Robinson Crusoe (1954)

Overrated

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Fresh and Exciting

Excellent adaptation.

I had read the story of Robinson Crusoe before I saw the movie at our 5th run neighborhood theater and found the movie to be a pretty straightforward recreation of the book. It was impressive. I was interested in the story. If there were allegories, I didn't recognize them. Bunuel? Never heard of him. Robinson Crusoe was another on the list of color films, like Disney's Treasure Island and Great Locomotive Chase, The Searchers, Shane, The Command, Sign of the Pagan, Fort Ti, that were much more alluring than the usual B&W fare and better remembered.Now, in the 21st century I watched it again and it lived up exactly to my expectations. Still no allegories, but isn't that a refreshing change? I probably overrate it at 9 because of the nostalgia factor. It would be an ideal movie to take a pre-teen grandson to.

In 1659, while sailing to obtain slaves from Africa, English adventurer Daniel O'Herlihy (as Robinson Crusoe) is shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, he is very resourceful and swims to a relatively safe and productive island. Also surviving are a dog and cat. As the years pass, the castaway grows increasingly lonely. Darker-skinned cannibals visit the island and Mr. O'Herlihy adopts Jaime Fernandez as a servant. Assuming the younger man arrived for the weekend, O'Herlihy names him "Friday". O'Herlihy wants a slave companion, but is afraid "Friday" might eat him. He's a cannibal, remember...This relatively ordinary film was directed by Luis Bunuel, who is not known for being ordinary. There are a few intriguing moments, but Mr. Bunuel is undeniably subdued. Race, class and the culture of slavery are white-washed. Religion is slighted. Sex is short-sighted. You can find more passion in Daniel Defoe's original novel. Perhaps the film's backers told Bunuel to keep it at arm's length; if so, he is quite successful. The best scenes involve the dog and Mr. Fernandez. The latter is always threatening to kick the story up a notch, especially when he puts on a dress and quizzes O'Herlihy on God and the Devil.****** Robinson Crusoe (6/54) Luis Bunuel ~ Dan O'Herlihy, Jaime Fernandez, Felipe de Alba, Chel Lopez

William Defoe's original novel has been done several times, but I've found this version to be the most true to his book. Dan O'Herlihy stars as the famed survivor of a the English shipwreck who spends years stranded on the Caribbean island making his home in isolation, Through his ordeal Crusoe makes do with what little he has. His efforts are what today's survivors programs are all about. However, in todays world audiences are fully aware of lack of authenticity. The movie is a superior version of the Defoe's novel come to life and the acting is superior and this includes Jaime Fernández who takes on the role of Friday his friend and companion. Easily recommended for all audiences as a true Classic. ****

Watched this last night and of course I loved the story since it's one that I seemed to of learnt from a very young age. I have to say tho that I'm a little surprised at the relatively high rating of 7.5 here, perhaps it's more to do with the directors reputation than the quality of the film ?.The film is just above average thanks mainly to the close adherence of the source novel, and the bravo performance of Dan O'Herlihy as the title character, he does well to keep the viewer intrigued as to his state of mind, and of course we root for him during the films crucial final reel.Nothing to write home about here tho, 6/10 mainly for Dan.