Finally - Treasure Island done correctly

[Naphtali]

For many years I loathed the comedic, "Disneyfied" motion pictures of "Treasure Island" - MGM's with Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, and Disney's with Robert Newton (an MGM wannabe). Stevenson's novel was nothing like these.

The library had "Treasure Island" as a made-for-television movie. I figured, "What the heck. The price is right," and checked it out.

This version (1990, Charlton Heston, Christian Bales, Richard Johnson, et al.) is as close to perfection as is possible without having the actors get killed during filming. The supporting cast is superb, and Heston is more than adequate. Long John Silver is a vicious, conniving thug; Jim Hawkins is a young adult with brains, who uses them - just as Stevenson wrote them.

Costuming and sets are remarkable for their verisimilitude. Upon Jim's entering Silver's tavern, I got the "creepy-crawlies" and felt I needed a tetanus shot from the filth and perceived aroma. And Christopher Lee as Blind Pew has an amazing cameo. Who would have thought a blind man could inspire such fear and loathing from me just watching him?

Music is interesting, eerie, and entirely appropriate for what is on screen.

Weaponry appears to be authentic and its use is realistic, verging on real. And this includes cannons severely recoiling upon firing.

Best of all for me was the sword fight between Billy Bones and Black Dog in the Admiral Benbow Inn. People may praise the sword fights in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" or "The Mark of Zorro" or "The Princess Bride." This sword fight in "Treasure Island" was a marvel. It was a brawl, so realistic I have no idea how it was done without the participants being badly injured.

I believe this was Frazier Heston's first attempt as screenwriter-director. Its a tough act to follow.

I strongly recommend this "Treasure Island" for everyone over the age of 12. It is not satisfactory entertainment for children younger.

 

[Coot]

I have it & concur - the best version that I have seen. :thumbsup:

 

[kodiakmarine]

I saw it some years ago when it first aired. You are right on the money, it is an outstanding film, and the best version of Treasure Island. I believe Frazier Heston directed The Mountain Men before this, but I will have to check IMDB to be sure. - John

 

[kodiakmarine]

I was mistaken. Frazier Heston wrote the screenplay for The Mountain Men, he didn't direct it. - John.

 

[tenngun]

loved it. I grew up with the book and was in my 20s when i was disapointed with the disney version. .On the other hand I did enjoy the muppets.
I have never figured out why hollwierd would change great stories.I know they have to edit for time, compressing the line some what. But why so much of a change sometimes? This year the story of the whaler Essex comes out. I both want to see it, and worry what they screw up.

 

[kodiakmarine]

Is that the ship Melville based Mobey Dick on? - John

 

[Grumpa]

Yes.

 

[Naphtali]

Found a flaw.

If someone viewing the DVD is hard of hearing or otherwise uses English subtitles, good luck with that. I have seldom noticed subtitles that are as far from the DVD's dialogue. I suspect someone is messing with our heads.

 

[Rick Boylan]

I just bought a copy of this version of Treasure Island off of eBay. I should be getting it in a few days. I'm looking forward to watching it.

 

[Naphtali]

Prepare yourself for a satisfying experience. I would be interested in your evaluation.

 

[Rick Boylan]

The copy I bought has arrived. I'll get to watching it in the next few days. It looks like a good one.

I'll let you know what I think.

 

[Brasilikilt]

YEP!

I remember when it first came out when I was 11 or 12. I recorded it and watched it a few thousand times until the VHS tape was worn out.
It's the only movie I remember where they fire a swivel gun from the hip with dramatic results... Watch for it!

 

[Naphtali]

I just watched the movie again and realized I have no idea how it ends. I don't refer to the novel or movie. Rather how the treasure was divided among Jim and his entourage, Hunter the loyal sailor, and Ben Gunn who found the treasure and moved it to a place of safety.

While my first impulse was that everyone got an equal share, a minute to consider that the story occurs circa 1750s causes me to discard that egalitarian notion. Britain at this time was a severely stratified class conscious society. But I know little about what ramifications result from such a society when deciding how to divide £700,00.

Anyone who can shed information on "what happens next" in the lives of the treasure hunters-finders, please do.

 

[tenngun]

Pirates were known to have articals of war signed on when they came aboard. The captain was elected and the officers and officers. Each got 2 or more shares based on votes of the crew. An extra share was voted to men who were wounded, or more then an extra share based on the severity of the wound. Ships boys and lubbers might receive less then a full share.
In the navy 1/4 of a prize went to the captain, 1/4 divided among the officers the rest divided amount the crew based on senority. Privateers had a more equable system then the navy, but the ships owners also got a big hunk of the prize money. Pirates tended to be very democratic. If it was a real story smolett and the owners would have got a bigger share then if it had been a pirate ship. During our revolution one 17 year old lubber on a privateer got a life's fortune from one voyage.

 

[Rick Boylan]

I finally got a chance to watch it and I agree that it is a great telling of the story. I'll even go so far as to agree that it is the best telling of the story so far.

 

[ratfacedmcdougal]

I am a big fan of Wallace Beery, so you have to take my opinion as a fan. Beery as Long John was right on the money. That old movie was quite true to the book. Not like most movies today that are just loosely based on the book. And Ben Gunn, whoever played him, was inspired. "Says I".
I guess I'll have to watch the new version and see. I am always ready for a good pirate movie.
RFMcD

 

[mhb]

'You mightn't happen to have a bit of cheese about you, now?' - Ben Gunn

mhb - Mike

 

[Rick Boylan]

Actually the version of Treasure Island I'm talking about is the one with Charlton Heston as Long John Silvers.

I'll have to find a copy of the Berry one that you mention. Give it a look see.

 

[Alden]

Have and like the Treasure Island with Heston and young Christian Bale. Still a little campy but well enough done. I guess the real question is...

..."does it Macresonate with me?" because we're told that this says a lot about a person if it doesn't.

 

[Rick Boylan]

Not sure if it "macresonated" with me, but I liked this version. :haha: