‘Robyn stode in BernesdaleAnd lenyed hym to a tre,And bi hym stode Litell Johnn,A gode yeman was he.’This is from the opening stanza of the ‘Gest of Robyn Hode (c.1400) and Little John appears as Robin’s right-hand man and faithful companion in all the very earliest surviving ballads. A play called ‘Robin Hood and Little John’,...
With his booming laugh, full blonde beard, giant carcass and cavernous chest, James Robertson Justice was a perfect Little John. He was a natural extrovert with great energy and a treble ration of humour. ‘Jimmie’ was one of British cinemas most recognised screen personalities. Some references incorrectly give his birthplace...
John Little stuck out his huge hand.“I am your man,” he said.“What say you lads,” winked Will Scarlet, “shall we christen our infant?”After a short struggle, Robin’s men over powered the huge man and they carried him, kicking and struggling to the edge of the stream and threw him in. As he scrambled out Will Scarlet tapped...
In the Disney live-action film and many other versions of the legend, Robin Hood engages with Little John in a quarter-staff fight on a narrow bridge (or a log) over a river. It is doubtful whether the tale about this duel is of medieval origin as the earliest evidence suggests the story was composed by a professional ballad...
The fight was fast and furious, they struck and parried, then Robin got the first scoring blow catching the stranger in the ribs.“Well done lad,” he said, “I’ll pay you back if I can.”He attacked with a flurry of blows, but then the giant slowed down as if beginning to tire. Robin’s eyes gleamed and he moved in closer. But...
Robin went bounding off down the other side of the bamk and vanished through the trees. At the foot of the hill there ran a broad stream and on the other side appeared the reason for the signal arrow. A very tall, broad man with a quarter-staff was about to step onto a tiny footbridge.Robin stalked him cautiously, then stepped...
Patrick Barr, like Archie Duncan, transferred over from starring in Disney’s film version, The Story of Robin Hood in 1952 to television’s Adventures of Robin Hood in 1956. As we shall see, Disney’s Story and the much loved Adventures of Robin Hood have many connections. In this case, Patrick resurrected the role of King Richard...
