Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
With King Richard off to the Crusades, Prince John and his slithering minion, Sir Hiss, set about taxing Nottingham's citizens with support from the corrupt sheriff - and staunch opposition by the wily Robin Hood and his band of merry men.
Disney's 1973 Robin Hood is a charming, warmly received animated retelling that cleverly reframes the classic legend with anthropomorphic animals. The plot is a loose, episodic take on the Robin Hood myth — functional and engaging but not particularly structured or surprising. Voice acting is likable, with Peter Ustinov's Prince John a highlight, but the overall cast is uneven by Disney standards. Cinematography is limited even for its era — the film is widely noted for heavy reuse of animation from earlier Disney features, making it visually unambitious. Novelty is moderate: the animal-cast concept is charming and the folksy, minstrel-driven tone is distinctive, though the underlying story is well-worn. The ending is satisfying in a light, feel-good way but hardly remarkable. A beloved but modestly crafted Disney entry.