Treasure Island (1950)

Treasure Island (1950)

“Them that die’ll be the lucky ones!”

Synopsis:
In 18th century England, a young boy (Bobby Driscoll) is given a treasure map and sets sail on a ship with a mutinous crew, led by the one-legged pirate Long John Silver (Robert Newton).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • At Sea
  • Coming-of-Age
  • Gold Seekers
  • Pirates
  • Robert Newton Films

Review:
Disney’s first live-action film remains the most famous version among many (including the Peary-recommended 1934 version, starring Wallace Beery) made from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 1883 adventure novel. Unfortunately (as in the novel), it takes too long for the action to get started, with half-an-hour passing before the ship even sets sail; but once it does, director Byron Haskin keeps things moving at an energetic clip, with plenty of exciting action sequences and life-threatening encounters. Disney veteran Bobby Driscoll (star of 1946’s Song of the South) is appropriately mature as young Jim Lively (who gets to experience a coming-of-age adventure most boys only dream of!):

… and he’s surrounded by a cast of colorful supporting actors — most notably Robert Newton as Long John Silver (nominated by Peary as one of the Best Actors of the Year in his Alternate Oscars).

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Robert Newton as Long John Silver

Must See?
Yes, simply to see Newton in perhaps his most iconic role.

Categories

  • Noteworthy Performance(s)

Links:

One thought on “Treasure Island (1950)

  1. Rewatch. Agreed; a once-must for Newton’s performance at least – but it’s a good show altogether. Director Haskin does a fine job. I know I saw this when I was a kid… but not since then, til now.

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