The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men
by Ken Annakin
Our Price: $49.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.45 (click here)
Category: VHS Video
See more movie releases
Buy this VHS video movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
VHS Tape Cover Information
Actor: James Hayter, James Robertson Justice, Joan Rice, Peter Finch, Richard ToddDirector: Ken Annakin
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
Running Time: 84 minutes
Release Date: 1994-04-11
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Publisher: Walt Disney Video
Studio: Walt Disney Video
VHS Movie Reviews of The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men
Movie Review: "Where's that harem-scarem son of yours?"
Summary: 4 Stars
Honestly, I can never have too much Robin Hood. I love each and every take out there, and that includes "The Story of Robin Hood", a little-known live action Disney version from the 1950's. I love the gorgeous Technicolor, the delicate matte painting backgrounds, the folk ballads, the archery, the Richard Todd. More on him in a minute.
It's hard to imagine a more sedate version of the rollicking legend. Not that the film is boring; it isn't. It's just oddly calm. There's action, but no peril, plot, but no ideas. The film is a straightforward telling of the facts, so to speak, but we are never allowed any thrills or chills and there is never any doubt that it'll all turn out right in the end.
The cast is decent, minus any real standouts. Joan Rice is a pretty, tom-boyish Maid Marion, and Patrick Barr a suitably awe-inspiring King Richard. The men are sufficiently merry, and I particularly like Elton Hayes as Allan-a-Dale, who sings the evening news to the local peasants. Peter Finch as the Sheriff is a bit of a weak spot; he isn't scary or menacing, just sort of peevish. And then there is Richard Todd, as the man himself.
A word on the acting stylings of Richard Todd. Let me put it this way: He acts as if even-tempered aliens have invaded his body and are politely attempting to go with the flow. Witness the strangely robotic way he carries Maid Marion across the stream. Actually, witness his entire relationship with Maid Marion. Despite her considerable beauty, he seems to merely tolerate her. He manages to look amused when she falls down or something, but other than that, no real interest. He also seems to be generally unconcerned with danger, or with the fact that he is an outlaw banished to the woods, or with anything. Just hanging out, unpreturbed. It's so strange it fascinates me. (For an encore of this exact performance, watch "The Sword and the Rose". Same weird detachment. I love it.) The only director to ever use Todd's otherworldly blankness to good effect was Alfred Hitchcock, in "Stage Fright". But then, what couldn't Hitchcock use to good effect?
This film is a must for people who A) Love Robin Hood with true love's blindness B) Love classic Disney or C) Love the Toddster. I fit into all three catagories so I'm going to buy it, just as soon as my government check comes. In the meantime, Codemaster Talon gives "The Story of Robin Hood"
GRADE: B (B+/A- If you happen to have a "Richard Todd for President" bumper sticker. Not that I do!)
PS If you watch this film, keep an eye out for the most unintentionally hilarious death in screen history, the assassination of Hugh Fitzooth. Oh man, funny every time.
Action & Adventure VHS Video
VHS Video Movies
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation VHS Video
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics VHS Video
- Comedy VHS Video
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama VHS Video
- Educational
- Fitness
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror VHS Video
- Kids & Family
- Military & War VHS Video
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports VHS Video
- Television VHS Video
- Westerns VHS Video
Movies most talked about in Crime in Walt Disney films
One of Our Dinosaurs Is MissingStarz / Anchor Bay; Release date: 1999-06-29; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Price in other shops:
Robin Hood (Most Wanted Edition)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2006-11-28; DVD
Best price: $16.38
Price in other shops:
Oliver & Company (Special Edition)Release date: 2002-05-14; DVD
Best price: $9.98
Price in other shops:
The Aristocats (Special Edition)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2008-02-05; DVD
Best price: $10.99
Price in other shops:
101 Dalmatians (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2008-03-04; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
GusRelease date: 2003-01-14; DVD
Best price: $4.94
Price in other shops:
The Great Mouse DetectiveRelease date: 2002-07-23; DVD
Best price: $10.39
Price in other shops:
The Rescuers Down Under (Disney Gold Classic Collection)Release date: 2000-08-01; DVD
Best price: $9.49
Price in other shops:
The RescuersRelease date: 2003-05-20; DVD
Best price: $10.27
Price in other shops:
Peter Pan (2-Disc Platinum Edition)Buena Vista Home Video; Release date: 2007-03-06; DVD
Best price: $13.00
Price in other shops:
Similar VHS Movies
Mosby's MaraudersBuena Vista Home Video; Release date: 1997-03-18; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $39.98
The Moon-SpinnersRelease date: 2003-01-14; DVD
Best price: $7.92
Price in other shops:
Light in the ForestWalt Disney Video; Release date: 1997-08-26; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $26.93
The Absent-Minded Professor (Widescreen Edition)Release date: 2003-09-02; DVD
Best price: $6.22
Price in other shops:
Treasure IslandRelease date: 2003-04-29; DVD
Best price: $5.55
Price in other shops:
The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)Release date: 2003-09-30; DVD
Best price: $11.99
Price in other shops:
KidnappedWalt Disney Video; Release date: 1997-03-04; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $13.99
In Search of the CastawaysRelease date: 2005-05-03; DVD
Best price: $5.79
Price in other shops:
Walt Disney's Rob Roy: The Highland RogueWalt Disney Home Video; Release date: 1997-03-18; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $8.99
Price in other shops:
Sword & The RoseWalt Disney Video; Release date: 1994-04-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.95