success with its first live-action film, Treasure Island (1950), shot in England. He followed it up with two more costume adventure tales, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men and The Sword and the Rose both directed by Ken Annakin and starring Richard Todd. In September 1952, Disney announced that Todd would star in a film about Rob Roy immediately after Sword and the Rose, and that the film would have a budget of approximately $1.8 million. The story would be based on "history and legend" rather than the novel by Sir Walter Scott. (He was considering making a film about King Arthur afterwards. ) (Another report said the script would be based on a book by Daniel Dafoe.) Todd's fee was £15,000. He said that Roy "instituted the first protection racket." "I like history," said Disney. "It's universal. Subjects like Robin Hood and the Tudors appeal to everyone. And costumes don't date, you know. I can release these films over and over again and they won't get the kind of laugh you get from modern subjects made ten years back." When the Rank Organisation refused to loan Annakin out to Disney again, Disney chose Harold French (who had worked with Annakin on some Somerset Maugham portmanteau films) to direct the film. Rob Roy was filmed just as Sword and the Rose was released. The casting of Glynis Johns was announced in March 1953. The other lead was James Robertson Justice, who had just made The Sword and the Rose with Johns and Todd. Shooting Rob Roy was shot on location in Scotland, including at Corriegrennan. Richard Todd related in his autobiography that the extras were soldiers of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who had just returned from the Korean War. Todd said that as well as providing thrilling battle scenes for the viewers, the soldiers used the opportunity to enthusiastically get back at their non-commissioned officers. Todd also sheepishly admitted that his first scene leading a charge, led to an injury when he stepped in a rabbit hole. The soldiers only received their normal pay of seven shillings a day. The War Office received 25 shillings a day. Questions about these payments were raised in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Filming took place near Aberfoyle. Studio scenes were shot at Elstree Studios. Release The film premiere was the Royal Command Performance Film Gala on 26 October