Matching Original Production Animation Drawings of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Castle Interior from "Robin Hood," 1973

Matching original production animation drawings of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Castle Interior in brown, green, blue, red, and graphite pencils from "Robin Hood," 1973, Walt Disney Studios; Production numbers upper and lower right corners; Signed by Joe Hale in pencil lower center; Size - Sheriff of Nottingham Sequence: 9 1/2 x 6", Sheets 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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The history of Robin Hood is that he is a heroic outlaw from English folklore who, according to legend, was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. He is usually depicted dressed in green, leads a band of Merry Men, and his motto is "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor." Robin Hood has became a popular folk figure, with ballads dating back to as early as the 15th century.

"Robin Hood" was the twenty-first full length animated film released by Walt Disney Studios on November 8, 1973. Robin Hood is an anthropomorphic fox and the protagonist of the film. Although Robin Hood is often shown as an outlaw who chooses to rob from the rich to help the poor people, in this Disney animated version, he is shown mainly attacking Prince John and his agents (Sir Hiss and the Sheriff of Nottingham), who have impoverished Nottingham with high taxes. Robin Hood and Little John steal the tax caravans and give it back to the peasants while trying to avoid capture.

Original production animation drawing of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Close up of the original production animation drawing of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Close up of the production numbers.

All the characters in Disney's version of "Robin Hood" were played by animals. Prince John was a lion, Sir Hiss (no surprise) was a snake, and the Sheriff of Nottingham was a wolf. Prince John is a spoiled King who will resort to any underhanded trick so that he can maintain the crown and throne of Nottingham; and was voiced by the great and deep voiced Peter Ustinov. Sir Hiss was voiced by Terry-Thomas (who's hissing speech was masterful), and both were animated by Ollie Johnston. The on-screen presence of the two together is just wonderful and Johnston's animation skills, at this point, are top notch!

The Sheriff of Nottingham was voiced by Pat Buttram and animated by Milt Kahl.  Pat Buttram's voice was just so wonderful and he had an extraordinary career.  He was Gene Autry's sidekick and is well remembered as Mr. Haney in the television show "Green Acres."  Buttram voiced several characters for Disney Studios including Napoleon the hound dog in "The Aristocats" and of course the evil and cruel Sheriff of Nottingham.

Original production animation drawing of the Castle Interior.

Close up of the production numbers and the Joe Hale signature.

This is a very rare pair of original production animation layout drawings from "Robin Hood." The first drawing is a sequence of four images of the Sheriff of Nottingham rendered in different colors. The second drawing is the very detailed Castle Interior background, rendered in blue pencil, that is key to the Sheriff of Nottingham drawing sequence. The background drawing is signed by Walt Disney animator Joe Hale, who was one of the layout artists for "Robin Hood." This is an incredibly complex and rare pair of layout drawings from one of the finest contemporary Walt Disney feature films; and a great piece for any animation art collection!

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