Robert I enjoyed your pictures. I live about an hour and one-half from Chico. I've been to hooker oak which I think was in the picture. For you to trek around in 100 degree weather to do Then and Now . . . I'm glad you found the tree trunk to set the scene. 70 years is a long time!

Thank you, Kathleen. I wish Bidwell Park were as close to me here in L.A. as it is to you. I would visit much more often with camera in hand. As it stands, I plan a return trip in the fall when I believe I'll be more successful. See you there?!

Robert, Bidwell is about six blocks from my son's home. I am going to go and poke around next time I visit. I would really like to see you there in the fall if it would work out. I am going to try and post a picture of Hooker Oak. It was taken in 1958. Hooker Oak was in Adventrues of Robin Hood and was called the Gallows Oak so maybe you can do a then and then and now with it! It was taken when I was ten so that would be 50 years ago . . . eeeek. The tree fell May 1, 1977 and lay on the ground until spring of 1980 until the City commissioned a lumber company to remove and reclaim sound portions of wood. The age has been estimated to be 325 years. It actually was two trees grown into one! What a story.

Hello, Kathleen
I'm glad you enjoyed my pics--there will be more. To let you know, I traversed the full length of Lower Bidwell, from One Mile Pool to Five Mile dam where all the filming was done: FOUR COMPLETE TIMES! I really scoured every square inch of the park, including walking through the center of the stream itself. Yet, even armed with a ton of maps, pics, screen grabs, production notes, and private contemporary reminiscences, it was still very difficult to verify actual shooting spots. Since I photographed key areas thoroughly, I have been able to determine possible spots after-the-fact, which is why I want to return. Frankly, it might be easier if I returned in the winter when the greenery is gone and I'd have exposed locations to better match up. I'll have to think about it.
On another note, my careful research and study of screen grabs and environs in the park have convinced me that, although it has become the accepted truth, Gallows Oak was not, in fact, Hooker Oak. First of all, the Hooker trunk was far larger in circumference than the one in the film; secondly, the branch patterns just don't match; and thirdly, the surroundings beyond Flynn in the film don't comport with the surroundings of the Hooker Oak area. I'm fairly sure Gallows Oak was elsewhere, and I have a few suspicions as to where. In any case, I love that someone else is as devoted (crazy?!) as I am to do a search at all! Keep me posted.
Robert

Do you think the tree is still standing that was actually used? It must not be. I just haven't been to the park since I was ten. I really admire your devotion to matching up the scenes. How about the rock that Lili and Errol are sitting on when she visited the location? Did you find that? The pics loaded I just don't know where! I will try again!

I have an idea about which tree it was but I need to view it up-close again. All the rocks and boulders, no matter how big, were fake and brought to the park for the film. When you visit you'll discover that there are really no substantial rocks in Lower Bidwell. Movie magic!

I put the pictures in your then and now section

I can't find them, Kathleen.

Hallo, Chums!

I found the Hooker Oak pic, named it, and saved it to your Then and Now Gallery, Robert. There was a simple mistake made which is the "Finish this article later" tab was checked! Not a big deal but this is why the photo didn't show up in your Gallery... the orginal posting about the pic is under New Articles and the pic is an attachment. Look under "Recent Articles" Hooker Oak v. Gallos Oak and you will find it...

Cheers, David~

As always, very enjoyable, Rob. I always love the Then and Nows you do. I appreciate the sincerity and effort you put into these efforts.

And btw, elsewhere, you mention working on a book about Errol?

-Russ

Along with my "Then & Now" book, I'm pitching my publisher on a complete "making of Robin Hood" book, in time for the 75th in 2013.

Great job. Much thanks. Patti

You're very welcome, Patti.