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- In 1836, a small band of soldiers sacrifice their lives in hopeless combat against a massive army in order to prevent a tyrant from smashing the new Republic of Texas.
- A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert.
- Emmy-winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) stars in this exciting family adventure based on Johann David Wyss's Timeless book. Join the shipwrecked Robinsons as they struggle together to make a new life on a remote desert island.
- Fueled by the intense poverty of his youth, Walter Valentino Liberace is determined to become the world's greatest entertainer. Explore the rises and falls, the libel and palimony suits, as this intensely driven man struggles for personal happiness as well as the desire for the title of "Mr. Showmanship."
- Lt. Dan August is a homicide detective in his hometown of Santa Luisa, California. In this reediting of two episodes of Burt Reynolds' "Dan August" TV series, August and his partner Wilentz investigate the slayings of two winos who died after drinking poisoned whiskey and the rape and murder of a young woman.
- Kan'Nal - Live At The Boulder Theater
- A documentary examining the production of the album which turned Phil Collins into a solo star.
- 1998–199930m7.7 (10)TV EpisodeMonth sixteen. Life is idyllic for the little community. The farm is flourishing and everyone is preparing for the forthcoming marriage of Ben and Joanna. David, as head of the community is rehearsing the impending marriage ceremony between the young lovestruck Joanna and Ben. Unknown to the family, Parsons and Bonnie Mary arrive back on the island in their pirate ship, The Viper. Parsons is bent on destroying the family. As David conducts the marriage ceremony, Parsons lines him up in his musket sights and fires. The shot hits David's bible and saves his life. The family retreat to their prepared hill fort and delay the pirates with a variety of devices they have prepared. But the odds are against them. Mary persuades Parsons that they can starve the family out, rather than risk more casualties. Parsons vengefully sets fire to the tree house. During the lull, Joanna persuades David to finish the marriage, so that she and Ben can at least die as a married couple. David completes the service. As the family are about to be overrun, an armed merchant ship comes into view, heading for the island. Fearing for her ship, Mary decides to leave. Parsons protests that he hasn't gained his revenge and refuses to go. Mary leaves him to fend for himself. The merchantman is owned by Elizabeth's father, Oscar. Kwang Sen, the Chinese merchant to whom Emily is betrothed, is also on board. Oscar is horrified that his grandchildren have apparently become savages. Kwang Sen demands Emily's obedience, but Emily no longer wants to marry him. The family side with her, and buy the merchant off with the treasure they were planning to use for their own future. Parsons appears and accuses David of murdering his brother. Oscar dismisses it, but David is determined to return home (to Boston) and clear his name. He and the family set sail for Boston. Back in Boston, the trial of David against Parsons ends when the drunken judge dismisses the charges leaving Parsons, frustrated at not having got "justice" - and the family to pick up the pieces of their broken lives as they attempt to settle back into Boston society - for haven't they finally reached home?
- 1998–199930m7.2 (7)TV EpisodeThe family still look to each other - and often the dear Lord - for comfort, support and guidance as they struggle with life in the natural world which at times feels like a tropical paradise and other times like a prison. The family decide to build a fort on a hill to defend themselves in the event of attack again from any third parties such as pirates/natives. While searching for driftwood, Ernst sees a beautiful native girl arrive alone in a canoe. She is tired and distressed. He is trying to befriend her when a war canoe arrives in pursuit of the girl. She and Ernst hide in the burial chamber, where they are finally rescued by David. The family revive the girl and discover she is a princess, Moya the daughter of the king (the same king from Book Two ). Moya tells the family that a tribal war has broken out on their island. Her father has been killed and she has run away because her life is in danger. The family decide to welcome Moya into the family fold. Unknown to the family, the shaman has stayed behind from the war party, determined to kill the princess since she is heiress to her native kingdom. Moya starts to live with the family and the two cultures come to understand something of each others ways. Ernst becomes infatuated with the girl. Moya is an expert pearl diver and offers to help the family search the wreck for additional materials that may be useful for the new fortress the family are building. .The shaman, casting his dark spell, gets Moya into difficulties as she searches the submerged wreck. She is rescued by David, but shortly after, the family are alarmed to see another war canoe arrive. Fleeing to their newly built fort the family prepare to defend themselves. To their relief they discover the native party is led by the young man to whom Moya is betrothed. He has defeated the rival group and come in search of Moya. With the shaman vanquished, Moya and her prince return to their island, leaving Ernst broken-hearted at Moya's leaving - but he knows she must return to where she belongs and perhaps one day the Robinson family will return to their own home too.
- 1998–199930m8.2 (21)TV EpisodeDavid Robinson accepts an offer to open a new branch for his firm in China, and embarks with his wife Elizabeth, their children, a crew, and their dog Bruno on the perilous sailing voyage. Then, a storm hits and strands the ship on a reef.
- 1998–199930m6.9 (14)TV EpisodeA month after the shipwreck. Through Ernst's narration - and the diary he is keeping of events - the family are still struggling with living/surviving off the land and are growing crops, keeping chickens, rearing wild pigs and a goat. But, prompted by the sudden activity of the island's volcano, they are planning to escape and have improved the raft to make it seaworthy. Parsons and Ben have set up home in a squalid cave on a barren outlying island nearby. They fear the family may surprise them and steal the boat. From their island they observe the unsuspecting Robinson's through a telescope. Parsons is still bent on revenging himself on David. Exploring the island the children find a tunnel leading to a cave with a large carved head and a sarcophagus. Christina removes a large black pearl from the cave. David and Ernst investigate the cave, which they surmise to be some kind of ancient burial chamber for native kings. They are trapped when a native canoe arrives indeed carrying a King, his brother, a shaman and several warlike members of a native tribe. The King's brother stages a coup d'etat, but David and Ernst rescue him. The King, an ex-slave, who is deeply suspicious of white men, threatens the family for violating the sacred island. Discovering the King gone, the brother and his men set off in pursuit. Meanwhile, the petulant Emily has wandered into the forest and been captured by Parsons and Ben, who have been observing the King's arrival at the tree house. They in turn are captured by the brother's group. Parsons makes a deal with the brother to recapture the king and to take over the tree house. The children stage a daring rescue of Emily and thwart Parsons attempt to capture the tree house. The brother, himself a shaman, uses his supernatural powers to try and attack the king from a distance. Christina, who has the black pearl, is caught in the conflict and mysteriously subsides into a deep coma. The shaman enters the brother's Dreamtime to try and save Christina. The other children fall into a deep sleep and are pulled into the dangerous Dreamtime with the shaman. When Parsons renews his attack on the tree house, David and Elizabeth move the sleeping children to safety on the raft. In the Dreamtime the children have to overcome a variety of supernatural dangers with the shaman, before finally rescuing Christina and defeating the brother. The restored King allows the Robinsons to stay on the island, but destroys their raft, fearing they will escape and bring other white men to the sacred island - leaving the Robinson family filled with growing resolve that they must (and will) survive living on the island as they could be cast-away for some considerable time.
- 1998–199930m7.8 (8)TV EpisodeAs always, through Ernst's narration and his diary we view life on the island though his eyes and realize that the Robinsons have been shipwrecked for approximately six months. The family celebrate their first harvest. All seems peaceful and idyllic, but while out hunting Joanna and Ernst discover animal spoor of a seemingly large ape like creature. David is keen to investigate, but Elizabeth is concerned for her family's safety. Christina is captured by Ben and Parsons, who take her back to their island. When Parsons sees her black pearl, he becomes convinced that the Robinsons have a treasure hoard. He persuades Ben they should go after it. Running from a wild cat in the forest Billy gets lost, and is stung by a strange insect in a swamp. Escaping a rain squall Billy hides in a small cave in the hills. When he wakes there is a large gorilla sitting in the mouth of the cave. With David and Ernst away searching for Billy, Parsons storms the tree house and demands the treasure. Emily hides her private jewels that she has kept hidden. Finding no treasure, Parsons demands that David gives himself up in exchange for Christina's safe return. Parsons takes the family's raft so they won't be able to pursue him. Looking for Billy, David slips into a swamp and is also bitten by a strange insect. Meanwhile, the gorilla has discovered Billy. At first the creature shows aggression, but sensing Billy is helpless, it quietens down. Unable to escape from the cave, Billy settles down to wait, but begins to feel very ill and discovers purple blotches on his skin. When Emily's jewels are accidentally discovered, David demands that they try to buy Parsons off with them, despite Emily's protests that they are her dowry. But how to get a message to Parsons? Despite the family's misgivings that the swim may be too far for their dog, Bruno is sent to Parsons island with a message tied to his collar. As they wait for a response, David Robinson also falls ill with purple blotches on his skin. Elizabeth's remedies cannot cure him. Billy, ill, but desperately hungry eats some leaves the gorilla has brought as food. After a while he recovers and with the gorilla away, he escapes. He returns to the tree house and finds David gravely ill. Elizabeth gleans that Billy had the same illness, and realizes that the leaves he ate must be a cure. More leaves are found and David is given an infusion. Parsons takes Christina to rendezvous with the family. Parsons is given Emily's jewels, but demands David Robinson as well. As the ailing David prepares to give himself up, Christina gives Parsons the slip and he and Ben are chased off by Ernst and Billy. David recovers and the family rejoice.
- 1998–199930m7.8 (8)TV EpisodeAs always, through Ernst's narration and his diary we view life on the island though his eyes and realize that the Robinsons have been shipwrecked for approximately six months. The family celebrate their first harvest. All seems peaceful and idyllic, but while out hunting Joanna and Ernst discover animal spoor of a seemingly large ape like creature. David is keen to investigate, but Elizabeth is concerned for her family's safety. Christina is captured by Ben and Parsons, who take her back to their island. When Parsons sees her black pearl, he becomes convinced that the Robinsons have a treasure hoard. He persuades Ben they should go after it. Running from a wild cat in the forest Billy gets lost, and is stung by a strange insect in a swamp. Escaping a rain squall Billy hides in a small cave in the hills. When he wakes there is a large gorilla sitting in the mouth of the cave. With David and Ernst away searching for Billy, Parsons storms the tree house and demands the treasure. Emily hides her private jewels that she has kept hidden. Finding no treasure, Parsons demands that David gives himself up in exchange for Christina's safe return. Parsons takes the family's raft so they won't be able to pursue him. Looking for Billy, David slips into a swamp and is also bitten by a strange insect. Meanwhile, the gorilla has discovered Billy. At first the creature shows aggression, but sensing Billy is helpless, it quietens down. Unable to escape from the cave, Billy settles down to wait, but begins to feel very ill and discovers purple blotches on his skin. When Emily's jewels are accidentally discovered, David demands that they try to buy Parsons off with them, despite Emily's protests that they are her dowry. But how to get a message to Parsons? Despite the family's misgivings that the swim may be too far for their dog, Bruno is sent to Parsons island with a message tied to his collar. As they wait for a response, David Robinson also falls ill with purple blotches on his skin. Elizabeth's remedies cannot cure him. Billy, ill, but desperately hungry eats some leaves the gorilla has brought as food. After a while he recovers and with the gorilla away, he escapes. He returns to the tree house and finds David gravely ill. Elizabeth gleans that Billy had the same illness, and realizes that the leaves he ate must be a cure. More leaves are found and David is given an infusion. Parsons takes Christina to rendezvous with the family. Parsons is given Emily's jewels, but demands David Robinson as well. As the ailing David prepares to give himself up, Christina gives Parsons the slip and he and Ben are chased off by Ernst and Billy. David recovers and the family rejoice.
- 1998–199930m7.6 (7)TV EpisodeAs always, through Ernst's narration and his diary we view life on the island though his eyes and realize that the Robinsons have been shipwrecked for approximately six months. The family celebrate their first harvest. All seems peaceful and idyllic, but while out hunting Joanna and Ernst discover animal spoor of a seemingly large ape like creature. David is keen to investigate, but Elizabeth is concerned for her family's safety. Christina is captured by Ben and Parsons, who take her back to their island. When Parsons sees her black pearl, he becomes convinced that the Robinsons have a treasure hoard. He persuades Ben they should go after it. Running from a wild cat in the forest Billy gets lost, and is stung by a strange insect in a swamp. Escaping a rain squall Billy hides in a small cave in the hills. When he wakes there is a large gorilla sitting in the mouth of the cave. With David and Ernst away searching for Billy, Parsons storms the tree house and demands the treasure. Emily hides her private jewels that she has kept hidden. Finding no treasure, Parsons demands that David gives himself up in exchange for Christina's safe return. Parsons takes the family's raft so they won't be able to pursue him. Looking for Billy, David slips into a swamp and is also bitten by a strange insect. Meanwhile, the gorilla has discovered Billy. At first the creature shows aggression, but sensing Billy is helpless, it quietens down. Unable to escape from the cave, Billy settles down to wait, but begins to feel very ill and discovers purple blotches on his skin. When Emily's jewels are accidentally discovered, David demands that they try to buy Parsons off with them, despite Emily's protests that they are her dowry. But how to get a message to Parsons? Despite the family's misgivings that the swim may be too far for their dog, Bruno is sent to Parsons island with a message tied to his collar. As they wait for a response, David Robinson also falls ill with purple blotches on his skin. Elizabeth's remedies cannot cure him. Billy, ill, but desperately hungry eats some leaves the gorilla has brought as food. After a while he recovers and with the gorilla away, he escapes. He returns to the tree house and finds David gravely ill. Elizabeth gleans that Billy had the same illness, and realizes that the leaves he ate must be a cure. More leaves are found and David is given an infusion. Parsons takes Christina to rendezvous with the family. Parsons is given Emily's jewels, but demands David Robinson as well. As the ailing David prepares to give himself up, Christina gives Parsons the slip and he and Ben are chased off by Ernst and Billy. David recovers and the family rejoice.
- 1998–199930m7.7 (9)TV EpisodeThird/fourth month. The family are still battling against the forces of Mother nature (and often themselves) and are looking forward to their first harvest, which they plan to celebrate on the Fourth of July, American Independence Day. Ernst, however, is still hopeful of rescue, so that he can build a career( as a writer ) for himself back in civilization. Unknown to anyone a ship is heading towards the island. She is The Viper, a notorious pirate ship captained by the rascally "Captain" Samuel Scaggs and his ex-convict partner, Bonnie Mary. Ben is excited when he sees a ship heading for the Robinsons's island. Parsons recognizes The Viper and advises that he has a mate on board. Ben wants to warn the Robinson family, (probably due to his continuing infatuation with Joanna ), but Parsons says the pirates will gain his revenge on David Robinson for him. Hunting for wild turkey, Ernst and Billy encounter Scaggs and his landing party. Believing Scaggs to be an honorable man, Ernst accepts his invitation to go aboard, but Billy has second thoughts. Billy's fears are soon realized when Scaggs makes Ernst walk the plank, believing he is lying about there being no-one else on the island. Parsons arrives and tells Scaggs about the Robinson family. The family are surprised at night and overrun by the pirates. Scaggs and Mary take possession of the tree house - and show no signs of being in a hurry to leave... Parsons convinces Scaggs that David killed his brother and Scaggs decides to hold a trial, with himself as judge, jury and hangman. Ernst escapes from imprisonment on the pirate ship and almost rescues the family, before being overcome. Scaggs finds David guilty and sentences him to hang. Elizabeth pleads successfully for his life, saying that the family will stay on the island and provide Scaggs with a safe haven and regular food from their little farm. Parsons is furious at David's reprieve and Ben has to prevent him from killing David himself. Despite his piracy, Scaggs regards himself as a true-blue Englishman. When he discovers the family plan to celebrate the Fourth of July, he is enraged. He demands that David renounce America and swear an oath of loyalty to the English Crown. David and the rest of the family refuse, and Scaggs orders them to be put to death. The family are saved when Billy pretends that the feverish Emily has smallpox. Terrified of this deadly contagious disease, the pirates flee, leaving Parsons to beat a hasty retreat from David's musket. Even though the pirates have destroyed most of their crops and animals, and they will have to start afresh, the family celebrate their Fourth of July and their freedom from tyranny.
- 1998–199930m7.4 (7)TV EpisodeThird/fourth month. The family are still battling against the forces of Mother nature (and often themselves) and are looking forward to their first harvest, which they plan to celebrate on the Fourth of July, American Independence Day. Ernst, however, is still hopeful of rescue, so that he can build a career( as a writer ) for himself back in civilization. Unknown to anyone a ship is heading towards the island. She is The Viper, a notorious pirate ship captained by the rascally "Captain" Samuel Scaggs and his ex-convict partner, Bonnie Mary. Ben is excited when he sees a ship heading for the Robinsons's island. Parsons recognizes The Viper and advises that he has a mate on board. Ben wants to warn the Robinson family, (probably due to his continuing infatuation with Joanna ), but Parsons says the pirates will gain his revenge on David Robinson for him. Hunting for wild turkey, Ernst and Billy encounter Scaggs and his landing party. Believing Scaggs to be an honorable man, Ernst accepts his invitation to go aboard, but Billy has second thoughts. Billy's fears are soon realized when Scaggs makes Ernst walk the plank, believing he is lying about there being no-one else on the island. Parsons arrives and tells Scaggs about the Robinson family. The family are surprised at night and overrun by the pirates. Scaggs and Mary take possession of the tree house - and show no signs of being in a hurry to leave... Parsons convinces Scaggs that David killed his brother and Scaggs decides to hold a trial, with himself as judge, jury and hangman. Ernst escapes from imprisonment on the pirate ship and almost rescues the family, before being overcome. Scaggs finds David guilty and sentences him to hang. Elizabeth pleads successfully for his life, saying that the family will stay on the island and provide Scaggs with a safe haven and regular food from their little farm. Parsons is furious at David's reprieve and Ben has to prevent him from killing David himself. Despite his piracy, Scaggs regards himself as a true-blue Englishman. When he discovers the family plan to celebrate the Fourth of July, he is enraged. He demands that David renounce America and swear an oath of loyalty to the English Crown. David and the rest of the family refuse, and Scaggs orders them to be put to death. The family are saved when Billy pretends that the feverish Emily has smallpox. Terrified of this deadly contagious disease, the pirates flee, leaving Parsons to beat a hasty retreat from David's musket. Even though the pirates have destroyed most of their crops and animals, and they will have to start afresh, the family celebrate their Fourth of July and their freedom from tyranny.
- 1998–199930m7.4 (7)TV EpisodeThe family still look to each other - and often the dear Lord - for comfort, support and guidance as they struggle with life in the natural world which at times feels like a tropical paradise and other times like a prison. The family decide to build a fort on a hill to defend themselves in the event of attack again from any third parties such as pirates/natives. While searching for driftwood, Ernst sees a beautiful native girl arrive alone in a canoe. She is tired and distressed. He is trying to befriend her when a war canoe arrives in pursuit of the girl. She and Ernst hide in the burial chamber, where they are finally rescued by David. The family revive the girl and discover she is a princess, Moya the daughter of the king (the same king from Book Two ). Moya tells the family that a tribal war has broken out on their island. Her father has been killed and she has run away because her life is in danger. The family decide to welcome Moya into the family fold. Unknown to the family, the shaman has stayed behind from the war party, determined to kill the princess since she is heiress to her native kingdom. Moya starts to live with the family and the two cultures come to understand something of each others ways. Ernst becomes infatuated with the girl. Moya is an expert pearl diver and offers to help the family search the wreck for additional materials that may be useful for the new fortress the family are building. .The shaman, casting his dark spell, gets Moya into difficulties as she searches the submerged wreck. She is rescued by David, but shortly after, the family are alarmed to see another war canoe arrive. Fleeing to their newly built fort the family prepare to defend themselves. To their relief they discover the native party is led by the young man to whom Moya is betrothed. He has defeated the rival group and come in search of Moya. With the shaman vanquished, Moya and her prince return to their island, leaving Ernst broken-hearted at Moya's leaving - but he knows she must return to where she belongs and perhaps one day the Robinson family will return to their own home too.
- 1998–199930m7.2 (7)TV EpisodeThe family still look to each other - and often the dear Lord - for comfort, support and guidance as they struggle with life in the natural world which at times feels like a tropical paradise and other times like a prison. The family decide to build a fort on a hill to defend themselves in the event of attack again from any third parties such as pirates/natives. While searching for driftwood, Ernst sees a beautiful native girl arrive alone in a canoe. She is tired and distressed. He is trying to befriend her when a war canoe arrives in pursuit of the girl. She and Ernst hide in the burial chamber, where they are finally rescued by David. The family revive the girl and discover she is a princess, Moya the daughter of the king (the same king from Book Two ). Moya tells the family that a tribal war has broken out on their island. Her father has been killed and she has run away because her life is in danger. The family decide to welcome Moya into the family fold. Unknown to the family, the shaman has stayed behind from the war party, determined to kill the princess since she is heiress to her native kingdom. Moya starts to live with the family and the two cultures come to understand something of each others ways. Ernst becomes infatuated with the girl. Moya is an expert pearl diver and offers to help the family search the wreck for additional materials that may be useful for the new fortress the family are building. .The shaman, casting his dark spell, gets Moya into difficulties as she searches the submerged wreck. She is rescued by David, but shortly after, the family are alarmed to see another war canoe arrive. Fleeing to their newly built fort the family prepare to defend themselves. To their relief they discover the native party is led by the young man to whom Moya is betrothed. He has defeated the rival group and come in search of Moya. With the shaman vanquished, Moya and her prince return to their island, leaving Ernst broken-hearted at Moya's leaving - but he knows she must return to where she belongs and perhaps one day the Robinson family will return to their own home too.
- 1998–199930m7.8 (13)TV EpisodeBOSTON - AMERICA - 1830's - David Robinson finds the comfortable life as chief clerk in his father-in-law's shipping firm tedious . He accepts the offer to open a new branch for the firm in Canton in China, and embarks with his wife Elizabeth and children, Ernst, Joanna and Christina and the family dog, Bruno, on the perilous sailing voyage. Aboard the ship the children meet the crew: a novice seaman Ben Thomas (and there is certainly a hint of mutual attraction between him and Joanna), Billy Cobb, the black cabin boy (with whom the young Christina strikes up an immediate rapport), Emily Chen, an aristocratic Chinese girl, who is aloof and cold - and very mysterious... But she pales in comparison to the mysteries surrounding Parsons - an old sea dog with a criminal bent. Believing the Robinsons have treasure in their cabin, Parsons sends his half-wit brother Seth, to steal it as a raging storm brews. David surprises Seth and in the ensuing struggle, Seth is accidentally killed. Parsons accuses David of murdering his brother and traps the family in their cabin, as the passengers and crew struggle to the life-boats to abandon ship - and the storm threatens to sink it. Surely the family will meet their doom at the bottom of the ocean... Against all the odds and amidst a thrilling sequence, the family survive the storm, climb up on the deck and find that they are stranded on a reef, with the rest of the crew and passengers gone... They make a raft and manage somehow to reach the nearby island, taking with them useful items from the ship, including chickens and Bruno. During the raft trip Christina accidentally falls overboard in the shark infested waters and is feared drowned. The distraught family pray to the dear Lord for deliverance, set up a temporary shelter on the island and cling to each other through the night in an attempt to find refuge from their anguish and fear as they listen to the new and wild sounds of the night on the island (is it wild life, and are the family truly alone, or is the island also inhabited by natives?)... The following day, amidst a surprising twist of events, Christina is reunited with the family - the cabin boy, Billy Cobb makes his presence felt and all concerned realize that it was he who rescued Christina and saved her life. Unknown to the family, Parsons and Ben have also survived the storm and landed on the opposite side of the island in the ship's dory. They too set out to explore - and look for life - on the island. David, Ernst and Billy go back to the wreck to salvage what they can, including a musket, pistol and a small cannon. But they face enormous danger when the ship slips off the reef and sinks while they are on board, (having survived the storm, it would appear that David , Ernst and Billy have finally gone down with ship). David, Ernst and Billy manage somehow to escape with their lives and row back to shore - and are reunited with relieved members of the family. But any celebrations are short lived when Elizabeth advises that she, Joanna and Christina had an unexpected encounter while they were bathing in the tropical pool/waterfall with wildlife, which they survived - but she cannot help but feeling that someone or something is on the island watching them... Survival contd. Emily Chen is discovered hiding on the island, much the worse for wear. However, as soon as she is fed and clothed, she resumes her snobbish demeanor. Nonetheless, the family see it as their duty to provide her with food and shelter. For all that, living on the island has its fair share of danger, and it is uninhabited - the island is paradoxically also reminiscent of paradise and each member of the family finds themselves invigorated and stimulated with the 'natural world' and feeling that they could survive on the island for a thousand years. Equally though the next minute, the notion of being cast-away forever is a fearful one and all concerned do not wish to remain shipwrecked for any longer than they have to... Elizabeth is adamant that a shelter is built in the trees/off the ground as the best defense against any unexpected encounter). Shortly after finding a suitable site for their tree house, Parsons and Ben discover the family and a fight ensues between David and Parsons. Celebrations are in order and the entire family remain resolved to conquer each and every adventure they encounter during the course of their lives as cast-aways on the island.
- 1998–199930m7.6 (13)TV EpisodeBOSTON - AMERICA - 1830's - David Robinson finds the comfortable life as chief clerk in his father-in-law's shipping firm tedious . He accepts the offer to open a new branch for the firm in Canton in China, and embarks with his wife Elizabeth and children, Ernst, Joanna and Christina and the family dog, Bruno, on the perilous sailing voyage. Aboard the ship the children meet the crew: a novice seaman Ben Thomas (and there is certainly a hint of mutual attraction between him and Joanna), Billy Cobb, the black cabin boy (with whom the young Christina strikes up an immediate rapport), Emily Chen, an aristocratic Chinese girl, who is aloof and cold - and very mysterious... But she pales in comparison to the mysteries surrounding Parsons - an old sea dog with a criminal bent. Believing the Robinsons have treasure in their cabin, Parsons sends his half-wit brother Seth, to steal it as a raging storm brews. David surprises Seth and in the ensuing struggle, Seth is accidentally killed. Parsons accuses David of murdering his brother and traps the family in their cabin, as the passengers and crew struggle to the life-boats to abandon ship - and the storm threatens to sink it. Surely the family will meet their doom at the bottom of the ocean... Against all the odds and amidst a thrilling sequence, the family survive the storm, climb up on the deck and find that they are stranded on a reef, with the rest of the crew and passengers gone... They make a raft and manage somehow to reach the nearby island, taking with them useful items from the ship, including chickens and Bruno. During the raft trip Christina accidentally falls overboard in the shark infested waters and is feared drowned. The distraught family pray to the dear Lord for deliverance, set up a temporary shelter on the island and cling to each other through the night in an attempt to find refuge from their anguish and fear as they listen to the new and wild sounds of the night on the island (is it wild life, and are the family truly alone, or is the island also inhabited by natives?)... The following day, amidst a surprising twist of events, Christina is reunited with the family - the cabin boy, Billy Cobb makes his presence felt and all concerned realize that it was he who rescued Christina and saved her life. Unknown to the family, Parsons and Ben have also survived the storm and landed on the opposite side of the island in the ship's dory. They too set out to explore - and look for life - on the island. David, Ernst and Billy go back to the wreck to salvage what they can, including a musket, pistol and a small cannon. But they face enormous danger when the ship slips off the reef and sinks while they are on board, (having survived the storm, it would appear that David , Ernst and Billy have finally gone down with ship). David, Ernst and Billy manage somehow to escape with their lives and row back to shore - and are reunited with relieved members of the family. But any celebrations are short lived when Elizabeth advises that she, Joanna and Christina had an unexpected encounter while they were bathing in the tropical pool/waterfall with wildlife, which they survived - but she cannot help but feeling that someone or something is on the island watching them... Survival contd. Emily Chen is discovered hiding on the island, much the worse for wear. However, as soon as she is fed and clothed, she resumes her snobbish demeanor. Nonetheless, the family see it as their duty to provide her with food and shelter. For all that, living on the island has its fair share of danger, and it is uninhabited - the island is paradoxically also reminiscent of paradise and each member of the family finds themselves invigorated and stimulated with the 'natural world' and feeling that they could survive on the island for a thousand years. Equally though the next minute, the notion of being cast-away forever is a fearful one and all concerned do not wish to remain shipwrecked for any longer than they have to... Elizabeth is adamant that a shelter is built in the trees/off the ground as the best defense against any unexpected encounter). Shortly after finding a suitable site for their tree house, Parsons and Ben discover the family and a fight ensues between David and Parsons. Celebrations are in order and the entire family remain resolved to conquer each and every adventure they encounter during the course of their lives as cast-aways on the island.