Robin Hood
Released: 1973
Version: Video
Length: Approx. 85 minutes
Rated: G
Main Cast: Brian Bedford, Peter Ustinov, Phil Harris (I), Terry-Thomas, Monica Evans, Dana Laurita, Billy Whitaker
Robin Hood is one of my favorite characters. For some reason, I just like the story/mythology behind this character. And Disney does a pretty good job of bringing this character to life. I had a lot of nostalgia going into this film and in some respects, I was disappointed. But you want to get on with the review, so here we go.
The movie begins with a long credit roll and a bunch of spliced together scenes set on a generic background. You'll see all these sequences in the film. This is kind of lame, but I'll let it slide. We meet Alan-A-Dale (Roger Miller), a cock and a minstrel. He is kind of the narrator.
Next we meet Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) and Little John (Phil Harris). They get shot at by the Sheriff of Nottingham's (Pat Buttram) men, but the two "scoundrels" escape, of course. There's some yakking and then they're off to steal from Prince John (Peter Ustinov) as he's on his way to Nottingham to collect taxes.
If you're looking for a dumb scene, this is it. Robin and Little John dress up as gypsies. Robin steals some jewels off the Prince's fingers by slipping them off. Then all of a sudden, the ring is back on the Prince's finger without a jewel...what the? Little John just kisses the Prince's fingers and somehow gets the jewels out of their settings.
Next is seeing Little John go over to a chest that is suspended between 4 guards. Unfortunately, the Prince hired blind idiots as they can't see a huge bear with bosoms the size of cantaloupes go under the chest and drill a hole...or hear the money pouring into "her" breasts. Only when Little John walks off holding his engorged breasts does he get noticed and then it's only to be whistled at. Hello!?!
They get away with a lot of cash and the Prince is made out to be a fool. However, he sets up an archery tournament trap to get Robin. Robin goes because the prize is a smackaroo from his old flame, Maid Marian (Monica Evans), who happens to be the niece of the Prince. This is confusing. How does a fox become the niece of a lion?
Well, the oddest part in this part is where the Prince's rings disappear. They show up in some scenes and not others. But the rest of the sequence is fun. I liked how Robin did a great job shooting his arrows into the targets as well as Little John's act of being a Baron of sorts.
Onwards! Robin gets unmasked and tied up. Little John threatens the Prince and Robin is released. Robin promptly says to Maid Marian, "I owe you my life..." What the? She had nothing to do with it!
Next is a love song type thing with a dreamy scene. Finally there's a silly song with a bunch of people dancing around. It seems all the villagers know where Robin's hideout is.
Anyway, Prince John has most everyone put into prison for not paying their taxes and announces that they'll hang Friar Tuck (Andy Devine [I]) in another attempt to trap Robin. Hood frees him and the rest of the prisoners in a daring escape. He also steals all the money too. This is pathetic. Robin can't leave a single bag of gold no matter the risk.
Finally, as they run to escape the castle, there is a mother rabbit holding a baby riding on the back of a cart. Next thing we know, she's shouting her baby is being left behind and sure enough that's what's happening. What happened to the baby? The mom is now holding money now instead! Is this some kind of implied moral thing where money is more important than watching out for your children? Who knows.
The flaws not withstanding, this is still a good movie. There are positive elements, such as always looking out for the poor and needy (Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are good examples) as well as "true love," chivalry, stopping evil doers, etc.
The Good Stuff:
 | An interesting plot that never gets boring for long |
| Nice animation |
| Funny characters |
| God is mentioned in reverence |
The Bad Stuff:
| Stealing seems to be promoted more than it should. Yes, Robin steals from the rich to feed the poor, but sometimes he seems to want money too much. That example above is a good one. |
The Dumb Stuff:
| All the sloppy inconsistencies with Prince John losing his rings, the mom losing her child... |
| And the last exciting scene where Robin gets a bunch of arrows in the back whilst swimming. Maybe they hit just to his left...it's hard to tell...but he should have died the way they drew it. |
| Watch out for Lady Kluck (Carole Shelley). She can lay the smack down on rhinos. This is lame and since she keeps whooping, that gets really annoying. |
| Robin Hood had a crew of Merry Men in the book(s) and in just about every other thing I've seen or heard of. So, why were they NOT in this one??? |
| The preacher is a mouse...maybe a comment on something. But then again, maybe not. |
I like Robin Hood. It's one of my favorites and I realize this review doesn't make it sound that good. It's a fun movie, but it has a lot of flaws. Most children won't see them or care. But I know I spotted the "lost child" one when I was young and thought it dumb than as I do now. It's a good one for children and those that are children at heart.
STORY: 
VIOLENCE:
SEXUAL CONTENT:
(Only in the odd gypsy disguises. Robin puts the feel on Little
John)
SFX:
LANGUAGE: N/A
OVERALL SCORE: