Rent Robin Hood (1973)

Forgotten Disney classic - Robin Hood review by CP Customer

This is a lovely little Disney film, which seems to get forgotten amongst the big names like The Lion King, Aladdin etc. In it all the legendary Robin Hood characters are different animals. There are some really funny characters and scenes and there is a real sweetness and innocence about it. For everyone from very young children to any age upwards!

Peter Ustinov is magnificent in this lovingly animated & highly entertaining classic - Robin Hood review by TB

Released in 1973, this is rightly considered a classic by many people, loved by generations of children. It was clear from the outset why Disney was always going to do a film about the legend of the Robin Hood, as there is such a rich history & multiple angles this story could be told from.

But to me, the absolute genius is and will always be the cast of voice actors who bring this story to life, whose vocal performances are simply perfect. And leading front & center is Peter Ustinov as Prince John.

Using simply his voice, coupled with the wonderful drawings, Ustinov creates by turns a hysterically funny, petulant, narcissistic & highly dangerous man-child. Acquiring power after stealing the crown from his brother King Richard, John is everything a weak & spinless leader will always be: obsessed with power & adulation from the people, but knowing deep down that everyone is laughing at him.

The crowning glory of this, satirising not only childish tantrums but also showing how close that line is to real-world behaviour from political leaders is when Robin Hood, in front of the crowd, shouts out "You took that crown from King Richard! Long live King Richard!" with the people cheering & joining in, to which John jumps up and down screaming "I AM KING!!"

The rest of the cast are also great, from Brian Bedford as Robin Hood, Andy Devine as Friar Tuck & Pat Buttram as the Sheriff of Nottingham. All are excellent. And finally, the story is not afraid to really go to dark places for a children's cartoon in the early 70's, particularly in the end scenes as Robin is mercilessly hunted by John's goons. There is a genuine level of sadism at play here, although the ending is the fairytale romantic one that all of these films must have.

A total classic. And I bet the only thing you'll have in your head afterwards is Ustinov's high-pitched squeal of rage after Robin Hood has fooled him again.