Robinson Crusoe on Mars

1964 • 109 minutes

About this movie

Spun from Daniel DeFoe's tale of the titular character, this sci-fi story involves a spaceship commander, Chris Draper (Paul Mantee) in a similar situation to the original Robinson Crusoe — but rather than being stranded on an island, our hero is on a hostile planet. Draper, Colonel Dan McReady (Adam West), and a test monkey look as if they are going to collide with a meteor. Draper and the chimp are able to eject themselves from the vessel, but McReady is not so lucky. The two survivors safely land on Mars and figure out how to breathe, drink, and eat on the inhospitable planet. After some time, Draper crosses paths with a human, Friday, who has recently escaped slavery on an alien planet. As the two find a means of communication, they become friends. They soon work together to survive the incredible odds, including an alien attack and meteorological phenomena. Filmed on location in California's Death Valley, this impressive feature owes much to cinematographer Winton C. Hoch and special effects master Lawrence W. Butler.

Ratings and reviews

In 1964, the gem of a SciFi epic reached an ever-growing fanbase. Touted as one of the most scientifically accurate movies of its genre, the movie was received with a soft box-office. For me, I was amazed at the story telling. Filmed in death valley, as the backdrop for Mars, we find the struggles of a man who crash-lands on Mars, and has to reach his fellow astronaut and their monkey mascot Mona. Soon oxygen and food become a problem, and we find ourself intrigued at the discovery of solutions on the red planet. Then as loneliness and near insanity sets in, sci-fi kicks up a notch when Mars is visited by a race of slave driving humanoid advanced aliens. Now our hero has to avoid detection and finally make a move to get off Mars. Beautifully filmed, great story pace and well acted. This is a gem that I have watched over and over in my sixty years on this planet. When I recommend this move to friends, it never disappoints. If you are looking for classic and timeless science fiction entertainment, this is the one to watch.

If you love mars and you love space science. Then you will truly love love love this movie And be totally enchanted by is story of mars each time you watch this mars epic. This early space film is even more tantilizing the second time around. This mars drama earns all five of its stars. This one is the perfect platform for a modern remake.

AWESOME!!!! Transports you and creates an emotional aura or atmosphere that today's sci-fi doesn't. Too much reliance CGI and not enough story.