the wandering minstrel, he carried the story uniquely from scene to scene, imitating the link the legend has with the balladeers that first spread the legend in medieval England.


There are over 34 pages on this blog, dedicated to Elton Hayes.  Much of the information has come to us via Geoff Waite, who has not only researched the life of Elton, but recently written a short bio in a CD compilation of his work. This is now available on the Retrospective label, from Amazon UK. 

The 64 recordings display a unique mix of various traditional English ballads performed by Elton. But, unfortunately his songs from Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952) are not featured. 

Whistle My Love by Elton Hayes

But a CD  produced on the Windyridge label as part of their ‘Variety’  series (WINDYVAR90) does include ‘ Whistle My Love ' and ‘ Riddle Dee Diddle Dee Day,’ and is available here.

Queen Eleanor Buys Some Chips

Martita Hunt buys some chips.

When was the last time you saw a monarch buy some chips? Or even a film star in a local chippy?

The image above was sent to me by Neil Vessey. Neil has been a regular contributor to this site down the years and found this 'Picture Post' article showing the wonderful actress Martita Hunt (1899-1969), in a chip shop. 

The magazine states that the photograph was taken during a break in the filming of Treasure Hunt. This movie was released the same year as her appearance in Walt Disney's live-action movie, The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).

Martita Hunt is of course, remembered for her portrayal of Miss Haversham in David Lean’s excellent Great Expectations (1946). But, her powerful screen presence was suited perfectly for her role as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in Robin Hood. 

Martita Hunt as Queen Eleanor

Maid Marian and her Father

Clement McCalin and Joan Rice

My last two posts have featured the actors Clement McCallin (1913-1977) and Joan Rice (1930-1997), who both appeared in Disney’s live-action film, The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Here is a lovely movie still of both of them together. 

Clement McCallin only had a small role as the Earl of Huntingdon, Maid Marian’s father, which is unfortunate, because I believe more could have been added to his story. But, Joan’s Maid Marian played an integral part in the whole film. As Sherron Lux says in her paper, And ‘The Reel’ Maid Marian, it is misleading to call the film ‘The Story of Robin Hood’, as it should be ‘Marian’s Story’ .

In Disney’s first film version The Story of Robin Hood, Joan’s portrayal of Maid Marian stands in sharp contrast to earlier, and even many later versions of the legend. She is bright and courageous. Which was groundbreaking for the time. Maid Marian defies the Queen, disguises herself as a page and escapes to the outlaw camp. She then initiates her own campaign to raise money for the kings ransom. For her trouble she gets locked up in a damp dungeon, but ultimately proves Robin’s loyalty to the king. It’s a pity Disney didn’t consider a sequel! 
What do you think?

Hal Osmond & Clement McCallin

We have seen several collections of memorabilia from Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men, owned by fans of the movie. The images below, have been kindly sent in by regular contributor John Nelson. They show the signatures of two stars of Disney’s wonderful live-action movie.

The Signature of Hal Osmond

Above is the signature of Hal Osmond (1903-1959) in 1946. Hal played the role of mischievous Midge the Miller for Disney in Robin Hood.

Hal as Midge the Miller

Below are a few more photographs from John's collection. These  show Clement McCallin (1913-1977) in a production of The Maid of the Mountains. This was performed at the Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, from November 12th to 17th 1951. 

The filming of Disney’s Robin Hood had by this time finished at Denham Studios in Buckinghamshire. Clement McCallin had starred as Maid Marian’s father, the Earl of Huntingdon. Now, Clement was appearing on stage as Baldasarre in The Maid of the Mountains.

Clement as Baldasarre

Clement as the Earl of Huntingdon 

To learn more about these two wonderful actors, just click on the labels below or in the task bar.

Joan Rice (1930-1997)

Joan Rice as Maid Marian

Joan Rice sadly passed away on New Years Day in 1997, she was 66. This blog site is dedicated to her memory and has over 95 pages about her life and career. 

It is always nice to hear from readers who knew Joan. So I thought I would share a few of their memories. Fred got in touch in December 2019 and said:

The first and only time I saw Joan's acting was in ‘Blind Bait’. I loved her innocence, despite she played a very charming bigamist. May God grant her peace.

Geoffrey Cunning recalled Joan finding him a flat:


I remember her well from her property letting agency in Maidenhead. I was do delighted to meet her, having not seen her since the Maid Marian days. Still beautiful with a husky voice (smoking!) She was delightful to talk to - and found me a flat in Bray.

Joan Rice as Maid Marian

It was during the days of C.B. Radio that John Poynter remembers Joan:

My memories of Joan, are from her use of a C.B. Radio. ‘Rice Pudding’ she called herself. I spent a few afternoons in her flat just talking. She was a great and wonderful lady, I still think of her often. Especially when I pass her flat in Maidenhead. Rest In Peace Joan.

Mike Halston left a message on Joan’s obituary page:

Just watched ‘Police Dog’ on Talking Pictures TV. Joan was certainly a bit of a stunner with not a little acting ability. Very similar in her appearance to her contemporary, Hazel Court. Fondly remembered now.

Thank you to everyone one who has got in touch with their memories of Joan Rice. If you have any memories of ‘our Maid Marian,’ please get in touch.

Merrie Christmas

I would like to send out a Merry Christmas - or should that be Merrie Christmas to all my readers! Many thanks to Neil, Geoff, John, Laurence, Mike, Peter and all those who have so kindly contributed to this blog down the years and continued to find interesting topics on Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952).

I have now reached 825 posts on this site, but I could not have achieved it without your continued support. So a big thank you to everyone of you!

" I'll give you a health! To you and all your families. God grant you all health and a long life! And bring confusion on all your enemies. Be they peasant or prince!” [Loosely based on Robin’s toast to King Richard].