Movie Review: Robin Hood (1973) directed by Wolfgang Reitherman
A long time ago in England, there lived a fellow named Robin Hood (Brian Bedford), an outlaw who lived in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. With his Merry Men, who included Little John (Phil Harris), Friar Tuck (Andy Devine) and Allan-a-Dale (Roger Miller), he stole from the rich to give to the poor. The rich included Prince John (Peter Ustinov) who was regent of England while King Richard was away, his toady Sir Hiss (Terry Thomas), and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram). Technically rich, but in love with Robin is Maid Marian (Monica Evans).
And they were all anthropomorphic animals.
This 1973 Disney movie does not really have to worry too much about faithfulness to the “original” as the Robin Hood legend is an accretion of ballads, tales and plays since at least the 13th Century, with the specific setting of Prince John’s reign not coming in until the 16th Century. The main thing is that Robin’s a trickster who uses his crimes to stick up for the little guy.
This was an anniversary film for Disney, so it incorporated bits of earlier movies, like dance moves from Snow White and Phil Harris’ portrayal of Little John being very reminiscent of how he’d played Baloo in The Jungle Book.
The use of anthropomorphic animals allows the movie to use and sometimes subvert animal stereotypes to shortcut some characterization. Prince John, for example, is scarcely as regal as a lion should be. It also contributes to the ahistorical feeling. It doesn’t matter what century this story is taking place in, it’s a medieval mash-up with the technology and fashions needed for the plot.
The animation is excellent, there’s some good action scenes and gags, and it hits enough of the high points of Robin Hood to make a satisfying story. The songs are decent, but not quite the bangers some of the other Disney films have had.
What this movie does have that other Robin Hood films don’t is a gaggle of village children who have their own little adventures and personalities.
This would make a good introduction to Robin Hood for young children, and is overall a fun movie for the whole family.
