Spun from Daniel DeFoe's tale of the titular character, this sci-fi story involves a spaceship commander, Chris Draper (Paul Mantee) in a similar situation to the original Robinson Crusoe -- but rather than being stranded on an island, our hero is on a hostile planet. Draper, Colonel Dan McReady (Adam West), and a test monkey look as if they are going to collide with a meteor. Draper and the chimp are able to eject themselves from the vessel, but McReady is not so lucky. The two survivors safely
land on Mars and figure out how to breathe, drink, and eat on the inhospitable planet. After some time, Draper crosses paths with a human, Friday, who has recently escaped slavery on an alien planet. As the two find a means of communication, they become friends. They soon work together to survive the incredible odds, including an alien attack and meteorological phenomena. Filmed on location in California's Death Valley, this impressive feature owes much to cinematographer Winton C. Hoch and special effects master Lawrence W. Butler. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi
Byron Haskin's cult classic is, like their release of House, a chance for Criterion to pay homage to an ambitious narrative and truly weird visual experience which begat several more celebrated classics and yet remains largely unknown.
Almost distractingly, faithful to the original novel despite its radically different setting, the film is a pleasure mostly because of its vivid Technicolor backdrops.
Como em tantas ficções B, a Ciência da história é risível; porém, o longa funciona ao desenvolver bem a relação (com contexto homossexual e tudo mais) entre os personagens.
Wonderful film. It's nice to see science fiction treated seriously for a change in the era that it was made. At the time, B movies were ruling the drive-in screens and something like this was just not commonly done. It makes for an entertaining character film that doesn't require a lot of exposition - mostly just
the visuals to tell its story. And for that, I am grateful. One of my very favorite sci-fi movies and thanks must be given to Criterion for their wonderful Blu-ray presentation of this classic film.
March 2, 2011
Tim Salmons
Super Reviewer
The beginning and ending of this movie are horrible, for one thing, West's character dies in the first scene! Putting the story of Crusoe in space was probably their first mistake.
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