Strange Holiday (1970)

Ten young boys are shipwrecked somewhere in Oceania.

Director:

Mende Brown

Writer:

Jules Verne (concept)

Stars:

Jaeme Hamilton, Mark Healey, Jaime Massang

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jaeme Hamilton	...	Briant
Mark Healey	...	Doniphan
Jaime Massang	...	Moco
Van Alexander	...	Gordon
Ross Williams	...	Jacob
Simon Asprey	...	Iverson
Peter Alexander	...	Garnett
Michael Barry	...	Service
Mark Lee	...	Costar
Larry Crane	...	Wilcox
Carmen Duncan	...	Castaway Nurse Kate
Ben Gabriel
Mark Hertson
Goff Vockler
Tony Allen	...	(as Tony Allan)

Storyline

Ten boys and a dog are shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific. After a storm they discover another boat has been shipwrecked on the island. They make friends with two of the survivors, a nurse and ship's carpenter, but discover there are three other survivors who are ruthless mutineers. The children manage to outwit the mutineers, the carpenter builds them a boat and they sail home.

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Plot Keywords:

australian adventure | child protagonist | two word title | stranded on an island | based on novel | 

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Taglines:

A fun filled adventure drama with ten fantastic kids on a Pacific island.

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Genres:

Adventure | Family

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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 January 1978 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Boys of Lost Island

Filming Locations:

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mass-Brown Productions, Artransa Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into CBS Children's Film Festival: Strange Holiday (1975)

User Reviews

Offbeat 'B' Matinee Movie, For Teens

An interesting, odd, and memorable scouting-type movie, from Down Under. Given the small budget, the (amateur) teen actors compensated by proudly and seriously engaging their all into their roles. Acting is stilted but their values and abilities are impressive- how to make do/survive on a desolate remote island, even including dutiful social order, (in direct opposition to "Lord of The Flies" mayhem). Kudos to their efforts!

It's a one of a kind presentation, so different, it has stayed in mind for decades. For me, it's a rare 'B' gem, definitely.

It cannot be compared to "Home Alone", that's ridiculous! (as suggested by another reviewer). For one, these boys are role models.

But ridiculous is a theme widely explored, mostly due to budget issues, and improvisation. Engage your sense of humor!

"Strange Holiday" is the original uncut movie. "Boys of Lost Island" is the same movie- censored. Edited out (under two minutes deleted) are a group skinny dip, and other minor 'skin' scenes, likely making it more suitable for the US audience.

Fans of off-beat/unusual youth cinema, scouting, and island castaways may appreciate this unique film.