I am a couple of days late this year – normally on 30 April I do an article on this film story – at least on the start of filming
It is 73 years ago as of 30 April 1951 that Richard Todd opened the curtains at his home at Pinkneys Green Nr Maidenhead, before heading off to Denham for the first day of filming for Walt Disney’s ‘The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men’, only to see that the garden and countryside around was covered in a blanket of snow. The Walt Disney organisation had not accounted for such a possibility and things had to be quickly re-adjusted to suit.
The snow went within a few hours but the following cold days were spent at Burnham Beeches with outdoor scenes being shot.
During the filming at Burnham Beeches Alex Bryce, the Second Unit Film Director on this production did virtually all of the outside action scenes for the film.
Often on location there , braving the cold in those early filming days at Burnham Beeches were Perce Pearce who was in charge of production and Carmen Dillon the Art Director and Set planner – probably the very best in the business- Walt Disney gave Carmen Dillon full licence to do pretty much as she saw fit with this film because he trusted her judgement – and he was, as usual, proved right. Her sets were superb and the studio sets so realistic
I always think that April 30th was a bit too early to film outdoor scenes for such a film. The trees and foliage are not well enough in leaf normally at this time and I think that was noticeable.
BELOW – these scenes were filmed more likely in late June or early July – and these were at Denham at the rear of the Studios on the banks of the River Colne on the slope down to the water.
Dramatic Scenes
ABOVE – The large and seemingly antiquated – by today’s standards – Technicolor Camera – but the results were superb – see the top picture of that same scene
Much more about this film on www.disneysrobin.blogspot.com
A Poster at the time of release I think it is possible that this went with a later release
A Story Book Opening
Richard Todd’s Home at Pinkneys Green
Mention is made above of Richard Todd waking up at his home ready for filming – this is his home ABOVE and BELOW
This was their first home – Wayside House in Pinkneys Green Nr Maidenhead before they purchased a large house and farm – Haileywood House at Shiplake close to Henley on Thames
THE STORY OF ROBIN HOOD film will have a rare television showing on Talking Pictures TV on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, I don’t think it’s been shown on British television for at least forty years.