"Treasure Island" is a 1950 adventure film produced by RKO-Walt Disney British Productions, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel of the same name.
The film is directed by Byron Haskin and stars Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton as Long John Silver. It was filmed in the United Kingdom on location and at Denham Film Studios, Buckinghamshire.
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who sets sail on the Hispaniola with a crew of pirates, including the infamous Long John Silver, in search of buried treasure on Treasure Island. The film's production was notable for being Disney's first completely live-action film and the first screen version of "Treasure Island" made in color. The film's cinematography by Freddie Young and editing by Alan Jaggs effectively capture the adventure and excitement of the story.
The film features a talented cast, including Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, Basil Sydney, Walter Fitzgerald, Denis O'Dea, Geoffrey Keen, Andrew Blackett, David Davies, John Laurie, and Ralph Truman. The music by Clifton Parker adds to the film's sense of adventure and excitement. The film was a commercial success, ranking as the sixth most popular movie at the British box office in 1950. It received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its authentic locales, rich color photography, and musket-roaring action.
The film was re-released in the United States in 1975, with a PG rating after Disney cut 9 minutes from the original version to receive a G rating. The film was later restored to its original 96-minute version and has been released on various home media formats, including DVD and Blu-ray. It is currently available to stream on Disney+. A comic book adaptation of the film was published by Dell Four Color in April 1955. A sequel, "Long John Silver," was released in 1954, starring Robert Newton again as Long John Silver. There was also a television series, "The Adventures of Long John Silver," made in 1954-55, which featured Newton reprising his role.
The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its authentic locales, rich color photography, and musket-roaring action. It holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting that it is a "terrific adaptation" of the novel. Overall, "Treasure Island" is a classic adventure film that has stood the test of time, offering a thrilling and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.