Treasure Island

source: Treasure Island

Trailer—Treasure Island

Treasure Island

Exciting film version of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic novel directed by Byron Haskin stars Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins, a young lad in a coastal inn who becomes involved with a pirate treasure map of Captain Flint, which is sought after by pirate Long John Silver(played by Robert Newton in a robust performance) Jim Hawkins will later join Squire Trelawney in pursuit of Silver, on the high seas and later on the island where the treasure awaits... Well cast and entertaining film has good direction and period atmosphere, even if it isn't entirely faithful or credible at times, it is still good fun, and was Walt Disney's first live action film.

if you have ever read the book by Robert Louis Stevenson, you will truly enjoy this movie. Robert Newton is the perfect Long John Silver. I cannot imagine another actor living up to the role the way he did. Sure, the acting may not be the best, and the screen effects may be bad, but you have to remember when it was made. It is a very good movie for its time, and quite an enjoyable one in mine. If you enjoy seafaring movies- See this one. If you like pirate flicks- this one will have you arrgging all night long. When I think of Long John silver, I think of one quote, "Fortune sits on the shoulder of him what schemes."

Excellent film adaptation of the famous novel made in England at Denham Film Studios and using much of the Denham lake and the river Colne in the location sequences. Wonderful 50s technicolour and matte shots from Peter Ellenshaw to enhance the scenery. Robert Newton in great form as Long John Silver and Bobby Driscoll equally good as Jim Hawkins - not to mention the fine British cast of top rate character actors The latest Disney video is supposed to show the original full version BUT this is not the case - for one thing the death of Pugh under the coach wheels is left out as well as the other sequences cut for the '70s re-issue of the film. This is a great shame. I am not sure whether or not the DVD recent release is also produced minus these scenes

This may be considered as the best film version of Robert Louis Stevenson's best selling book ever, not just as a story but with the actor playing Long John Silver. You probably know the story, but here it is anyway. Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll, who voiced Peter Pan) is given a treasure map from Captain Billy Bones (Finlay Currie) that used to belong to Captain Flint. He takes this map to Squire Trelawney (Walter Fitzgerald) and Dr. Livesey (Denis O'Dea), and this excites them to start a journey towards Treasure Island. Travelling on the Hispanola run by Captain Smollett (Basil Sydney), Jim was trusted to guard the map. Little does everyone know that there is a traitor among them, the best actor for Long John Silver, an almost always drunk Robert Newton. So they find the island, eventually find the treasure and Silver rows away carrying thousands in gold coins. Also starring Geoffrey Wilkinson as Ben Gunn, John Laurie as Blind Pew and Francis De Wolff as Black Dog. Good!

People today have so much access to film. I believe we have become a bit jaded as our opinions become harsh and unpleasant. I got to see this movie when I was in elementary school. We all wanted to be Jim Hawkins, going away on an ocean voyage to an island with a buried treasure and a dangerous history. And then there is Blind Pew and Long John Silver (the prototype created by Robert Newton) and the black spot. Jim is a boy, but he must be a man in order to waylay the actions of the villains. I had never seen the Wallace Beery presentation, but this one stands well above that one. Walt Disney had the clout and the creativity and the foresight to bring these wonderful adventures to the screen.

When people think of the great British actor, Robert Newton, they think of him as Long John Silver. He put his own personal stamp on this role and made a living off variations of this role until the end of his life. What most people don't realize is that his brutal portrayal of Bill Sykes is really his most polished and psychologically penetrating performance on screen. When Newton signed on for the role of Long John he had pretty much given up on acting. Read David Niven's moving profile of Robert Newton in his book, Bring On The Empty Horses. That said, Newton is splendid in Treasure Island. He uses his stature and intimidating personality to good advantage. He also shows the world how much he loved children. As Niven remarked about Robert Newton, "He was the kindest of men..."

Sure, it had its shortcomings, and it wasn't as dark as it could have been, but this is certainly the best version of a book that has been retold time after time. As a child, this was one of my favorite books, and I always felt this was one of the best, if not the best adaptation of the book. Maybe someday someone will make a better version, but until then, my vote goes to this one.