Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

About Swiss Family Robinson

Swiss Family Robinson is a 1960 American adventure film directed by Ken Annakin and produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is based on the novel of the same name by Johann David Wyss, which tells the story of a Swiss family shipwrecked in the East Indies while en route to Port Jackson, Australia.

Making / Production

The film was shot in Tobago and Pinewood Studios in London. It was the first feature-length adventure film produced by Disney, and marked a departure from the studio's traditional animated fare.

Actors

• John Mills as Father Robinson - Mills gives a heartfelt performance as the family patriarch, infusing his character with a blend of strength and kindness.
• Dorothy McGuire as Mother Robinson - McGuire portrays the caring and resourceful mother, providing a calming presence amid the family's predicament.
• James MacArthur as Fritz - MacArthur portrays Fritz as a brave and resourceful young man who becomes the family's go-to problem solver during their adventures.
• Tommy Kirk as Ernst - Kirk illustrates his character's growth from a naive boy to a mature young man amidst the harsh realities they face.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was Walt Disney's first adventure feature, marking a shift away from the company's prior concentration on animated films.
• Although set in the East Indies, the film was actually shot in Tobago.
• The film's estimated budget was $4 million, which was quite substantial for a movie at that time.

Awards

Unfortunately, there were no significant awards won by the film.

Quotes

• "A tree house, a free house, a secret you and me house." - Father Robinson
• "This sure beats any town I've ever lived in." - Fritz Robinson
• "We're not lost! We're, umm... we're locationally challenged." - Ernst Robinson

Music, Soundtrack

• "My Heart Was An Island", performed by John Mills and Dorothy McGuire
• "Adventureland Suite", composed and conducted by Paul J. Smith
• "Animals and Clams", composed by Oliver Wallace