Robin Hood is the protagonist of the film Robin Hood (1973). He does not see himself as a criminal but as a hero. Although Robin Hood is often shown as an outlaw who chooses to rob from the rich to help the poor people, in this animated version, he is shown mainly attacking Prince John and his agents, who have impoverished Nottingham with high taxes. Robin Hood and Little John steal the tax caravans[5] and give it back to the peasants while trying to avoid capture by both Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. He is also in love with Maid Marian.
Maid Marian reveals she and Robin were childhood sweethearts but they have not seen one another for years. Prince John is hosting an archery tournament, and the winner will receive a kiss from Maid Marian. Robin decides to participate in the tournament disguised as a stork whilst Little John disguises himself as the Duke of Chutney to get near Prince John. Robin wins the tournament, but Prince John exposes him and sentences him to death despite Maid Marian's pleas. However, thanks to Little John, Robin escapes into the woods with Marian.
As Robin and Maid Marian enjoy their reunion, the townsfolk have a troubadour festival spoofing Prince John, describing him as the "Phony King of England", and the song soon becomes popular with John's soldiers. A paltry coin gets deposited into the poor box at Friar Tuck's church, which gets seized by the Sheriff. Friar Tuck lashes out at the Sheriff, to which he is quickly arrested. Prince John orders Friar Tuck hanged, knowing Robin Hood will come out of hiding to rescue his friend.
Robin and Little John sneak in, with Little John managing to free all of the prisoners whilst Robin steals Prince John's taxes, but Sir Hiss awakens to find Robin fleeing. Chaos follows as Robin and the others try to escape to Sherwood Forest. The Sheriff corners Robin after he returns to rescue Tagalong, a young rabbit and Skippy’s younger sister who was nearly left behind. During the chase, Prince John's castle catches fire and the Sheriff figures he has Robin where he wants him, either to be captured, burned, or make a risky jump into the moat. Robin Hood elects to jump. Little John and Skippy fear Robin is lost, but he surfaces safely after using a reed as a breathing tube.
Later, King Richard returns to England, placing his brother, Sir Hiss and the Sheriff under arrest and allows his niece Maid Marian to marry Robin Hood, turning the former outlaw into an in-law.[6]
Inspiration for the character
Medieval historian Andrew E. Larsen wrote that the inspiration for Disney's animated Robin Hood character was not actually the Robin Hood of literary and cinematic fame but instead was Reynard the fox, a 12th century Alsatian fairy tale character. Larsen drew parallels between many of the characters from the animated film and characters in the Reynard tales, including the lion King Leo and the rooster Chaunticleer. Disney was able to overcome concerns about Reynard being a crook and anti-authoritarian figure by turning him into the bandit Robin Hood.[7]
Characteristics and physical appearance
Characteristics
Robin Hood is a heroic outlaw who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. He is known for his mastery of archery as well as his talent for disguising himself. Despite being declared an outlaw, Robin Hood is a good and generous person at heart, and is beloved by the townspeople for his deeds.[8]
Physical appearance
Robin Hood is a slender red fox with brown eyes who wears a yellow hat with a red feather on it, but later changed to green, and wears green clothing and shoes.[9][10]
Voice actor
Tony Award winning stage and Shakespearean actor Brian Bedford provided the voice of Robin Hood.[2] His voicing was acclaimed for giving "...the titular fox a pleasant blend of mischief and gracious dignity."[5]
Popular reception
Cosmopolitan called Robin Hood "the sexiest animated fox ever to appear on screen".[11] Hollywood writer James Humphreys writing on his web site Cineramble discussed the evolution of Robin Hood in Cinema, and described the animated Robin Hood as a "...clear sign of just how universally effective Robin Hood is as a big screen hero."[12]
Other appearances
Film and television
Robin Hood has recurring cameo appearances in the television series House of Mouse, as a guest of the titular club.[13]
