Mr. Robinson (1976)

As a result of a shipwreck, modern Italian businessman finds himself stuck on a desert island. Like Robinson Crusoe he must find a way to return to civilization, but unlike him - a man of the 20th century is a completely different case.

Director:

Sergio Corbucci

Writers:

Franco Castellano (as Castellano), Sergio Corbucci

Stars:

Paolo Villaggio, Zeudi Araya Cristaldi, Anna Nogara

Cast

Cast overview:
Paolo Villaggio	...	Robi
Zeudi Araya Cristaldi	...	Venerdi' (as Zeudi Araya)
Anna Nogara	...	Magda
Percy Hogan	...	Mandingo

Storyline

Paolo Villaggio takes his Fantozzi-based humour and creates a more mature version of him, simply called Robbie, also referred to as "Robin", "Robi", "Robbi", or "Rob". Robbie is a rich and wealthy man who is married to a woman called Magda. One day, they decide to go on holiday. Magda suggests via ferry, despite the fact that Robbie HATES sea travel. He suggests via aeroplane, but Magda has a fear of heights. During a routine emergency training exercise, Robbie accidentally takes it seriously. That night, a genuine emergency arises, but Robbie thinks it's just a drill. This foolish act leaves Magda no option but to leave the ship alone, making Robbie the only person aboard the ship when it sinks. Upon waking up, Robbie thinks everything is normal, but he soon discovers he is the one remaining person on board the entire ship, which is now at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. He escapes and arrives on a desert island, forced to live á la "Robinson Crusoe". Robbie must now survive until ...

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Plot Keywords:

female nudity | island | shipwrecked | cruise ship | life jacket | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Robi's complete name is Roberto Minghelli. The only time we hear this is on his wrist radio when he first arrives on the island.

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Quotes

Robi: [telling his story at the beginning] Honestly, I hated the sea. I never liked it for some reason. I preferred air travel.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are played with a scene featuring Robi walking through the beach talking into what looks like a radio, acting like a commentator. He later discovers that it is not working and walks off. The end credits are played through Robi's eyes as he is hoisted up in a fishing net from the rescue boat and he can do nothing except watch the island disappear before him.

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Connections

Version of Man Friday (1975)

User Reviews

Dumb without dumber marooned for our Charlie Chaplin-like entertainment

Of all Paolo Villaggio characters - Robbi - is most well-balanced - to my opinion. It is not as "overly-pathetic" as Fantozzi. Au contre... In fact "Il Signor Robinson" as a movie - contains some very well written characters. Simple - but not dumb. Some scenes - I think - are exotic, unique and elegant from comical perspective. For example - I've never seen anything - like a scene - with crushed Coke can washed ashore - and the tribal chief. Actually - I was wondering - did Coca-Cola company know about it at all? I believe it was a major "Burn!" All and all that piece of comedy is timeless. I will always recommend this one to comedy fans worldwide.

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

23 December 1976 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Il signor Robinson

Filming Locations:

Cala Cartoe, Sardinia, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vides Cinematografica

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1