Merrie Men was filmed in 3-strip Technicolor. Release The world premiere was in London on March 13, 1952; the New York opening was on June 26, 1952. In the wake of this film a promotional short entitled The Riddle of Robin Hood was produced. The film was one of the most popular in Britain in 1952, and would eventually gross over $4,578,000 at the American box office. Critical reception The New York Times called it "an expert rendition of an ancient legend that is as pretty as its Technicolor hues and as lively as a sturdy Western... (T)he action - the courtly speeches and romance are kept to a sensible minimum - is robust and fairly continuous"; and Leonard Maltin similarly noted a "Zesty, colorful retelling of the familiar story, filmed in England by Walt Disney with excellent cast. Not as personality oriented as other versions, but just as good in its own way"; and the Radio Times wrote, "This may not hold a candle to the Errol Flynn version, but the authentic English locations and fine Technicolor photography make it excellent family entertainment. Richard Todd enjoys himself as the famous outlaw, but is up against strong competition from Peter Finch as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and the delightful Hubert Gregg, cast against type as the evil King John." Home releases A Laserdisc was released in 1992, a VHS tape was released in 1994 (the Walt Disney's Studio Film Collection) and a limited Disney Movie Club DVD was released in July 2006. All releases are 1.33:1 fullscreen in monaural (as shot). A Disneyland Records LP of four songs from the soundtrack with narration by Dallas McKennon was released in 1963. References External links 1952 films 1950s action adventure films Walt Disney Pictures films RKO Pictures films Films directed by Ken Annakin Robin Hood films Films produced by Perce Pearce Films produced by Walt Disney Films scored by Clifton Parker Films shot in London Cultural depictions of Eleanor of Aquitaine American action adventure films British action adventure films Cultural depictions of John, King of England Cultural depictions of Richard I of England Films shot at Denham Film Studios Films set in the 12th century 1950s English-language films 1950s American films 1950s British films