Review: Robin Hood (1973)

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Robin Hood

Rating

Director

Wolfgang Reitherman

Screenplay

Larry Clemmons, Ken Anderson, Vance Gerry, Frank Thomas, Eric Cleworth, Julius Svendsen, Dave Michener

Length

1h 23m

Starring

Roger Miller, Peter Ustinov, Terry-Thomas, Brian Bedford, Monica Evans, Phil Harris, Andy Devine, Carole Shelley, Pat Buttram, George Lindsey, Ken Curtis

MPAA Rating

Review

Have you ever stopped on the street to help someone who appeared to be in need?

The true tale of Robin Hood said that he stole from the rich and from the poor to give to himself. Disney presents the more traditional version of that story featuring the lovable vagabond seeking out the rich and overbearing and taking what they have been stealing from the poor and returning it.

Reitherman is a major name in Disney circles. He’s directed no less than eight of its 36 full-length features and worked as an animation director and/or supervisor on five others. That makes 13 films, which is one third of Disney’s total. To say Reitherman was a Disney giant is rather accurate. From working on one segment of “Fantasia” in 1940 to being producer and director of 1977’s “The Rescuers.”

The final film he took part in was 1981’s “The Fox and the Hound” bringing his final tally to 14 merely 41 years after his first Disney job. With his features, he proved that he knew what it takes to make a lasting family treasure. “Robin Hood” is one of those films that make you laugh one minute and cry the next. With a flawless blend of intriguing plot and riotous action, Reitherman directs another of Disney’s finest.

Few of the voice-over performances stood out. The most noteworthy include the famed Pat Buttram who voiced the crooked, if not stupid, sheriff of Nottingham. Another was Terry-Thomas as the voice of Sir Hiss.

However, the most brilliant voice work in the film comes from noted actor and two-time Oscar winner Peter Ustinov. His characterization is so perfectly suited to the character, it’s hard to separate the personas of Ustinov and Prince John.

If you’re looking for a movie you can sit down with your family and watch without worry of overwhelming violence or content, this is it. It not only paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be a generous person, but it shows that the rewards you receive, monetary or not, are worth it.