Swiss Family Robinson (1940)

Swiss Family Robinson Poster

A family setting out for a new life across the sea is shipwrecked on a deserted island. The family members collaborate to create a home for themselves in the jungle environment.

Movie Summary
The movie "Swiss Family Robinson" is a timeless adventure motion picture directed by Edward Ludwig and released in 1940. Based on Johann David Wyss' novel of the very same name, this motion picture informs the story of a Swiss family whose ship gets captured in an extreme storm, leading them to end up being castaways on a deserted island.

Main Characters
The main characters consist of the Father William Robinson played by Thomas Mitchell, the Mother Elizabeth Robinson depicted by Edna Best, and their 3 sons Fritz, Jack, and Francis, played by Freddie Bartholomew, Terry Kilburn, and Tim Holt respectively. The film also features a character, Emily Montrose, portrayed by Orson Welles, who the boys find later the island.

Plot Summary
The film's story starts with the Swiss Family Robinson setting sail from Switzerland to New Guinea. Regrettably, their ship gets caught in a storm and is marooned on an uninhabited island. In spite of this relatively regrettable scenario, they decide to make the best of their circumstance and adapt to their new life.

The household begins developing a treehouse to live in and they use everything they can restore from the wrecked ship to support their survival. They hunt for food, plant crops, and find a number of wonders of the island, transforming it into their brand-new home. With time, they cultivate a civilized and sustainable life in the wild.

On the island, they learn more about wildlife, overcome various obstacles and worries, and safeguard themselves against pirates who sometimes check out the island. Emphasizes of their adventures consist of encounters with wild animals, breathtaking landscapes, and the discovery of unique locations.

Emily Montrose's Arrival
A significant twist unfolds when the 2 older brothers, Fritz and Jack, discover another person on the island. They rescue Emily Montrose, a young girl from a ship assaulted by pirates, who consequently becomes a love interest for the siblings. The arrival of Emily adds a brand-new dynamic to the household, triggering rivalry in between Fritz and Jack who contend to win her affections.

Conclusion
Towards the end of the film, the Swiss Family Robinson need to safeguard their island from a band of pirates who go back to take Emily. In a triumphant battle, they ward off the pirates, utilizing their understanding of the island's terrain and resources to their benefit. Following this victory, a British ship arrives to rescue Emily, offering the family a possibility to go back to civilization. However, the British Captain is informed that the family has actually decided to stay on the island, discovering comfort and happiness in their brand-new home.

General Theme
The "Swiss Family Robinson" exhibits themes of durability, resourcefulness, and familial love. Through residing in isolation, the family learns the importance of adjustment, co-operation, and resourcefulness in enduring and developing a brand-new life from scratch. In spite of their scenarios, they discover joy and complete satisfaction in their simple but rewarding life on the island. From thrilling experiences to heartfelt minutes of family bonding, this movie uses a perfect mix of drama, enjoyment, and emotional depth.

Top Cast

  • Thomas Mitchell (small)
    Thomas Mitchell
    William Robinson
  • Edna Best (small)
    Edna Best
    Elizabeth Robinson
  • Freddie Bartholomew (small)
    Freddie Bartholomew
    Jack Robinson
  • Terry Kilburn (small)
    Terry Kilburn
    Ernest Robinson
  • Tim Holt (small)
    Tim Holt
    Fritz Robinson
  • Bobbie Quillan
    Francis Robinson
  • Christian Rub (small)
    Christian Rub
    Thoren
  • John Wray (small)
    John Wray
    Ramsey
  • Herbert Rawlinson (small)
    Herbert Rawlinson
    Captain
  • Jack Stoney (small)
    Jack Stoney
    Seaman
  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Opening Narrator