This film is a unique adaptation of Treasure Island as one might expect knowing that it is Russian and filmed in 1937. The basic Treasure Island story is intact. The Benbow Inn and young Hawkins, Billy Bones, the black spot, Doctor Livesey, the Hispaniola outfitted by Squire Trelawney, the voyage to Treasure Island, and the fight for the treasure. Many of the pirates familiar to us are there as well, including John Silver, Israel Hands, and George Merry. I won't spoil anything but I should mention some differences. The Benbow Inn is on the coast of Ireland, young Hawkins is Jenny Hawkins who goes on board as cabin boy "Jim", Doctor Livesey is an Irish rebel fighting for Irish independence from the English, Squire Trelawney as a rich landowner is a money-grubbing bad guy, and the Hispaniola sails out of Dublin. The purpose of the voyage is to help fund the Irish rebellion of the 1790s. I have seen over a dozen Treasure Island dramatizations and found this one particularly unique, entertaining, nicely filmed, and well performed, though very dated and in the style of films in the 1930s. Part musical with 4 songs, you see pirates singing and dancing. English subtitles do exist.
2 Reviews
A revolutionary (in every sense) film adaptation or How to "ennoble" a classic novel
lyubitelfilmov27 August 2023
Adventure. The film adaptation of the eponymous and most famous adventure novel by the English writer Robert Louis Stevenson, staged in the USSR (and the first domestic, so to speak), directed by the notorious Vladimir Vainshtok, who had previously staged the best film adaptation of Jules Verne's "Children of Captain Grant" (read by the way, you won't regret it) with Nikolai Cherkasov in the title role (yes and here it will appear). As it is already clear from the above - I could not pass by this picture, because I had read the original book source, so it would not be superfluous to compare this film adaptation. And here's my brief opinion for you - A revolutionary (in every sense) film adaptation. Despite the fact that I really liked this film adaptation, I will note both its pros and cons, without which it could not do. And this should be the end of such an important introduction, and get to the point.
So, the pros: 1. Scenario - the picture tells us a book story about familiar heroes (John Silver, Dr. Livesey, Captain Billy Bones, Captain Smollett, and so on) who are looking for a treasure buried by the legendary Captain Flint, while the characters are divided into two groups, each of which has different motives and plans for the treasure. However, here Dr. Livesey, Captain Smollett and Jenny ("cabin boy Jim") are Irish rebels who are fighting the English invaders (the famous Irish uprising of 1798), and they need treasures (unlike pirates) for the needs of the uprising, which makes their venture noble and class correct, and so the scenario is almost does not violate book history. We will see familiar characters played by talented actors, relive the adventures on the iconic island, and rejoice in the ingenuity of the heroes and their well-deserved victory over their enemies.
2. The revolutionary spirit - the picture was shot in a proletarian and revolutionary way, although now it may look a little naive, but then it was perceived differently (although now it has not lost its relevance). Yes, we do not see the horrors that the British occupiers are doing in Ireland, but the way they treat the local population already gives us confidence that the uprising is fair, and we completely side with the Irish (whom, already in the time of Queen Victoria, the British literally starved to death, who cares - you know what to do). And the confrontation of our heroes with John Silver's pirates is perfectly demonstrated, because pirates think only about themselves and their kush, and our heroes - about the fate of the whole state. And Jim Hawkins was replaced by the girl Jane just for the sake of showing that the female sex is able to help the uprising and revolution. Jane here is a kind of symbol of equality, which is perfectly demonstrated in the picture. Yes, and the revolutionary song of the heroes is good!
3. Costumes and decorations - the costumes are perfectly made and look very much like the end of the eighteenth century, with its invariable powdered wigs, triangular hats, long lace sleeves of noble persons. The creators did their best - therefore they deserve praise. And it turned out well with the scenery, because everything was filmed in the Crimea, but the feeling that all the action takes place in the Caribbean does not leave the viewer. This is where the magic of cinema works exactly as it should.
3. Atmosphere - acting, costumes and scenery, the script itself - all this literally plunges the viewer into the atmosphere of "Treasure Island", provides him with a unique spectacle (after all, there is dynamics in the picture). I don't want to break away from watching, although the timing is not the biggest (one hour and twenty-five minutes).
So, the cons: 1. Songs - and if a revolutionary song is good, then here is the famous pirate "Dead Man's Chest" - can not boast of such. It turned out to be expressionless, well, quite expressionless. Jenny's song is still nothing, but it is practically not remembered. Perhaps you will consider this a quibble, but this is my feeling from the musical component of this picture. At the same time, the sound itself in the picture is good, and more than suitable music plays in dynamic moments.
2. The speech of the heroes - I do not find fault with the Russian language, I find fault with the fact that there is no sense of belonging to these famous heroes. Yes, there is a good atmosphere, but it is broken by this. The screenwriters should at least weave Irish or English characteristics into the colloquial speech of the characters, so that at least the actors pretended that we have England here.
The impression was also spoiled by the obvious installation, which was not done in the best way (the glues are very clearly visible, and they are rough).
And since the picture is old, then a slightly jerky picture, then a quiet, loud sound, combined filming should not be considered as cons. It's an old movie and it's 1937.
A little about the main characters: 1. Captain Billy Bones performed by Nikolai Cherkasov is an old sea wolf who is very afraid of John Silver and guards the treasure map in every possible way. And in the book, this character was just a seed for the main action. And although this is an episodic character, he was played by Nikolai Konstantinovich himself, and so he played that the viewer has no doubt that before us is almost a legend, an experienced sea wolf who has visited many places and knew a lot. To Nikolay Konstantinovich - triple "Bravo"!
2. Captain Smolett, played by Anatoly Bykov, is the captain of the Hispaniola, an Irish rebel who, with his brave actions, manages not only to beat John Silver and his pirates, but also to get the treasure and bring it to where it is most needed. For such a captain, you can even go into fire, even into water. Anatoly Bykov is also "Bravo"!
3. John Silver, played by Osip Abdulov, is the boatswain on the ship "Hispaniola", but in fact he is the head of the pirates who intend to seize the treasures of Captain Flint and spend them on himself, well, the team needs a little sleep. A cruel and charismatic leader who steals almost all the attention on himself. He was masterfully played by our talented artist Osip Naumovich Abdulov. Bravo!
It should also be noted Dr. Livesey performed by Mikhail Tsarev, Jenny performed by Claudia Pugacheva. And in general, you can list everyone here, but then the review will be delayed. And don't forget about the great acting of everyone who participated in this picture, from young to old. It is a pity that this masterpiece of Soviet cinema is not shown on the box, but young people should see it, and take an example from worthy heroes, although they do not quite correspond to the original book source.
This picture is the best adaptation of the novel in the format of a feature film, and the picture of David Cherkassky is the best in the animated format.
My rating is 9 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
So, the pros: 1. Scenario - the picture tells us a book story about familiar heroes (John Silver, Dr. Livesey, Captain Billy Bones, Captain Smollett, and so on) who are looking for a treasure buried by the legendary Captain Flint, while the characters are divided into two groups, each of which has different motives and plans for the treasure. However, here Dr. Livesey, Captain Smollett and Jenny ("cabin boy Jim") are Irish rebels who are fighting the English invaders (the famous Irish uprising of 1798), and they need treasures (unlike pirates) for the needs of the uprising, which makes their venture noble and class correct, and so the scenario is almost does not violate book history. We will see familiar characters played by talented actors, relive the adventures on the iconic island, and rejoice in the ingenuity of the heroes and their well-deserved victory over their enemies.
2. The revolutionary spirit - the picture was shot in a proletarian and revolutionary way, although now it may look a little naive, but then it was perceived differently (although now it has not lost its relevance). Yes, we do not see the horrors that the British occupiers are doing in Ireland, but the way they treat the local population already gives us confidence that the uprising is fair, and we completely side with the Irish (whom, already in the time of Queen Victoria, the British literally starved to death, who cares - you know what to do). And the confrontation of our heroes with John Silver's pirates is perfectly demonstrated, because pirates think only about themselves and their kush, and our heroes - about the fate of the whole state. And Jim Hawkins was replaced by the girl Jane just for the sake of showing that the female sex is able to help the uprising and revolution. Jane here is a kind of symbol of equality, which is perfectly demonstrated in the picture. Yes, and the revolutionary song of the heroes is good!
3. Costumes and decorations - the costumes are perfectly made and look very much like the end of the eighteenth century, with its invariable powdered wigs, triangular hats, long lace sleeves of noble persons. The creators did their best - therefore they deserve praise. And it turned out well with the scenery, because everything was filmed in the Crimea, but the feeling that all the action takes place in the Caribbean does not leave the viewer. This is where the magic of cinema works exactly as it should.
3. Atmosphere - acting, costumes and scenery, the script itself - all this literally plunges the viewer into the atmosphere of "Treasure Island", provides him with a unique spectacle (after all, there is dynamics in the picture). I don't want to break away from watching, although the timing is not the biggest (one hour and twenty-five minutes).
So, the cons: 1. Songs - and if a revolutionary song is good, then here is the famous pirate "Dead Man's Chest" - can not boast of such. It turned out to be expressionless, well, quite expressionless. Jenny's song is still nothing, but it is practically not remembered. Perhaps you will consider this a quibble, but this is my feeling from the musical component of this picture. At the same time, the sound itself in the picture is good, and more than suitable music plays in dynamic moments.
2. The speech of the heroes - I do not find fault with the Russian language, I find fault with the fact that there is no sense of belonging to these famous heroes. Yes, there is a good atmosphere, but it is broken by this. The screenwriters should at least weave Irish or English characteristics into the colloquial speech of the characters, so that at least the actors pretended that we have England here.
The impression was also spoiled by the obvious installation, which was not done in the best way (the glues are very clearly visible, and they are rough).
And since the picture is old, then a slightly jerky picture, then a quiet, loud sound, combined filming should not be considered as cons. It's an old movie and it's 1937.
A little about the main characters: 1. Captain Billy Bones performed by Nikolai Cherkasov is an old sea wolf who is very afraid of John Silver and guards the treasure map in every possible way. And in the book, this character was just a seed for the main action. And although this is an episodic character, he was played by Nikolai Konstantinovich himself, and so he played that the viewer has no doubt that before us is almost a legend, an experienced sea wolf who has visited many places and knew a lot. To Nikolay Konstantinovich - triple "Bravo"!
2. Captain Smolett, played by Anatoly Bykov, is the captain of the Hispaniola, an Irish rebel who, with his brave actions, manages not only to beat John Silver and his pirates, but also to get the treasure and bring it to where it is most needed. For such a captain, you can even go into fire, even into water. Anatoly Bykov is also "Bravo"!
3. John Silver, played by Osip Abdulov, is the boatswain on the ship "Hispaniola", but in fact he is the head of the pirates who intend to seize the treasures of Captain Flint and spend them on himself, well, the team needs a little sleep. A cruel and charismatic leader who steals almost all the attention on himself. He was masterfully played by our talented artist Osip Naumovich Abdulov. Bravo!
It should also be noted Dr. Livesey performed by Mikhail Tsarev, Jenny performed by Claudia Pugacheva. And in general, you can list everyone here, but then the review will be delayed. And don't forget about the great acting of everyone who participated in this picture, from young to old. It is a pity that this masterpiece of Soviet cinema is not shown on the box, but young people should see it, and take an example from worthy heroes, although they do not quite correspond to the original book source.
This picture is the best adaptation of the novel in the format of a feature film, and the picture of David Cherkassky is the best in the animated format.
My rating is 9 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
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