Mr. Robinson Crusoe | 1932 | Adventure | Comedy | Romance

Mr. Robinson Crusoe (1932) A wealthy adventurer wagers that he can survive alone on a deserted island, leading to an inventive and action-packed tale of self-reliance. Director: A. Edward Sutherland Screenplay by: Douglas Fairbanks, Thomas J. Geraghty Produced by: Douglas Fairbanks Starring: Douglas Fairbanks as Steve Drexel William Farnum as William Belmont Earle Browne as Professor Carmichale Maria Alba as Saturday Production Company: Elton Productions Distributed by: United Artists Release Date: August 19, 1932 Runtime: Approximately 76 minutes (varies by version) Country: United States Language: English Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Romance ------------------------------------------------------------ Synopsis: - Steve Drexel, a wealthy and adventurous yachtsman, makes a bold bet with his friends that he can survive alone on a deserted island without any supplies. - Determined to prove his self-sufficiency, he swims ashore with nothing but his wits and begins crafting a comfortable home using only natural resources. - As he builds his island paradise, he befriends various animals and even attempts to train a native as his own "Man Friday." - His solitude is interrupted when a young woman fleeing an unwanted marriage arrives on the island, leading to unexpected companionship and romance. - When hostile forces threaten his peaceful existence, Steve must use his ingenuity and athleticism to defend his island and win his wager. ------------------------------------------------------------ Key Themes & Highlights: - The Spirit of Adventure: Steve Drexel embodies the classic Fairbanks persona—optimistic, resourceful, and fearless in the face of challenges. - Inventive Survival: The film showcases creative problem-solving as Steve transforms the island into a self-sustaining paradise. - Romantic and Comedic Elements: The arrival of Saturday adds humor and romance, blending action with lighthearted moments. - Exotic Filming Locations: Shot on location in Tahiti, the film captures the beauty and mystique of the South Seas. - Classic Hollywood Charm: As one of Fairbanks’ final films, it reflects the adventurous spirit that defined his career. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trivia: - Fairbanks’ Penultimate Film: This was one of Douglas Fairbanks’ last films before retiring from acting. - Sound Issues During Production: Due to technical difficulties, much of the film’s dialogue had to be re-recorded in California after filming. - Alternate Titles: The film was originally titled *Tropical Knight*, *A Modern Robinson Crusoe*, and *Robinson Crusoe of the South Seas* before settling on *Mr. Robinson Crusoe*. - Public Domain Status: The film has entered the public domain, making it widely available for viewing and restoration efforts. - Influence on Later Films: The concept of a self-sufficient castaway has inspired numerous adventure films and survival stories. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hashtags: #MrRobinsonCrusoe #1932Adventure #DouglasFairbanks #ClassicHollywood #SurvivalStory #SouthSeasCinema #PublicDomainFilm #GoldenAgeCinema #IslandEscape #RomanticAdventure