Ah, Swiss Family Robinson – an timeless classic, set in a Swiss paradise with intrepid travellers, exploring the island and conquering its many exciting adventures! But the question remains – what year was this classic story made into a movie?
Well, here’s the thing – if you look back over the many remakes, sequels and TV series, you’ll find that Swiss Family Robinson has become something of a Swiss classic that is constantly evolving. Whether it was the original 1960 Walt Disney film, the 1998 live-action remake, the 45-minute 1978 TV special, or the Canadian-Chinese 2014 television broadcast, one thing is for sure: Swiss Family Robinson is definitely ever-changing and growing in popularity!
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1960 Walt Disney Classic
The original, and classic, Swiss Family Robinson movie was produced in 1960 by Walt Disney Studios, and was the first Disney movie to be released in the widescreen Super Technirama 70mm format. It was a musical, starring the lovable John Mills and Dorothy McGuire, drawing on elements from both the Swiss Family Robinson novel, and Johann Wyss’ children’s book, Les Aventures de Robinson Crusoe.
The Core Family
At the heart of the delightfully swashbuckling story is the large family of Widtsoes, made up of Father, Mother, Fritz, Ernst, Francis, Ernest, and Jack, as well as their faithful pet falcon, Dufresne. The outstanding music, the very cool island life, and the thrilling adventures all add to the movie’s lively and heartwarming story.
The Charming Change Over the Years
Even though the plot remains the same – the sea-stranded family struggling to survive and build a life on the island – the adaptations of the popular story over the years have proved to be anything but regular (with a little help from technology and CGI too, of course!)
From Black & White to Color!
The second Walt Disney version of Swiss Family Robinson, released in 1974, was made in color rather than the original black and white format, so we got to watch the Widtsoes in bright and vibrant hues against the backdrop of the wide blue sea.
The 1998 Version
By 1998, we were all the way up to another large scale remake, this time of the Walt Disney classic. The musical elements were retained but the story became a little grittier and edgier, with the family being less of the heroes and more of the survivors, trying to find a way to defeat the pirates who had invaded the island.
TV Series
More recently, in 2014, the TV series Swiss Family Robinson returned to the airwaves, offering a mix of comedy, action, and adventure. Retaining the charm of the previous versions, this family-oriented show brought the off-the-beaten-track life of the family to the attention of a new generation of viewers.
So, to summarise, what year was Swiss Family Robinson made? The answer (drumroll, please!): 1960. From the classic black and white format to the CGI-infused series in 2014, Swiss Family Robinson has been through somewhat of an evolution over the years. But no matter which version you enjoy the most, the Swiss paradise that the Widtsoes explore is sure to spark a little nostalgia in all of us! We hope you’ve enjoyed this trip back through time, now’s it’s time to make your own Swiss Family Robinson movie!