This, one of the items on a DVD entitled 'The Golden Age of TV Drama', is a competent version of the 'classic' story. Though severely limited in terms of production, being a made-for-TV movie filmed on early video tape, it makes up for it by being generally well-acted by most of the cast. Hugh Griffith, one of the great character actors of all time, makes a wonderful Long John Silver, and he is well-supported by such other character greats as Max Adrian, Barry Morse, Tim O'Connor, Boris Karloff, and George Rose (in an unabashedly and surprisingly 'gay' performance as Ben Gunn). And Richard Sullivan underplays Jim Hawkins well for a child actor of the 50's. All in all, an enjoyable piece, and, considering some of the other items on this DVD, make it worth the rather inexpensive price, even though the quality of the originals may not be that great.
2 Reviews
It came up lacking....
planktonrules26 September 2010
Wow, this made for TV movie has an impressive cast--Hugh Griffith, Boris Karloff, Barry Morse and Michael Gough (among others). So, despite lower production values and a cramped made-for-TV style, it still manages to have an impressive pedigree. But let's talk about the production apart from the good actors. The production seems all too often squeezed into tiny cubbyhole sets and the best way to describe its look is claustrophobic! Additionally, there have been many movies that simply did the book better--with boats that seemed like they were really at sea, nice island locations and a feeling of the great outdoors.
Do NOT assume I hate made for TV movies during this era--the 1950s produced some wonderful productions like "Marty" and "Requiem For a Heavyweight". BUT, these and many other fine productions worked well because they were not dependent upon outdoor settings and worked fine as stage-bound productions. "Treasure Island", on the other hand, just doesn't work well in this situation.
Do NOT assume I hate made for TV movies during this era--the 1950s produced some wonderful productions like "Marty" and "Requiem For a Heavyweight". BUT, these and many other fine productions worked well because they were not dependent upon outdoor settings and worked fine as stage-bound productions. "Treasure Island", on the other hand, just doesn't work well in this situation.
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