A Friend Is a Treasure (1981)
"Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro" (original title)

On a small pacific island, Alan and Charlie try to find a war treasure left behind by the Japanese army in World War II.

Director:

Sergio Corbucci

Writers:

Mario Amendola (screenplay), Sergio Corbucci (screenplay),

Stars:

Terence Hill, Bud Spencer, John Fujioka

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Terence Hill	...	Alan Lloyd
Bud Spencer	...	Charlie O'Brien
John Fujioka	...	Kamasuka (as John Fujoka)
Louise Bennett	...	Mama (as Luise Bennett)
Salvatore Borghese	...	Anulu (as Sal Borgese)
Kainowa Lauritzen	...	Ulla
Mirna Seya	...	Dimhea
Terry Moni Mapuana	...	Alua
Linda Prast
Kathy Lun
Herb Goldstein	...	Uncle Brady (as Herbie Goldstein)
Arnie Ross	...	Warner
Tom Tully	...	Marine Captain
Baba Subraniam	...	Medicine Man

Storyline

Alan gets a map to some war treasure which the Japanese army left behind on a small Pacific island at the end of World War II. But some gangsters try to steal the map from him and so he hides on Charlie's boat which just leaves the harbor. He manipulates the ship's compass so that Charlie is not aware that he is sailing to the treasure island. But when they step on the island, they discover that it is not as abandoned as they believed: there are some natives - and a Japanese soldier still defending the treasure.

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Plot Keywords:

treasure | island | pacific | soldier | fight | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Action

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Details

Country:

Italy USA

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

December 1981 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure

Filming Locations:

Key Biscayne, Florida, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Take 1 Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie's joke closing statement read: "The director and the entire production sincerely thank the people and authorities of "The Island" for their courteous and generous collaboration during the shooting of this film, and they solemnly promise never to return nor to reveal to anyone the location of this last unspoiled paradise". "The Island" the movie was actually shot at was Key Biscayne in Florida, USA.

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Goofs

In the scene where the natives lead Bud and Terence to the jap tank, they both wear parts of US uniforms they took from the abandoned WWII US military depot. Hill's shirt has US Air Force written on it, which is incorrect, as the USAF didn't exist before 1947, two years after the end of WWII.

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Quotes

Kamasuka: [sees Anulu getting squashed] Hurry, squashed banana!
Alan: [finds Anulu under the basket] Sorry about that, Anulu. Can I straighten him out?
Kamasuka: Yes, certainly.
Alan: [slaps Anulu, bringing him around]
Anulu: Mmm, yes, thank you, good!

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Connections

Spoofed in Sajtóvadászat (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Movin' Cruisin'"
(uncredited)
Written by Carmelo La Bionda and Michelangelo La Bionda
Performed by Carmelo La Bionda and Michelangelo La Bionda (as The Oceans)

User Reviews

Funny, hysterically funny movie

I did not think too highly about the 1970-80s European comedies shot in English (in a desperate attempt to attain a wider release). Lots of such films have been made and practically none of them appeared to be of any interest or significance. And my expectations were not high when I was about to sit down watch this one but I was wrong! Yes, and I am not ashamed of avowing it. Who Finds A Friend Finds A Treasure is a great comedy, a hysterically funny "treasure hunting" story. In short, two fellows go on a daring quest to discover a buried treasure hidden on a tiny island in the South Pacific by Japanese soldiers during WWII. On their way to the treasure they face (besides their personal disaccords) sharks, pirates, aborigines and last but not least a crazed Japanese still living in the debris of the Japanese military base in firm believe that the war still goes on. And be prepared for a great surprise at the end…. The dialogue is witty, the actors do very good work. These are namely brilliant comedians Terence Hill and Bad Spencer. Even their appearance can make you smile: naive, tall, slim, agile Hill ideally compensates level-headed, fat, moving with a slow motion Spencer. They make plenty of fighting all the way and all these fighting scenes shot in a cartoon style will make you roll on the floor laughing. Yes, very funny, family friendly film with no brief language, sexual references or crude humor. Recommended.