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Robin Hood (1973 film)

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Robin Hood (1973 film)
Robin Hood (1973 film)
NameRobin Hood
CaptionTheatrical release poster
DirectorWolfgang Reitherman
ProducerWolfgang Reitherman
StoryLarry Clemmons
StarringBrian Bedford, Phil Harris, Peter Ustinov, Terry-Thomas, Andy Devine, Roger Miller, Pat Buttram, George Lindsey, Carole Shelley
MusicGeorge Bruns
EditingJames Melton
StudioWalt Disney Productions
DistributorBuena Vista Distribution
Released1973, 11, 8
Runtime83 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$1.5 million
Gross$32 million

Robin Hood (1973 film) is an animated feature produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by Buena Vista Distribution in 1973. The film presents a comedic, anthropomorphic animal retelling of the classic English legend, set in a fictional medieval kingdom. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, it was the 21st film in the Disney animated feature canon and features a voice cast including Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, and Peter Ustinov.

Plot

In the kingdom ruled by the cowardly King Richard the Lionheart, his greedy brother, Prince John, usurps the throne with the help of his sinister advisor, Sir Hiss. Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham oppress the poor citizens of Nottingham with exorbitant taxes. The heroic outlaw Robin Hood and his companion Little John, both depicted as foxes, rob from the rich to give to the poor, constantly evading the Sheriff. The plot follows Robin's efforts to thwart Prince John, win the heart of the lovely Maid Marian, and ultimately restore justice to the kingdom with the return of the true king.

Voice cast

* Brian Bedford as Robin Hood * Phil Harris as Little John * Peter Ustinov as Prince John and King Richard * Terry-Thomas as Sir Hiss * Andy Devine as Friar Tuck * Roger Miller as Alan-a-Dale * Pat Buttram as the Sheriff of Nottingham * Carole Shelley as Maid Marian * Monica Evans as Lady Kluck * Ken Curtis as Nutsy * Billy Whitaker as Skippy * George Lindsey as Trigger * Candy Candido as the Captain of the Guard * John Fiedler and Barbara Luddy as additional characters

Production

The film was produced during a period of economic constraint for Walt Disney Productions, following the death of founder Walt Disney. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, it reused animation sequences and character designs from earlier Disney films like The Jungle Book and The Aristocats to reduce costs. The story was developed by Larry Clemmons, based on outlines by Ken Anderson. The decision to use an all-animal cast was a creative choice to differentiate this version from previous live-action adaptations, such as The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Music

The film's score was composed by longtime Disney collaborator George Bruns, with songs by Roger Miller and Floyd Huddleston. Miller, who also voiced the narrator Alan-a-Dale, performed the opening ballad "Whistle-Stop" and the love theme "Not in Nottingham". Other notable songs include "Oo-De-Lally", performed by Miller, and "The Phony King of England", a lively number sung by Phil Harris. The soundtrack album was released by Disneyland Records.

Release and reception

The film premiered in New York City on November 8, 1973, and was generally met with mixed reviews from critics like Roger Ebert, who found it charming but derivative. Despite the critical reception, it was a financial success, grossing approximately $32 million worldwide against a $1.5 million budget. The film's release coincided with the marketing of related merchandise and was later re-released in theaters in 1982. It has since become a cult classic, appreciated for its humor and memorable characters.

Legacy

While not initially considered among Disney's masterpieces like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the film has grown in stature through home video releases and television broadcasts on The Disney Channel. It is noted for its influence on later animated animal adventures and for introducing the Robin Hood legend to a new generation. Characters like Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham remain popular Disney villains. The film's aesthetic and comedic tone have been referenced in later works, including the Disney Renaissance film The Great Mouse Detective.

Category:1973 animated films Category:Walt Disney Animation Studios films Category:Films directed by Wolfgang Reitherman Category:English-language films