Review of Robinson Crusoe

In 1659, while sailing to obtain slaves from Africa, English adventurer Daniel O'Herlihy (as Robinson Crusoe) is shipwrecked in the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, he is very resourceful and swims to a relatively safe and productive island. Also surviving are a dog and cat. As the years pass, the castaway grows increasingly lonely. Darker-skinned cannibals visit the island and Mr. O'Herlihy adopts Jaime Fernandez as a servant. Assuming the younger man arrived for the weekend, O'Herlihy names him "Friday". O'Herlihy wants a slave companion, but is afraid "Friday" might eat him. He's a cannibal, remember...

This relatively ordinary film was directed by Luis Bunuel, who is not known for being ordinary. There are a few intriguing moments, but Mr. Bunuel is undeniably subdued. Race, class and the culture of slavery are white-washed. Religion is slighted. Sex is short-sighted. You can find more passion in Daniel Defoe's original novel. Perhaps the film's backers told Bunuel to keep it at arm's length; if so, he is quite successful. The best scenes involve the dog and Mr. Fernandez. The latter is always threatening to kick the story up a notch, especially when he puts on a dress and quizzes O'Herlihy on God and the Devil.

****** Robinson Crusoe (6/54) Luis Bunuel ~ Dan O'Herlihy, Jaime Fernandez, Felipe de Alba, Chel Lopez