'They don't make 'em like this any more'. I've heard that statement made many times and, in the case of this movie at least, it is very true. Disney's version of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island sticks surprisingly close to the book - not perfectly, of course, but close enough. It is quite violent for a Disney movie, but a lot of the potential gore is not seen and even if it was, it would be pretty tame compared to what kids see these days even on television.
Well acted and scripted, this boasts an iconic turn by Robert Newton as Long John Silver. The movie is almost worth watching for that alone. This is where all pirate stereotypes we all accept and hold dear originated! The other actors are all great too. Special effects and a lot of the backdrops leave a lot to be desired but this was made in 1950 and they are certainly fine for the time. Only a real curmudgeon would mark the movie down on this score anyway.
I have no doubt that someone making a version of this story in 2021 would add new 'twists' and personal 'reimaginings' to the plot - and ruin the story in the process. It's nice to see a movie that respects its source material.
This is a great movie for kids and nice nostalgia for adults. See it.
