One of my fondest childhood memories will always be (strangely enough) being ill and home from school, wrapped up in blankets on the sofa, watching Disney's Robin Hood.
I can't imagine there are many people who don't know the story of Robin Hood, but in Disney's 21st animated feature film, the story is brought to life by the animal kingdom.
With England at war and King Richard gone to fight in the crusades, the country is left in the dastardly hands of Prince John and his snaky servant, Sir Hiss. Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham are collecting huge taxes that the people of Nottingham just can't afford, but of course the charming Robin Hood is there to counter the bad guys and come to the rescue. Accompanied by his faithful friend, Little John and aided by Friar Tuck and the people of Nottingham, Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Along the way, of course, he wins the love of Lady Marian and gets into some almost inescapable scrapes...
The film's story is its biggest strength, being at the same time familiar and exciting. Disney brought the tale to life with their wonderful animal adaptation, aptly casting Robin Hood as a fox, Prince John as a snivelling lion, the Sheriff of Nottingham as a wolf and Friar Tuck as a badger.
The voice talents prove to be the film's other strength. The well-loved voice of Phil Harris (best known as the voice of Baloo in The Jungle Book) as Little John throughout the film brings warmth to the character. Brian Bedford's characterisation of Robin Hood is roguish and charming, whilst Peter Ustinov makes a spectacularly spoilt and whiny Prince John. Disney fans will recognise several voices throughout the film: Pat Buttram (as the Sheriff of Nottingham) and George Lindsey both provided voices for The Aristocats. Barbara Luddy (Mother Rabbit) was the voice of Kanga in the old Winnie the Pooh cartoons.
As for the songs in the film, there aren't many. First we have 'Whistle-Stop', which really is just whistling (very upbeat and cheerful) to accompany the credits. 'Oo-de-lally' is probably one of the best known, accompanied by a great scene where Robin and Little John are chased by the Royal Guard. 'The Phony King of England' is a great jolly song, poking fun at Prince John. 'Love', the song sung by Robin and Maid Marian, is pretty but unremarkable. Finally we have the song 'Not In Nottingham', which is quite downbeat but beautiful.
The Special Edition DVD comes with bonus features:
- Animated bonus short "Ye Olden Days" - Deleted scenes featuring Alternate Ending - Robin Hood art gallery - Robin Hood's Merry Games: Archery trivia Challenge / Rescue Maid Marian - Disney song selection
I can't say that the bonus material influenced my decision to buy the DVD, but the "Ye Olden Days" short was nice to watch and the other features are a good way to pass some time.
Because I know a lot of people like to see them, I'll include a cast list:
Robin Hood (a Fox) - Brian Bedford Maid Marian (a Vixen) - Monica Evans Little John (a Bear) - Phil Harris Prince John (a Lion) - Peter Ustinov The Sheriff of Nottingham (a Wolf) - Pat Buttram Sir Hiss (a Snake) - Terry-Thomas Friar Tuck (a Badger) - Andy Devine Lady Kluck (a Chicken) - Carole Shelley Alan-a-Dale (a Rooster) - Roger Miller Trigger & Nutsey (Vultures) - George Lindsey and Ken Curtis, respectively Church Mice - John Fiedler and Beulah Bondi Mother Rabbit - Barbara Luddy Sis (a Rabbit) - Dana Laurita Tagalong (a Rabbit) - Dora Whitaker Skippy (a Rabbit) - Billy Whitaker Toby (a Turtle) Richie Sanders Otto (a Dog) - J. Pat O'Malley Captain of the Guard (a Crocodile) - Candy Candido
In all, I'd say this is a must for any Disney collection. The film is filled with fun and humour, I'm sure it will be enjoyed by old and young alike! It's certainly one that I've never grown tired of.
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And isn't Friar Tuck played by the voice of WInnie The Pooh? Sad as I am, this is actually one of my favourite films of ever, even making my top ten, somewhere between Magnolia and True Romance.
IzzyS 09.02.2008 12:38
Good review. I remember I used to watch this alot when I was younger; havent seen it in years but it is a good film from what I remember...
The legend of Robin Hood one of the most popular stories of all time is brought ... more
magically to life in this full length animated Disney classic. The spirit of fun and romance abounds as Robin Hood the swashbuckling hero of Sherwood Forest and his va...
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