Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)

Director:

Byron Haskin

Writers:

Daniel Defoe (novel)
John C. Higgins (writer)

Release Date:

June 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Tagline:

A Lone U.S. Astronaut Space-Ship Wrecked on Mars!

Plot:

Stranded on Mars with only a monkey as a companion, an astronaut must figure out how to find oxygen, water, and food on the lifeless planet.

Plot Keywords:

Alien | Astronaut | Mars | Monkey | Stranded

Cast

Paul Mantee	...	Cmdr. Christopher 'Kit' Draper
Victor Lundin	...	Friday
Adam West	...	Col. Dan McReady

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Australia:G | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:11

Filming Locations:

Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Company:

Aubrey Schenck Productions

Trivia:

The lobby card for this movie has an official-looking statement: "This film is Scientifically Authentic ... It is only one step ahead of present reality!"

Quotes:

Draper: Friday, you're gonna learn English if I have to sit on your chest for two months.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Hell in the Pacific (1968)

Much better than the title suggests!

Beautifully filmed in Death Valley, a low budget didn't hurt this fine movie, which was crafted with intelligence, wit, and imagination.

Paul Mantee stars as the survivor of an ill-fated voyage to Mars, and he plays his role with zest, humor, and gritty determination to survive despite the long odds against him.

Nicely adapted from the classic tale, this movie stands the test of time; despite its being released in 1964, it has a uniquely authentic look and feel, despite the dated hardware.

It's a good movie for the kids (they'll probably fall in love with Mona the monkey).

Best of all, this movie leaves you with a satisfied, thumbs-up smile when the ending credits roll, and lots of movies with bigger stars and more lavish budgets just don't do as well.

I rate it 8.5 out of 10