Swiss Family Robinson

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Swiss Family Robinson

1940

1h 32m

Adventure

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1 Reviews

30%

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Worried about the social and political climate of their adopted home of London in the 1810s, Swiss-born watchmaker William Robinson (Thomas Mitchell) sets sail with his wife, Elizabeth (Edna Best), and three sons on a ship bound for Australia. When a violent storm washes the ship's crew overboard, the family becomes shipwrecked on a remote island. Using provisions and livestock rescued from their vessel, the Robinsons begin to build a new, self-sufficient life for themselves.

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

Visually impressive for its time, this adaptation still proves reliable family entertainment, but is lacking the flair that might have made it a classic.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 17, 2021

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Kim T

Yes this film is from 1940 and in black and white but it is very enjoyable. Simple yet entertaining.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/22/23

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matt h

So the 1960s movie is like one of my most favorite films from childhood. With Disney+ I didn't even know that this movie existed. Well I bet this is probably closer to the book but I'm not sure I liked it. The father was creepy and the mom was just blah in this version.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

I cried many times during the film. It was excellent!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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r 9

I thought I'd give this a watch before watching the Disney remake, given they are both on the latter's streaming service. I like 1940's 'Swiss Family Robinson', though there are many ways it could be improved upon which is what I hope the 1960 production does. This one, made by RKO Pictures, is enjoyable. The action sequences look decent enough, the acting is solid while the premise is very intriguing. I rate the film almost from start-to-finish, the moments which make up that last part disappoints unfortunately - the ending doesn't really make sense. Thomas Mitchell (William) and Freddie Bartholomew (Jack) are my standout characters, both of those two give good performances. Edna Best & Co. are all fine, though. It's with Best's character that makes the finale poor in my eyes. I won't spoil what happens, but it doesn't work in my opinion - especially in connection with what else occurs. Those criticisms of mine stop me from placing this higher. However, it is still an entertaining flick from 1940.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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s r

Ambitious, but it doesn't hold a candle to the 1960 version in terms of outright entertainment.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Well, if your having trouble sleeping, 'Swiss Family Robinson (1940)' will send you right to sleep.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Edward Ludwig

Director

Thomas Mitchell

William Robinson

Edna Best

Elizabeth Robinson

Freddie Bartholomew

Jack Robinson

Terry Kilburn

Ernest Robinson

Tim Holt

Fritz Robinson

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"T3" Director Hired to Remake "Swiss Family Robinson"

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Synopsis

Worried about the social and political climate of their adopted home of London in the 1810s, Swiss-born watchmaker William Robinson (Thomas Mitchell) sets sail with his wife, Elizabeth (Edna Best), and three sons on a ship bound for Australia. When a violent storm washes the ship's crew overboard, the family becomes shipwrecked on a remote island. Using provisions and livestock rescued from their vessel, the Robinsons begin to build a new, self-sufficient life for themselves.

Director: Edward Ludwig
Producer: Gene Towne, C. Graham Baker
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 11, 2020
Runtime: 1h 32m

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