In 1952, Walt Disney Productions released its second live-action film, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men. It is a colorful and well-produced spectacle to be sure, with good pacing and excellent music (thanks largely to Elton Hayes as the minstrel Allan-a-Dale), but the story is stale and much of the acting workmanlike. "Good King Richard," whose absence from England as he participates in the Crusades sets the stage for Prince John's ambitious plans to seize power, is predictably placed on a pedestal as the popular champion of the people. Yes, it's propaganda. Yes, it's lazy. Yes, it diminishes Robin Hood's story. Richard Todd is unremarkable as Robin Hood, which is unfortunate, but it's hard to imagine any actor being able to do much with the script provided. The film may be a feast for the eyes and ears, but it lacks flavor and offers little food for thought. As an escapist adventure, it is moderately entertaining.
Writing: FairDirecting: Good
Acting: Fair
Cinematography: Good
Stunts: Good
Fight Choreography: Good
Panache: Fair
Overall Rating: Fair/Good
Swashbuckling Rank: Good
Written by: Lawrence Edward Watkin
Directed by: Ken Annakin
Performed by: Richard Todd, Joan Rice, Peter Finch, Martita Hunt, et al.
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